Anderson Advances, Main Draw in Full Swing

The defending JSM Challenger Singles Champion, Kevin Anderson, survived a first round scare to advance to the second round. The No. 7 seed prevailed over Filip Prpic in three sets to keep his hopes of repeating as champion alive. Another former Illini and wild card entry, Ruben Gonzales, was bested by Ramon Delgado, 6-1, 6-1. Delgado was able to control play from the beginning and didn't offer Gonzales any mistakes on which to capitalize on.

In other singles action, Robert Kendrick made an early exit at the hands of Jamie Baker. After taking the first set, Kendrick was unable to pull away and was unable to break Baker's serve in the final two sets. Baker emerged victorious 3-6, 6-4, 6-2. Another surprise result saw Blake Strode top Vince Spadea 7-5, 6-2. Other winners included Michael McClune, Todd Widom, and 2007 JSM Challenger Champion, Jesse Levine.

In first round doubles play, wild card entries and current Illini Marek Czerwinski and Dennis Nevolo pushed Brian and Dann Battistone to a third set super tiebreak. The match featured a host of entertaining points and skilled shotmaking. In the end, the brothers took the match 10-7 in the tiebreak. The only other doubles match of the day saw Ashwin Kumar and former Illini Ryan Rowe qualify for the main draw. The bested Trent Aaron and Craig Schwartz, also in a third set super tiebreak.

Tuesday's matches begin at noon. A host of players with ties to Illinois Tennis are scheduled to play including Ryler DeHeart, Rajeev Ram, and Dennis Nevolo. Also, former top 25 player, Taylor Dent, will take on the big serving South African, Izak van der Merwe.

General admission to the JSM Challenger is free through Wednesday, November 18. Come see top players from around the world showcase their skills at the Atkins Tennis Center. Visit www.illinoischallenger.com frequently for the latest scores, tournament news, and schedules.