Main Draw Released, Ram and Anderson Awarded Seeds

The main draw for the 2009 JSM Challenger has been released. Defending singles champion, Kevin Anderson, was awarded the No. 7 seed as he begins the defense of his title. He'll face Filip Prpic of Sweden in the first round. Rajeev Ram, three-time JSM Challenger Doubles Champion, enters the tournament ranked 97th in the ATP rankings and was awarded the No. 2 seed. Ram is hoping to earn his first singles title in Champaign-Urbana and position himself for direct acceptance into the 2010 Australian Open. These two former Illini players fell in the same quarter of the draw and could meet in the quarterfinals.

Kevin Kim, the 2008 JSM Challenger Singles Finalist, comes in ranked 90th and earned the tournament's No. 1 seed. He'll face current Illini and wild card entry, Dennis Nevolo, in the first round. Other seeded players include Michael Russell, Taylor Dent, 2007 JSM Challenger Singles Champion Jesse Levine, Somdev Devvarman, and Roberth Kendrick.

Other players with ties to Illinois Tennis include Ryler DeHeart and Ruben Gonzales. DeHeart is competing in his first tournament since the US Open and is hoping to rebound from injury. He will play a qualifier in the first round. Gonzales will face off against Ramon Delgado of Paraguay. Main draw play begins on Monday, November 16 at 10:00 am.

Qualifying play is underway at the Atkins Tennis Center. Current Illini Abe Souza and Connor Roth are scheduled to play. General admission 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.