Monday, 09/06/2010

The Fall semester is underway and we're excited about the start of another great year. Cal Men's Tennis players have been busy this summer. New addition Ben Mclachlan has been competing around the world. Meanwhile, teammate Pedro Zerbini reached the finals of a $75,000 Brazilian Challenger in doubles.

Ben Mclachlan to Play in US Open Juniors

Incoming freshman Ben Mclachlan has been having a busy summer. He is one of the top 50 juniors in the world and he travelled to Europe to play the juniors at the French Open and Wimbledon. Next week Ben will travel with his coach (and former Cal assistant coach) Lan Bale to play in the US Open juniors. You can follow the action live at www.usopen.org.

Marty Davis Goes into USTA NorCal Hall of Fame

Former Cal All American, and top ATP Tour player Marty Davis was inducted into the USTA NorCal Hall of Fame this summer. Davis, who is also in the Cal Athletic Hall of Fame with doubles partner Chris Dunk, is currently the Head Coach at UC Santa Barbara. Davis spent several years working for the ATP Tour before coming back to Cal as an assistant coach for one year, and then he headed to UC Santa Barbara where he has been WCC Conference Coach of the Year 5 times.

Zerbini gets to Finals of Brazilian Challenger in Doubles

Senior Pedro Zerbini spent the summer getting fit and playing in professional events (as an amateur). A main draw selection for the NCAAs in Singles and Doubles last year, Zerbini fought his way to the finals of a $75,000 event in Brazil. Given his two wins last season over Bradley Klahn (2010 NCAA singles champion), he's poised to have a distinguished senior year.

Tyler Browne Wins Moraga Open

Assistant coach Tyler Browne won the $25,000 Moraga Open in August. Browne, who reached the round of 16 in Moraga in 2009, had an amazing run, winning the singles, reaching the finals of doubles and the semifinals of the mixed doubles.

Riki Mclachlan Trains with Kimoko Date-Krumm

Sophomore Riki Mclachlan spent a week training with former top 10 women's player Kimiko Date-Krumm on the Cal courts and the Claremont Resort. Date-Krumm, who is making a comeback after retiring four years ago, was in town preparing for the Bank of the West tournament at Stanford. The training paid off as Date-Krumm defeated former world #1 Dinara Safina in the first round. Date-Krumm, who is Japanese, was especially thankful to have Riki as her hitting partner because he is half Japanese and is a fluent speaker.

New Bears - Class of 2032

Former Cal men's and women's assistant coach Jun Hernandez and his wife Jenny welcomed William Michael Hernandez into the world last April. The kid already has more hair than his dad!

Former Cal player Scott Kintz and his wife Jamie welcomed Davis Kintz as a new Bear in July. Odds are the kids first word is going to be 'Ball.'

Bears in Prison!

The men's team is heading to San Quentin to play against the inmates on September 18th. There are some very good players there, and the team will go on a behind the scenes tour after playing doubles. It should be a memorable experience.

Bears at Belvedere Tennis Club September 19th

One day after playing in San Quentin, the team will play a few miles away (and a whole world away) at the Belvedere Tennis Club in the annual fundraiser. Former Cal #1, Cary Stansbury, is retiring this year so it should be a fantastic day at the courts. The men's team and women's team will play throughout the day and the exhibition in the evening will feature players whom Cary has coached through the years.

Bears on Tour

This summer, former Cal All American Conor Niland has reached a career high of 160 on the world ATP Tour. He is approaching the highest ranking ever for an Irish player, and he recently recorded a win over former world #1 Thomas Muster in a pro event in Austria.

Rupe Ricksen Memorial Event October 24th

The Claremont Country Club will be hosting a day of tennis and celebration of the life of Rupe Ricksen, two sport All American at Cal and a Cal Hall of Fame member. Sunday, October 24th will feature pro-am doubles in the morning followed by an exhibition and lunch. More details to follow.

To keep up with all of the action go to www.calbears.com.

Go Bears!!

Cal Tennis
Men's Tennis
calmtenn@berkeley.edu