University of Illinois Team Page
URBANA, Ill. - The 17th annual JSM Challenger, a USTA Pro Circuit event, will begin this weekend and run from Nov. 10-17 at Atkins Tennis Center. Qualifying play kicks off this Saturday, while the main draw begins Monday, Nov. 12. Former Illini Ruben Gonzales and Dennis Nevolo are set to compete throughout the week along with reigning JSM Challenger champion, Alex Kuznetsov.
"Each year, the JSM Challenger represents a culmination of our fall season and an opportunity for our student-athletes to compete against some of the elite tennis professionals in the world," Illini head coach Brad Dancer said. "It is an incredible opportunity for the Champaign community to see world-class tennis in our own back yard. Many thanks to JSM and our other sponsors that continue to make this tournament possible."
Two-time All-American Nevolo returns after ending his stellar collegiate career earlier this year, finishing in the top 10 in all-time singles, doubles and combined wins at Illinois. In addition to he and Gonzales, current Illini Bruno Abdelnour, Stephen Hoh, Ross Guignon, Farris Gosea, Jared Hiltzik, Alex Jesse, Julian Childers and Brian Page will highlight the qualifying draw, which was released late Friday night.
Kuznetsov returns to defend his title and will compete along with fellow past winners Michael Russel (2009, singles) and Bobby Reynolds (2008, doubles).
The JSM Challenger marks the end of the USTA Pro Circuit season. Action will be streamed live at procircuit.usta.com.
Admission
Nov. 10-14 (Saturday-Wednesday) - Free
Nov. 15-16 (Thursday-Friday) - $5 for adults; $3 for children
Nov. 17 (Saturday) - $7 for adults; $5 for children
