MEMPHIS – Former Illini All-American, Jared Hiltzik, won the first professional singles title of his career at the ITF USA F12 Futures in Memphis. The title is the fourth of Hiltzik's professional career after three doubles titles in 2016.
"Jared [Hiltzik] is on a great path," said Illinois head coach Brad Dancer. "He's doing a tremendous job of putting together a team for him to be successful at the next level. I'm proud of him for all the hard work and continuing vision. I am thrilled he was able to secure his first singles title."
Following a career-high world ATP ranking of 500 in singles and 466 in doubles on Monday, Hiltzik got right to work against No. 7-seeded Eric Quigley. Hiltzik earned an opening set win, but Quigley, ranked No. 313, forced a third set that Hiltzik took 7-5. In the round of 16, the Wilmette, Ill. native defeated Alexios Halebian, 7-6(5), 6-2. A solid, 6-3, 6-1 defeat of Christian Harrison in the quarterfinal earned Hiltzik a contest with No. 1 overall seed, Mackenzie McDonald.
McDonald won the 2016 NCAA singles and doubles title for the UCLA Bruins last May. On Saturday, Hiltzik took a three-set victory over McDonald, 6-2, 2-6, 6-4. In the Sunday final, Jared took on No. 487 Takanyi Garanganga. Hiltzik won the match, 6-3, 6-3 to secure the first professional singles title of his career.
Hiltzik and Garanganga will face off again in the first round of the ITF USA F13 Futures in Little Rock, Ark. early this week.
