Denis Kudla continues to climb toward the top 100

Arlington’s Denis Kudla may be a Virginian, but he’s not a Charlottesville local at the ATP event that features the most University of Virginia players anywhere. Still, he played like he was on home court in an overpowering performance against Britain’s Daniel Smethurst today.

Kudla ran through his opponent in one hour and one minute for a 6-0, 6-2 victory in the first round of the Charlottesville Men’s Pro Tennis Challenger at the Boar’s Head Resort in Charlottesville, Virginia. Up next for the 8 seed is Michael Lammer, who “upset” Donald ‘Young’.

Reynolds with a comeback win

Bobby Reynolds survived a first set scare before turning it on against qualifier Eric Quigley,  3-6, 6-3, 6-4. He was rewarded for his efforts today with a second round match against his Washington Kastles teammate, John-Patrick Smith.

Another big winner today was Milwaukee’s Tim Smyczek. Even though he did not play, Michael Russell’s withdrawal leaves Smyczek as the only seed left in his quarter.  Qualifier Fritz Wolmarans took quick advantage of Russell’s departure by defeating lucky loser Devin Britton in straights.

The biggest winner of the weekend was Virginia “first year’ Mac Styslinger, who qualified for this event’s main draw with three impressive wins. He lost in the first round to Izak Van Der Merwe today, but he’s on everyone’s radar now and looks to have a bright future.

Results: Men’s Singles

Denis Kudla d. Daniel Smethurst 6-0, 6-2

John-Patrick Smith d. Robert Farah 6-3, 6-1

Taro Daniel d. Daniel Kosakowski 6-3, 1-6, 6-3

Fritz Wolmarans d. Devin Britton 6-4, 6-3

Bobby Reynolds d. Eric Quigley 3-6, 6-3, 6-4

Izak Van Der Merwe d. Mac Styslinger 6-3, 6-2

Alex Kuznetsov d. Samuel Groth 6-3, 6-7(5), 7-5

Michael Lammer d. Donald Young 0-6, 6-2, 7-6(3)

WEDNESDAY SINGLES ORDER OF PLAY

COURT 7 10:00 a.m.

Austin Krajicek vs. Alex Bogomolov, Jr.

Rhyne Williams vs. Steve Johnson

Alex Kuznetsov vs. Fritz Wolmarans

Tim Smyczek vs. Bradley Klahn