CHAMPAIGN, November 19, 2017
Tim Smyczek is the champion of the $75,000 JSM Challenger Champaign-Urbana, held at the Atkins Tennis Center at the University of Illinois. The seventh seed beat the tournament’s number five Bjorn Fratangelo in an-all-US-American final 6-2, 6-4 on Saturday afternoon.
Smyczek saved both break points he faced, capitalizing on three of his own to seal victory in one hour and 20 minutes. It is the second ATP Challenger title for the 29-year-old from Florida this year following his triumph in Charlottesville only two weeks ago.
Smyczek finishes the season on a 12-1 run and takes away $10,800 in prize money as well as 80 ATP ranking points.
.@timsmyczek is on 🔥🔥 to close out 2017, clinching his 2nd title in 3 weeks in Champaign. Finishes the season on a 12-1 run. pic.twitter.com/t75BALN0ft
— ATP Challenger Tour (@ATPChallenger) 18. November 2017
Paes/Raja Go Back To Back In Knoxville And Champaign
Earlier in the day, the top seed from India Leander Paes and Purav Raja topped former Illini, Ruan Roelofse of South Africa and Britain Joe Salisbury in a gritty, 6-3, 6-7, 10-5 doubles final to earn their second-straight title. The encounter lasted one hour and 44 minutes.
