TIBURON, October 4, 2015
“Number-one seed Denis Kudla will ace off against number-three seed Tim Smyczek tomorrow in what is destined to be a Battle Royale,” said tournament director Brendan Curry after Saturday’s semifinal matches at the Wells Fargo Tiburon Challenger. “With both players playing a similar style of aggressive baseline tennis, we are in for long rallies and a very physical match.” Curry adds that getting off to a good start is always key in any match, especially a final where nerves can play a role, so he expects both Kudla and Smyczek to come out of the gates ready to take control of the point as soon as possible, by stepping up to the baseline and minimally recovery time for his Opponent.
“The tournament has seen a strong American presence, and we’re in for a spectacular day’s tennis tomorrow,” said Curry. “We have an all-American singles final, and in the doubles we will see top-seeded Dane Frederik Nielsen and Swede Johan Brunstrom against the Aussies Matt Reid and Carsten Ball.”
“Today, we also had two on-court demonstrations from the Wheelchair Tennis, and Special Olympics players, who put on a wonderful and very inspiring show between matches,” he added.
Kudla and Smyczek will meet for a seventh encounter between the two on the tour with the latter laeding 5-1 in head to head records. The only match Kudla could win was the last meeting in the quarterfinals at the ATP Challenger in Winnetka last year.
Kudla is looking to capture his sixth Challenger title, his second of the season. Smyczek aims on lifting his fifth trophy. His last title came in Dallas earlier this year. Finals play begins on Sunday at noon local time.
Men’s Singles – Semifinals
[1] Denis Kudla (USA) def. [WC] Mackenzie McDonald (USA), 62, 16, 64
[3] Tim Smyczek (USA) def. Quentin Halys (FRA), 63, 61
Men’s Doubles – Semifinal
[4] Carsten Ball (AUS)/Matt Reid (AUS) def. [WC] Deiton Baughman (USA)/Mackenzie McDonald (USA), 64, 64
