One of my favorite events is back, the Sarasota Open, held at the Longboat Key Club on Longboat Key, located west of Sarasota and Bradenton. This year the event features Ivo Karlovic, Jack Sock and Ryan Harrison.
Last year Brian Baker made his breakout to the semis which launched his astonishing comeback to the ATP Tour. Sam Querrey, Marinko Matosevic and James Blake were the other big names in the tournament. Querrey, on his own comeback last year after an injury hiatus, won the title last year over Italian Paolo Lorenzi. James Blake won in 2011 and Kei Nishikori triumphed in 2010.
The $100,000 Challenger event is played at the famous Longboat Key Club which is as nice if not nicer than some of the venues which currently stage regular ATP events. Longboat Key Club is just a few miles down Gulf Drive from the now desolate Colony Tennis Resort.
Tickets are still available for the 2013 Sarasota Open by calling 941-809-8996 or go to the sarasotaopen.org web site for more info.
Tennis-prose will be attending the qualifying rounds and most of the tournament so stay tuned for tons of coverage, scoops and interviews.
Brian Baker starred last year in Sarasota
Dan Markowitz · April 12, 2013 at 5:38 am
I’m intrigued by this event and the one that follows it, a Challenger in Savannah. Wish I could come down for a few days and join you, Scoop, check it out. How about Rhyne Williams beating Dr Ivo and Sock extending Izzie to 7-6 in the third!?
I was kind of hoping Baker would re-appear about now. Have you heard anything about his comeback comeback?
Scoop Malinowski · April 12, 2013 at 7:23 am
Totally forgot to ask Sharko or Patrick McEnroe about Baker in Miami, talk about a guy who disappeared off the face of the tennis world. I’ll try to get a word about him. Really hope he can make a triumphant return and pick up where he left off, he had gotten to #61 in the world. Yes, this Sarasota Open is a special event, picture a pro event playing at a local club, it’s really intimate and LBK Club is very well kept. I think it’s about $20 g to be a member there, with golf membership. They have a nice field this year with Sock and Harry who lives right down the road, Dr. Ivo, maybe DY will play too since he lost early in the second Mexico Challenger after he won the first. I’m sure there will be some other interesting names in the draw too, qualies start on Sat.
Scoop Malinowski · April 12, 2013 at 7:24 am
Williams keeps on winning matches, Dr. Ivo is struggling now though, he is outside the top 100. Sock loses another tough 3 setter, but he did put up a tougher stand to Iz than Harry did.
Steve · April 12, 2013 at 7:38 am
I saw Klahn lost a close one to Sock. He’s gonna get a good win soon. Hopefully the powers that be will give him some wild cards.
Dan Markowitz · April 12, 2013 at 1:33 pm
I’m sorry, Steve, I like Klahn’s game, but since he has risen in the past couple of years and doesn’t have any big weapons, I think he’s got Challenger lifer written all over him.
Steve · April 12, 2013 at 2:04 pm
Lot’s of successful players don’t have a stand-out weapon although his serve is really nice. A few wildcards would be nice. He turned pro in 2012. Let’s him him some time.
Scoop Malinowski · April 12, 2013 at 3:06 pm
So far Klahn does seem destined to be a Jesse Levine or Tim Smyczek but you never know. Funny things happen and players emerge, like Bogomolov, Janowicz, Goffin, Kohlschreiber, Benny Becker. There are a lot of talented young players right now who seem to be stuck in quicksand and not emerging. Sock, Steve Johnson, Dimitrov, Kudla…
Scoop Malinowski · April 12, 2013 at 3:10 pm
Also, BJK, a lot of times the second kid feels left out and wants to be a part of the action, to catch up to the elder siblings and parents. This is an extra motivator. DY is an only child, as is Dimitrov. Tomic is the oldest, has younger sister. Federer has older sister, Nadal has younger sister. Djokovic is oldest son.
Dan Markowitz · April 12, 2013 at 3:50 pm
Scoop, have you gotten Benjamin Becker’s okay to call him “Benny?” Also, are you putting Sock, Steve Johnson and Kudla in Dimitrov’s class? And who are you referring to with BJK? I think that usually the youngest child is the better: think Serena, James Blake and Ollie Rochus and Roddick.
Scoop Malinowski · April 12, 2013 at 4:35 pm
Benny is quicker to type than Benjamin ) Plus I heard fans cheering him on in Miami against Aljaz Bedene, calling him Benny. No they are not in Dimitrov’s class but they could all be top 50 players. Hopefully Dimitrov will ascend higher than where he’s been stuck at. I agree the younger kid is usually better but there are many examples to the contrary such as Fish, Djokovic, John McEnroe,
Steve · April 12, 2013 at 5:41 pm
Klahn is the 189th best player on the planet after one year. Pretty good I’d say.
I don’t think we should waste wildcards on older players that peaked years ago unless they are legends. We should spread it around the younger players in a somewhat even manner.
Dan Markowitz · April 12, 2013 at 8:30 pm
So you’d rather give a wc to Klahn than James Blake? The reality is that Klahn won the NCAA’s three years ago. Winning the NCAA’s seems to be the kiss of death. It used to be a true sign of a future champion like when Connors and Mac won NCAA titles as freshman. Mac had already gotten to the Wimby semis and Connors won nine tournaments in his first two years on tour.
Now guys like Jeff Morrisson, Devarrman, Devin Britton, Klahn and Johnson don’t do much of anything on tour after winning the NCAA’s.
Steve · April 12, 2013 at 8:38 pm
No. The reality is Klahn is moving upwards without much help. He was ranked 300-somthing less than a year ago and now he’s 189. That’s a big move upwards. No one’s given a sensible reason why he should be stuck in qualies forever. No weapons??? They say the same about Seppi and he’s top 20.
Dan Markowitz · April 13, 2013 at 6:53 am
Steve,
Here’s three reasons Klahn is basically going to be a lifetime Challenger/qualy player.
1. He started playing at age 11, too late.
2. He’s played four low-level ATP pros this year: Jesse Levine twice, Berankis, Smyczek, and Go Soeda. He’s lost each match and won only two sets total.
3. In two years on tour, he played a full year last year, he’s only beaten two Top-100 players: Melzer at the Open last year and Igor Andreev.
Nuff said?
Steve · April 13, 2013 at 7:45 am
Well Dan,
He’s made a pretty steep upward trend in the rankings How many other Americans have made such a climb.
You also must remember it takes much longer for most players to adjust to the pro game nowadays. this is why players are peaking later & later.
In general they used to retire at 27 but now peak at 26. Almost no player is going to be able to dominate tennis at 22 in today’s style of game.
You should read Scoops’ book on Rios. Then you will see you can start tennis a little later still become legend if you have talent.
As far as his losses I see it differently. Taking our most successful American prospect to tie breaks is impressive. It means he could have won that match.
Scoop Malinowski · April 13, 2013 at 8:39 am
Well, Devvarman is still out there grinding and Treat Huey just finaled in Indian Wells and almost beat the Bryans with Janowicz. Klahn has shown he can win matches against very good ATP players, he just has to find a way to win more consistently. He’s in the process of learning how to do that. Give him time.
Scoop Malinowski · April 13, 2013 at 9:31 am
Guess what? Ilija Bozoljac is in the qualies for the Sarasota Open, he’s the #4 seed. Fritz Wolmarans and Denys Molchanov are also in it. Play starts today. I’ll be there.
Dan Markowitz · April 13, 2013 at 7:05 pm
Got to give Isner credit for beating Monaco in Houston today to reach the finals. Izzie lost the first set 6-1 and Monaco probably thought he was going to crush his second American opponent in as many days (he lost one game to Ginepri), but Isner figured him out.
Will he beat Almagro in the finals? That would be really tough. The Spaniard grinded out Rhyne Williams in the other semis.
Scoop, are Blake and Fish playing Sarasota or any other big names?
Andrew Miller · April 13, 2013 at 7:42 pm
Go Klahn and Johnson. Wouldnt surprise me to see one, or both, make Davis Cup in next few years. Will be interesting to see how well they compete with Isner, Querrey, Kudla, Sock, Harrison, even DY.
Scoop Malinowski · April 13, 2013 at 8:18 pm
Blake and Fish are not in the draw here Dan. Actually Andrew, Klahn was practicing just a couple of hours ago with Harrison, we watched them for almost an hour and it was close, very close. Both were hitting the ball well, Klahn is a lefty with really good racquet speed, he plays very methodical, like playing against a machine. Also has a nice dropper. Harry chased one and knew he couldn’t get it so he, running forward, tossed his racquet and amazingly he timed the slice toss just perfectly and the ball actually landed on the strings of the airborne racquet. THough it didn’t propel the ball even close to the net, it was still amazing that Harry was able to time that racquet toss with such accuracy to catch the drop shot on the strings and sweet spot. Amazing example of how these guys are magicianns. Steve Johnson was also hitting with Jack Sock, with his coach Craig Boynton looking on, Jay Berger is here too. My friend’s friend is a former pro from S. Africa and he did not like the way they were playing around, just kind of horsing around hitting serves returning going for winners, as he said it “no structure.” Maybe theye were just taking it easy on their first day here but one time when Boynton told Sock to return and play the serves even if they are a lil long, Sock replied that he’s in match mode and basically saying that he didn’t want to. Mike Russell is here too, so is Devvarman and Bozoljac who I got a great Biofile from. Devvarman told me his memories from playing a match vs. Federer in India. Also Johnson shared his memories of practicing with Fed 12 times. Great day in Sarasota.
Scoop Malinowski · April 13, 2013 at 8:38 pm
Dancevic is also in the draw, so is Bjorn Fratangelo who was watching a good chunk of Sock and Johnson’s practice. Craig Boynton is coaching Johnson, Klahn and another young American who I’m forgetting. Pretty good crowd today for day one of qualies, even Nick Bollettieri was here he was watching Mitchell Krueger play, not sure if he won or lost though, also supporting Krueger were Christian Harrison and Jordan Cox, Krueger was a hitting partner for the Davis Cup team in Boise. Was kinda surprised to see Nick B roll up by himself to an outer court. Luka Gregorc lost a 3 setter to Borvanov on stadium court. Good crowd and good vibe here so far. This really is an awesome event.
Steve · April 13, 2013 at 9:46 pm
Nice reporting Scoop, lots of interesting stuff….
Andrew Miller · April 14, 2013 at 5:58 am
A lot of U.S. players reached 100-200 rankings means U.S. tennis prospects are strong. I like this group, will go out on a limb and say the next U.S. slam contender, or at least semifinalist, is on his way.
Dan Markowitz · April 14, 2013 at 6:54 am
A little disrespectful of the 20/21 yr old Sock not agreeing to do what Boynton told him. Boynton coaching three Challenger players is like Scott McCain when he coached Goldstein and a couple of other Challenger guys.
How does Sir Nick look? The guy has been out there in that hot sun for like 50 years doing his tennis schtick. I remember attending a clinic he gave in LA in the ’80’s and the guy had an amazing ability to feed balls outrageously quick and continue a verbal patter to go along with the misselage.
I don’t agree with you, Andrew. I’ve seen Kudla, Sock, Klahn and Harry up close and not one of them seem to me to have the fluidity, all-around game or court movement to break on through to the other side of the ATP rankings. I liked Harry more when he was younger and was quicker. Sock has the biggest upside because he has the biggest serve and forehand, but I think he’s a bit lunky in his movement and is Querrey-ish in his milquetoast way.
Andrew Miller · April 14, 2013 at 8:06 am
Dan, fair enough. To me Klahn’s a poor man’s lefty Grosjean – he increases his fitness, shores up his backhand, improves his footwork, and why wouldn’t he be right there to make a bid for top 50 or higher? Even way higher? I think something’s brewing for at least a few of them. Maybe they are more Rostagno than Roddick. But maybe they want in on tennis’ prizes
Scoop Malinowski · April 14, 2013 at 9:06 am
Way to work in the Doors reference Dan, Bollettieri is still working his shtick but he was lowkey yesterday, standing in the back watching the match on the side of the court. He is always nice to talk with, they are going to honor him one night here. Harrison is in top shape, looks super fit, moving well, he looks good. Klahn looks strong too, hits a heavy whippy ball. It’s just stunning to see these guys, SOck, Johnson clock the ball up close, you just sit there in awe. Every ball they play they both hit so many gargantuan shots, and you appreciate how much work it takes to just win a single point. These guys are all awesome, I don’t know what separates them. They all seem to be as talented as each other. By the way, there is a pro am with Pierce and a couple of others. My friend’s girfriend is playing in it so will get some insights from her about it.
Scoop Malinowski · April 14, 2013 at 9:10 am
Sock was not disrespectful about it, more like he didn’t want to do it that way, he wanted to do it his way. Boynton wanted a little more extra from Sock and Sock wanted to keep it more somewhat leisurely. But again, these guys probably will not play their first matches till Tuesday or Weds even so for them to be taking it easy on Sat., getting a feel for the courts, is not a big deal IMO. But maybe like the S. African former pro says, “no structure,” has more weight.
Scoop Malinowski · April 14, 2013 at 9:14 am
Andrew, Klahn does not look or play like Grosjean, who by the way is only 34 now, he retired young I guess. Grosjean was a great mover with a big slappy forehand. Klahn, a lefty, is more like a Levine or Melzer than Grosjean. Klahn looks really impressive out here, I have to say I am very impressed by his all business demeanor and his solid game from the back court. Playing the baseline point games he was able to string a few together and frustrated Harry and had him muttering to himself a couple of times. Klahn never showed any frustartion himself, he just worked and worked.
Andrew Miller · April 14, 2013 at 10:14 am
Hi Scoop. I’m sure you’re right on Klahn. His backhand seems a little like a rally shot, but otherwise he seems super competitive (as measured by world standards – this player is good!). My basic argument is that this up and coming generation (of very strong college grads and former juniors whose seem to be improving – Kudla, Sock, Williams, etc) is preparing to pounce. And why not. Here’s hoping they emerge.
Scoop Malinowski · April 14, 2013 at 10:31 am
SOme interesting first rounders – Sock vs. his pal Johnson, Harry vs. Arguello from Argentina.
Scoop Malinowski · April 14, 2013 at 10:32 am
I agree Andrew, one or two or three of these Americans will eventually emerge. Just a matter of time. I’m certain of it.
Scoop Malinowski · April 14, 2013 at 10:46 am
Condensed draw looks pretty darn good…
#1 seed Russell (#73 ATP) vs. Zverev
Kyle Edmund vs. James Ward (both from Eng)
Devvarman vs. Levine
Smyczek vs. Fratangelo
Rhyne Williams vs. Tennys Sandgren
Sock vs. Johnson
Guido Pella vs. Klahn
Karlovic vs. Molchanov
Dancevic vs. Alund
Odesnik vs. Bogie
Stebe vs. Menendez Maceira
Gabashvili vs. Mitchell Frank
#2 seed Harrison (93 ATP) vs. Facundo Arguello
Champion earns $14,400, first round wins $1040.
Steve · April 14, 2013 at 1:14 pm
Klahn has been climbing upwards. Hope he continues as I really enjoy watching his game.
Nice to see Dancevic in the mix.
Dan markowitz · April 14, 2013 at 1:18 pm
Been wondering about Mitchell Frank. Think he slipped down in UVA lineup. If you get the chance to watch his match and report in what you see, I’m curious about his development.
Harold · April 14, 2013 at 1:27 pm
There is the poor trajectory of Ryan Harrisons career in black and white…
Michael Russell is ranked higher than him. Keep dreaming about him doing major damage on the main tour
Steve · April 14, 2013 at 3:07 pm
I like that some of the Americans are hanging out and training together.
Scoop Malinowski · April 14, 2013 at 8:07 pm
Today was another great day, I got there late around 3, last match was on C Harrison and Mike Venus lost a good doubles battle to Serbian Davis Cup hero Bozoljac and his pal Devvarman, but it was close and there was some controversy with the chief official having to come out about an overrule call. Team Harry was down a set and 1-3 but they fought back only to lose 4-6. Good show. Jesse Levine is here, he was hitting with Menendez Maceira of Spain, the guy who beat DY last week in Mexico. Levine and he were bantering about stuff, then Odesnik came by, he just got here from Boca. He told Levine that he missed Houston because he mixed up the schedule and played a challenger instead, he said he made a mistake when he did his schedule. Levine waited for the stringer to bring out a new Yonex he was trying out despite a Babolat bag. Levine is a good natured good guy, he gave me some content about Federer from when they hit a few years back in Dubai. Rhyne Williams got here and he was hitting with a player (forget who) and JOhnson was next court over. I had to speak with Gabashvili because he played Fed at Wimbledon one year, and he did it after his practice with Molchanov. It’s really cool hearing all these stories about player’s matches with Federer, the players have so much to say about it and there’s such a mix of memories and impressions. I really think this book is going to be a pretty solid hit for tennis fans. Dan, Mitchell Frank was on the court practicing with another Virginia Cavalier, for quite a while, I was hoping to talk with Frank but they just kept playing and playing on that far court. Mary Pierce was here but I did not see her. Also spoke with Robert Seguso WOW what a Biofile! He had some downright crazy matches, he said he won a US Open doubles title with Flach vs. Noah and they got booed off the court after they won the fourth set in a bagel. Two Americans booed off the court as champions. Go figure. It was from a call that a shot either hit off Flach’s shoulder or his ear or his hair in the third set tiebreak which spurred all the chaos. Then he had an exo with Connors after Mac pulled out and he beat Jimbo 6-4 in the third and Jimbo ended up trying to duck a sidebet they had on the match for many months. Just a really laugher of a Biofile with Seguos who played the Pro Am, as did his wife Carling Bassett. He said his partner Flach lives in San Fran and is involved in the restaurant biz, they last played together three years ago at Wimbledon in the 45s but they keep in touch. THis tournament is really something special. Players are really accessible with fans. I seriously rank this event with Newport, the locale is just spectacularly exotic and it’s a first class event.
Scoop Malinowski · April 14, 2013 at 8:11 pm
Steve some of them are together but there does seem to be clicks and divisions. I get a sense Harrison is on his own, he didn’t interact much with Klahn, if at all. Sock and Johnson seem tight. I can see why these guys do not all support each other, there are competitive tensions between many of them, they are all striving to survive really. And they’re all trying to beat each other. They all want to maximize their career and there are no promises or guarantees, it’s really every man for himself. Alliances go out the window when you have to play each other and you are dropping down the rankings, friendships are out the window, it’s kill or be killed. Will be interesting to see Sock vs. Johnson. Harrison plays tomorrow, probably the night match.
Andrew Miller · April 15, 2013 at 7:56 am
I’m betting on these U.S. players. Maybe Dan will offer a book if two are top 50 by end of year.