A big week on the tennis tours, with Wimbledon getting underway. However, that doesn’t mean there’s nothing else going on. In fact, there are plenty of other ways to scratch that tennis itch this week. Take a look what’s on offer:
ATP Challenger Tour:
Bloomfield Hills 75, USA:
A new event on the calendar, and a chance to get straight into the US hardcourt season for those that have finished their grass schedule. Plenty of Aussies on the list here too, with James Duckworth taking the top seeded spot. He will be joined by compatriots, Adam Walton, Dane Sweeny, James McCabe, and Li Tu. Another Aussie group of Omar Jasika, Tristan Schoolkate and Blakes Ellis will be attempting to qualify.
Karlsruhe 75, Germany:
The Germans love their summer tennis tournaments, so expect to see some nice crowds attending this week. Those that do, will see some good tennis, with players such as Zsombor Piros, Pavel Kotov, Thiago Seybold Wild, and volatile Frenchman, Benoit Paire. No Aussies in the main draw yet, but Akira Santillan, and Matthew Dellavedova are both into the final round of the qualifying event, so it’d be great to see both those guys fight through.
Milan 75, Italy:
Milan has been on the Challenger circuit for over 15 years now, with some solid names having lifted the trophy in the past, such as Tommy Robredo, Albert Ramos-Vinolas and Federico Delbonis. No Aussies making the journey here, but last years Wimbledon quarter finalist, Cristian Garin will be the second seed. Due to points not being allocated at Wimbledon, he was one of the big losers, and didn’t gain direct entry, nor a WC into the event. Hopefully he can do well here this week. The only player ranked ahead of him in the draw, is Argentinian, Facundo Diaz Acosta.
Troyes 50, France:
No Aussies in action across the Channel in France, and nor is there any star power on paper here. Argentinian, Genaro Alberto Olivieri is the sole top 200 player, however, second seeded Evgeny Donskoy, has been as high as 65 in the world, and will be hoping a slightly weaker draw will give him a chance to get back into the top 200 soon.
Santa Fe 50, Argentina:
Predominantly Argentinian players taking the court, scattered with a few Brazilians and Chileans, it’s another great chance for players ranked outside the top 3 or 400 to rack up some valuable points on the Challenger Tour. Only Mariano Navone is currently in the top 200, and he’ll be expecting to pick up a title on home soil this week. With the last direct acceptance ranked 789, it’s a fairly weak field unfortunately.
ITF Tour:
W60 Montpellier, France:
No Aussie women here in the main draw. French woman, Oceane Dodin will be the number one seed. She had a blistering start to the season, but has since struggled to string wins together. She’ll be hoping to regain some of her best form in her home country. Also in the field, is former world number 11, Anastasia Pavyluchenko, who now finds herself down at 118, and fighting to get back to the top 100.
W60 Liepaja, Latvia:
Twenty six year old Aussie, Olivia Tjandramulia gains a main draw direct entry, and will be looking to springboard herself back into the top 500. Whilst she is having a good year in doubles, It’s been a tough year in singles, yet to win a main draw match, so any wins this week, would be a solid result. Spaniard, Aliona Bolsova, at 117 in the world, will lead the field
Plenty of action on the ITF, and ITF junior tour this week too. Keep abreast of all the Aussie action, by following The First Serve socials in particular Twitter.
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