Oct. 21, 2011
KNOXVILLE, Tenn. – Freshman Gonzales Austin will continue on in the main draw after winning his two singles matches today at the USTA/ITA Ohio Valley Regionals.
Austin defeated Tennessee’s Taylor Patrick 6-3, 7-5, but it was his second match of the day that most impressed head coach Ian Duvenhage, despite his dropping the second set after being up.
“AJ played two really great matches,” said Duvenhage. “I was particularly impressed with the third set he played (in the second match). He kind of blew the second set, his shoulder was bothering him, he could have used it as an excuse, but he came back in the third after seeing a trainer and played a great third set.”
Austin won 7-5, 6-7, 6-1 to move to the Round of 16, to be played Saturday.
Also competing well was Jeff Offerdahl, whose 6-2, 6-2 win over Forrest Edwards (MTSU) offered a glimpse of the freshman’s talent.
And despite losses from the veterans, Duvenhage took note of the quality of competition, as many of the younger players made adjustments and veterans took on difficult opponents.
“Charlie lost, but I thought it was a good match,” said the head coach. “Sometimes as coaches we get so wrapped up in results that we fail to notice the quality of play, and I thought it was a really good match. I care about team competition and when you have six guys out there that are going to play good tennis, you have a chance to win every time. I like what I saw out there from him today.”
The Round of 16 starts Saturday morning at 1:30 pm for those competing in the singles main draw. Singles consolation rounds begin at 11:00 am and 4:30 pm.
Friday’s Results
Singles Main Draw:
Round of 64:
OFFERDAHL (VU) def. F.EDWARDS (MTSU) 6-2, 6-2
JONES (VU) def. BANDY (XU) 6-2, 6-2
AUSTIN (VU) def. PATRICK (UT) 6-3, 7-5
NASEMANN (MEM) def. BAZARNIK (VU) 6-4, 0-6. 6-4
Round of 32:
REESE (UT) def. JONES (VU) 6-3, 3-6, 6-3
AUSTIN (VU) def. VOGL (IU) 7-5, 6-7, 6-1
LIBIETIS (UT) def. OFFERDAHL (VU) 6-3, 6-4
Singles Consolation:
Z.SMITH (BSU) def. ESWARAN (VU) 7-5, 6-2
RETTA (VU) def. HEVER (PU) 6-2, 6-2
DIVALERIO (VU) def. BERNIER (DAY) 4-6, 7-6 (10-7)
