Farmers Classic Qualifying Day 2

Written by: Staff on 22nd July 2012

Farmers Classic Qualifying Day 2 |

Los Angeles, CA – With most of the country feeling the affects of recent heat waves, Farmers Classic fans were treated to a gorgeous afternoon of heated competition and sizzling tennis as the final round of qualifying was determined. Hundreds of people were on hand today hidden under the shade of trees to enjoy their Sunday picnics and tennis. While players’ tempers flared during matches due to line calls or poor play, today’s winners produced great shot-making under pressure and maintained their positioning along the baselines.

Two ex-collegiate standouts have booked their spot in the final round. Stanford’s Bradley Klahn was able to overcome Tim Smyczek in three close sets that was inevitably determined by Klahn’s superior athleticism. UCLA’s former #1 Nicolas Meister also found success, beating Rik De Voest (RSA) 3-6 7-5 6-3. Meister was able to withstand De Voest’s attack and sneak the second set before grinding out the third to delight of local fans. Meister is enjoying some of the best results of any former collegiate player these past two months and will look to qualify for his first ATP 250 event tomorrow. Meister’s former teammate, Clay Thompson was beaten by Ricardas Berankis (LTU) 6-2, 6-4 as Berankis put on a clinic of baseline power with laser-like groundstrokes. Other winners today who will play for a main draw spot tomorrow include Chris Guccione, Louk Sorensen, Jimmy Wang, Marcel Felder, and Alex Kuznetsov.

Solinco director KT Kim was on hand to watch Solinco users Kevin Kim (Tour Bite), Pierre-Ludovic Duclos (Barbwire), and Nick Meister (Revolution). He gave us some of his thoughts on the day: “Even though it’s an Olympic year, the qualifying draw is still really strong with veteran players like De Voest, Chiudinelli, and Berankis. It’s also interesting to see a bunch of UCLA players like Kevin Kim, Meister, Thompson, and Stanford’s Klahn trying to battle it out. The crowds were big because there were so many local boys playing.”

Final round of qualifying is set for tomorrow which will be played on the Grandstand court.