The finals started with doubles play today. Local fan favorite Bobby Reynolds (USA) and John-Patrick Smith (AUS) faced off against Steve Johnson(USA) and Tim Smyczek (USA) for the win 6-4, 7-6(2). “We played a good game to break in the first match and serving was key… the tables turned in the second set and we turned it around with some break points,” said Smith. Reynolds commented, “In doubles it’s always back and forth – we just tried to make sure the highs and the lows weren’t too far apart.”
Etched wine bottles were presented to both teams after play; Smith and Reynolds took home a check for $3,100. The players all seemed to have the same response when asked how they felt about this tournament now that it’s over. Reynolds summed it up, “It’s beautiful up here, any player you talk to would tell you that. Chris [tournament director] did an unbelievable job for the first year – it was amazing. Lots of kudos to him and everyone behind the scenes, it’s a huge group effort and it’s a better tournament than some that have been around a long time. We’re all looking forward to coming back next year.”
The featured match in the afternoon was for the Singles Championship. Donald Young (USA) went up against Matt Ebden (AUS). Ebden took the first set 6-4 while Young fought hard in the second set taking it 6-4. Young took the third set, finishing with 6-2. Young commented on his win, “I was a little freer in the end overall just a tough match. At this level, I was privileged to be able to win those few points and happy to come out on top, it could’ve gone either way at the end.” Ebden commented on his game, “It’s tough – being up a set in the break, I thought I was in control. Then the clouds moved in and it got a little colder, that changed a lot for me. Unfortunately I made a few errors and gave Donald some chances to make points and he took them.”
Singles Champion Donald Young was presented with an etched wine bottle trophy and a check for $7,200 in prize money.
In closing, the Napa Valley Challenger would like to thank the Napa Valley Country Club, all the sponsors, volunteers and players for making this year’s first annual tournament a success. “It’s taken three years to get this tournament to come to fruition and everyone seemed very pleased with the results, we’re excited to get this rolling next year and we hope to see you all there,” said Tournament Director, Chris Arns.
Here are the results for today’s matches:
RESULTS – SEPTEMBER 29, 2013
Men’s Singles – Finals
[8] D Young (USA) d [6] M Ebden (AUS) 46 64 62
Men’s Doubles – Finals
B Reynolds (USA) / J Smith (AUS) d S Johnson (USA) / T Smyczek (USA) 64 76(2)
Main Draw Singles: Click Here
Main Draw Doubles: Click Here
Topics: Donald Young, Napa Valley Challenger, Reynolds, Smith, Sports, Tennis News
USA and AUS Faced Off in the Finals at the Napa Valley Challenger – http://t.co/LmNDUC4kWz #tennis #NapaVAlleyChallenger