RelyAid Natomas Racquet Club Challenger

Written by: Staff on 8th October 2011

RelyAid Natomas Racquet Club Challenger

James Blake of the US hits a return to David Ferrer of Spain during their second round match on the fifth day of the 2011 US Open Tennis Championship at the USTA National Tennis Center in Flushing Meadows, New York, USA 02 September 2011. The US Open runs through 11 September 2011. EPA/JASON SZENES |

Natomas Racquet Club Hosts $100,000 USTA Pro Circuit Event thru October 9

(updated results:Saturday’s schedule attached)

Sacramento, CA., October 7, 2011-The top three seeds had a good day on the courts as they all advanced to the semi-finals at the $100,000 RelyAid Natomas Racquet Club Challenger. The day started off on center court with No.1 James Blake(USA) taking on James Sock(USA). The experience of Blake paid off as he wore down the hard-hitting Sock, 6-4,6-2. Sock had his chance late with Blake serving for the first set at 5-4 but was unable to convert the only break point chance that he was to see the whole match.

The one surprise of the day came when No.4 Bobby Reynolds(USA) fell to a very determined Alex Kuznetsov(USA), 7-6(0), 6-3. With a first serve percentage of 74% and converting 3 of 6 break points, Kuznetsov was able to win the crucial points at the right time to pull out the win.

No.2 Ivo Karlovic(CRO) once again used his serve to pull out another win as 17 aces were used in a 6-4,7-6(2) victory over Thiemo De Bakker(NED). Karlovic clearly dominated his service games winning 89% when he put his first serve into play.

No.3 Sam Querry(USA) celebrated his birthday before a center crowd winning a close 7-5,7-6(9) over Uladzmir Ignatik(BLR) to set up a semi-final encounter with Karlovic.