Alex Kuznetsov Claims French Open Wild Card

Written by: Staff on 2nd May 2013

Alex Kuznetsov Claims French Open Wild Card

epa00971239 US tennis player Alex Kuznetsov returns the ball to his Brazilian rival Ricardo Mello during the match on, Thursday 29 March 2007, at the Tennis Open played in the German Club in Mexico City. Mello won 5-7, 6-3 and 6-1. EPA/DAVID DE LA PAZ |

Alex Kuznetsov was all smiles Wednesday night after solidifying his French Open birth via the Har-Tru USTA Pro Circuit Wild Card Challenge at the Tallahassee Tennis Challenger.

“It’s very exciting. I worked really hard for this,” Kuznetsov said. “I had some good results in Sarasota and Savannah and hopefully I can have one more here in Tallahassee and have a lot of confidence heading to Paris.”

Kuznetsov, 26, scored a win over Canadian Peter Polansky 6-2, 6-7 (4), 6-1 before No. 3 seed Wayne Odesnik lost 6-3, 6-3 to Facundo Arguello of Argentina. Odesnik’s loss sealed the trip to Paris for Kuznetsov, who was the French Open junior finalist in 2004.

“Two weeks ago I was really struggling with my game, but after winning in Sarasota, I really gained some confidence,” Kuznetsov added. “This will be my first French Open main draw. I like how they did this challenge; the wild card isn’t given, it’s earned. I’m thankful to the USTA for giving me this opportunity.”

©Daily Tennis News Wire

Topics: Alex Kuznetsov, French Open, Har-Tru USTA Pro Circuit Wild Card Challenge, TALLAHASSEE TENNIS CHALLENGER, Wayne Odesnik