APTOS, August 8, 2017

The two top seeds of the $100,000 Nordic Naturals Challenger presented by Santa Cruz County Bank, held at Seascape Sports Club in Aptos, lost in the opening round on Monday.

US-American qualifier Austin Krajicek knocked out the tournament’s number one Malek Jaziri of Tunisia 6-2, 6-1. The 27-year-old from Florida saved the only break point he faced, converting five of his own to finish the encounter in only 57 minutes. Krajicek will next face either US-American wild card entry Taylor Fritz or Konstantin Kravchuk from Russia.

Akira Santillan emerged victorious from the all-Australian-battle with second seed Jordan Thompson 6-4, 5-7, 6-2. The 20-year-old Tokyo native fired 13 aces, winning 78 per cent of his first service points to prevail after one hour and 56 minutes. Next up for Santillan will be Darian King from Barbados.

Liam Broady rallied past fourth favourite Ruben Bemelmans from Belgium 3-6, 6-4, 6-2. The British qualifier sent down 12 aces and broke serve three times to advance after one hour and 50 minutes. Broady will next take on the winner of the match between Joris de Loore of Belgium and US-American wild card entry John Lamble.

RESULTS – AUGUST 07, 2017

Singles – First Round
[Q] A. Krajicek (USA) d [1] M. Jaziri (TUN) 62 61
A. Santillan (AUS) d [2] J. Thompson (AUS) 64 57 62
[Q] L. Broady (GBR) d [4] R. Bemelmans (BEL) 36 64 62
S. Groth (AUS) d [8] B. Fratangelo (USA) 67(5) 64 63
D. King (BAR) d [Q] C. Rungkat (INA) 62 63

Doubles – First Round
[WC] T. Fritz (USA) / M. Krueger (USA) d [WC] L. Corinteli (USA) / M. McDonald
(USA) 75 75
S. De Waard (AUS) / B. Mclachlan (JPN) d [PR] K. Kravchuk (RUS) / D. Tursunov
(RUS) 63 76(9)
Mens
Qualifying Doubles – Second Round
Qualifying – [2] J. Jung (TPE) / D. King (BAR) d [1] R. Bemelmans (BEL) / J. De
Loore (BEL) 75 6