APTOS, August 17, 2015
No. 85 ranked, John Millman of Australia broke the curse of being named the Comerica Bank Challenger number one seed. In its 27 years of existence, as the longest running men’s challenger event in the U.S., no top seed has ever claimed the title; not until Sunday.
Millman heads to Vancouver and directly following that he will appear in the main draw of the U.S. Open. After only dropping two sets the entire week, he believes it is his health in that past that has held him back in the rankings. He said that as long as his body allows, he hopes to keep getting better and going farther.
“I’m playing good tennis and that’s where you want to be going into the big events ahead like the U.S. Open,” said Millman.
The 26 year-old Aussie’s concentration was unmatched in Aptos all week against some of the up-and-coming, young players. Referring to the attention the teenagers received at the beginning of the week, Millman said he thinks the future is bright for tennis. He smiled with relief and said, “I’m just glad that the older heads could come through today.”
He continued to break boundaries against 2015 Comerica Challenger Finalist, American, 25 year-old Austin Krajicek. After barely losing the first set, Krajicek, who had a chance to win the U.S. Open Wild Card Challenge, won the second set 6-2. Millman took charge from the start of the third and clinched the title with a 7-6, 2-6, 6-3 victory.
(Video by Juan Reyes)
Artem Sitak and Chris Guccione had never been partners before this week. However, they should consider extending their on-court relationship after clinching the 2015 Comerica Bank Challenger doubles title. The championship came down to only a few crucial points. Sitak and Guccione outplayed Yuki Bhambri and Mathew Ebden in the final match, winning 6-4, 7-6.
Both players will be featured in the main draw of the U.S. Open but will play on separate teams.
RESULTS – AUGUST 16, 2015
Men’s Singles -Final
[1] J Millman d [7] A Krajicek 7-5, 2-6, 6-3
Men’s Doubles-Final
[1] C Guccione/A Sitak d Y Bhambri / M Ebden 6-4, 7-6(2)
