11/15-Anderson reaches finals of JSM Challenger

Behind a boisterous crowd, former Illini Kevin Anderson bounded in to the final of the JSM Challenger at Urbanas Atkins Tennis Center with a 6-4, 7-6 (4) win over Wayne Odesnik. The 7th seed trailed throughout the second set, but came through late to move in to the final of his adopted hometowns Challenger. "I felt I was in it the whole time," Anderson said. "Even when I went down a break in the second, I immediately had break points. I just had to focus a little better and put it together. When he was serving for the set, I just really went after it." Anderson had a huge cheering section pulling for him in the balcony, fresh off of a full day of tailgating after the Illinois football game. Anderson said it made him feel like he was home again. "It was fantastic," he said. "It was like playing college tennis all over again. It sounds cliché, but the Illini spirit was with me. It was big." Andersons opponent tomorrow will be Kevin Kim. The 5th seed advanced to the final by coming back to defeat Sam Warburg, 4-6, 6-3, 6-4. The match was a slugfest, with both players bringing big forehands and quick feet to the table. But Kims patience ultimately won the day. "It was a gritty match, for sure," Kim said. "I just kept fighting hard. It was one of those matches where a few misses here or there can really cost you. If you got one break, who knows how it changes the match." This is Kims fourth Challenger final of the year, and he is looking for his third championship. With a win tomorrow, and a good showing in next weeks tournament in Knoxville, Kim could crack in to the top 100, and gain entry in to the Australian Open. The doubles final will once again feature Rajeev Ram. Ram and partner Bobby Reynolds dispatched Somdev Devvarman and Izak Van Der Merwe 2-6, 6-1, 10-3 to advance, marking the fifth time in six years that Ram has reached the finals. Hes done so with four different partners, accumulating two titles along the way, so far. "Ive had some decent singles results here too," Ram said. "I usually end up losing to guys who play well here, which generally means Im playing good as well. So yeah, theres something to playing on these courts. I dont really have an answer. But its nice to be back in the finals." Up next for Ram and Reynolds are the French duo of Olivier Charroin and Nicolas Tourte. They had the day off after winning their semifinal Friday night. Admission in to the $50,000 2008 JSM Challenger of Champaign-Urbana for Sundays finals will be $7 for general admission, and $5 for students. Tickets are available at the door, or by calling (217) 244-3318. More tournament information can be found at www.illinoischallenger.com. Saturdays Results: Main Draw Singles, Semifinals: #5 Kevin Kim (USA) def. Sam Warburg (USA) 4-6, 6-3, 6-4 #7 Kevin Anderson (RSA) def. #6 Wayne Odesnik (USA) 6-4, 7-6 (4) Main Draw Doubles, Semifinals: #1 Rajeev Ram/Bobby Reynolds (USA) def. Somdev Devvarman (IND)/Izak Van Der Merwe (RSA) 2-6, 6-1, 10-3 Sundays Finals: (all times after 1:00PM approximate) 1:00PM – #1 Rajeev Ram/Bobby Reynolds vs. Olivier Charroin/Nicolas Tourte 2:30PM – #5 Kevin Kim vs. #7 Kevin Anderson Quotes: Kevin Anderson: "Its been tough the last couple of months. But the last few weeks, Ive felt it turning around. My mind coming in to this tournament was that Im in it to win the tournament. And now I only have one more match to go, so I feel good about it." Kevin Kim: Its the end of the year, so guys are trying to get enough points to get to the Australian Open. It was a gritty match, for sure. I just kept fighting hard. It was one of those matches where a few misses here or there can really cost you. If you got one break, who knows how it changes the match." On playing Kevin Anderson in front of a pro-Illini crowd: "It makes the atmosphere more exciting. But ultimately, its a Challenger. Ive played 30 of these this year. I mean, Im tired. But the more people, the more excitement." Rajeev Ram on playing with Bobby Reynolds: "Im really fortunate, because so many guys are here week after week looking for partners. With us, its so ingrained, we dont have to wonder who is going to play where or any of that. Today, we went down that first set, and we didnt panic. Its nice not to have that test out period every week, because I know whats coming."