8/26- DeHeart Advances to Face Top-Seed Nadal in Second Round of US Open

FLUSHING MEADOWS, N.Y. - Former Illini standout Ryler DeHeart has advanced to the second round of the US Open where he will face World No. 1 Rafael Nadal of Spain. DeHeart defeated No. 68 Olivier Rochus in the first round of the mens main draw at the USTA Billie Jean King National Tennis Center in Flushing Meadows, N.Y, on Monday, Aug. 25. "It sounded like it was a very typical DeHeart match when I spoke with Ryler - tough, gritty, just the way he likes it," Illinois head coach Brad Dancer said. "Nerves as well as the intensity of Nadals ball will be the biggest issues Ryler has to deal with, but if he can get a good set under his belt, I think there are some things Ryler can do tactically to keep Nadal off balance. Its a great opportunity for the winningest player in our programs history." In his grand slam debut, DeHeart took five sets to prevail over Rochus of Belgium. The former Illini took the opening set, 7-6(4) before Rochus fired back in the second 7-5. With DeHeart and Rochus taking the third and fourth sets, respectively to make it two sets all, the match came down to the fifth and final set. In the fifth set, DeHeart, using the fast courts to his advantage, stormed back to take the match with a 6-4 decision. Former Illini Amer Delic, also in action at the US Open, opens the mens doubles draw this afternoon with partner Alex Kuznetsov (USA). The duo faces off against the American duo of Robby Ginepri and Travis Rettenmaier on Court Four. Delic, currently ranked No. 131 in singles, will face Ginepri in the first round of the mens singles draw on Wednesday, Aug. 27. Rounding out Illini at the Open, former Illini Rajeev Ram, along with partner Bobby Reynolds, will take on the US tandem of Scott Lipsky and David Martin. Match times had not yet been determined at the time of release. Stay tuned to fightingillini.com for the latest information on former Illini at the 2008 US Open.