Sports
Wiltonian Evan Weiss Falls at US Open Playoffs
Weiss was competing for a chance to play in the U.S. Open.
Wilton High School senior Evan Weiss was one of over 100 competitors at the USTA National Tennis Center in Flushing this weekend, all with the hope of playing with the pros at this year’s US Open, but his dream will have to wait another year.
Facing Steven Wilson in the opening round of the US Open Eastern Sectional Qualifying Tournament, in which the winner advances to a national event for the chance at a qualifying wild card into this year’s US Open, Weiss found himself overwhelmed by nerves and his opponent’s game. Despite having several game points to get on the scoreboard, Weiss was ushered out of the tournament with a 6-0, 6-0 defeat.
“He played well, but I feel like I beat myself out there,” said Weiss. “I was really nervous and just never felt settled in.”
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Wilson, who is ranked among the top 40 junior players in New York state, dictated play from the beginning of the match. Utilizing a strong first serve to set up his forehand, Wilson fired multiple winners past Weiss throughout the early stages of the match. The rallies were short, often decided by a strong groundstroke from the Bronx native.
Weiss said he had been practicing regularly leading up to the tournament, but the prospect of competing in the US Open was too much to handle.
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“Even hitting with my coach leading into the tournament, I would start cramping up in the middle of practice,” said Weiss. “I just really wanted to do well here.”
Despite the loss, Weiss says he enjoyed the experience of playing in the tournament. He will be playing on the Men’s tennis team this fall at Post College in Waterbury.
The US Open National Playoffs are open to any player over the age of 14, and participants can be of any playing level. The winner of each sectional qualifying tournament will advance into a national tournament at Yale University from August 18th-22nd. The winner of the national tournament will receive a wild card into the qualifying draw of the Men’s singles event at the US Open, held from August 23rd-September 11th.
Tournament play will continue until April 22nd. To follow results for the rest of the event, visit the tournament drawsheet. (http://tennislink.usta.com/TOURNAMENTS/Draws/EventDraw.aspx?T=107084&E=1)
