Pro Circuit Event Returns to Edwardsville

There are several opportunities within USTA Missouri Valley in 2021 to watch professional tennis players, as they compete for ranking points on the USTA Pro Circuit.  In addition to watching outstanding tennis, you can also participate in the community events offered at each event. 

 

 

Upcoming Men’s Pro Circuit Events

Edwardsville Futures (M15)

July 19-25

 

The Edwardsville Futures is celebrating its 10th anniversary in 2021 and after a year layoff due to the covid-19 pandemic, tournament director Dave Lipe is more than ready to have the Futures back at Edwardsville High School. The tournament would not be possible without a tremendous amount of community involvement, including the EGHM Foundation,  a not-for-profit, 501(c)3 organization made up of local business leaders from Edwardsville, the Villages of Glen Carbon,  Hamel and Worden. 

 

 

“Frankly, we are excited about this year because we didn’t get to do it last year,” Lipe said. “We’ve missed it. At first some time off for me personally was nice but eventually we missed the tennis tournament and re-establishing some of the relationships we have with players and coaches and the people with whom I work. Having those relationships has been what it is all about since day one.”

 

 

Due to the pandemic, things will look a bit different in 2021. This year’s event will have no autographs or ball kids; the adaptive clinic typically presented in the week will not take place in 2021, but is slated to return next year. The tournament also has to adhere to the guidelines of the International Tennis Federation. Lipe noted that having international participants requires extra cautions that are different from Illinois’ current covid protocols. 

 

 

However, there are many other fan events and clinics for the community as part of the tournament.

 

 

New to the tournament will be Diversity Day at the Futures. The event on July 21 features a free kids clinic, lunch for those taking part and presentations about trailblazers who work to make tennis a more inclusive sport.

 

 

The Futures is partnering with the East St. Louis CTA and St. Louis’ Net Rushers for the day, including instruction by East St. Louis CTA head pro Darian Banks. Banks got his start at a CTA and is excited to bring such a clinic to the Futures. Also taking part will be Bobby Johnson, tennis coach and grandson of legendary coach, Dr. Walter Johnson.

 

 

“I started in July 2020 not knowing anything about programming so it’s been a learning experience for me,” Banks said. “When I started I did not know that Arthur Ashe went to Sumner High School and studied with Dr. Richard Hudlin, so this has been a huge learning experience. I actually got my start playing at a CTA when I was 15-years-old, so it was a stepping stone for me and here I am with it coming full circle. To me, it’s a magical experience and I love it.”

 

 

Lipe said the history of African-American tennis is something that should absolutely be talked about with kids - and that history is an important part of continuing to bring the sport to all. 

 

 

“In thinking about a diversity day and wanting to include kids who may not be getting opportunities readily, I wanted to work with Darian and my friends at East St. Louis Community Tennis Association. Learning the history in the afternoon from Bobby and getting to interact with him on the court will be a huge thing.”

 

 

The Kids Night at the Future, presented by the village of Glen Carbon, is slated for July 19. Unlike years past there will be registration for the event out of concern to ensure proper safety protocols are followed. Fan Appreciation Day, brought to fans by the Edwardsville Township, includes free admission into the Futures. 

 

 

Before the big show, there are several tournaments that have the potential to lead to wild card entry to the Edwardsville Futures. These events give local players a chance to shine at a pro event.

 

 

Lipe said the Edwardsville Open, taking place June 25-26 gives the singles champion a place in the main draw of the futures, with the runner-up grabbing a Qualie Wild Card. The doubles champion earns a spot as a doubles wildcard. The Pro Wildcard Challenge gives the champion a Qualie Wildcard. That tournament kicks off July 15. 

 

 

Lipe said those two tournaments are where many local kids take part in order to grab a spot in the main draw. 

 

 

“The opportunity for local kids to play in the tournament is a way for them to realize, ‘I’m not that far off.’ It gives these local kids a chance to dream and get into a pro tournament. They get to see great tennis and it gets them thinking about it.”

 

 

The tournament is part of the Illinois swing, which includes Pro Circuit stops in Champaign and Decatur. For more information about the Edwardsville Futures, click here. 

 

 

 

Past Pro Circuit Events

 

Wichita Tennis Open (M25)

June 7-11

 

Results

 

Men’s Doubles:

Champion: Nicoas Acevedo & Murkel Dellien 

Runner-up:  John McNally & Benjamin Sigouin

 

Men’s Singles:

Champion: Govind Nanda

Runner-up: Patrick Kypson

Tulsa Pro Championships (M25)

June 14-20

 

Results

 

Men’s Doubles:

Champion: Strong Kirchheimer & Michail Pervolarkakis

Runner-up: JC Aragone & Nicolas Barrientos

 

Men’s Singles: 

Champion: Nicolas Kicker

Runner-up: Genaro Olivieri