KALAMAZOO, MI- The conditions were not what you'd expect for an August morning and afternoon, but New England 18s players rose to the challenge and gave it their best in the opening round at the Junior National Championships in Kalamazoo. Amid the cold, wind and rain, New England scrapped together five wins and finished the day 5-5 in singles play.

Matches were held at Stowe Courts at Kalamazoo College, Sorensen Courts at Western Michigan University and Portage West Middle School.

Rain forced delays throughout the sites, including six stoppages during Max Freeman’s match at Stowe, bringing the total match tine to 3:57.

Freeman won the match, 6-2, 2-6, 6-4.

“That was definitely the most dramatic, chaotic match of my life,” said the four-year Kalamazoo veteran. “Some weather delays were shorter than others, and some helped my momentum and some stopped his, but I knew I had to just stay focused. ADVERTISEMENT It would be tough to lose a match like that, especially at the end, so I was happy to get through it.”

Richard Ciamarra and Will Peters each won their opening matches in straight sets at Western Michigan.

Ciamarra, who is competing in his third National Championship, took care of business, 6-2, 6-4.

“Conditions were super tough so I didn’t feel my best but I fought through it, adjusted through them and found a way,” said Ciamarra.

Ciamarra reached the round of 32 in 2016, but is coming in with a clean slate this year.

“I have no expectations. I’m just going to try my best, give it my all and see where we go from there.”

Will Peters got off to a hot start in his fourth year competing in Kalamazoo, winning his opening match, 6-1, 6-4.

“It was really windy and it was first round, so it was tough and there were some nerves, but I think I handled it pretty well,” Peters said. “I was able to take time and pressure him, and I think that was the key to the match.”

Peters reached the third round last year, and although he feels his game has improved, he too has no expectations for the tournament.

“I’ve improved on my consistency and I think I’ve been hitting my serve really well lately. I’m being disciplined with my shots and coming in more and mixing things up,” he said. “I’m just going to take it one match at a time and see how it goes.”

Evan Felcher kept it close in the first set at Western Michigan, but ultimately came up short in his opening round match against Collin Schick, 4-6, 2-6.

“It was tough. His net play was very good and the conditions were a little unfavorable, but you live and learn,” Felcher said. “Nobody is going to feel good with this weather, and it’s really whoever deals with it better, and he did today.”

This is Felcher’s second year competing in Kalamazoo. His first was last year in the 16s division.

“Guys are more physical here, there’s more variety, smarter players and it takes more to win for sure,” he added of the 18s division.    

Complete Day 1 Singles Results

Boys' 18s

Will Peters- Won, 6-1, 6-4

Richard Ciamarra- Won, 6-2, 6-4

Max Freeman- Won, 6-2, 2-6, 6-4

Ryan Fu- Won, 7-6(5), 6-2

Nikita Larichev- Won, 6-2, 6-0

Harris Foulkes- Lost, 3-6, 2-6

Charlie Sharton- Lost, 5-7, 4-6

Evan Felcher- Lost, 4-6, 2-6

Peter Conklin- Lost, 4-6, 4-6

Clayton Thompson- Lost, 2-6, 0-6