STOWE, VT- For the second consecutive year, top-ranked ATP players selected scenic Stowe, VT as their final tune-up before competing at the US Open beginning on August 27. The Stowe Mountain Lodge Classic, put on by Grand Slam Tennis Tours, was held once again at Spruce Peak at Stowe Mountain from August 18-22.

 

American Denis Kudla, ranked No. 73 in the world, defeated No. 49, Maximilian Marterer, of Germany, in the finals to take home the championship.

 

Borna Coric (No. 20), Jeremy Chardy (No. 44), Bradley Klahn (No. 95), Yannick Hanfmann (No. 130), Noah Rubin (No. 135) and Yoshihito Nishioka (No. 177) rounded out the eight-player field.

 

Kudla defeated Nishioka, Klahn and Marterer respectively to earn the $15,000 top prize, and more importantly, the push he needs heading into the US Open.

 

“This gives me a ton of momentum. ADVERTISEMENT Playing three guys who are all main draw caliber and are playing great tennis, definitely boosts my confidence,” Kudla said. “I’ve had a great year and hope to keep the consistency going, and this is exactly what you want going into a Grand Slam.”

 

Prior to his Tuesday evening semifinal match, Kudla and fellow American Bradley Klahn, stopped by USTA New England’s Net Generation booth to sign autographs, take photos and challenge kids on the mini Sport Court.

 

“Hanging with the kids was awesome. I was one of those kids once, and now with Net Generation, it’s a great opportunity for kids to be closer to the players and have more resources to pursue their dreams in tennis,” Kudla said. “It’s awesome to see that, and giving back is definitely a huge part of the tennis world.”

 

USTA New England was on site throughout the tournament promoting Net Generation and giving players of all ages the opportunity to test their skills on the Sport Court.

 

“It takes a lot to run a tournament like this, and you need the whole team, including the support of all different groups. Everything USTA New England did to support the tournament was huge, and it truly couldn’t have happened with out their help,” said Kyle Ross, Tournament Director and Director of Public Relations at Grand Slam Tennis Tours.

 

The tournament, which played as a single-elimination format with a back draw, was an exhibition and did not count for ATP ranking points. The tournament paid out $35,000 in total, and Ross said location was the main attraction for players.

 

"They really love it here. Kudla was talking about buying a piece of property and Marterer was saying how it reminds him of home. They are relaxed, get in some good tennis, and play on the same court surface as the US Open,” Ross said.

 

“Stowe is incredible,” Kudla added. “I fell in love with this place the moment I got here. Being relaxed and comfortable, it allowed me to play some of my best tennis. I’m glad I was able to get three great wins going into New York City and I’m looking forward to the US Open.”

 

The 2019 Stowe Mountain Lodge Classic will take place from August 17-21.

 

Click here to view photos from the tournament. 

 

Click here for more information on the tournament.

 

Click here to learn about Net Generation.