Southern players and organizations are constantly making their mark in the world of tennis. Here's a list of recent awards, achievements and news in September 2019.

 

Alison Riske Ups to No. 24 After Wuhan Final

Nashville, TN’s Alison Riske reached her second WTA final of the year. She advanced to the Wuhan final but fell to defending champion Aryna Sabalenka 6-4, 3-6, 6-1. Along the way, Riske beat third-seeded Elina Svitolina and fifth-seed Petra Kvitova.

 

Riske hit a career-high No. 24 after Wuhan. Previously, her best ranking was No. 32.

 

In June she won her second WTA title, beating Kiki Bertens at ‘S-Hertogenbosch 0-6, 7-6(3), 7-5. Wuhan was Riske’s seventh career final.

 

Allan Jensen Honored by USPTA

USTA Southern’s Allan Jensen was honored by the United States Professional Tennis Association (USPTA) as National Tester of the Year in its annual convention.

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Jensen, of Johns Creek, GA, serves as the section’s tennis service representative for Hispanic Outreach and Net Generation. He joined USTA Southern’s staff in September 2018. He also received the following USPTA honors: 2008 Georgia Pro of the Year and the 2008-09 USPTA Southern Tester of the Year.

 

Also honored were New Orleans Lawn Tennis Club Director of Tennis Jason Hazley as Master Professional and Columbus State (GA) Men’s and Women’s Head Coach Evan Isaacs as College Coach of the Year.

 

Tommy Paul Takes $100,000 Challenger Title

Tommy Paul won the First Republic Tiburon Challenger with a 7-5, 6-7(3), 6-4 defeat of Thanasi Kokkinakis of Australia. The top seed, Paul moved up to No. 81 in the ATP rankings, his highest career placement.

 

Paul, who lives in Greenville, NC, won the New Haven and Sarasota Challengers and reached the Tallahassee Challenger final this year.

 

Shelby Rogers Wins on Comeback Trail

Shelby Rogers and Coco Vandeweghe are both top Americans who are battling their way back from injuries. When they met in the $60,000 Templeton (CA) final this month, it was Rogers who prevailed 4-6, 6-2, 6-3.

 

Rogers, of Charleston, SC, along with Vandeweghe, were unseeded.

 

In January 2017, Rogers hit a career high of No. 48. She was No. 59 at the end of 2017 but a knee injury virtually knocked her off the tour last year. She started 2019 ranked No. 780 but has now risen to No. 226.

 

Nathan Pasha Reaches Columbus Challenger Final

Atlanta’s Nathan Pasha, who played his college tennis at the University of Georgia, reach the Columbus Challenger doubles final. He and Max Schnur fell to Martin Redlicki and Jason Withrow 6-4, 7-6(4).

 

Catherine Harrison Makes Redding Doubles Final

Germantown, TN product Catherine Harrison advanced to the Redding Women’s $25,000 tournament doubles final. Harrison, who played for UCLA, and Paige Hourigan lost to Emina Bektas/Tara Moore 6-3, 6-1.

 

Shane Mosko Wins PTR Championship

Several Southern players won divisions at this weekend’s PTR Wheelchair Tennis Championships, including Men’s C Singles winner Shane Mosko, of Huntersville, NC.

 

Other Southern winners were:

 

Men’s

A Singles Consolation winner Jeff Kegler (NC)
B Singles winner Jeff Townsend (SC) and finalist Michael Paul (TN)
B Singles Consolation winner Ricardo Castaneda (GA) defeated Bruce Patton (VA)
C Singles Consolation finalist Chris Murphy (SC)
A Doubles finalist Harlon Matthews (GA) with Patrick Donaghey (WV)
B Doubles winners Mark La Rotonda (GA) & Jeff Townsend (SC) defeating Jeremy Boyd (AL) & Nathan Hunter (UT)
C Doubles winners Tommy Gates (TN) & Victor Vaughn (AR) d. David Gant (FL & Eddie Wicker (SC)
Women’s

Open Singles Consolation finalist Maria Florencia Moreno (LA)
A Singles winner Michelle Wilson (TN)
A Doubles finalists Lisa Maddox (GA) & Michelle Wilson (TN)
Junior

Open/A Singles finalist Angelina ‘Gaila’ Fosbinder (NC)