Tennis Topics

ACAC team posts high national finish

A team representing Richmond's ACAC Fitness and Wellness Center placed second in its bracket and fifth overall in a field of 17 at last week's USTA League 3.0 Men's Senior Nationals in Tucson, Ariz.

ACAC tennis director Jason Kinder said the 13-member team was unique in that it was built more upon chemistry and balance than individual standouts.

"That's what made them special," Kinder said. "Everyone could play. Everyone contributed. There was no set lineup from one match to the next."

Team members included Hidolfo Nepomuceno, David Eggerding, Jeff Beall, Aurelio David, Ned Daly, John Old, David Simmons, Randy Phillips, Rocky Brecht, Robert Partington, Jim Wetzel, Mark Pinsker and Glenn Gilbreath.

Said Kinder: "When you get to that level -- the national level -- it's not so much about winning. Well, it's not entirely about winning. It's about being able to say, 'We made it. We're one of the top teams in the country.'"

Willow Oaks pro earns teaching award

Cris Robinson, Willow Oaks Country Club's director of tennis, has been selected as the Teaching Professional of the Year by the USTA's Mid-Atlantic section.

Robinson, whose résumé includes 16 years as a tennis instructor, is widely regarded as one of central Virginia's most enthusiastic advocates of junior tennis. He directs the Richmond Tennis Association's QuickStart expansion program and currently is assisting Chesterfield Public Schools in creating their first Middle School tennis program. In addition, he is working with USTA Virginia on a new initiative to introduce QuickStart to Richmond area elementary schools.

The former all-ACC performer at Clemson, at one time the top-ranked male amateur in the United States, will be formally saluted Nov. 21 when the USTA/Mid-Atlantic conducts its annual meeting in Tysons Corner.

Devvarman returns to U.Va. area as a pro

Qualifying concluded and competition in the main draw began yesterday at the $50,000 Virginia National Bank Men's Pro Tennis Championship at The Boar's Head in Charlottesville.

This indoor hard-court event will permit former U.Va. standout Somdev Devvarman to play in Charlottesville for the first time as a professional. Devvarman, who captured NCAA singles championships in 2007 and 2008, will compete in tonight's featured singles match.

The tournament's U.Va. influence diminished significantly Sunday when six players with ties to the Cavaliers program were beaten in qualifying. Among them: former NCAA doubles champion Michael Shabaz, who lost a three-set singles match -- 6-7 (14-12), 6-4, 7-6 (8-6) to Fritz Wolmarans of Russia. -- Vic Dorr Jr.