Where is Alex Kuznetsov?

??? :confused: :confused: :confused: ???

that guy is still a junior... maybe in some years we talk about him here in that forum *g*

BTW, I'm not sure to what forum he would belong... his name sounds Russian (like Alex Bogomolov Jr. :cool: ), but is he US citizen? :confused:

Cute article. It was sweet of Andy to mentor him. But on CHristmas Day?? lol

Ukrainian-born tennis player gets 2 big breaks

BY CHARLES BRICKER

South Florida Sun-Sentinel


FORT LAUDERDALE, Fla. - (KRT) - He was 16 years old, still a bit jittery from being asked to work out the No. 1 player in the world for five days, but also up 6-0 in a little game of baseline tennis to 11.

Andy Roddick grinned at him from across the net and stuck in the needle. ``Alex, what did you have for breakfast? Lucky Charms?''

That's all Ukrainian-born Alex Kuznetsov needed to completely relax. That and a choice seat at a Miami Heat game and several dinners out with Roddick, Roddick's girlfriend, Mandy Moore, and coach Brad Gilbert.

It was last December, when Roddick was getting ready for the 2004 season. Tuesday, a month and a half past his 17th birthday, the young man from Richboro, Pa., is preparing himself for thrill ride No. 2 - hitting partner to the U.S. Davis Cup team that plays Sweden April 9-11 at the Delray Beach Tennis Center.

``This is going to be the most exciting thing I've ever done,'' Kuznetsov said Monday in a telephone interview from Mobile, Ala., where he's playing a USTA Futures tournament.

He was having dinner with his agent and coach two weeks ago when Patrick McEnroe buzzed him to ask him to come to Delray. ``Yeah, I got a big rush. To hear Patrick say that ... '' He never finished the sentence and he didn't have to.

Kuznetsov won't be on the program. He won't be announced when the matches start. Few outside his family and friends will know he has anything to do with the team.

But this is a dream opportunity for any junior and he got it because he's loaded with potential. ``A tremendous talent,'' McEnroe called him. ``He's a very, very hard worker. I hit with him a few times at Wimbledon last year, and I think this is going to be a great experience for him.''

He's already had a great experience hitting with Roddick at the Chris Evert Tennis Center in Boca Raton. ``Best five days of my life,'' Kuznetsov said.

Born in Kiev, his parents moved to the United States when he was three and were naturalized three years after that, making Alex as American as McEnroe.

``Andy's agent told me I had to fly down on Christmas Day,'' Kuznetsov said. So he opened his presents in the morning and flew in the afternoon.

On Dec. 26, he and Roddick got on a hardcourt at Evert's. ``I was standing on the baseline and I'll never forget the first forehand he hit me. It ate me up,'' he said.

``He started taking serves and I can tell you his warmup serves start at about 130 mph. I was ducking out of the way. When I came up to the net, he tried to hit the ball as hard as he could at me. He likes to play around like that. I can't think of a moment during the five days that we weren't joking or having a great time.''

As he prepared himself for the first practice session, he was telling himself just to not screw it up. ``I was thinking just try to do your best. But Andy's such a great guy, he made it easy.''

He sounded more excited to meet Moore than he was to be hitting with Roddick, but he kept his composure. ``Mandy Moore!'' he exclaimed. ``I just tried to be quiet. I didn't want to be a loudmouth.''

At 6-foot-1 and 163 pounds, Kuznetsov is a player with the potential to have a complete game. He's athletic, has good movement, reacts to the ball well and is roundly described by those who know him as a young man who won't come off the court unless you cuff him and throw him in the shower.

It's difficult to quantify what a young player can take away from a week with the Davis Cup team, but it's considerable. You're watching the way professionals work and comport themselves, how they play points and prepare themselves for matches.

If his visit to Roddick in December was the best five days of his life, this could be his best seven.

this kid sounds adorable, like he has a real nice future. Good luck to him!

Tennis-x also mentioned that he was a hitting partner for the DC team this week and he worked out with Andy yesterday. Andy was a hitting partner a few years ago when Pete and Andre were on the team. The tie was played in Los Angeles at the Forum, but I can't remember who it was against or what year it was (2000? Czech Republic maybe)... I'll have to check out the tape when I get home.

I think Kuznetsov is probably Russian or Ukranian name. His parents probably came over for the tennis oppurtunites here and he is a US citizen.

Alex :yeah: Good luck to him :D

Yes holagirl56,Alex's family came from Ukrain,from Kiev,they speak russian as good as english! ;)
I like very much Alex,he's a great great player and I think he'll have a nice carreer! :)

http://alexkuznetsov.populus.ch

Yes! visit this site,you'll learn more about him!! (and visit mine if you want something into french... :unsure: )

Alex,you're the next lord of the yellow ball!!!!!!!!!!!!! ;)

good luck to the lad :)

PMac brought Alex to Spain to be a practice buddy with the US Team. should be a fabulous experience for him.

Yes,but I don't want that Andy Roddick's bad mood contaminate Alex!!!! I hope the USA team is in a good atmosphere, without Andy's bad feelings...I think he's a negative guy,lol,good player,but not so good man!!!

Alex,come back!!! We miss you!!

:confused:what's all the staf about andy's bad mood and bad feelings...... the team usa get along very well don't they ??

:confused:what's all the staf about andy's bad mood and bad feelings...... the team usa get along very well don't they ??

Sorry,but I don't like Andy's attitudes...

Sorry,but I don't like Andy's attitudes...

well its doesn't matter :yeah: everybody got their tastes...... i love his attitude but other do not. :)

CONGRATULATIONS TO ALEX!!!! :clap2: :bowdown: He won his 2nd title in doubles in defeating G.Dragicevic and M.Yani with his partner Mihail Zverev (GER) :worship: in Tampa,Florida during the USA F1 Futures.

:confused: Where is Alex? Do you know what he is doing? I think he's taking holidays between two tournaments but I would like to have news...can somebody help me? :D
GOOD LUCK for the future! You are able to do the best, believe in yourself! ;)

Thanks Smank you!! The kid sounds a legend :D

Alex will play at the usa f9 futures (florida), I hope he'll go as far as possible!! :) :)

:sad: Alex was forced to withdraw from the futures and it is Bo Hodge who took his place in the draw...I do not know more about the reason of Alex's leaving?! Can somebody explain me? :confused:

Alex Kuznetsov Recovering from Injuries Received in Auto Accident (http://tenniskalamazoo.blogspot.com/2005/05/alex-kuznetsov-recovering-from.html)

Holy moley! Thanks for the article. Good thing he's young, to be off a court for a year or more could be devastating, but he can remind himself that Haas and Flip have recovered from worse. Best wishes for a speedy recovery Alex.

Holy moley! Thanks for the article. Good thing he's young, to be off a court for a year or more could be devastating, but he can remind himself that Haas and Flip have recovered from worse. Best wishes for a speedy recovery Alex.

I really wish Alex the best with his recovery. He is an American player that I really support and it upset me when I heard this news.

Yes, I hope he'll be stand up as far as possible, but I hope specially that he will not be depressed too much to cannot play this season...
I think to him very much, hope he'll come back stronger and perhaps to the next French Open, where I'll see him! ;)

I was wondering where he was and just saw this. That's so sad.

Alex is a really promising player and very competitive, I'm sure he'll be back on the courts and winning as soon as possible.

Alex :hug:

If someone had news about Alex's recovery,please send it here, because in France we do not know how he is going... Thanks a lot!

Alex is now training in Florida!! He's back on courts!!! :worship:

:woohoo:

good luck in your return, Alex!

He's back playing doubles at the US Open with Scott Oudsema! :bounce:

What? oh, but it is so cool, I did not know that!! great news! :D

Awesome news!

:woohoo: :bounce: :bigclap: THE greatest news of the day: Alex won in doubles vs the Germans T.Haas and A.Waske, 7(8)/6(6) 6/3. :worship: CONGRATULATIONS TO HIM AND HIS PARTNER SCOTT OUDSEMA.

:bounce: :woohoo:

great win!

Alex Kuznetsov and Scott Oudsema lost vs the Spanish F.Lopez/F.Verdasco, 7/6(1) 4/6 4/6, in the 2nd round... :sad: But it's well that Alex came back on courts!

But Alex did win his first round boy's singles match today! He lost the first set before winning 6-7(3) 6-4 6-3 :D

keep going Alex :bounce:

Yes! That's so good!!! He's really marvellous, he said it was his first match (singles) so he did not have pressure on the court, it's great!
Now, he'll face Dennis Lajola, so: GOOD LUCK Alex! :bigclap: :kiss:

Nice work Alex!

from ITFTennis.com:

Smyczek Ends Kuznetsov’s Brave Fight

America’s Tim Smyczek knocked out his compatriot Alex Kuznetsov 76 64 in the third round of the US Open juniors on Thursday, ending the fifth seed’s hopes of a fairytale US Open win. Kuznetsov underwent surgery on a broken leg in May after crashing his car in Florida but staged a remarkable battle to be fit in time to play in the junior event at his home grand slam.

Smyczek had little time for sentiment, however, in winning through to his first junior US Open quarterfinal. The 18-year-old from Milwaukee also reached the semifinals of Wimbledon in July but his previous best result at Flushing Meadows was a run to the third round last year. He will now play Columbia’s Santiago Giraldo in the last eight.

http://www.itftennis.com/shared/medialibrary/image/gallery/IO_16555_gallery.JPG

Alex was playing in the qualifying for the Boston challenger, but he sadly lost in the second round. :sad:

1st round: Alex Kuznetsov d. Alex Reichel 6-4 6-1
2nd round: Michael Yani [6] d. Alex Kuznetsov 7-6(5) 6-4

Keep working hard Alex, it will pay off! :)

Alecito :(

No doubt he is still trying to regain his form after his accident :sad:

love you Alex :hearts:

I am waiting for his news...I hope he's going to play soon!

He played in Boston qualifying this week :p

won a match but then lost :sad:

Alex just won his first round match in Nashville qualifying!

Alex Kuznetsov d. Johan Brunstrom 5-7 6-3 6-2

On Sunday he plays against (2) Diego Hartfield of Argentina. Good luck Alex!!! :D

go Alex :D

Hartfield def Kuznetsov 7-6(0) 6-3 :sad:

oh Alecito :sad:

Alex is in the last round of qualifying for the Champaign challenger! He plays Kiantki Thomas tomorrow for it, who he should be able to take.

His semifinal points from USA F32 last year come off next week, so hopefully he can do well.

Go Alex! :D

Good luck Alex! :bounce:

He lost 6-4 4-6 6-4. I'm sorry Alex. :sad:

:sad:

Next year will be his break out year, though ;)

Alex and Horia Tecau won the title in doubles at the USA F1 FUTURES, now he plays (or perhaps the tournament ended actually now...my computer is so tired that I can't read Alex's news on his official website, lol!) at the Mexico challenger...

Hopefully I'll be able to see Alex at the Atlanta Challenger next week! :)

You better take a lot of pictures, Joehl :p

I watched Alex this week in Atlanta. He did really well, but he still needs a big weapon if he is to really breakthrough. His ranking will really be helped by this week at least. :D

Some piccies are in the Atlanta Challenger thread.

Alex is the sex, but sadly his results haven't been lately.

Nope. :(

Alex won the $75k Aptos :D

Alex lost to Roger Anderson in the first round of Lexington. Anderson is so-so, but it's not how I envisioned him following up his Aptos win...

What's he playing next?

US Open? :shrug:

US Open? :shrug:

woot. wildcard for alex :)

Hopefully he gets a good draw. Maybe another American WC :D

Alex lost in the last round of qualifying in New Haven, but at least he had two good wins.

Alex had a few chances, but Hajek is a damn good player.

He got a WC into the doubles MD at New Haven. gooood luck Alex

I wonder if he'll play doubles with Scott Oudsema at the US Open again.

HORRIBLE draw for Alex. Against Tommy Haas first round. :mad:

But a big good luck to him. He *CAN* beat him. C'mon!

Where is Alex Kuznetsov? In the main draw of the Australian Open, that's where. Great job by Alex. Three straight setters, no less. It's nice to see a true youngster step up. Hopefully he'll get a decent draw this time.

Scores from qualifying:

Round 1: 7-6(4), 7-5 over Oleksandr Dolgopolov Jr. (UKR)

Round 2: 6-4, 7-6(4) over Tomas Zib (CZE)

Round 3: 6-3, 6-4 over Julio Silva (BRA)

Way to go Alex!

All were winnable matches, and he came through like he needed to.

He did get a good draw: Peter Luczak of Australia. That's winnable. But if he does manage to win, he'll have to face either Blake or Moya in round two.

Ya, doable but tough. Luczak has been playing well thus far.

I dunno, Luczak is good and plays well in his home country.

But Alex is moving up the rankings very nicely. :D

He'd probably already be top 100 if it weren't for his mishap.

Good job to Alex for qualifying and beating two tough players along the way. I don't think he'll beat Luczak but qualifying was a win in itself.

Hopefully he wins cause then it could be Alex on TV vs. Blake in the 2nd round!

Alex wins 6-4 5-7 6-7 6-1 6-4 in the first ever five set match, brilliant especially because Luczak is known for his fitness! Impressive performance with Alex serving it out at love with 26 aces for the match.

Unfortunately, I'm going to have to root against Alex in his second round match against Blake.

Great win, Alex! :D

I just emailed Alex congradulating him on his win...hopefully he will email me back..I hope we will be able to see him on TV now against Blake!

Alex is second match up against Blake on Rod Laver..looks like he will be on TV!!!

It would be nice to see him on TV :D

good luck!

It looks like Kuznetsov will jump from #216 to about #180, assuming that he loses to Blake (anything can happen, but that would be an enormous upset the way Blake's playing). I hope his performance at the AO gives him the confidence to perform better on the Challenger circuit, where he really struggled at the end of last year.

It was nice to see Alex play on TV. :)

Too bad he lost, but a great start and it's great to see him on TV where he belongs :yeah:

Nice interview with him on right now, as well. :D

I'd never seen him play before, so it was nice to see him finally! He definitely has game, so hopefully he can stay healthy and keep working hard and be in the top 100 where it seems like he belongs!

Yes, that was great to see him on tv. Nice interview. :D

So much for momentum. Kuznetsov lost 7-5, 6-2 to Rajeev Ram in the first round of the Waikoloa Challenger.

That's Alex's problem... very inconsistant results.

Kuznetsov lost to Tyler Cleveland 6-7(5), 7-5, 6-4 in the first round of the Dallas Challenger. He's lost in the first round in eight of his last ten Challengers. Not good. He has the talent, but can't put it all together.

Not a particularly good loss. Tyler is a smart player and fairly good mover for his size, but he really doesn't have a lot of power.

Alex really just doesn't have enough variety, and I have a feeling Tyler really mixed it up well. Alex is pretty mentally strong and hungry as well, so hopefully he can pick it up.

There's a highlights video on the website. You could see that Alex was directing Tyler around the court, but it wasn't paying off. Tyler too consistent from the back, it seemed.

Too bad too, he has the talent, but just needs to fallow through when it matters.

Too bad too, he has the talent, but just needs to fallow through when it matters.

Well done Kuz.......just defeated Lim in 3 sets at Memphis. Congrats!!!

Good win for Kuzz, Gabashvilli is very beatable. :yeah:

He lost to Teimuraz 6-4 in the third. :(

Still good that he won a round in an ATP event!

Alex got a main draw wild card at Indian Wells, so hopefully he will get a nice draw.

C'mon Alex :banana:

C'mon Alex :banana:

Any new photos of Kuz from Indian Wells ????

I haven't looked yet, there may be some from his match with Seppi, which he unfortunately lost. :(

I haven't looked yet, there may be some from his match with Seppi, which he unfortunately lost. :(

Any new pics of Kuz from Miami yet?

No.

He lost :sad:

No.

He lost :sad:

Where is Kuz playing this week? What is his current ranking these days?

He's playing in the River Oaks Red Clay Exhibition in Houston, Texas. He plays/played Diego Hartfield in the first round.

Hartfield won yesterday 6-7 6-3 7-6 (according to the event's website)

C'mon Alex :banana:

By chance did Kuz qualify for the US Clay Courts in Houston?

He plays in the final qualifying round today. He hasn't played yet.

He plays in the final qualifying round today. He hasn't played yet.

Did he qualify?

He actually plays in the final round of qualies tomorrow against Alex Peya.

He qualified. :D

He just beat Lars Burgsmuller 7-5 7-5.

A bit too close for a sucky player like Lars, but a win is good. :)

Lars isn't sucky :p

well done, Alex :D

Lars isn't sucky :p

well done, Alex :D

Whats next for Kuz? Is he off to Europe for the clay season?

No, he's playing the Bermuda challenger.

No, he's playing the Bermuda challenger.

How did Kuz do at the Bermuda Challenger?

he lost to Dancevic in the first round in 3 sets.

You can find all of this at the ATP site, you know ;)

How did Kuz do at the Bermuda Challenger?

Where is Kuz playing this week?

Naples, florida, he was the #8 seed but lost in the first round in 3 sets to Wayne Odesnik.

Everything you want to know is at the ATP Site, especially the challengers page.
http://www.atptennis.com/3/en/tournaments/challenger/

Where is Kuz playing this week?

Kuz won his first qualifying match at Rolan Garros according to the official site. Way to go Alex!!!

Where is Kuz playing this week?

Kuz won his first qualifying match at Roland Garros according to the official site. Way to go Alex!!!

Kuz won his first qualifying match at Roland Garros according to the official site. Way to go Alex!!!

Damn it......Kuz lost in the second round of the qualies in three sets. Perhaps better luck on the grass.

anyone know where he's playing next?

Alex is playing at Queen's this week.

He won from a set down against May and Muller in qualies and then beat Nielsen in round 1.

He is currently 6-2 1-4 against Karlovic in round 2.

C'mon Alex :rocker2:

He lost 2-6 6-2 7-6 :awww:

Darn, that would've been quite a good win for him

Alex won his Wimbledon 1st round qualifying match against Crivoi :D

Alex lost in the 2nd round 6-2 6-4 to Vicente.

Alex lost in the 2nd round 6-2 6-4 to Vicente.


Any word on Kuz?

He lost in New Haven qualies to Mario Ancic yesterday, but he has a main draw wildcard for the US Open.

He lost in New Haven qualies to Mario Ancic yesterday, but he has a main draw wildcard for the US Open.

Nice!!!

Hopefully someone will get some snaps!

He reached the final of a challenger event in Nashville last week...
R32 Delic, Amer (USA) 6-4 4-6 6-2
R16 Miranda, Ivan (PER) 2-6 6-3 7-6
Q McClune, Michael (USA) 6-4 6-3
S Reynolds, Bobby (USA) 6-7 6-2 7-6
F Levine, Jesse (USA) 6-3 2-6 6-7

Pity about the loss, but a good run :yeah:

He reached the final of a challenger event in Nashville last week...
R32 Delic, Amer (USA) 6-4 4-6 6-2
R16 Miranda, Ivan (PER) 2-6 6-3 7-6
Q McClune, Michael (USA) 6-4 6-3
S Reynolds, Bobby (USA) 6-7 6-2 7-6
F Levine, Jesse (USA) 6-3 2-6 6-7

Pity about the loss, but a good run :yeah:

Where's Kuz this week? Is he a candidate for a wildcard to the Aussie Open this year?

sagroove

He lost in the WC playoff to Jesse Levine. He should be in Melbourne by now, getting ready for qualies later this week.

Yep, he won his first round match :yeah:
6-3 6-2 over Adam Vejmelka.
Next up Ti Chen and if he can win that he'll probably face Dlouhy.

Go Alex!

:yeah:

Chen beat Alex 7-5 7-5 :sad:

;)

Chen beat Alex 7-5 7-5 :sad:

Where is Kuz playing this week?


sagroove

I kind of forgot about this kid (and apparently everyone else around here did too), probably because he stopped playing well about 2 years ago. It's a shame he couldn't build upon the success he had in late 2006 and early 2007, as he had climbed to 158 in the world by age 20. Unfortunately, his ranking has slipped now to 517 (ouch).

Anyways, he is in the semifinals of the Savannah challenger and has posted wins over Tigran Martirosyan, Carsten Ball, and even Isner! Next up is Kevin Kim. I'm not expecting him to be a top pro or anything, but he's still young and he could still have a decent career. Obviously, these types of wins will boost his confidence. Regardless, he's going to have to improve his mental game and consistency. Good luck Alex!

I kind of forgot about this kid (and apparently everyone else around here did too), probably because he stopped playing well about 2 years ago. It's a shame he couldn't build upon the success he had in late 2006 and early 2007, as he had climbed to 158 in the world by age 20. Unfortunately, his ranking has slipped now to 517 (ouch).

Anyways, he is in the semifinals of the Savannah challenger and has posted wins over Tigran Martirosyan, Carsten Ball, and even Isner! Next up is Kevin Kim. I'm not expecting him to be a top pro or anything, but he's still young and he could still have a decent career. Obviously, these types of wins will boost his confidence. Regardless, he's going to have to improve his mental game and consistency. Good luck Alex!

Thanks for the update. I was almost sure he would crack the top 90 after his 2nd round result at the Aussie Open a few years ago. Like you I wish him well and perhaps he can return to his old form and make a run tot he top 100.

marc

This really has been a great tournament for him. He just beat the #1 seed Kim in a third set tiebreak. In the final he faces Russell. It will be tough, since Russell is playing well and likes clay, but Kuznetsov obviously seems to be playing too.

Alex received a WC into the Carson Challenger main draw. He will play Stephen Bass in the first round

Alex received a WC into the Carson Challenger main draw. He will play Stephen Bass in the first round


Thanks for the update. Keep us informed for sure!!!

Alex qualified for the Lexington Challenger ($50,000). He upset #3 seed Kevin Anderson in the Main Draw!!!:)

Red-hot Alex defeated talented South African van der Merwe 75 64. He is into the singles quarters!! He will face Smyczek or Agustonelli next:)

Kuznetsov/Smyczek lost in the first round of doubles to van der Merwe/Martiroysan

Alex is now in the SEMIS of the $50,000 Lexington challenger after a win over Tim Smyczek in the quarters. He will face Daniel Evans today, who took out top seed Brendan Evans. Go Alex!

SEMIFINALS

Kuznetsov def. D. Evans 63 61

Alex earns his spot in another final against the Israeli and 5 seed Harel Levy!! This should be a close final. Good luck to Alex bring home another title!!

Well he ended up losing in three. Nevertheless, he's got a very strong argument for receiving a WC to the USO.

This week: 8/3-8/9

Vancouver, Canada $100,000 Challenger (Hard)

Alex is in West Coast Canada for the big challenger. In singles, he will face Sergei Bubka (UKR) first round. He is in top seed Ram's quarter.

In doubles, Alex and Ryan Sweeting will face top seeds Butorac and Lipsky. Good luck Alex!!!:)

Singles & Doubles Draw - http://www.atpworldtour.com/posting/2009/254/x.pdf

Alex surprisingly lost a close straight setter to Bubka in the first round. Tough loss. He will be back next week:)

Alex lost in the 11st round of the Tulsa Challenger to Jesse Witten this week

Alex got a nice 62 76 first round win in the Knoxville Challenger

he has done nothing so far

Noumea CH Main Draw:
Florian Mayer GER [1] vs. Q
Alexandre Sidorenko FRA vs. Jonathan Dasnières de Véigy FRA
Q vs. Ruben Bemelmans BEL
Grega Zemlja SLO vs. Edouard Roger-Vasselin FRA [5]

Brendan Evans USA [3] vs. Kyu Tae Im KOR
Ilija Bozoljac SRB vs. Martin Klizan SVK
Marco Crugnola ITA vs. Lester Cook USA
Roko Karanusic CRO vs. Kevin Anderson RSA [7]

Michael Yani USA [8] vs. Dusan Lojda CZE
Grigor Dimitrov BUL [WC] vs. Alex Kuznetsov USA
Ryan Harrison USA [WC] vs. Daniel King-Turner NZL [WC]
Nicolas N'Godrela FRA [WC] vs. David Guez FRA [4]

Flavio Cipolla ITA [6] vs. Nicolas Devilder FRA
Vincent Millot FRA vs. Pavol Cervenak SVK
Simon Stadler GER vs. Q
Q vs. Josselin Ouanna FRA [2]

what's going on with this kid nowadays?

He's ranked 236 ATM. Got to the Semis in Lexington and Round of 16 in Vancouver.

ATP.2012.Australian.Open.R1.Kuznetsov.vs.Nadal.720 P.x264.English (http://tennishaven.com/details.php?id=2172)

Alex received a wildcard into the Honolulu Challenger.

Alex lost to Tim Smyczek.

Sock and Smyczek upset seeds to advance into Quarterfinals (http://www.hawaii.usta.com/Pro-Tennis---New/sock_and_smyczek_upset_seeds_to_advance_into_quart erfinals/)

Tim Smyczek upset No. 4 Alex Kuznetsov, 6-3, 6-3, for his spot in the quarterfinals.

“We know each others game very well,” said Smyczek who trains together with Kuznetsov at the Saddlebrok Resort in Tampa Florida. “Today, I think I was feeling a little bit better, moving a little better.”

“He just got the better of me today,” said Kuznetsov, No. 167, last year’s singles Honolulu finalist who recently lost to Rafafel Nadal in the first round of the Australian Open.

“Perhaps the conditions at our last few tournaments were better for my game,” said Smyczek who has won their last three encounters. “We are very close in ability and I don’t think anyone would be surprised if either one of us won against each other but the last couple have gone my way.”

He will take on No.7 Yuichi Sugita from Japan tomorrow.

Alex upsets Querrey in the first round of Dallas Challenger and will take on Clement Reix of France today. Live streaming (http://www.challengerofdallas.com/live.html)available from tournament website.


http://a3.sphotos.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-ash4/431030_10150779129940031_92134015030_12615768_2206 36012_n.jpg
http://a5.sphotos.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-snc7/418492_10150779130010031_92134015030_12615769_4396 88130_n.jpg
http://a2.sphotos.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-snc7/422430_10150779130100031_92134015030_12615770_1248 680261_n.jpg
http://a8.sphotos.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-ash4/419673_10150779130210031_92134015030_12615771_2364 58591_n.jpg

Alex lost in three tight sets 6-2 5-7 6-7(3). He had two match points (in the second and third set )prior to the tiebreak but couldn't take advantage. He had difficulties returning Reix's serve and played a sloppy tiebreak ( a lot of UES).

Alex will play Robby Ginepri in the final qualifying of Memphis 500.

He lost to Robby, not that surprising really.

Alex will play Benoit Paire in the first round of qualifying in Miami.

Plays Smyczek in the 1st round of 50k Tally Challenger.

Alex lost 3-6 6-7(4) to Smyczek in Tallahassee and 7-6 6-7 4-6 to Ginepri in the first round of Houston qualifying. Two tough draws, competitive matches, but he wasn't able to get the wins.

His next event will be Sarasota next week.

Sarasota Challenger

Will play Tommy Haas in the first round: Draw (http://assets.usta.com/assets/1/15/singles_draw154.PDF)

Alex won 61 61 over Delic, guess Tommy pull out.

Will play Ginepri in the 1st round in 50k Savannah (Maindraw (http://www.atpworldtour.com/posting/2012/5067/mds.pdf))

RG Q

Michael Russell USA (10) vs Simon Greul GER
Martin Alund ARG vs Danai Udomchoke THA
Alex Kuznetsov USA vs Michael Yani USA
Florent Serra FRA vs Rik De Voest RSA (31)

[4] Maxime Authom BEL - BYE
Jan-Lennard Struff GER - Alex Kuznetsov USA
Andre Ghem BRA - John Millman AUS
BYE - [7] Tim Smyczek USA

Wimbledon Q:


Michael Berrer GER [7] vs. Peter Torebko GER
Javier Marti ESP vs. Robert Farah COL
Stéphane Robert FRA vs. Edward Corrie GBR [WC]
Alex Kuznetsov USA vs. Ryan Sweeting USA [21]

Alex is through to the 2nd round of Winnetka challenger.

Full draw: http://www.atpworldtour.com/posting/2012/228/mds.pdf

Alex lost in the final Q round to Becker at Newport.

http://sphotos.xx.fbcdn.net/hphotos-snc6/250902_10151042986999777_2071875007_n.jpg

Link (http://www.facebook.com/HallofFameTennisChamps/photos#!/media/set/?set=a.10151040547869777.446522.40020984776&type=3)

Tough first round against Sijsling in Aptos.

Full draw: http://assets.usta.com/assets/1/15/singles_draw193.PDF

Alex is in the semifinal of the Mansfield futures

more pics @ http://www.moodswingssite.com/TennisEvents/2012-Futures-of-Mansfield/25982307_F68sgB#!i=2155931688&k=NdpKLF3
http://www.moodswingssite.com/TennisEvents/2012-Futures-of-Mansfield/i-NdpKLF3/0/L/KuznetsovZverev968-M.jpg
http://www.moodswingssite.com/TennisEvents/2012-Futures-of-Mansfield/i-khzNrD9/0/L/Kuznetsov268-M.jpg

Alex lost 6-3 0-6 3-6 in the final.

Alex is in the final of the 75k Charlottesville Challenger, will play Denis Kudla for the title.

LNmyssgKLIE

Alex lost 06 36

2nd set + presentation

O3ZkeBfaf3M

Alex lost in the quarterfinal of Dallas Challenger

http://sphotos-a.xx.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ash3/149447_10151730679085031_790682426_n.jpg
http://sphotos-a.xx.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ash3/28906_10151730679050031_1195137689_n.jpg
http://www.facebook.com/photo.php?fbid=10151730679085031&set=a.10151730677195031.620137.92134015030&type=3&theater

Dallas Challenger Doubles win with Mischa Zverev

S3qkDqCFkEw

Alex Kuznetsov ‏@alexKUZnetsov87

Great end to a great week! pic.twitter.com/lQjTvo3g

https://pbs.twimg.com/media/BCuOUM4CYAAIrRq.jpg

http://sphotos-b.xx.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ash3/547936_10151739364670031_1697833301_n.jpghttp://sphotos-b.xx.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ash3/543673_10151739364710031_2044338651_n.jpg
http://sphotos-b.xx.fbcdn.net/hphotos-snc6/183847_10151739363955031_849401762_n.jpg
http://sphotos-b.xx.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ash4/223454_10151739364035031_1476357697_n.jpg
http://sphotos-a.xx.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ash3/543475_10151739364255031_1526719992_n.jpg
http://sphotos-b.xx.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ash3/48148_10151739364360031_1828231782_n.jpg


more pictures @ http://www.facebook.com/photo.php?fbid=10151739364710031&set=a.10151739360135031.620945.92134015030&type=3&theater

Sarasota Challenger with Mischa Zverev

https://sphotos-a.xx.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ash3/48088_601137369906153_134004365_n.jpg
https://sphotos-a.xx.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ash3/28170_601137426572814_925312884_n.jpg
https://www.facebook.com/photo.php?fbid=601137426572814&set=a.600725343280689.1073741847.470927399593818&type=1&theater

Into the final of Sarasota, will take on Denys Molchanov or Wayne Odesnik.

https://sphotos-b.xx.fbcdn.net/hphotos-prn1/59269_602724416414115_1039307233_n.jpg
https://sphotos-a.xx.fbcdn.net/hphotos-prn1/560125_602724456414111_291604354_n.jpg
https://sphotos-a.xx.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ash3/531857_602724503080773_1184413559_n.jpg
https://sphotos-b.xx.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ash3/544240_602724349747455_554189128_n.jpg
https://www.facebook.com/photo.php?fbid=602724349747455&set=pb.470927399593818.-2207520000.1366485718.&type=3&theater

What's the result in the Final

RESULTS - APRIL 21, 2013 Men's Singles - Finals [Q] A Kuznetsov (USA) d [8] W Odesnik (USA) 60 62 :worship:

http://www.yourobserver.com/articlephotos/large/photo-16-26505-20130421203028.jpg
http://www.yourobserver.com/articlephotos/large/photo-8-26505-20130421202916.jpg
http://www.yourobserver.com/news/longboat-key/Front-Page/0421201326505/Sarasota-Open-Finals

Great week by Alex

http://www.thesixthset.com/tracing-brian-bakers-footsteps-alex-kuznetsov-wins-sarasota-2013-04-22/

Sunday’s final of the Sarasota Open, a 100k ATP Challenger Series event, featured an all-American battle between Alex Kuznetsov and Wayne Odesnik. The first of a three-event playoff for the USTA’s French Open wildcard, awarded to the player with the highest aggregate points total between the clay court events in Sarasota, Savannah and Tallahassee, the tournament was very significant for those lower-ranked Americans battling for a berth in a Grand Slam main draw.

Facing a stacked field that included talented young Americans Ryan Harrison, Jack Sock, Tim Smyczek, Rhyne Williams and Steve Johnson, as well as veteran Michael Russell, Kuznetsov wasn’t on many people’s radars entering the week. With a ranking of 271, the 26-year-old was forced to battle through qualies to even have a shot at competing for the title. Seeded second in the qualifying draw, however, he proceeded to cruise through both his matches against rather undermatched competition.

Kuznetsov would be placed in the top half of the main draw, with world number 91 Benjamin Becker his first round opponent. What the American did next was pretty remarkable. After routinely dispatching Becker, he gutted out a pair of hard-fought three setters against in-form countrymen Tim Smyczek and Steve Johnson in the second round and quarterfinals. Then, Kuznetsov battled back from down a set to upset former world number 62 Somdev Devvarman in the semis. Reaching the final of a tournament as a qualifier, regardless of its level in the professional tennis hierarchy, is an impressive feat. Then, rattling off the opening 10 games of the final is downright obscene, especially against someone who was 6-1 in Challenger finals coming in (even if his name is Wayne Odesnik). Kuznetsov dominated Sunday’s championship bout from start to finish, to the tune of a 6-0 6-2 victory.

Let me put this title in perspective. Kuznetsov’s three career Challenger victories, in 2006, 2009 and 2011, all came on hard courts. Since turning pro in 2004, he had won a combined 31 matches on clay on all levels. Compare that to 155 wins he amassed on hard. Also, having entered Sarasota mired in a six-match losing streak, with just three match wins in his last nine tournaments, when I said he was under the radar I wasn’t kidding.

Winning the Sarasota title was an emotional and highly gratifying moment for Kuznetsov, considering his long and arduous journey. Born in Kiev, Ukraine, he was once labeled “the next big thing in American tennis” by renowned coach and current ESPN analyst Brad Gilbert. As a top junior, he achieved a ranking of four in 2004 and most notably reached the final of the French Open boys’ singles tournament, where he would lose to Gael Monfils in straight sets. He was also a runner-up at both the 14s Orange Bowl and Easter Bowl tournaments and won the title at the 18s Easter Bowl. Needless to say, he was prime to take American tennis to new heights.

Unfortunately, Kuznetsov’s career trajectory was dealt a significant blow just one year later. In May of 2005, he was injured in a car accident at the Saddlebrook Tennis Resort, near Tampa, Florida. According to his ATP profile, he was alone in a rented Mustang when he lost control of the vehicle and hit a tree, breaking his right femur. A titanium rod was placed in his leg and the young American would never materialize into the star Gilbert had foreseen. The phenom would eventually reach a career-high ranking of 158, in 2007, and has only played in 20 matches on the ATP World Tour level. The road to redemption has been slow and undoubtedly frustrating......read more (http://www.thesixthset.com/tracing-brian-bakers-footsteps-alex-kuznetsov-wins-sarasota-2013-04-22/)

I had no idea of his accident, so sad :sad:

I didn't know that about him.

Will play Rhyne Williams in the 2nd round of Savannah tomorrow.

63 61, plays Ramirez Hidalgo in the quarterfinal. Good luck.

Lost 64 46 63

Alex draws Jack Sock in Tallahasee. Still in the lead for the FO wildcard.

Tallahassee $50K Challenger md: http://assets.usta.com/assets/1/15/singles_draw247.PDF

Alex is into the quarterfinal of Tallahassee and has clinched the USTA FO wildcard with Odesnik's loss today. Huge congrats to Alex :)

10 Things: Alex Kuznetsov: http://www.tennisnow.com/News/10-Things-Alex-Kuznetsov.aspx

WOW!! Great news...I knew he was in the running. Here's a shot from Sarasota

http://www.menstennisforums.com/attachment.php?attachmentid=263738&stc=1&d=1367576362

Alex retired from his match with Smyczek after losing the first set, probably precautionary.

Alex Kuznetsov ‏@alexKUZnetsov87

Going hard tonight pic.twitter.com/9VClgdAJa7
https://pbs.twimg.com/media/BJYTnkCCUAAovRI.jpg

UNITED STATES TENNIS ASSOCIATION MEDIA CONFERENCE

May 6, 2013

http://www.asapsports.com/show_conference.php?id=88835

Q&A with Alex

http://www.atpworldtour.com/News/Tennis/2013/04/18/Roland-Garros-Alex-Kuznetsov-Earns-USTA-Wild-Card.aspx

Really humble :cool:

:worship:

Good to see Alex back

Alex's section at RG, draws promising French youngster Pouille. Will be tough playing against the French crowd. Good luck.


Novak Djokovic (SRB) [1] - David Goffin (BEL)
Ivan Dodig (CRO) - Guido Pella (ARG)
Alex Kuznetsov (USA) [WC] - Lucas Pouille (FRA) [WC]
Grigor Dimitrov (BUL) [26] - Alejandro Falla (COL)