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Atkins Tennis CenterSports: Men’s and Women’s TennisCapacity: 1,200Constructed: 1991Driving DirectionsParking & Gameday Information |
Atkins Events and Tournaments
JSM Challenger
This $50,000 professional tournament has taken place at Atkins since 1996. Top players from around the world including James Blake, Mardy Fish, Robby Ginepri, Mario Ancic, and the Bryan brothers have all played on the home courts of the Fighting Illini. The tournament also gives current and former Illinois Tennis men’s players a taste of competition at the professional ranks. In 2006, former Illini and NCAA Singles Champion, Amer Delic, became the first Illini player to capture the singles title in Champaign-Urbana. Rajeev Ram has captured 3 doubles titles in 2003, 2004, and 2006 with different partners each time. Come see your favorite Illinois Tennis players take on the tennis stars of tomorrow at Atkins each November. Visit www.IllinoisChallenger.com for more information.
USTA Boys 18 National Team Championship
Atkins has hosted America’s top junior boys age 18 and under each of the last 2 years in this unique event. Each of the USTA’s 17 sections select a team to represent their region in a battle for the right to be called the USTA’s top section. Teams compete against each other in a college dual match format and allow the players to compete as a team in an otherwise individual sport. The tournament will return to Atkins in 2008 and is scheduled to take place July 26 through July 29, 2008. Admission is free to this event.
Illinois USTA/ITF Jr. Circuit Tournament
Girls and boys age 18 and under travel from around the world to Champaign-Urbana to compete in this international junior tournament. The tournament features 64 girls and boys competing for the singles titles and 32 doubles teams battling for the doubles crowns. Atkins first hosted this ITF event in 2005 which takes place each fall.
Nike Summer Tennis Camps
Adult and junior tennis players travel from around the Midwest to learn from the University of Illinois women’s and men’s coaches. Throughout the course of a summer, three adult camp weekends and seven junior camp weeks are led by Jim Tressler (director, Atkins Tennis Center)Michelle Dasso (women’s head coach), Brad Dancer (men’s head coach), George, Husack (men’s associate head coach), and David Emery (women’s assistant coach). All players are exposed to new techniques related to all strokes, match strategies for singles and doubles, and then test out their new knowledge in match play. Visit www.UsSportsCamps.com for session dates and costs.
