Pro circuit gets younger - Daily Illini ~~~
Go straight to the pros or attend college first? This story by Amber Greviskes explores that crucial decision, through the prism of a match at last November's Challenger in Champaign, Illinois between Scott Oudsema and Todd Widom.
Oudsema is quoted as saying, "Tennis is becoming more of a younger sport every day," which doesn't really jibe with the Agassi McEnroe Navratilova versions we've seen lately. But it is ever more competitive, with its increasingly global reach, and an early start can be an advantage, if a player believes he is physically and mentally ready for matches like the one described here.
Ryan Sweeting took a hard look at himself and decided he wasn't quite prepared for the pro circuit minor leagues, and hopes to follow a path similar to James Blake's. Blake always talks of his two years at Harvard as crucial to his development and confidence, demonstrating that there isn't just one path to success.
This story seems to end abruptly, and it left me unsure who won the match, so I looked it up. (Thanks Steveg!) Oudsema did, 7-6 (10), 4-6, 6-4, but lost in the next round and is still looking for the winning streak that will propel onto tennis' main stage.