US Open Midwest Sectional Qualifying Tournament Kicks Off in Cincinnati

College Coach Pairs with Star Student Athlete

Miami University Assistant Women’s Tennis Coach Ricardo Rosas is pairing with team standout Stephanie Danesis in mixed doubles competition. Coach Rosas said,  "I’m excited.  We know each other well, and we know what we want to accomplish.  Instead of being on the sidelines, I get to play too." Danesis agreed, "I am excited to play with him! It is weird to play together instead of having him coach me." 

Danesis is a junior at Miami University and has recently been named as one of eight members of the 2011 Academic All-Mid-American Conference team.  Danesis, originally from Akron, finished the year 24-10 overall, including 19-5 in dual matches. She played both the No. 1 (8-4) and No. 2 (11-1) positions and was 6-2 in conference play. In doubles play, Danesis paired with Megan Martzolf for a 19-6 record at No. 1.

Ricardo Rosas was named Mid-American Conference Coach of the Year last year.  He has served as assistant coach at Miami University for the past 10 seasons.  Rosas was a top junior in Mexico and played four years on the ATP Tour (1994-1997).  He also represented Mexico in the 1994 Davis Cup.  Last year, he guided the Miami RedHawks to their second straight undefeated MAC season and a return to the NCAA Tournament.

Father/Daughter Fun

Zanobia Syed, 28, Glendale Heights, Illinois, is excited to be playing today.  She decided to enter this event because of the opportunity to possibly advance to the US Open.  "Why not? Nothing to lose!"  She played college tennis at Grand Valley State, and has been playing the sport since age four.  After college, Syed kept playing in a few tournaments, and is now playing in USTA Leagues.  She said, "I’m excited to be here.  You always dream of playing in the US Open when you are a little kid. Dream big." At least part of Syed's dream will come true this year: She will be at the US Open whether she is in the draw or not.  She and some former college teammates are making the trip to the US Open in New York this year.  

Syed traveled from Illinois with her father and number one fan, Masood Chik, "I am more excited than she is!"  Originally from India, Chik played cricket his whole life, competed at the top level of the sport for the US, and has been inducted into the Cricket Hall of Fame, which recognizes the greatest players and those that have contributed the most to the sport. He has also done extensive work on the administration side, and served as president of United States of America Cricket Association.  Chik was one of five people awarded an International Cricket Council (ICC) medal of honor during the ICC centennial celebration.  He has also completed 12 Chicago Marathons.

The Official Word
Barry Fittes, of Madeira, Ohio, heads up the Cincinnati Tennis Officials Organization. He said, "This tournament is a little different for officials.  For the semis and the finals we do the chairs and the lines.  We don’t do much line work in this area."  Some out-of-area officials were brought in for this event because line certification is an advanced certification and only a few officials in the area are certified. 

Fittes officiates for many junior and collegiate matches in the area.  He has also worked as an official at the US Open, "The highlight of my US Open career was being challenged on a serve call on Armstrong.  The opponent, I think it was Murray, challenged on the serve, and it was a tense moment waiting for the Hawk-Eye review.  It was good by a whisker! And in tennis, a whisker is good enough." 

Fittes said he works as an official because he simply loves tennis.  "You can stay engaged with the sport for a long time.  Tennis elbow took me out as a player. Officiating is fun to do, I feel like I am helping kids in a way, and I enjoy the people I work with."  When asked if anyone had ever threatened him physically, Fittes laughed and said, "It is just a game for crying out loud." 

Midwestern Hospitality

Tournament Director Karen Montovan hosted quite a spread in the player’s lounge that included bagels and fruit for breakfast, and delicious lunch options like homemade pasta salad and homemade cookies, tasty sandwiches, fresh fruit, snacks, candy, and beverages.  Players also received a gift bag that included the official tournament towel, t-shirt, key chain, water bottle, cooler cup, and coupon for the on-site golf course.  Even though some of these players may never play at the US Open, they definitely receive the star treatment at the US Open National Playoffs.

Kyle Klinge, 29, Holland, Michigan, and his dad made the trip for this year’s tournament because,  "Obviously the chance to get into the US Open.  And Cincinnati is a great city to visit."  Klinge played college tennis for Grand Valley State and enjoys the competition in playing tournaments.  "It has been a great so far, great facility.  I wish they would seed this tournament though."

Masahisa Abe, of Dublin Ohio is again competing in the US Open Playoffs Midwest Qualifying event.  He was a little disappointed with his tournament last year, and is looking to capture his first victory.  "No strategy, I just want to play as usual.  Just like practice."