Tournaments

June 2022

Earlier in 2022, in a tournament in California Ben and his partner won their first doubles match 6-2, 6-1 to enter the quarterfinals where unfortunately they face the number one seeds. They lost but held their own in the 2-6, 3-6 defeat. 

In the singles tournament Ben sadly lost his opening match 3-6, 2-6. However, Ben was then in the consolations and won his first match 6-4, 6-2. In the next round his opponent had to withdraw giving Ben a bye to the quarterfinals. Sadly, Ben lost in straight sets to the number 3 seed who went on to win the tournament.   

In June, Ben played in the National Grass Court Championships. In the singles Ben lost his first match 3-6, 1-6. He was then in the Consolations and went straight through to the quarter finals. He won his match 6-4, 6-3 but sadly lost the semi-final 2-6, 2-6.  

In the doubles tournament there was a round robin, where each pair plays all the other pairs in their group.  Ben and his partner played two matches including facing the number 1 seeds and ended third in their group. 

September 2021

It seems like such a long time since I was able to update you on Ben's tennis. 

Ben played in a tournament in California in September.

In the singles Ben won his first match 6-1, 6-1 to enter the quarter finals but he lost the next  1-6, 3-6.

He reached the semi-finals with his doubles partner. Sadly, they lost the final 2-6, 3-6 to the number 1 seed.

Ben must be one of the only people looking forward to being a year older as this will see him one of the youngest players in the next age category. 

In a second September tournament  Ben and his partner lost their round 16 doubles match 1-6, 2-6 to the number 3 seeds.

In the singles Ben faced a tough opponent and narrowly lost the first set 5-7 and the second 4-6.  This put Ben into the Consolation tournament. He won his first match 6-1, 6-2 to enter the quarter finals. Ben won his quarter final match 6-3, 6-1. He was in the semi finals!! Ben was given a BYE to the Final and …HE WON!!  

January 2020

In Ben’s first tournament of 2020 he went straight into the final 16. Ben won the first set of his first match 6-3, and then dramatically lost the second set 0-6, However, Ben fought back valiantly to win the final set 13-11. He was in the quarter finals but sadly lost his next match 1-6, 2-6.

In the doubles Ben and his partner were seeded 4. They won their first match in straight sets 6-2, 6-2. They did the same in their next match winning 6-0, 6-1. In the semi-finals they faced the number 2 seeds. They lost the semi-finals 2-6, 0-6. 

May 2019 

USTA National Men's 75 Hard Court Championships

In the singles Ben lost his first match 4-6, 0-6 but was able to enter the consolation rounds. Unfortunately he lost the match 4-6, 0-5 when he had to retire injured.

In the doubles Ben and his partner were seeded 5. They won their first match 7-6, 6-2 and entered the quarter finals. Here they faced the number 4 seeds but won the match 6-3, 6-2. In the semi-finals they faced the number 2 seeds and sadly lost 0-6, 3-6. 

They then got to face the number 1 seed and despite a good match they sadly lost 3-6, 4- 6.

In a second Singles tournament in May, Ben was seeded 4 and received a bye into the quarter finals. Despite dropping the first set without winning a single game Ben fought back to win a tough match 0-6, 7-6, 7-6. Sadly Ben was unable to complete the semi-final match due to a muscle injury.

In the Doubles tournament Ben and his partner were seeded 2. Again Ben received a bye this time into the semi-finals which they won 7-6, 6-4. They were in the final! Ben and his partner lost the first set 6-7. The tension mounted but… Whoop, whoop. They won the second set 7-5 and the third 6-2 to win the Doubles tournament!

March 2019

​​USTA National Men's 70 & 75 Indoor Championships

In the singles Ben won his first match in straight sets 6-1, 6-2. However in the second match he came up against the number 9 seed and lost 0-6, 1-6. As he had won his first match Ben was unable to enter the consolations. His singles tournament was over.

In the doubles, Ben and his partner lost their opening match 2-6, 4-6. Which was just as well as they would have faced the number one seeds in the next match. They entered the consolations and won the first match 6-2, 6-4 to enter the final. When their opponents withdrew Ben and his partner won the final and the consolations doubles tournament.

January 2019

Ben took part in a tournament in Southern California in January.

In his first match in the singles tournament Ben had a difficult start losing the first set 1-6. However, he rallied to win the second set 6-3 and the final set 7-5. In the next match Ben won the first set 6-1, lost the second 5-7 but once again fought back to win the third and final set 7-5 to reach the quarter finals. Ben faced the number 4 seed in the quarterfinals and sadly lost the match 3-6, 4-6.

In the doubles tournament Ben and his partner won the first set 6-4 but lost the next two sets 6-7, 3-6 and for them the doubles tournament was over. 

August 2018

USTA National Men's 75 Grass Court Championships

Ben was seeded 9 in the Singles tournament. He won his first match 6-3, 6-2 taking him into the final sixteen where he faced…the number one seed! Sadly Ben lost the match 0-6, 2-6. However he was now in the consolation rounds.

In his first consolation match Ben lost the first set 1-6 but fought back to win the second set 6-3. It all depended on the final set which went to 17 games. Sadly it did not end in Ben’s favour. He lost 7-10 and for Ben the singles tournament was over.

In the Doubles tournament Ben and his partner faced a tough first match. They won the first set 6-2 but their opponents fought back to win the second set 6-1. It all came down to the final set which Ben and his partner won 6-3. In the next round they were due to face the number 3 seed but his partner had to withdraw, so for Ben the main Doubles tournament was over. However, he was allowed to enter the doubles consolation with another player who had also ‘lost’ his partner.

In their first match they lost the first set 2-6 but won the second set 6-2 and then the third 10-8. They were through to the consolation semi-finals. The match was another three-setter. They lost the first set 2-6 but reversed their fortunes to win the second set 6-2. It was yet another 17 game final set for Ben and this time they won 10-7. Ben and his partner were in the final!

They won the first set an amazing 6-0 and the second set 6-1. Ben and his partner won the USTA Grass Court Nationals Consolation tournament.

​May 2018

USTA National Men’s 75 Hard Court Championships

In the Singles tournament in California in May, Ben recieved a bye through to the last 16 but sadly lost the match 3-6, 3-6 to the number 5 seed. However this allowed him into the third round of the consolations. Sadly Ben lost 3-6, 4-6.

In the Doubles tournament Ben and his partner played an exciting three-setter. They lost the first set 3-6 but went on to win the second set 6-4 and the final set 6-1. They were into the final 16. Unfortunately they lost the next match 2-6, 2-6 to the pair seeded 4. As Ben and his partner had already played and won one match they were not eligible to enter the consolations, so their doubles tournament was over.

In his second tournament in May, Ben was seeded 2 in the Singles and received a bye through to the quarter finals, which he won in straight sets 6-2, 6-1. He faced the number 3 seed in the semi-final and they were evenly matched. Ben won the first set 7-5.  However, he dropped the second set 3-6. It was all to play for in the third and final set. Unfortunately, Ben lost 5-7.

In the Doubles competition, Ben and his partner were also seeded 2 and received a bye through to the semi-finals. They lost the first set a disappointing 1-6 but rallied to win the second set 6-3. Once more it all depended on the final set.  Sadly they lost 4-6 and their tournament was over.

March 2018

USTA National Men's 75 Indoor Championships

In the Singles tournament Ben was given a bye into the last 32. In his first match he won the first set 6-4 and then the second 6-4. He had won the match and was into the final 16. Unfortunately this put him up against the Number 3 seed and Ben lost 3-6, 2-6. The singles tournament was over for Ben.

In the doubles competition Ben and his partner faced the number 3 seeds in their very first match. Unfortunately they did not win a single game in the first set, losing 0-6. Sadly they only managed one game in the second set, losing the match 0-6, 1-6. 

However, this meant Ben and his partner were into the Doubles Consolations. They faced two men from Texas in the first match. The first set went to a tie break which the Texans won. Ben and his partner were a set down. They fought back and won the second set. Things were even again. Tension filled the air. And then…they won the final set and what’s more they were in the final. When their opponents had to withdraw from the competition, Ben and his partner won the Consolations Doubles Tournament. Perhaps not the way they would like to have won, but they were winners all the same.

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February 2018

Ben was seeded 2 in his first tournament in February and due to an injury went straight through to the final! He faced the number one seed. The first set went to a tie break. Ben won it 7-5. The second went the same way. Could Ben do it or would his opponent win the set and force them into a third? Ben won the set and the match 7-5. He won the tournament.

January 2018

In his first tournament of 2018 Ben was seeded 3 and got a bye through to the quarter finals. He won his first singles game 6-1, 6-3 to enter the semi-finals against the number one seed. He lost the first set 2-6 but fought back to win the match  2-6, 6-3, 7-5. He was in the final!

In the final Ben won the first set 6-3 but sadly a muscle injury forced him to retire and forfeit the match.

In the doubles Ben and his partner won their first match 6-3, 7-6 to enter the semi-final. Sadly they lost that 2-6, 1-6 to the number two seeds.

In the second singles tournament Ben faced a good friend as his first opponent. Sadly he lost 1-6, 4-6. For Ben the singles competition was over.

However in the doubles Ben and his partner won their first match 7-5, 6-3 putting them in the quarter finals against the number 2 seeds. Unfortunately they lost 1-6, 2-6.

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August 2017

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USTA National Men's 75 Grass Court Championships

Dressed all in white, for his first Singles match, and wearing a baseball hat to protect him from the sun, Ben (seeded ninth) lost the first set 4-6 but fought back, in very hot conditions, to take the second set 6-4. All depended on the final set but sadly Ben lost 1-6.
However, he was now in the third round of the Consolations.
When his opponent withdrew Ben went straight into the Quarterfinals which he won in straight sets 6-2, 6-1. He was now in the semi-final of the consolation tournament and then...the final! In the very last match of the day Ben played well but sadly lost 2-6, 1-6 to a man also seeded ninth. However Ben had enjoyed the tournament and the grass courts, even though at one point, due to rain they had been forced to play indoors. (See photos from this event on the Tennis Photos page)

In Doubles Ben and his partner won their first match in straight sets 6-3, 6-0 but were sadly beaten by the number 5 seeds in their next match 1-6, 4-6.
Once again Ben entered the Consolation tournament and they won their first match in a nail-biting three setter 6-2, 2-6, 6-2.
When the number 2 seeds withdrew Ben and his partner were in the semi-finals but they were unfortunately defeated  in straight sets 2-6, 2-6.

July 2017

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Ben was the Third seed in a tournament in Oregon in July. He won his first match in three sets 4-6, 6-0, 6-2 to enter the semi-finals. In the semi he won the first set 6-1, dropped the second set 2-6 and fought back to win the third set 6-4 to enter the tournament final. Facing the number Two seed Ben played well but lost 2-6, 2-6.

In the doubles tournament Ben and his partner won their first match in straight sets 6-3, 6-1 and despite winning the first set 7-6 they were beaten in the semi-final losing 7-6, 4-6, 2-6.

May 2017

In a tournament in California, Ben won his first singles match 6-1, 6-1 but was then beaten by the number 5 seed, 2-6, 3-6. However, he was able to enter the consolations. Ben won his first consolation match 6-2, 6-3. The next two matches were walk-overs as the other player did not compete leaving Ben a clear route to the final. Ben was sadly defeated in the final 2-6, 2-6.

In the doubles, Ben and his partner won their first match 6-2, 6-4. They won the quarterfinal 7-5, 6-2 but were sadly defeated in the semi-final by the number 2 seeds 1-6, 5-7.

In a second May tournament Ben was on very good form and won his first match 6-0, 6-2 against the number 3 seed.  However, in the quarterfinals he lost 2-6, 4-6 to the player who went on to win the tournament!

March 2017

USTA National Indoor Championships

Ben played some of his best tennis for many years in his first singles match to win the first set 6-3. His forehand was powerful, his placing of the ball accurate and he moved around the court like a man twenty years younger. However, as the match went on his opponent got into his own stride and despite a closely fought contest went on to win 6-2; 6-4. Ben was out of the main draw but into the consolation round.

In his first game of the consolations Ben dominated the match and won 6-1; 6-0 to enter the quarterfinals. His place in the semi-finals was secured when his opponent withdrew injured.

In another hard fought match, with Ben placing the ball with precision he went on to win 6-2; 6-1 and was into the final.

The final match was highly anticipated but once again his opponent had to withdraw leaving Ben to win by default. Ben won the consolation tournament.

In the doubles tournament Ben and his partner found themselves up against the number 2 seeds in their first match. They held their own and at times the match could have gone either way but sadly the seeded players fought back to win 6-4; 7-5.

Ben and his partner entered the consolation round but lost to a home team 0-6, 4-6. 

​February 2017

Ben played in a local tournament. In the round robin first round he lost his first match 3-6, 4-6.

The second match was tightly fought but he lost 5-7, 5-7. 

January 2017

As Ben will be 75 in 2017 he started the  tennis year in a new age group.

Ben played in a tournament in California in January. He was seeded 4. He won his first match 6-2, 6-2 but sadly despite a close fought contest lost in the quarterfinals 4-6, 6-4, 4-6.

In the doubles, despite winning the first set, Ben and his partner were defeated 6-4, 2-6,4-6.

In his second January tournament Ben reached the last sixteen of the singles tournament and the doubles tournament but sadly that was as far as he got.

September 2016

USTA National Men's 70, 85 & 90 Clay Court Championships

The tournament was held in North Carolina. Ben was seeded 9th which is excellent as he is now one of the older players in his group. Sadly he lost his first singles match 5-7, 4-6 to his doubles partner!

He entered the singles consolations and fought a tough match, finally losing 5-7, 5-7. The singles were over for Ben.

Despite being seeded 5th Ben and his partner lost their opening doubles match 3-6, 1-6. They did not play in the consolation round.

August 2016

USTA NATIONAL Men's 30, 35, & 70 Grass Court Championships

Ben won his first singles match 6-3, 6-3 to enter the last 16. He then played the number 5 seed and sadly lost 2-6, 2-6. Ben entered the consolations and fought for a place in the quarterfinals. He won the first set 6-2, lost the second 3-6 and the final set was a closely fought battle but he lost the tie break 3-10 and that was the end of Ben’s singles competition.

Ben’s first doubles match with his partner was in the quarterfinals but they lost 5-7, 3-6. They entered the consolations and reached reaching the quarter finals but sadly lost 2-6, 4-6.  

June 2016

USTA National Men's 70 Hard Court Championships

Ben was seeded 9th in the singles tournament. He won his first match, despite dropping the middle set, 6-3, 1-6, 6-3. Sadly Ben lost the next match a disappointing 3-6, 1-6. Having won his first match he was not eligible for the Consolations.

In the doubles tournament Ben and his partner were seeded 5th and won their first match 6-0, 6-2 to enter the quarter finals. Unfortunately they faced the number 2 seeds and lost 2-6, 2-6.

May 2016

Ben was seeded 4th in a singles tournament in California.

He won his first match 6-3, 2-6, 6-2 to enter the quarterfinals. The quarterfinal did not start well and Ben had to fight back from a first set 2-6 loss. He won the next set 6-3. The match was tied. Could he do it? Ben went on to win the final set 7-6 in a tie-break. He was in the semi-final but would face the number 1 seed! Despite a tough battle in the first set Ben lost the semi-final 5-7, 1-6.

In the doubles tournament Ben and his partner won their first match in 3 sets to enter the semi-finals. They faced the number 2 seeds and unfortunately lost 0-6, 1-6. ​

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March 2016

The USTA National Men's 70 & 75 Indoor Championships took place in Houston in March.

In the singles tournament Ben got a bye into the second round where he lost to the number 3 seed 2-6, 4-6. He was now eligible to enter the consolations. In his first match each player won a set so a tie break was held. Ben won 10-6 and entered the semi-finals. He won the semi-finals 6-1, 6-0 to enter the final. The player he was due to play withdrew and Ben won the consolations final. Congratulations to Ben!

In another tournament in March Ben was seeded 4 and won his first match 6-4, 6-4.

However he lost the next match 4-6, 1-6. The tournament was over for Ben.

February 2016

In his first singles tournament in February Ben went straight into the final but sadly lost 3-6, 3-6 to the number one seed.

In the next tournament Ben was seeded 1 and won his first match 6-1, 6-1, however he lost in the semi-finals, 4-6,4-6.

January 2016

In Ben’s first tournament of the New Year, in sunny California, he won his first match 6-0, 6-2 to enter the quarterfinals. Unfortunately, despite winning the first set, he lost the next match.

In the doubles tournament Ben and his partner also won their quarterfinals’ match but were again beaten in the semi-finals.

In the next tournament Ben won his first singles match 6-2, 6-3. When a player withdrew he went straight into the quarterfinals. Sadly he lost the match.

Ben and his doubles partner won their first match 6-4, 6-3 but were unfortunately beaten in the next round 3-6, 4-6.​ 

December 2015

Ben played in a tournament in California…ahh the sunshine!

He lost his first singles match but went into the consolation round but, alas,  despite winning the first set 6-3, he lost the next two 4-6, 1-6.

October 2015

USTA National Men's 70 Clay Court Championships

In the Singles Tournament Ben won the first set in his first match 6-3 but went on to lose the next two 4-6, 2-6. This put him into the consolation round. Rain stopped play for a whole day but Ben bounced back once it stopped winning his next two matches 6-3, 6-1 and 6-1, 6-1 to reach the consolations final. And yes, he won that too, 6-3, 6-4. Congratulations to Ben.

In the Doubles Tournament Ben and his partner were seeded 4 but sadly lost their first match 6-3, 2-6, 2-6. However this placed them in the consolations and they were swiftly into the quarter-finals, but with rain causing delays they withdrew from the doubles tournament.

September 2015

Ben played in a tournament in California in September. He was seeded 5. In the singles he went swiftly through to the final sixteen despite a worrying moment when he lost the first set in his first match. He won that one 3-6, 6-1, 6-4.

And despite the song and the news reports it does rain in Southern California and that delayed the next match.

Once again Ben lost the first set but fortunately he went on to win 1-6, 6-3, 6-2. Ben was into the quarter finals.

Again he lost the first set (must take him time to warm up!) but he won 3-6, 6-3,7-6.

Ben was now in the semi-finals. Could he go all the way to the final? Oh the tension mounted. In the semi-finals he faced a man also seeded 5, a man he had not beaten in a very long time. Could he do it? Yes! He won in straight sets 6-4, 6-4.

Ben was in the final of the tournament.

Nail biting? Teeth gnashing? He faced the number 2 seed and…lost 6-2, 6-0. But what a tournament! 

August 2015

Ben was seeded 9th in the singles at the National Men’s Grass Court Championships in Philadelphia. In the first round, despite being seeded 9th, Ben was beaten by R. Davis (surely not the R, Davis??? No. Phew.) 1-6, 4-6. However, this placed Ben into the consolations.

Ben entered the third round of the consolations. Ben won the first set 6-4, lost the second 1-6 and sadly the third set (4-10) Ben lost his hard fought match.

He and his partner were seeded 4th in the doubles. They won their first match 6-4, 6-2 and their second was a hard fought three set match which they eventually won 6-3, 3-6, 6-3 to enter the semi-finals. Unfortunately they lost the semi-finals 3-6, 2-6. 

May 2015

Ben played in a tournament in California late in May.

In the singles he was unfortunately beaten 2-6, 6-7.

In the doubles he and his partner fought a tight three set match to eventually triumph 6-2, 4-6, 6-4 taking them into the semi-finals. Alas the number 2 seeds won 6-3, 6-0 and Ben’s tournament was over.

March 2015

Ben played in the USTA National Indoor Tournament.

He won his first singles match 6-0, 6-0 and met the number 5 seed in the next round. There were many long, close-fought games with both players covering the court to reach every ball. Ben narrowly lost the first set 5-7. In the second set there was no let-up in the quality of the tennis but unfortunately Ben lost 3-6.

In the doubles, Ben and his partner won the first set of their first match 5-7. However, despite more close games, they lost the next two sets 3-6, 2-6.

As they had lost in the first round they were entitled to enter the consolation rounds which they did.

Their first match was a tense battle which Ben and his partner eventually won 6-3, 6-4. They were now in the final.

The players were well matched in the first set with each game going with serve under the watchful scrutiny of the umpire. In the tie break Ben and his partner won to lead 7-6. Could they do it? Would they win? YES! Ben and his partner won the second set 6-3 to win the Indoor consolation finals.

January 2015

Ben played in a tournament in Palm Springs.

In the first round of the singles Ben won his match 7-5, 6-3. He won his second match a resounding 6-0, 6-2 taking him into the last 16 where he faced the number 4 seed. Unfortunately Ben lost the match.

September 2014

In mid- September Ben played in a tournament in California.

He was seeded 5 in the singles competition and won his first match in a close fought contest, 7-5, 3-6, 6-2. Alas he was beaten in the next round and there were no consolation matches this time.

In the doubles competition he and his partner lost their first match and the tournament was over for Ben.

USTA National Men’s Clay Court Championships in North Carolina

A lucky few were able to meet Ben for dinner when he played in the USTA National Men’s clay court championships in North Carolina at the end of September. It was a huge tournament and Ben was unseeded in the singles. In his first closely fought match he lost 3-6, 6-2, 4-6 but was then into the consolation rounds.

In the first match a misty rain caused the second set to be postponed when Ben was ahead 6-0, 1-0. It resumed the next day and Ben won 6-0, 6-0. He won the next match 6-0, 6-0. Was there no stopping him? He was now in the consolation quarterfinals. This was another tough match for Ben. He lost the first set 1-6 but fought back to win the second set 6-3. The final set was a long, closely matched contest and ended when he lost 10-12 in the tie-breaker.

In the doubles, Ben and his partner were seeded 5. Their first match was another hard fought contest. They won the first set 7-5 but narrowly lost the second set 6-7. It all depended on the final set. Sadly they lost 3-6 and the doubles competition was over for Ben.

August 2014

The USTA National Men’s Grass Court Championships were held in August.

Ben entered the singles and doubles tournaments.

In the singles he was seeded 9th and won his first match 6-0, 6-4 to reach the final 16, where he lost to the number 2 seed. However, this put Ben into the consolations where he won his first match 6-2, 7-6. He played the next match against the number 5 seed and won a hard fought battle 7-5, 7-6 to enter the semi-finals. Unfortunately he lost 6-3, 6-4 so never made the final. So near yet so far.

In the doubles tournament he and his partner lost their first match but again were entered into the consolations. They won their first consolation match 6-2, 6-1 which put them in the semi-final. They won the next match 6-2, 6-0 and they were in the final. Could they do it? Could they win the final of the consolations? YES! They won the final 6-3, 6-3 to gain valuable points for their rankings and a real boost to their confidence.

June 2014

Ben played in theUSTA Hard Court Championshipsin mid-June. In the singles he lost in the second round 6-3, 6-3 but went into the consolations and played an amazing last 16 match. He won the first set in a tie break, 7-6, lost the next set 4-6 as his opponent fought back. Could he take the final set? Yes!! So Ben was through to the quarter finals where he faced the number one seed. Ben played a great match in the sunshine and took his opponent to a tie-break before he conceded the match 4-6, 5-7.

In the doubles he and his partner won their first match 6-2, 6-2 but were then beaten by the number 5 seeds.

May 2014

Ben played in the Indoor National Tournament in Texas in March. He won his first match 6-0, 6-2 but sadly lost in the last 16 to the number 5 seed after a tough first set 7-5, 6-2. He and his partner won their first doubles match 6-4, 2-0 when the other pair had to retire. However they lost in the quarter finals to the number 3 seeds.

Ben headed east in May and won the first round of a tournament in three sets 4-6, 7-5, 6-4. Unfortunately in the next round he was beaten by the number five seed 6-2, 6-1. In the doubles he fought a nail-biting first round match. He and his partner won the first set 7-5. They lost the second 5-7. With all things equal the final set went to a tie break and they narrowly lost 6-7. With no consolation matches for the doubles that was the end of the tournament for Ben.

February 2014

In late February Ben was seeded number two in a tournament. He made it to the final where, as expected, he faced the number one seed. Unfortunately he lost 6-3, 6-2. But he made it to the final!!!

January 2014

Ben played in two tournaments in California in January. In the first he was the number two seed. Ben reached the semi-finals where he fought a tough match eventually winning 7-5, 7-5. The final was another tough contest against the number one seed. The first hard fought set went to a tie break which his opponent won 7-5. The second set was a battle and eventually the number one seed won 6-3, to win the match. However, Ben was pleased with the way he played.

In the second tournament Ben was seeded 5th in the singles. He won 7-6, 6-2 in his first match, then 6-2, 6-2 in the next match to reach the quarterfinals. Sadly he lost to the number one seed who went on to win the tournament. In the doubles Ben and his partner won their first match 6-1, 6-1 and reached the quarterfinals to face…the number one seeds! Alas they were beaten 6-4, 6-0.