Hitchcock to host U.S. Tennis Association tournament today

More than 100 tennis players are set to compete in the Mitchell Tennis Classic–Juniors Tournament today, which kicks off at 10 a.m.

The tournament will be held at Hitchcock Park in Mitchell, and athletes from South Dakota and Minnesota will be participating. The tournament, which is a United States Tennis Association-sanctioned tournament and will have 110 entrants, will be a little bit more competitive than the Becky Moore State Farm Junior Tennis Jamboree, which was held a few weeks ago.

“The difference is if they play in a USTA-sanctioned tournament and win matches, they earn points for their rankings,” assistant tennis coach Chad Larson said.

“Kids tend to want to come to tournaments that are USTA-sanctioned so that they can play and win points for their ranking, which will help them in future tournaments.”

Nineteen Mitchell boys and girls will be playing in the tournament, which runs through Sunday.

The tournament is divided up into four different age groups for boys and girls ages 12-18 in singles and doubles. Awards will be given out to first and second place winners and there will be a consolation round as well.

Tournament director John Cersosimo said it’s a challenge to schedule all the matches for the tournament, but it’s really good experience for all tennis players, no matter what their skill level.

“It’s one of the nicest tournaments around and the people that come really make this tournament,” he said.

“A lot of kids around the state come to hang out at the tennis courts and be social but they are also able to compete and play some good competition.”

Another challenge the tournament faces this weekend is the forecasted rain, but Cersosimo said he’s optimistic all the matches will be able to be played.

“One big goal is just to get all the matches in,” Cersosimo said about the weather for the weekend.

“There’s not a lot of room for rain … but I think kids will just be able to relax and play some good tennis.”

Tags: sports, updates, mitchell, tennis