By Scoop Malinowski
Late Friday afternoon 15 year old Teodor Davidov received a wildcard into the Elizabeth Moore Sarasota Open ATP Challenger tournament but was defeated in the first round of the qualifying draw 64 61 by Liam Draxl of Canada, who is ranked 147 in the world.
Davidov, ranked 1575 in the world, stunned the crowd by playing long physical competitive points with the 24 year old however the “boy vs man” dynamic of the match eventually factored into the outcome.
There were some flashes of genius from the ambidextrous teen phenom who won one long rally in the first set including a successful “tweener” shot that wowed the crowd. It was stunning to see Davidov play so many long points and close games with the veteran from Canada after losing the first two games of the match in quick fashion. Davidov more than held his own against his older and stronger adversary.
After the defeat, Davidov assessed his performance. “It was a good match. I had some chances but missed them. It was a good experience,” said the teenager about his ATP Challenger Tour debut. Davidov earned his first ATP points earlier this year in low level ITF tournaments.
Draxl heaped heavy praise on the youngster’s highly developed game. “He’s so good. He’s incredible. He hits the ball so hard for a fifteen year old.” Draxl was the runner-up in last year’s final of the Elizabeth Moore Sarasota Open, losing to champion Emilio Nava.
Draxl was a late entry into the tournament, so he has to play qualies though his ranking is high enough for main draw.
Davidov did not expect to play this event. He trains a couple of miles away at Inspiration Academy and was hitting last week at IMG with Ryan Colby, who won his first round qualifying match today vs Theo Winegar, and Murphy Cassone. On Friday last week Colby learned that a spot opened up in qualies for him which opened a wildcard spot. Colby suggested Davidov contact the USTA about it and that’s how he got the late wildcard into qualies.
Former ATP player Marius Copil, of Romania, is here coaching ex Miami U player Christian Langmo and Dean Goldfine is working with Kaylen Bigun. Both Bigun and Langmo won today in qualies.
Tournament action will continue all week at IMG Academy and the singles and doubles finals will be contested on Sunday April 12.
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Elizabeth Moore Sarasota Open · IMG Academy · Liam Draxl · Teodor Davidov