The 2011 Honolulu Challenger presented by American Savings Bank was held at the Patsy T. Mink Central Oahu Regional Park Tennis Complex on January 22-30. Over 60 players from 15 countries, ranked in the top 250 in the world competed in Hawaii’s premiere professional tennis event.
The singles qualifying draw was filled with 16 players; with only four making in into the main draw. Several of Hawaii’s own, former and current collegiate players participated and earned singles and doubles main draw wild card entries by winning two designated tournaments - the Hawaii Master’s Open played last October and the Honolulu Challenger Wild Card Tournament two weeks prior to the Honolulu Challenger. University of Hawaii seniors, Dennis Lajola of Aiea, Hawaii and Jeremy Tweedt of Paris France claimed a singles main draw wild card berth by winning the two local tournaments, respectively. The main draw carried a high-caliber field of 32 players in the singles and 16 teams in the doubles.
After an exciting week of high-level professional tennis, No.6 seed Ryan Harrison defeated Alex Kuznetsov 6-4, 3-6, 6-4 for the singles title of the 2011 Honolulu Challenger. Harrison also claimed the doubles title with partner Travis Rettenmaier. The No.1 seeds took the doubles title by walk over when Robert Kendrick – of the No.2 seeded team, together with Kuznetsov – pulled out due to injury.
Over 30 local business and individuals, contributed cash, products and services to the 2011 Honolulu Challenger, including presenting sponsor American Savings Bank.
“For more than 85 years, American Savings Bank has been a part of Hawaii. We’re committed to helping this community thrive, which means being involved and supporting a variety of efforts and activities, including those that showcase the islands’ intrinsic values as this event does,” said Ray Skinner, former Executive Vice President for American Savings Bank.
The USTA Pro Circuit 2011 Honolulu Challenger was free and open to the public. Over 550 spectators attended the finals on Sunday, January 30 and more than 200 local tennis fans watched daily. The USTA hosted several opportunities for the community to get involved through School Day, Jr. Team Tennis Appreciation Day, USTA Membership Appreciation Days during Finals Weekend and several free tennis clinics.