September 13, 2007
Texas A&M men?â„¢s tennis standout Conor Pollock (San Antonio, Texas) has received a wild card entry into the main draw of the USTA Challenger to be held on Sept. 15-23 at the McLeod Tennis Center in Lubbock, Texas.
Pollock, the only amateur to receive a main draw bid, will compete against some of the world?â„¢s best at the tournament. Last year, he received a wild card entry into the qualifying draw. This past summer, the returning All-Big 12 Conference performer for the Aggies competed as an amateur on the USTA Men?â„¢s Futures circuit winning 11-straight qualifying matches and three doubles titles in four tournaments combined. He earned his first ATP singles points by winning four matches in the qualies and four matches in the main draw.
Entering his junior season at A&M, Pollock has compiled 42 career singles victories and 35 career doubles victories to date. He posted a team-leading 16-6 record in dual match play at No. 2 singles a year ago, including a 4-2 record against league foes. His career accomplishments include Big 12 Freshman of the Year and ITA South Central Region Rookie of the Year honors in 2006 as well as being crowned Big 12 No. 2 singles and No. 2 doubles champion in 2007. He was ranked as high as No. 68 nationally in the ITA/FILA Collegiate Tennis Rankings.
Prior to his arrival in Aggieland, Pollock was one of the top Americans to enter the collegiate ranks. He was ranked No. 1 nationally in 18?â„¢s and No. 9 nationally in 16?â„¢s. Pollock was also a member of the USTA Junior Davis Cup Team in 2004.
?Conor is playing well and following up his success in the summer with great practices,? Texas A&M assistant coach Bob McKinley said. ?His wild card entry in this weekend?â„¢s main draw is huge and speaks volumes of his drive and competitiveness.?
The Lubbock Challenger is a USTA Pro Circuit event that features men who play regularly on the ATP Tour and in the Grand Slam championships as well as represent their respective countries at the Davis Cup and in the Olympics. Players competing in the tournament rank among the top 300 players in the world and recently competed in the U.S. Open.
First Day Of Practice?...The Aggies held their first official practice on Monday, Sept. 10 at the George P. Mitchell Tennis Center. Practice went well and everyone is focused and motivated for the upcoming season, McKinley said.