Tursunov Test for Andy

After coming through a tough match against Scott Oudsema in the second round of the Countrywide Classic, Andy will now face Dmitry Tursunov in the quarter finals. Tursunov, from Russia, reached the quarter finals with straight sets victories over Danai Udomchoke and Sam Querrey.

Tursunov has had a fairly successful 2006 season so far. The charismatic Russian has reached four quarter finals at ATP events, not to mention penning one of the most popular player blogs on the ATP web site! Here are his stats from the ATP web site:

Birthdate:12-Dec-82
Birthplace:Moscow, Russia
Residence:Roseville, California
Height:6’1’’ (185 cm)
Weight:180 lbs (81 kg)
Plays:Right-handed
Turned Pro:2000
Coach:Jose Higueras
Current INDESIT ATP Ranking – Singles:33
Career High INDESIT ATP Ranking – Singles:31 (6/19/2006)
Current Stanford ATP Doubles Ranking:80
Career High Stanford ATP Doubles Ranking:76 (6/26/2006)

Andy and Tursunov, who are the same age, have played just once before on the ATP circuit, last year in Indianapolis. It was an extremely hard fought match which Andy came through in three tie break sets, so this is an eagerly anticipated quarter final for all the LA fans. The other quarter final in Andy’s half of the draw features Andre Agassi against Fernando Gonzalez, another mouth watering prospect.

Andy will take to the court against Tursunov on Friday evening in LA. They are playing on Stadium Court starting at 7.30pm. Good luck, Andy!