Andy To Play Jenkins In Us Open

The draw for the 2004 US Open has been released today, and the defending champion and number two seed, Andy Roddick will face Scoville Jenkins of the USA. Jenkins received a wild card into the main draw.

If Andy were to progress to the second round of the US Open, he faces either Rafael Nadal, or Ivo Heuberger.

The highest seed in Andy’s quarterfinal is last year’s runner-up, JC Ferrero, and Andy is seeded to meet Lleyton Hewitt in the semi finals.

Looking at Andy’s first round, Jenkins appears to be a very promising junior. Here’s some information on him, courtesy of the USTA website written on the 24th August in Junior Spotlight of the week:

Birthdate: Sept. 23, 1986
Birthplace: Atlanta, Ga.
Residence: Atlanta, Ga.
Height: 6′ 1″
Weight: 170 lbs.
Plays: Right-handed; two-handed backhand

It was one for the record books for Scoville Jenkins. The 17-year-old Atlanta native captured the boys’ 18 singles title last week at the USTA National Championships in Kalamazoo, Mich., becoming the first African-American to win the championship in the 89-year-history of the event.

Jenkins, the tournament’s third seed, dropped only one set in seven matches, including his 7-5, 6-1, 6-3 win over fourth-seed and hometown favorite Scott Oudsema of Kalamazoo in the best-of-five-set final. He also notched outstanding results in the doubles competition, reaching the semifinals with partner Nikita Kryvonos, before falling to top-seeds Brendan Evans and Scott Oudsema, 6-3, 6-3.

By winning the singles title, Jenkins took home the first gold ball of his career and also became the first professional to win the boys’ 18 title. Because of a new rule that allows age-eligible pro athletes to participate in USTA National Championship tournaments, four pros competed in Kalamazoo this year. Scoville turned pro in April.

Also with the victory, Jenkins earned a wild card to compete in the main draw of the US Open, beginning Aug. 30 in New York. And with his world junior ranking currently at a career-high No. 6, he should also be among the favorites to win the US Open Junior Championships, which will be held starting Sept. 6 at the USTA National Tennis Center. Scoville has performed consistently well in junior Grand Slam competition so far this year, reaching the Wimbledon semifinals, the Australian Open quarterfinals and the French Open round of 16.

2004 HIGHLIGHTS

Made history at the USTA National Hard Court Championships by becoming the first African-American in the 89-year history of the event to capture the boys’ 18 singles title… Defeated Scott Oudsema in the best-of-five-set final, 7-5, 6-1, 6-3… Also advanced to the doubles semifinals (with Nikita Kryvonos).

Reached the singles semifinals at The Junior Championships, Wimbledon.

Advanced to the quarterfinals of the LTA International Junior Championships – Roehampton.

Advanced to the round of 16 at the French Open Junior Championships.

Won the singles title at the 40th Astrid Bowl Charleroi, Belgian International Junior Championships, an ITF Grade 1 clay-court event.

Reached the singles semifinals at the Luxilon Cup, the junior event held in conjunction with the Nasdaq-100 Open.

Advanced to the doubles semifinals (with Novak Djokovic) and the singles quarterfinals at the Australian Open Junior Championships.

PERSONAL

Father, Scoville. Mother, Carol. Younger sister, Taylor, and younger brother, Myles.

Was introduced to tennis at the age of 7 by his father.

Is coached by Torrey Hawkins.

Is home schooled.

Enjoys basketball and playing PlayStation in his spare time.

Favorite playing surface is hard court.

Hopes to turn pro in the future.