10 reasons to watch the Paine Schwartz Partners Challenger tennis tournament

Challenger tournaments like the Paine Schwartz Partners event at Atkins Tennis Center are training grounds for future ATP stars. Spectators can learn valuable lessons on footwork, shot selection, and composure under pressure.

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URBANA – Watching Challenger matches is like getting a free clinic on the foundational, battle-tested skills that form the bedrock of professional tennis — skills that can dramatically improve any recreational player’s game.

Sure, watching Grand Slam tennis is inspiring, but Challenger-level matches are hidden gems for picking up tips to strengthen your tennis toolbox. Players ranked inside the top 500 are incredibly skilled, fit, and dedicated to their craft. They’re grinding to make a living from the sport while doing everything they can to reach the ATP elite.

Each Challenger match is an inexpensive master class in the gritty, practical side of tennis — and class is in session this week at the Paine Schwartz Partners Challenger at Atkins Tennis Center.

Ignore the 120 mph serves, the squeak of shoes as players slide across the court, and the occasional errant shot rocketing toward your head. Here are 10 reasons a high school or competitive adult player should catch at least a couple of matches:

1. See Rising Stars Before They’re Famous

Challenger events are the proving ground for future ATP Tour champions. Ben Shelton, Kevin Anderson, Sam Querrey, Marcos Baghdatis, and Kei Nishikori all played Challenger matches at Atkins Tennis Center before breaking onto the big stage.

2. Watch Diverse Playing Styles

The Paine Schwartz Partners Challenger draws veterans, journeymen, and young prospects every year. This mix exposes fans to a wide range of tactics, strategies, and styles. You’ll see a full toolbox of shots used with purpose: heavy topspin to push opponents back, biting slice to change rhythm, well-disguised drop shots, and aggressive approaches. It’s a reminder that winning isn’t just about hitting the ball hard — it’s about disrupting your opponent’s timing and comfort zone.

3. Get a Closer Fan Experience

Small venues like Atkins mean courtside seats where you can hear player-coach conversations and maybe even meet the athletes afterward — something that rarely happens at Grand Slams unless you have serious connections.

4. Study Footwork

While Challenger players may not have the explosive speed of the top 10, their movement is still world-class. Watch how they use small adjustment steps to position for every shot, recover after every rally, and almost never get caught flat-footed — a common flaw among club players.

5. Enjoy Global Flavor

Challenger tournaments span five continents, showcasing international talent and diverse playing philosophies. This year’s field includes players from Japan, Germany, Great Britain, Turkey, and Spain.

6. Learn How to Play Big Points

At 30-30, break point, or in a tiebreak, Challenger players don’t go for miracle winners. They simplify their game, get that first serve in, and aim for high-percentage targets. They trust their fundamentals when it matters most — a lesson any player can apply.

7. Improve Your Doubles Game

Watch how doubles partners function as one. You’ll see nonstop communication through hand signals, words, and intuitive movement. Notice how they support each other and cover the court so efficiently. Doubles is all about strategy and anticipation — formations like the I-formation and Australian are used constantly to outthink opponents. It’s a live master class in teamwork and tactics.

8. Study the Serve

Power matters, but variety wins points. You’ll see players use slice and kick serves to open the court or jam the returner with body serves. This is even more important in doubles, where the goal is to set up a partner for an easy putaway volley or overhead. Watching how pros use serve placement and spin to build points is a lesson that will pay off for any player looking to level up.

9. Observe Net Play

This might be the best reason to watch pro doubles live. You’ll see perfectly angled drop volleys, lightning-quick reflex exchanges, and body volleys under pressure. Pay attention to how players move with the ball and close down space — it’s a clinic in anticipation and aggression. Nothing matches the thrill of a perfectly timed poach.

10. Affordable and Accessible

Admission to the Paine Schwartz Partners Challenger is just $10 a day — a bargain for a front-row seat to professional tennis and a master class that could help you win more points (and maybe more matches).

Here’s the schedule for Wednesday at the Paine Schwartz Partners Challenger, held at Atkins Tennis Center.

ORDER OF PLAY - WEDNESDAY, 12 NOVEMBER 2025

Starting at 10:00 a.m. on the Schwartz Court:

[5] Mats Rosenkranz (GER) vs [Alt] Adhithya Ganesan (USA)
[3] Mitchell Krueger (USA) vs Darwin Blanch (USA)

Not Before 15:00
[WC] Adam Jilly (HUN) vs Alex Martinez (ESP)

Aidan McHugh (GBR) or [Q] Jeremy Zhang (AUS) vs [4] Murphy Cassone (USA)

Not Before 18:00
After Rest - Kenta Miyoshi (JPN)/Oliver Okonkwo (GBR)
        vs [WC] Sasha Colleu (FRA)/Adam Jilly (HUN)

Followed By
After Rest - [WC] Mathis Debru (FRA)/Jeremy Zhang (AUS)
        vs [3] Alfredo Perez (USA)/Jamie Vance (USA)

Starting at 10:00 a.m. on the Goldenberg Court:

Lui Maxted (GBR)/Joe Tyler (GBR)
        vs Ryan Seggerman (USA)/Keegan Smith (USA)

Anthony Genov (BUL)/Enzo Wallart (USA)
        vs [2] Pranav Kumar (USA)/Noah Schachter (USA)

Cedrik-Marcel Stebe (GER) vs Jay Friend (JPN)

[4] Tom Hands (GBR)/Mats Rosenkranz (GER)
        vs Arda Azkara (TUR)/James Hopper (GBR)

[1] Scott Duncan (GBR)/James Mackinlay (GBR)
        vs Isaac Nortey (GHA)/Leonardo Vega (USA)

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TAGS: Paine Schwartz Partners Challenger, Urbana tennis, Challenger Tour Illinois, Atkins Tennis Center, professional tennis education