Friend, Ganesan advance as top seeds prepare to hold court at Champaign tennis challenger

The Champaign Challenger opened with rising stars making strong statements. Japan’s Jay Friend overcame Alfredo Perez in a back-and-forth three-set battle, while American Adhithya Ganesan defeated Great Britain’s Oliver Okonkwo in straight sets.

---

CHAMPAIGN - The Paine Schwartz Partners Challenger opened its main draw Monday with a slate of competitive singles matches that set the tone for an event blending rising international talents with seasoned tour veterans.

In one of the day’s featured matches, 21-year-old Jay Friend of Japan battled past American Alfredo Perez in three sets, 6-4, 5-7, 6-3. Friend, who showcased a powerful and consistent first serve throughout the match, took control early by winning 86% of his first-serve points in the opening set. After a dip in accuracy during the second, the young right-hander regained command in the final frame, converting 83% of his first serves and maintaining steady composure from the baseline to secure the win. His next test comes against the winner of Tuesday’s match between top seed Nicolas Mejia of Colombia and Germany’s Cedrik-Marcel Stebe.

American Adhithya Ganesan also advanced with a confident straight-sets victory over Great Britain’s Oliver Okonkwo, 6-3, 7-5. Ganesan’s sharp return game and reliable service rhythm proved decisive, as he won 65% of his overall service points and captured 31 points on return. Okonkwo, a former University of Illinois standout, managed a solid 67% success rate on first serves but faltered on his second serve, winning just 9 of 25 points. His tournament, however, continues in doubles, where he’ll reunite with fellow Illini alumnus Kenta Miyoshi.

As the tournament continues on the indoor hard courts of the Atkins Tennis Center, Tuesday’s lineup brings the top two seeds into play. No. 1 Nicolas Mejia faces Stebe following the morning matches on the Schwartz Court, while No. 2 Johannus Monday of Great Britain meets American Micah Braswell at 10 a.m. on the Goldberg Court.

Monday's results and Tuesday tournament schedule are available below.

Results - Monday, 10 November 2025

Men's Singles - Round of 32

Jay Friend (JPN) def Alfredo Perez (USA) 6-4, 5-7, 6-3
[WC] Adam Jilly (HUN) def Keegan Smith (USA) 6-4, 6-2
[Alt] Adhithya Ganesan (USA) def [WC] Oliver Okonkwo (GBR) 6-3, 7-5
Alex Martinez (ESP) def [7] Saba Purtseladze (GEO) 7-5, 3-6, 7-6(7)
[4] Murphy Cassone (USA) def [JR] Hoyoung Roh (KOR) 6-0, 6-2

Men's Qualifying Singles - Qualifying Round 2 [7] Ryan Fishback (USA) def [3] Jacob Brumm (USA) 6-2, 3-0 Retired
[4] Shunsuke Mitsui (JPN) def [10] Ryan Seggerman (USA) 6-7(4), 6-3, 6-4
[WC] Jeremy Zhang (AUS) def [2] Quinn Vandecasteele (USA) 7-5, 6-4
[1] Lui Maxted (GBR) def [WC] Marcel Latak (USA) 7-5, 6-2
[Alt] Taym Al Azmeh (GER) def [9] Maik Steiner (GER) 7-5, 6-4
[6] Pablo Martinez Gomez (ESP) def Noah Zamora (USA) 4-6, 6-4, 7-6(7)

Order of play for November 11, 2025

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

[Q] Shunsuke Mitsui (JPN) vs [8] Tyler Zink (USA)
Stefan Kozlov (USA) vs Leo Borg (SWE)
[1] Nicolas Mejia (COL) vs Cedrik-Marcel Stebe (GER)

Not Before 4:00 p.m.
Kenta Miyoshi (JPN) vs [LL] Quinn Vandecasteele (USA)

Not Before 6:00 p.m.
Aidan McHugh (GBR) vs [Q] Jeremy Zhang (AUS)
[WC] Sasha Colleu (FRA) vs [Q] Taym Al Azmeh (GER)

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

Micah Braswell (USA) vs [2] Johannus Monday (GBR)
[5] Mats Rosenkranz (GER) vs [Q] Pablo Martinez Gomez (ESP)
[Q] Lui Maxted (GBR) vs Arda Azkara (TUR)
[6] Andres Martin (USA) vs [Q] Ryan Fishback (USA)

Not Before 5:00 p.m.
Stefan Kozlov (USA) / Brandon Perez (VEN)
        vs Patrick Harper (AUS) / Shunsuke Mitsui (JPN)

Erik Arutiunian / Saba Purtseladze (GEO)
        vs Zachary Fuchs (USA) / Wally Thayne (USA)

---

More Local Tennis Articles

---

TAGS: Paine Schwartz Partners Challenger results, Champaign tennis tournament 2025, Jay Friend ATP Challenger win, Adhithya Ganesan Champaign match recap, University of Illinois tennis news

Leading Illinois Democrats at odds with Durbin over shutdown vote — again

Durbin was among 8 Democratic senators to back plan to reopen federal government. The plan angered many top Illinois Democrats such as Gov. JB Pritzker and three candidates running to replace Durbin.

---

by Ben Szalinski
Capitol News Illinois

U.S. Sen. Dick Durbin is once again at odds with other prominent Illinois Democrats over a vote that set in motion a plan to end the record-long federal government shutdown.

Durbin, who is not seeking reelection in 2026, was one of eight members in the Senate Democratic caucus to join Republicans in supporting a procedural vote to begin the process of passing legislation to fund the government, which entered its 41st day without a budget on Monday. But that package will not include health care subsidies that Democrats had demanded be included in a bill to reopen the government.

“Republicans finally woke up and realized their Groundhog Day needed to end,” Durbin said in a statement Sunday night. “This bill is not perfect, but it takes important steps to reduce their shutdown’s hurt. Not only would it fully fund SNAP for the year ahead, but it would reverse the mass firings the Trump Administration ordered throughout the shutdown.”

Senate Democrats believe they secured a promise from Senate Republican leaders to hold a Senate vote on the Affordable Care Act tax credits. The tax credits expire at the end of the year, setting the stage for health care premiums to skyrocket. Congressional Democrats have refused for more than a month to vote for any bill that did not include new health care tax credits to rein in costs.

But many of Illinois’ top Democrats are opposed to the Durbin-backed funding plan. It also marks the second time this year Durbin has found himself at odds with Gov. JB Pritzker over a Senate vote to fund the government.

---

Photo: Capitol News Illinois/Jerry Norwicki

Gov. JB Pritzker takes reporters’ questions outside the Illinois State Board of Elections building in Springfield on Oct. 27, 2025.

---

Pritzker, who is widely discussed as a possible 2028 presidential candidate, said he favors continuing to fight President Donald Trump with a government shutdown, which many Democrats believe gives their party leverage to force Republicans to support funding the ACA subsidies.

“This is not a deal — it's an empty promise,” Gov. JB Pritzker said on social media. “Trump and his Republican Congress are making healthcare more expensive for the middle class and ending it for working families. Time for Democrats to stand tall for affordable healthcare.”

Durbin also sided with Republicans in March and voted for the spending plan that kept the government open through September. That triggered outrage from many Democrats who favored shutting down the government at the time to make it harder for Trump to implement his agenda.

Pritzker said in March that Durbin’s decision was a “huge mistake,” and he was “dead wrong.”

Congressional Dems doubt leverage

The Senate’s vote on Sunday sets the stage for the chamber to pass substantive legislation to fund the government through Jan. 30, but it will require the House’s approval and Trump’s signature first. That timeline remains unclear.

CNN reported the plan would fully fund Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program benefits through next September and reverses Trump’s firing of federal workers during the shutdown.

---

I lived through more than 50 attempts by Donald Trump in his first term to repeal Obamacare

---

Durbin said Republicans own the blame for the shutdown, adding he believes Democrats can claim victory with the vote.

“Now that Democrats secured these wins, it’s time for Leader (John) Thune to keep his promise to schedule a vote on the ACA tax credits in December, and we will see to it that he makes good on his word for the millions of Americans worried they won’t be able to afford health care in January,” Durbin said.

Many, including Illinois Sen. Tammy Duckworth, want congressional Democrats to continue holding out for ACA tax credits.

“I simply cannot, and I will not, vote to do nothing to help protect them (families) from Trump’s vindictive and malicious efforts in exchange for a vague promise from the least trustworthy Republican party in our nation’s history,” Duckworth said in a statement after voting against the procedural vote on Sunday.

---

Photo: Capitol News Illinois/Jerry Norwicki

U.S. Sen. Tammy Duckworth speaks at the Illinois Democratic County Chairs’ Association brunch.

---

U.S. Rep. Sean Casten, a Democrat from Downers Grove, ripped Durbin and the seven other Senate Democrats who sided with Republicans. He said on social media that Democrats “trusting” Republicans on an ACA vote is like “a liar convincing a sucker.” “A sucker for believing the lie, and for believing (House Speaker Mike) Johnson will ever bring it up in the House,” he wrote.

Candidates disagree with Durbin

The three leading Democrats running to replace Durbin are all opposed to the plan to reopen the government.

“The Republican shutdown has caused immense suffering for Illinois families, and that pain will be compounded exponentially because Democrats let the GOP off the hook,” Lt. Gov. Juliana Stratton said in a statement. “While we all want to see food assistance fully funded and federal workers paid and protected, healthcare for millions of Americans cannot be the tradeoff. An empty promise is not enough.”

Stratton also publicly criticized Durbin’s vote in March.

Reps. Robin Kelly, of Lynwood, and Raja Krishnamoorthi, of Schaumburg, said they will vote against the funding plan whenever it arrives in the House. “We will not cave to broken promises from Trump and the GOP who have sold the American people a bill of goods on so many things, but especially their access to quality healthcare,” Kelly said in a statement.

Krishnamoorthi said his red line will continue to be whether ACA credits are preserved.

“I lived through more than 50 attempts by Donald Trump in his first term to repeal Obamacare and continued statements that he’s going to gut the Affordable Care Act now,” Krishnamoorthi said in a video statement on Monday. “So I cannot in good conscious believe that all of the sudden he’s going to take actions right now to strengthen Obamacare.”

Bill signals end to flight delays, SNAP woes

Illinois has seen escalating impacts from the record government shutdown.

---

Photo: Capitol News Illinois/Jerry Norwicki

U.S. Rep. Raja Krishnamoorthi speaks to a gathering of Democrats in Springfield on Aug. 13, 2025.

---

About 2 million people have been stuck in limbo this month over whether they will receive federal food benefits from SNAP. The U.S. Department of Agriculture told states last month that they would not distribute November SNAP benefits as the shutdown continued.

Whether USDA must use contingency funds to pay full benefits has been an ongoing legal battle in the federal court system since Nov. 1.

Travelers through Chicago’s airports could also see some relief when the government reopens. A growing number of air traffic controllers have called out of work after not getting paid for the last month, leading the Federal Aviation Administration last week to require airlines to cancel flights at 40 airports, including O’Hare and Midway, because of staffing shortages that cause delays to stack up.

O’Hare was one of the worst airports for delays on Sunday, according to FlightAware, with 16% of departures canceled and 53% delayed.

Capitol News Illinois is a nonprofit, nonpartisan news service that distributes state government coverage to hundreds of news outlets statewide. It is funded primarily by the Illinois Press Foundation and the Robert R. McCormick Foundation.

---

More Articles on Government

---

Rep. Adam Niemerg leads dedication ceremony for Busby Memorial Highway

A 10-mile section of Illinois Route 49 was officially dedicated as the Roger “Buzz” Busby Memorial Highway in Brocton. State Rep. Adam Niemerg sponsored the legislation recognizing Busby’s lifetime of service.

---

DIETERICH - A stretch of Illinois Route 49 now bears the name of a longtime Edgar County community leader, following a dedication ceremony held Saturday morning in Brocton to honor the late Merritt Roger “Buzz” Busby.

State Representative Adam Niemerg (R-Dieterich), who co-sponsored the legislation in the House, said the memorial highway recognizes Busby’s decades of service to both his country and his community. “A stretch of Illinois Route 49 now carries the name of a beloved community leader and is named the Roger ‘Buzz’ Busby Memorial Highway,” Niemerg said. “I was happy to sponsor the legislation in the Illinois House of Representatives with Rep. Chris Miller last year and am pleased to recognize a man who left an indelible mark on his community.”

The dedication, held at 10:30 a.m. at the American Legion & Auxiliary – Richard Willoughby Post 977, included remarks from Niemerg’s legislative assistant, Linda Lane, as well as tributes from retired Illinois State Police officer Terry Hackett and retired Edgar County Sheriff’s deputies David Neal and Ed Motley.

Busby, a U.S. Army veteran, spent much of his career in law enforcement and child welfare, serving as a deputy sheriff and later with the Illinois Department of Children and Family Services. He was deeply involved in civic organizations across the region, earning him the nickname “Mr. Edgar County.”

The memorial highway stretches 10 miles from U.S. Route 36 to Illinois Route 133 along the west side of Brocton, reflecting Busby’s lifelong commitment to the people of Edgar County.

Born Oct. 21, 1940, in Danville to Edwin and Nora Busby, Buzz Busby married Karon Platson Cornwell on Oct. 31, 1992, at the Brocton Christian Church. He passed away Aug. 30, 2013, at his home.

The full text of Senate Joint Resolution 17, which established the Roger “Buzz” Busby Memorial Highway, is available here.

---

More Articles on Government

---

TAGS: Buzz Busby, Illinois Route 49, Edgar County dedication, Adam Niemerg, Community service, Highway memorial

Viewpoint |Trump defends rioters and controversial pardons amid backlash, the risk of silence

Trump defended his blanket pardons of convicted rioters and police attackers, claiming they were the victims. In an ABC interview, he supported chants against Mike Pence.

---

by Terry Hansen
      Guest Commentary

---

---

On January 6, 2021, Daniel Rodriguez repeatedly drove a stun gun into the base of police officer Michael Fanone's skull, causing him to lose consciousness and suffer a heart attack.  Rodriguez was sentenced to over 12 years in prison, and the judge called him “a one-man army of hate."

After his blanket pardon of Rodriguez and his fellow cop-beaters, Trump claimed these violent felons did not attack anyone, and that, in fact, they were the ones who had been attacked.  He further stated that pardoning them was "a great thing for humanity."  

In an interview with ABC's Jonathan Karl, Trump even defended the rioters' "Hang Mike Pence!" chants.

Trump asserted: “Well, the people were very angry. ... It’s common sense, Jon.  It’s common sense that you’re supposed to protect.  How can you, if you know a vote is fraudulent, right, how can you pass on a fraudulent vote to Congress?”

"Trump derangement syndrome" is a term of propaganda coined to discourage the American people from examining the appalling statements and decisions for which Trump is responsible.

A central tragedy in American politics is the success of figures such as House Speaker Mike Johnson (R-LA) and Vice President JD Vance in constructing narratives that normalize Trump's egregious behavior.

For example, Johnson claims that Donald Trump should be the leading candidate for the Nobel Peace Prize—a man who boasted that other countries are “kissing my a**,” and who chose as his ambassador to Israel Mike Huckabee.  Notably, Huckabee has stated  that "there is no such thing as a Palestinian."

The danger to America lies not in outrage at Trump’s conduct, but in the silence that so often greets it.

---

More Editorial Viewpoints

---

TAGS: Trump pardons, Jan 6, Political controversy, Mike Johnson, JD Vance, Trump rhetoric

The Sentinel On This Day | November 10

In a month marked by remembrance and gratitude, we revisit stories that defined our region — local sports state championship runs, celebrating Thanksgiving, and spotlighting moments of unity, resilience, and spirited debate.

From local news, features, and community events to politics, and Opinion-Editorial viewpoints, discover archived posts published on November 10 in previous years, offering a rich tapestry of life in Champaign County and the broader community, curated by The Sentinel. Here are the headlines from local news, sports, community events, and editorial viewpoints in and around Champaign-Urbana.

Editor's pick from this day ~

Photo provided

Baby on the way? 5 ways to prepare first-time siblings

BRANDPOINT MEDIA - Welcoming a baby to the family can be an exciting time, but it also impacts the existing family dynamic and lifestyle. First-time siblings may be overwhelmed and confused by these sudden changes that come with a new baby.

However, parents can help soon-to-be siblings get ready for the changes ahead. Check out these five tips that can help children prepare for becoming first-time siblings.

Learn all five ways to prepare siblings for a new baby brother or sister

---

Featured photo on this day ~

PhotoNews Media/Clark Brooks

St. Joseph-Ogden won the first-round IHSA playoff game easily over West Frankfort, 48-0. The victory lined up a second-round game against Illini Prairie Conference foe Unity. See more great Sentinel photos from the game.

---

Sentinel Article Archive for November 10

---

Loading posts from this day…

---

~ More Articles ~

November 9 Archives

November 11 Archives

Pro tennis action continues at Atkins Tennis Center today

Qualifying rounds at Champaign-Urbana pro tennis tournament continues today at Atkins Tennis Center. Players from around the globe look to make it into the main draw.

---

CHAMPAIGN - The qualifying round at the Paine Schwartz Partners Challenger continues today at the Atkins Tennis Center. The indoor hard-court tournament runs this week in Champaign-Urbana with a mix of emerging talents and seasoned tour veterans competing for valuable ATP ranking points.

Today's opening draw for the the Paine Schwartz Partners Challenger starts at 10 a.m.

General admission is $10 per person.

Hosted at the University of Illinois’ premier tennis facility, the Champaign Challenger continues to serve as a key late-season stop on the U.S. circuit, offering players a final chance to improve rankings before year’s end and giving local fans an up-close look at future stars of the sport. Follow the tournament online for the Paine Schwartz daily draw.

Monday, November 10 Schedule

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

[3] Jacob Brumm (USA) vs [7] Ryan Fishback (USA)
[4] Shunsuke Mitsui (JPN) vs Ozan Baris (USA) or [10] Ryan Seggerman (USA)
[2] Quinn Vandecasteele (USA) or [Alt] Alex Kobelt (USA)
        vs [WC] Jeremy Zhang (AUS) or [11] Enzo Wallart (USA)

Not Before 3:00 p.m.
Alfredo Perez (USA) vs Jay Friend (JPN)

Not Before 6:00 p.m.
Keegan Smith (USA) vs [WC] Adam Jilly (HUN)
[WC] Oliver Okonkwo (GBR) vs [Alt] Adhithya Ganesan (USA)

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

[1] Lui Maxted (GBR) vs [WC] Marcel Latak (USA) [5] Peter Bertran (DOM) or [Alt] Taym Al Azmeh (GER) vs [Alt] Tom Hands (GBR) or [9] Maik Steiner (GER) [6] Pablo Martinez Gomez (ESP) or [WC] Mathis Debru (FRA)
vs Noah Zamora (USA) or [12] Brandon Perez (VEN)

Not Before 3:00 p.m.
Alex Martinez (ESP) vs [7] Saba Purtseladze (GEO)

Not Before 5:00 p.m.
[JR] Hoyoung Roh (KOR) vs [4] Murphy Cassone (USA)

---

More Local Tennis Articles

---

Tags: Paine Schwartz Partners Challenger Champaign 2025, ATP Challenger Tour Illinois tennis tournament, Atkins Tennis Center Champaign tennis matches, professional men’s indoor hard court tennis, University of Illinois ATP Challenger event, emerging ATP tennis players in Champaign

From Doorbusters to Discounts: Shoppers turn Black Friday into a strategic savings season

Once a one-day shopping event, Black Friday has evolved into a month-long season of rolling discounts and online deals. Research from TopCashback shows most shoppers now prefer the flexibility of longer sales.

---

Family Features - Once a one-day shopping extravaganza defined by long lines and doorbuster deals, Black Friday has transformed into a season of rolling discounts and fading excitement.

Photo: Ashkan Forouzani/Unsplash

Shoppers are changing tactics for taking advantage of Black Friday deals. The emotional rollercoaster of Black Friday remains while shoppers have become more aware of the marketing tactics to get them to buy more.

According to new research from TopCashback, nearly 7 in 10 Americans no longer consider Black Friday a one-day event, viewing it instead as a month-long shopping season. Only about one-third still see it as a single-day tradition. More than half of respondents said they now shop online instead of in stores, and 43% start scouting deals in early November.

Findings suggest Black Friday's sense of urgency has shifted, replaced by a steady flow of rolling discounts and digital promotions. What was once a race for the best bargains has become a marathon for savings.

The evolution of Black Friday appears to be changing how people spend, too. While 18% of shoppers said they spend less now than they did five years ago, another 18% said their habits haven't changed much. Only 3% reported spending more. For many, the shift seems to be less about budget and more about timing.

Asked whether they'd prefer Black Friday return to a single-day event, 44% said they like having more time to shop, while 26% said a one-day version would feel "less overwhelming." The rest simply don't mind either way.

"Consumers are rethinking how they approach major sales events," said Destiny Chatman, consumer analyst at TopCashback. "They still want value, but they're less willing to be rushed. The new Black Friday is about planning, timing and feeling in control of spending."

---

Photo: CardMapr.nl/Unsplash

Black Friday shopping has morphed into a strategic, less impulsive shopping event. Nearly one-third of shoppers say they are proud of the deals they score from Black Friday sales.

---

The research also found shoppers are increasingly aware of the marketing tactics behind the hype. Two-thirds said they believe brands create fake urgency around Black Friday, and another 30% said they think it happens "sometimes." Despite the skepticism, most still admit deep discounts drive their decisions - nearly 87% said upfront savings are their top motivator, compared with just 6% who said they're most influenced by cash back or rewards.

Still, money-back incentives aren't without impact. Four in 10 respondents said they've made a purchase specifically because cash back was offered, and about half said they'd consider choosing a smaller discount if it came with meaningful rewards. Electronics and tech ranked as the top categories where shoppers expect to earn the most cash back, followed by fashion and beauty.

Even with the season stretching longer, the emotional rollercoaster of Black Friday remains. Most respondents said they feel neutral after shopping while 33% said they feel proud of the deals they scored. Smaller groups reported guilt or regret after their purchases.

---

For all its changes, Black Friday still reflects the psychology of modern spending: the balance between excitement and restraint, hype and habit.

---

Impulse buying persists with more than 62% saying they occasionally buy things they didn't plan to, and nearly 1 in 5 said it happens most years. Still, only 5% said they always feel pressured by sales, though 39% said they sometimes do.

For 68% of shoppers, seeing a huge percentage off is what makes them feel best about spending. Another 8% said they enjoy feeling like they "beat the system" and 7% said earning cash back brings them satisfaction.

"People want to feel proud about their spending," Chatman said. "They're realizing that a good deal isn't just about price in this economy. It's about timing, confidence and getting something that feels worthwhile."

If Black Friday disappeared altogether, 55% of Americans said they'd be indifferent. Only 31% said they'd be disappointed while 13% admitted they'd feel relieved to skip the pressure.

For all its changes, Black Friday still reflects the psychology of modern spending: the balance between excitement and restraint, hype and habit. Experts say shoppers can make the most of the season by planning ahead, comparing prices over time and focusing on rewards that add long-term value rather than chasing every flash sale.

"Black Friday isn't gone; it's simply grown up," Chatman said. "Today's shopper is more strategic, less impulsive and more aware of what makes a deal truly worth it."

---

More Holiday Stories

---

TAGS: Black Friday 2025, Holiday Shopping Trends, Retail Consumer Behavior, Online Shopping Statistics, Cash Back and Rewards