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: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:
[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)
