University of Tennessee Athletics
Two VFLs Set To Compete In the Australian Open
January 16, 2020 | Men's Tennis
KNOXVILLE, Tenn. – The main draw for the Australian Open men's singles competition was released Thursday, featuring two VFLs, Tennys Sandgren and JP Smith.
Sandgren enters the open off strong US Open and Wimbledon performances in the most recent Grand Slam events. The Gallatin, Tenn., native reached the fourth round at the All England Club in June and the third round at the US Open in August.
In 2018, Sandgren posted his best performance in a Grand Slam at the Australian Open, reaching the quarterfinals. Along the way he beat Jeremy Chardy, Stan Wawrinka, Maximilian Marterer and Dominic Thiem.
His first round opponent will come from the men's qualifying singles which is currently underway.
Smith is back in the singles competition at his home open for the first time since 2013 after he won an Australian Open playoff in December, earning a wildcard berth.
The Townsville, Australia native has played men's doubles at the Australian Open each season since 2012. Smith's opening round match will be against Guido Pella, the world's 25th-ranked player.
Main draw action will begin Monday, Jan. 20.
To stay up-to-date on all things Tennessee Tennis and track Sandgren and Smith through the Australian Open, follow @Vol_Tennis on Twitter and Instagram.
