Steve Johnson Serves Up Surprises In Farmers Classic
July 26, 2010 | Men's Tennis
July 26, 2010
Recently named an ITA Collegiate All-Star, USC's soon-to-be junior Steve Johnson lived up to his billing over the weekend during qualifying competition at the Farmers Classic. The Trojan upended two solid opponents in tough three-set matches. Johnson has one more qualifying match standing in his way today in order to snag a spot in the main draw.
On Saturday, Johnson established himself as a force to reckon with when he dealt out a 4-6, 7-6 (6), 6-1 comeback win to upset sixth-seeded Marinko Matosevic of Australia. The next day, Johnson gutted out another three-setter as he fought his way to a 6-3, 3-6, 6-1 win over China's Ze Zhang. Johnson has one more Aussie to get through when he takes on Australia's Chris Guccione in the final round of qualifying today. Action is being held at UCLA's LA Tennis Center.
CLICK HERE for live scoring of Johnson's final match, which begins at 1:30 p.m. PT today (July 26).
The main draw of the Farmers Classic also is set to kick off today (July 26). Visit www.farmersclassic.com for more info on the Farmers Classic
Earlier this month, Johnson and former teammate Robert Farah - who is now competing to great success on the international pro circuit - were named to the ITA Collegiate All-Star Team. This 27th edition of the ITA Collegiate All-Star Team includes the nation's top-ranked men's and women's tennis players from the season-ending Campbell/ITA College Tennis Rankings at the NCAA Divisions I, II and III, NAIA and NJCAA levels, as well as champions from the 2009 ITA National Intercollegiate Indoor Championships and 2010 NCAA Championships. Johnson was the 2009 Indoor Champion, and Farah was the ITA National Player of the Year, finishing his Trojan career ranked No. 1 in singles. Farah and Johnson wrapped up 2010 as NCAA team champions with the Trojans, and were ranked No. 2 in the nation in doubles at the close of the year.
For more information on the ITA Collegiate All-Star Team, CLICK HERE.
Players Mentioned
