Strode Wins US Open National Playoffs

grad Blake Strode is going to the US Open.

Competing at the US Open National Playoffs, held at the Connecticut Tennis Center at Yale University in New Haven, CT this weekend, Strode defended his title from his last year with a rain delayed 7-6, 7-6 win over Nathan Healey of Wyomissing, PA. Strode fought off set points in the first set and came within three points of losing the second set.

With the win, Strode has also earned a wild card into the US Open qualifying tournament.

"This is what what I wanted, so I'm happy to be here," said Strode.

The men’s final was delayed by more than two hours due to rain, with Strode serving at 1-1, 40-0. Play was moved indoors and the quick courts led to easy service holds throughout the set, with no break point opportunities.

In the tiebreaker, both players held mini-break advantages on several occasions. Strode was the first to hold a set point opportunity at 6-5, and then Healey had his own opportunity to close things out at 8-7. In the end, a backhand sent wide from Healey at 9-8 wrapped up the opening set.

“Honestly, that tiebreak is a blur now,” said Strode. “There was a goofy volley on set point that I missed and some bad calls on both sides. I was just able to hang on in the end.”

A forehand winner from Strode in the opening game of the second set gave him an immediate service break off Healey’s serve. The Aussie veteran had a break point opportunity at 3-2 in the second set, but was unable to convert.

With Strode serving for the championship at 5-4, the timing on his shots began to abandon him. A forehand error on Healey’s first break point opportunity leveled the match at 5-5, but a backhand passing shot in the next service game gave Strode the break back at 6-5. Serving for the match once again, Strode was unable to convert and another tiebreak took place.

“It was more that he played a couple of very good return games rather than me choking or missing easy shots,” said Strode. “That made it easier to put it behind me.”

The players remained on serve in the tiebreaker until 4-4, when a slice backhand into the net from Healey gave Strode the mini-break. On his first match point at 6-4, a backhand sent long from Healey wrapped up the match and secured Strode a spot in the US Open qualifying draw.

“It’s really cool to be the inaugural champion and then come back to win it again,” said Strode. “I’m just really glad they have this because it’s gotten me into the US Open twice now!”

The US Open qualifying tournament will be held from August 23-26 at the USTA Billie Jean King National Tennis Center in Flushing, NY. The US Open National Playoffs for the mixed doubles event will be held at the Connecticut Tennis Center at Yale University in New Haven, CT, from August 24-27. Strode has also qualified for this event.