Former Hogs in ITF Futures finals

FAYETTEVILLE, Ark. — Former University of Arkansas men’s tennis players Blake Strode and Rohan Gajjar are shining early in their professional careers on the International Tennis Federation Futures tour. Strode, playing in a USA Futures event in Pittsburgh, Penn., has advanced to Sunday’s finals. In New Delhi, India, Gajjar found himself in a tournament final before falling to fellow countryman Vishnu Vardhan.“We’re very proud of these former Razorbacks,” head Arkansas coach Robert Cox said. “They’re out there, making their marks on the professional circuit.”

In only his second professional tournament since graduating from Arkansas in May, Strode defeated Matej Bocko in straight sets on Saturday in the semifinals, 6-3, 6-3. Strode, playing in his second clay tournament since turning pro, has dropped only one set in the main draw of the USA Futures tournament, to Cory Parr in the round of 32.

Strode will face Dennis Zivkovic in Sunday’s finals at 10 a.m. (CST).

Former Hog Gajjar (2003-05) also has been on the move, advancing quickly to the finals of an India Futures tournament, not losing a set until Vardhan. Vardhan proved too much for Gajjar, winning the match in straight sets, 6-4, 6-2.

For more information on Arkansas men’s tennis, log on to ArkansasRazorbacks.com.