Heo participates in Europe Futures

After debuting in the NCAA Regionals in May, former CNMI top junior player Ji Hoon Heo is now competing in the ITF Europe Futures.

“I’ve been in Europe since July 7 and been traveling and playing some tennis while on vacation as well,” Heo said in an email to Saipan Tribune.” I was at Helsinki in Finland, Copenhagen in Denmark , Lund, Bjarred, Malmo, Bastad, and Helsingborg in Sweden, and Innsbruck and Fieberbrunn in Austria.”

“I played a local tournament in Helsingborg, Sweden but had to default after my first match because I had to leave for Austria. They did the planning of the matches quite late and I could play only one match so I gave it away in the middle of the match when I was winning,” Heo added.

In Austria, the 19-year-old Heo joined the Austria F3 Futures 2011, which awards $10,000 to the winner. Heo was in the qualifying draw of the clay tournament at the Tennisclub Fieberbrunn in Lauchseeweg and was pitted against the host’s Michael Eibl. The CNMI netter lost the opening set, 1-6, and was beaten in straight sets, but played better in the second set, losing by only two games, 5-7.

“The Austrian I played against was much better moving around and playing on clay. I didn’t play so well, but it was a good experience. I was down 5-1 and caught up to 5-5, but made a few stupid mistakes to lose the second set,” Heo said.

The CNMI bet also joined the doubles competition and teamed up with the U.S.’ Cameron Spearman. Heo and Spearman bowed to Czech Republic’s Marek Michalicka and David Pultr, 6-1, 3-1 (retired).

Next up for Heo will be next month’s Slovakia F1 Futures 2011 in Piestany, Slovak Republic, but he will be in Germany first to train and watch a couple of games at the German Open.

“I’m heading to Germany to train a bit in Braunschweig as well as watch the German Open Tennis Championships 2011 (ATP 500) tournament in Hamburg. After that I’ll head to the Czech Republic to train with my fellow HPU teammate for a bit and play another futures in Slovakia. This is also a $10,000 event that gives out ranking points. I’ll play in the qualifying draw again and hopefully make the doubles as well,” the Marianas High School graduate said.

ITF Futures are series of tennis tournaments held by the ITF Men’s Circuit throughout the world. It allows players to win career titles and improve their rankings. The events also hold qualifying rounds for players who are not ranked, but want to gain ATP ranking points.