← Sidebar

Tim Smyczek vs Donald Young will play first round in Atlanta. Just out of curiosity I checked the head to head and was surprised to learn these two have played against each other sixteen times already!

That’s right – 16. The first thirteen meetings were in ATP qualifying, Challengers and one Futures back in 2007. The most recent three all were contested last year on the ATP Main Tour.

Young won the first four meetings in straight sets. Then Smyczek finally got on the board in 2009 at the Winnetka Challenger, winning 62 76. Young regained the mental edge by winning the next two meetings in three sets in 2010 and then Smyczek regained the edge winning the next two. Overall, Young leads the sub ATP Tour matches head to head 8-5.

Young and Smyczek battled three times last year in Delray Beach, Houston and Atlanta. Smyczek won the first two matches – 16 76 62 in Delray and 62 64 in Houston and then Young won a thriller in Atlanta one year ago 46 76 63.

The all time overall head to head (not counting any junior duels) stands at 9-7 for Young.

Today’s contest, the seventeenth overall over the last decade, will be more important for the 29 year old Smyczek who has dropped down to 194 in the world. Young, 28, has had a pretty good season, beating John Isner for the first time in Memphis and reaching the Roland Garros doubles final, to sustain his singles ranking at typical 51.

Donald Young vs Tim Smyczek may not get the fanfare or media glory but it’s one of the best little-known rivalries in professional tennis.

Atlanta · ATP · Donald Young · Smee

<< Atlanta Final: The Isner vs Harrison Rivalry

Arthur Ashe Challenged Billie Jean King’s Equal Prize Money Crusade >>