PREVIEW: James Blake Headlines Nielsen Pro Tennis Championship

Winnetka residents get an extra dose of pro tennis starting next week. In addition to watching Wimbledon, the AC Nielsen Center will be hosting the 2011 Nielsen Pro Tennis Challenger Tournament from June 26 through July 2.

As always, there are a number of household names that will be making appearances in Winnetka, including James Blake, who was once the No. 4-ranked player in the world. Here’s a preview of what to look for and who to watch in the upcoming week.

QUALIFYING ROUNDS:

Sunday’s qualifying matches are free to the public and present a great chance to see some of the up-and-coming stars from the area. New Trier High School graduate Robert Stineman received a wild card into the qualifier after winning his second straight IHSA singles championship this past year for the Trevians. Stineman will be playing for Stanford next fall as a freshman and is considered one of the best junior tennis players in the Midwest.

Also entered into the qualifier is University of Illinois rising senior Dennis Nevolo. After playing his first two years at Warren Township High School in Gurnee, Nevolo has compiled a broad range of awards in both juniors and college. He was named an NCAA All-American after reaching the round of 16 at the NCAA Championships and was a unanimous first-team All-Big Ten selection.

Along with other entrants, Nevolo and Stineman will both be vying for one of four spots in the main draw and a chance to face a number of players ranked in the Top 200 in the world.

MAIN DRAW:

The main draw of the Nielsen Pro Tennis Challenger starts on Monday morning after completing the qualifying rounds and a couple of former Top-20 players will be the headliners.

James Blake, who recently lost a tough five-set match to Marcos Baghdatis in the first round of Wimbledon, and Robby Ginepri are both recovering from injuries and trying to regain the form that made them two of the top American players of their generation. This will be Ginepri’s first tournament back on the ATP Tour after injuring his elbow last fall.

Former phenom Donald Young has played in Winnetka before and will make another appearance at the Nielsen Challenger. The 21-year-old American advanced to the semifinals in 2010 before losing to Tim Smyczek in straight sets, 6-4, 6-2.

Also returning to the Nielsen Challenger is defending champion Brian Dabul. The Argentinian defeated Smyczek in the final 6-1, 1-6, 6-1 last year.

The main draw will have an international theme to it. As of Thursday, at least half of the Nielsen field was composed of players from outside the US. Two remaining exemptions along with the four qualifying spots are still to be determined for the main tournament.

Click here for the tournament schedule and here to buy tickets to this week’s tennis tournament.