In the midst of the beautiful River Oaks neighborhood in Houston, Texas, you will find a prestigious Country Club. For one week a year, a highly esteemed international tennis tournament takes place here. The ATP tournament I’m referring to is the U.S. Men’s Clay Court Championship held at the River Oaks Country Club. Founded in 1910, this tournament is now the only clay court tournament of this level remaining in the United States making it a truly unique experience for American tennis fans.
Since the year of its inception this clay court tournament become more and more popular because American players have dominated the final. Former champions include players such as Jimmy Connors, Andre Agassi, Michael Chang, Jim Courier and Andy Roddick. Besides the American contingent, international players such as the Swede, Mats Wilander, the Top 20 German Tommy Haas and former World No. 1 Lleyton Hewitt from Australia, have conquered the clay in Houston.
John Isner, America’s current No. 1 player, is the defending Champion in Houston. The runner up in 2012, Isner defeated the Spaniard Nicolas Almagro (No. 20 in the world) in last year’s final 6-3, 7-5. Winning his first clay court tournament was an encouraging sign going into the clay court season, especially considering he defeated one of the clay court specialists on tour.
A rematch in the final between the two won’t happen unfortunately, considering they are both placed in the upper half of the draw. If all goes to plan however, the number 1 seeded Isner will meet Almagro in the semi-finals. Over the course of this week, tennis fans will get the chance to see some great matches between some of the best clay court players (especially from Spain), feature the likes of Tommy Robredo, Fernando Verdasco and Feliciano Lopez. Don’t worry there will also be plenty for American fans to cheer about with Sam Querrey, Jack Sock, Donald Young and Michael Russell taking their shots at the title as well.
