Tariq Simons Earns First Professional Tennis Win
Tariq Simons has reflected on claiming his first professional victory after defeating American Mitchell Dobek in the opening round of the Bermuda World Tennis Open 2.
The Bermudian wild-card entrant won 7-6, 7-6 on Wednesday [November 4] at the WER Joell Stadium in a match that was interrupted by rain the previous day.
Play was suspended because of wet conditions before the second set could be completed. Simons returned to court the following morning and secured the win.
The result earned him his first Association of Tennis Professionals [ATP] singles ranking point.
He joins Trey Mallory and Daniel Phillips as the only active Bermudians to have earned an ATP point.
Simons, who also competed in the Bermuda World Tennis Open 1 last week, told Bernews: “These were the first two tournaments I’ve been competing to earn ATP points.
“I’ve prepped well over the past few months. It was exciting and nerve-wracking knowing what was at stake.
“Gaining a world ranking has given me probable exposure to more tournaments of this nature in the future.
“It was beautiful to be victorious. I’ve been longing for this from a young age.
“I’ve been at the pro level before but without the official ATP point.”
The Bermuda Davis Cup player was beaten in the second round yesterday, losing 7-6, 6-3 to American Rohan Sachdev.
Simons, 25, who also coaches youngsters in Bermuda, said: “It was a gruelling match. I had a few glimpses at potentially winning it.
“My opponent proved better in the key moments, which is all that matters.”
