Aug. 21, 2007
FLUSHING MEADOWS, N.Y. – Former University of Notre Dame men’s tennis All-American Stephen Bass (Bronxville, N.Y.) nearly capitalized on the wild card he was given into the U.S. Open qualifying tournament, but lost Tuesday to No. 32 Bjorn Phau, 6-4, 5-7, 6-4 at the Billie Jean King National Tennis Center.
“I got close, but close isn’t winning,” Bass said.
The ’07 Notre Dame graduate staved off three set points as Phau was serving for the second set and went on to win it. He certainly had the crowd, with assistant Notre Dame coach Ryan Sachire in the bleachers of Court 8, behind him.
“I think it shows he’s capable of playing at least this level if not higher,” Sachire said.
Phau was ranked 55th on the ATP Tour last April, and won his first-round match in the main draw of the U.S. Open last year.
— ND —