By Chris Kane
Ricardas Berankis of Lithuania, the 2007 US Open Boy’s Champion, made a strong statement at the SAP Open Tuesday in San Jose, Calif., defeating former U.S. Open semifinalist Robby Ginepri of the United States in his opening match.
The 19-year-old qualifier who now resides in Brandenton, Fla., recovered from losing a first set tie breaker to win convincingly 6-7 (5-7), 6-2, 6-3.
Despite being ranked No. 255 in the world and sporting only a 2-4 lifetime record at the ATP level, Berankis played a solid attacking game to defeat Ginepri, a former world No. 15, who lost to Andre Agassi in five sets in the 2005 U.S. Open semifinals.
Upon the conclusion of the match Berankis let loose a cry of jubilation underscoring the importance of the match. He will now face German Bjorn Phau who upset No. 8 seed Jeremy Chardy of France earlier in the day in straight sets.
Berankis’ U.S. Open junior tournament victory puts him in some exclusive company. Past winners include: Andy Murray (2004), Jo-Wilfried Tsonga (2003), Andy Roddick (2000), David Nalbandian (1998), Stefan Edberg (1983) and Pat Cash (1982).