Alex Sarkissian continues climb up ATP rankings
During the past couple of months, Alex Sarkissian has been busy traveling around the world. In addition to filling his suitcase with clothes, he’s brought his tennis racquets to each destination.
Sarkissian, the former Glendale Community College standout men’s tennis player who transferred to Pepperdine University, has been competing in Assn. of Tennis Professionals tournaments. He’s enjoyed some fine moments, winning an event in Korea and then competing recently in the Claro Open in Bogata, Columbia.
Now, back on United States soil, Sarkissian has seen his recent success bump him up to 201st in the world in the latest ATP rankings with 239 points.
“There’s been so much going on and I’m just trying to get better each time out,” Sarkissian said Monday from Kentucky, where he’s taking part in the 50K Challenger Tour. “There’s been nothing but great experiences for me and I’m always learning from them.
“You are out there playing some of the top players from around the world. Right now, I’m just trying to pick up points, win some tournaments and try to earn a wild-card spot into [the Unites States Open]. Things are going well, but I’m not satisfied. I’m going to have to work even harder.”
Sarkissian, who captured the California Community College Athletic Assn. state singles championship while at Glendale in 2011 and then advanced to the NCAA Division I singles final with Pepperdine in 2014 before becoming a professional, reached the round of 16 at the six-day long Claro Open on July 23.
In order to partake in the ATP World Tour event, Sarkissian first had to win a pair of qualifying matches. He did so, topping Facundo Mena of Argentina (6-3, 6-1) and Juan Montes of Colombia (6-0, 6-3) after getting a first-round bye on July 20. Riding that momentum, Sarkissian, 25, began with a 6-3, 6-3 round-of-32 win against John Millman of Australia. He then suffered a 7-6(7-1), 3-6, 2-6 round-of-16 defeat to seventh-seeded Malek Jaziri of Tunisia on Thursday.
“I did some things well,” said Sarkissian, a Glendale resident who picked up 32 points in the tournament. “It turned out to be another great experience.
“It was awesome to be able to compete. I did my best, but just came up a little short.”
According to the California Community College Athletic Assn., Sarkissian became the first former junior college player since Brad Gilbert of Foothill to qualify for a main draw ATP event. Gilbert, who also went to Pepperdine and later enjoyed a successful professional career, accomplished the feat in 1981.
Sarkissian enjoyed a milestone moment in June, as he captured challenger tournament in Korea. The eighth-seeded Sarkissian posted a 7-6(7-5), 6-4 victory against Connor Smith of the United States in Gimcheon, Korea.
“Winning that tournament took a lot because I was facing some high-quality players,” Sarkissian said. “It was good to win the challenger and I got 80 points.
“I started to relax after winning that first round. Next thing, I was in the finals and it was a great achievement.”
Glendale Coach Bob MacKay said he’s been impressed with Sarkissian’s recent performances.
“He’s learning and continuing to grow,” MacKay said. “I’ve watched his matches on video and he’s handling himself very well.
“He’s done a lot of great things and he will continue to do so. He did the right thing with getting his education and he’s got outstanding support from his parents. I think that helps make him more relaxed.”
