Sarkissian wins under pressure in hot Oknagan sun
It was definitely a hot ticket, blazing Okanagan sun or not. The 2017 Capri-Aviva Kelowna Futures had come down to the final two, No. 1 seed Alexander Sarkissian of the U.S. and No. 3 seed, Canada’s own Filip Peliwo.
For the first time the two professionals met in a finals with the large (and boisterous) crowd on hand expecting a display of skill and finesse. They were not disappointed. The first set got off to an even start with Peliwo and Sarkissian trading both points and games. Eventually, Sarkissian gained the upper hand seeing his points turn into wins, frustrating Peliwo who fell in the opener 6-2. With the second set now do or die for Peliwo, it was obvious he felt heat even beyond the 35 C that had registered at centre court. He doubled down his focus and fought back, pushing the hard-charging American for every point. Back and forth, the games went with both players keeping things close until the powerful Sarkissian finally managed to score a break. In the end, it was enough and Sarkissian took the second set, winning the match and the championship 6-2, 6-4.
But it wasn’t all bad news for Peliwo. On Friday, Peliwo and partner Ronnie Schneider of the USA took the Kelowna Futures doubles championship with a win over Jody Maginley of Antigua/Barbuda and Mark Whitehouse of Great Britain 7-5, 6-4.
Both Peliwo and Sarkissian are headed to the Saskatoon Futures event next and continuing in the hunt for more ATP points in hopes of qualifying for this year’s US Open in NYC. The Capri-Aviva Kelowna Futures Tennis event will return in 2018.