Shabaz loses in U.S. Open debut

In New York, Virginia’s Michael Shabaz made history on Wednesday afternoon, and had an experience he’ll remember for the rest of his life in the process.

The junior from Fairfax became the first active UVa player to compete in a Grand Slam. Teaming with Wayne Odesnik, he played against two of the best players in American tennis in John Isner and Sam Querrey.

Shabaz and Odesnik lost 6-3, 6-4. However, that seemed almost irrelevant to Shabaz afterward.

“I think this was a great learning experience that I can take back to school,” Shabaz said. “It was definitely a lot closer than the score showed. I know this level is not too different from the top of college tennis, so I’m looking forward to definitely going this [pro] route in the future.”

Shabaz, the NCAA doubles champion last season with Dominic Inglot, had received a wild card to play in the Open with Odesnik, the No. 86-ranked player in the world.

“Michael more than held his own and proved that he can play at that level,” said Virginia coach Brian Boland, who was on hand in New York to support Shabaz, along with Wahoo alum Somdev Devvarman, who plays this evening against No. 23 Philipp Kohlschreiber of Germany. “I think it was tough for him because he had never had a chance to practice with Wayne. They were working together on the court for the first time.

“That being said, it was a great experience for him in just a tremendous environment. I’m really proud of him.”

In addition to becoming the first active Virginia player to appear in the main draw of a Grand Slam tournament, Shabaz became the first player from UVa (active or former) to play in the U.S. Open doubles main draw since Geoff Macdonald in 1982.

“He said he was nervous, but he didn’t show it,” Boland said. “He really went after his returns and was at times the best returner on the court.

“He struggled a bit with a couple of his service games, but I think the difference there was that he and Wayne hadn’t spent much time together.”

Shabaz and Odesnik were broken once in each set and couldn’t take advantage of two early break chances against Isner and Querrey. Shabaz said that facing the 6-foot-9 Isner, who has one of the hardest serves on tour, was a challenge.

“It wasn’t coming in as big as I thought it would be — it was just the trajectory,” Shabaz said. “It bounces in really high, which you’re not really used to seeing.”

Interestingly, Shabaz knew both of his opponents from his days competing against them on the junior circuit.

“To be on the court with three guys ranked in the top 100 in the world was a great learning experience for me,” Shabaz said. “Today, John and Sam showed why they are top-60 players.”