Jenkins upset highlights VNB qualifying

In the spring, Jarmere Jenkins gave strong consideration to bypassing college and turning professional.

On Saturday at the Boar’s Head Sports Club, the Atlanta native gave a glimpse why.

Participating in a first-round qualifying match at the Virginia National Bank Men’s Tennis Challenger, the UVa freshman defeated Jamie Baker of Great Britain, 7-6 (7-4), 1-6, 6-3. Baker, the 346th-ranked player in the world, was the No. 1 seed in the qualifying bracket.

“It was a great performance,” said Virginia coach Brian Boland. “It was a tremendous opportunity for him to play against a player who has been on the [pro] tour for quite some time and has a lot of experience.

“Hopefully J.J. takes a lot away from this match in what he can learn from it.”

Jenkins was one of a whopping 11 current or former Virginia players who laced it up for the qualifiers on Saturday. Seven of those 11 moved into today’s second round, which begins at 10 a.m.

Current Virginia players are allowed to compete in the event as long as they don’t accept prize money.

The main draw, which features former UVa players Somdev Devvarman and Dom Inglot, starts on Monday.

In other qualifying action, junior Sanam Singh defeated Ricardas Berankis, 6-2, 6-3, while junior Michael Shabaz beat UVa teammate Dino Dell’Orto, 6-2, 6-2.

With his victory over Baker, Jenkins advanced to face former Wake Forest standout Todd Paul today between noon and 1 p.m.

“I’ve definitely been putting in the work,” Jenkins said. “I wouldn’t say I deserve this, but I’ve definitely put in the work to come up with this win. I’m happy with how I’m playing right now.

“With the crowd on my side, it definitely gave me a lot of energy, especially after losing the second set. It really boosted me.”

Jenkins’ win was something of a warning call for the college tennis world. Jenkins, who made it to the singles finals of the prestigious Orange Bowl last December, could be the No. 3 or 4 singles player in a stacked Virginia lineup this season.

Jenkins is the top-ranked American junior player to enter college this fall and has been ranked within the top 20 in the world ITF rankings.

Last year, Jenkins played in the junior U.S. Open, junior Wimbledon and junior French Open. In 2006, he reached the doubles final of the U.S. Open Junior Championship.

Jenkins, who had never beaten a player ranked as high as Baker in his young career, displayed a solid all-court game throughout.

He was the aggressor from the baseline, came in at opportune times and mixed in some timely offensive lobs to keep Baker off balance. Jenkins also did a pretty good job of limiting his unforced errors, something Baker struggled with.

“He played an excellent first set, then kind of lost his focus a little bit,” said Boland, referring to Jenkins’ play in the second set. “When you give a top player an inch, they take a mile. The set went away very quickly, but then he was able to regain his focus very quickly in the third set.”

Jenkins, whose muscular physique resembles a football player’s, looked to be in excellent shape, which seemed to make a difference down the stretch.

“He’s worked really hard since he arrived at Virginia to become more physically fit,” Boland said. “I think he made it a big priority of his, as we have for the rest of the team, and it’s paying dividends for him.”

The match ended in strange fashion. After the final point, Baker argued with tournament officials over a comment made from a fan in the stands.

“He hit a ball that might have been close to the line and one of the fans said, ‘Out,’” Jenkins explained. “He kind of stopped playing…”

After an awkward delay, Baker, who declined comment, finally shook Jenkins’ hand.

Now, Jenkins must turn his attention to Paul, a player with whom he has a history.

In the doubles final of a USTA Futures Circuit event in Texas last February, Jenkins defeated Paul, who was playing with former Virginia star Treat Huey.

“They’re both aggressive baseliners,” Boland said. “[Paul] has a huge forehand and a pretty big serve. I think Jarmere will hopefully be able to take control of the points and play some good tennis.

“I think right now Jarmere just has to take one match at a time and look at this as an opportunity to get better against some high quality opponents. That’s the focus of all our guys this weekend.”

Despite his successful day, Jenkins said he’s glad he didn’t go the professional route.

“The academics are all they’re said to be,” he said. “I’m for sure happy that I made the decision to come to college.”