TC Plus Match of the Day: Duckhee Lee v. Dennis Novikov, French Open Q

Each weekday, we'll preview one must-see match that you'll find on Tennis Channel Plus, the digital network for the devoted tennis fan. To subscribe to Tennis Channel Plus, go to BuyTCPlus.com

While the majority of our Tennis Channel Plus Match of the Day articles focus on the match-up, today's is more about the contestants. One of them, specifically: Duckhee Lee. The 19-year-old's low ranking (No. 242) and nearly non-existent career ATP record (0-1) wouldn't normally put him in the spotlight, but for the fact that Lee is deaf.

In spite of his disability, the South Korean has excelled in tennis, already reaching a level of competition few would have ever expected. He will continue remain an inspiration to countless individuals no matter how his professional career turns out.

For more on Lee's incredible story, watch the following video feature:

Lee, along with everyone in this week's French Open qualifying tournament, will need to win three matches to reach the main draw of the clay-court Slam. Going on recent history, Lee seems a long shot to do so—he's lost his last three matches, all at the ATP Challenger Tour level. But earlier this year, Lee nearly qualified for a main draw at a major, in Melbourne. Only a third-round loss to Ruben Bemelmans prevented Lee from making even more history than he already has.

Standing in Lee's way at Roland Garros is Dennis Novikov, a 24-year-old American who, like his opponent, hasn't played an ATP tour-level match this season. He also hasn't played in nearly a month; his last tournament was in Leon, Mexico in late April. Novikov is 1-1 on clay this season, his two matches occurring in qualifying at the ATP event in Houston.

Lee, for his part, is just 1-3 on clay this year. Lee and Novikov have never played each other. But this match-up isn't about the numbers—or, in one way, even about the outcome. There may be more compelling contests on the first day of French Open qualifying, and players you're more likely to recognize. But if you watch one match on Monday, this is the one I suggest.

ROLAND GARROS QUALIFYING (5/21-5/25)

-Tennis Channel Plus features up to 10 courts of live action from Roland Garros Qualifying beginning Monday May 21 at 4:00am ET

ATP ROME

-Miss any of the action from Internazionali BNL d'Italia? Catch up and watch all your favorite ATP stars anytime and on-demand on Tennis Channel Plus

*Matches subject to change

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