American Roundup: Korda takes home first ATP Challenger

A group of talented Americans stepped up to the plate around the world, including in Germany, Paris, Italy and Charleston. As the end of the season comes barreling in, here are the top American movers and shakers as the tours head into their final tournaments of the year:

1

Champion, Eckental Challenger

On Sunday, Korda picked up his first professional title on the ATP Challenger tour in Eckental, Germany. The 20-year-old dropped only one set during the tournament, and finished off the final with a 6-4, 6-4 win over Ramkumar Ramanthan. He jumps up to No. 116 in the rankings.

2

Quarterfinalist, W100 Charleston

Losing after two wins may not be everyone's idea of a great tournament run, but Davis made the most of her time in Charleston. The 27-year-old won in straight sets in the first and second rounds, but fell to Katarzyna Kawa, 6-3, 6-3. It was Davis' first quarterfinal run in any tournament since the Hobart International in January. Hopefully she will carry this momentum into 2021.

Two other Americans reached the quarterfinals in Charleston, qualifier Claire Liu and Ann Li.

3

Quarterfinalist, Parma Challenger

Cressey has played mostly ATP Challengers this season, and while his quarterfinal run in Parma was not his best of the 2020 season, the 23-year-old still showed a lot fight. Cressey fought tooth and nail in his three set match against Liam Broady, coming back in the second set, but was unable to pull the win home, losing 7-6 (3), 4-6, 7-6 (2).

4

Finalist, W15

Sharm El Sheikh, Egypt

It was a tough journey to the her first ITF final at the Egypt W15, but qualifier Jessie Aney made the most of it. Along the way, the 22-year-old took down four seeded players: Solana Sierra (No. 10), Rutuja Bhosale (No. 8), Chanel Simmonds (No. 3) and Daria Mishina (No. 5). Aney is a remarkable athlete: She played for four years at the University of North Carolina, and then competed on the University of Connecticut hockey team this past season as a graduate student.

5

Semifinalist, M15 Arkansas

It was a battle of the Americans during almost all of Holt's run in Arkansas. The 22-year-old swept aside three compatriots on his way to the semifinals. Holt has played ITF-level tournaments this year and that experience will pay off in the long run. Holt is the son of Tracy Austin and is entering the pro world after a college career at the University of Southern California.