Daily Court Report
by Walt Reese
Thursday at the Cary Tennis Classic had it all—sunshine, high-level tennis, and a crowd full of young fans soaking it all in during Kid’s Day. From the morning clinic to the final serve, the energy never let up. The day featured a special on-court clinic that gave kids a chance to rally, learn, and engage with the game in a fun, supportive setting. It was easily one of the most vibrant and feel-good days of the tournament so far.
On court, American qualifier Michael Zheng kept his strong run going with a 6-4, 6-4 win over fellow qualifier Daniil Glinka. Zheng, the NCAA Singles Champion from Columbia University, has yet to drop a set this week and now faces top seed Tristan Schoolkate in the quarterfinals. Schoolkate advanced earlier in the day with a 6-1, 3-6, 6-2 victory over American Andre Ilagan. Yibing Wu of China was solid in a 7-5, 6-2 win over 19-year-old Kaylan Bigun, while Japan’s Rei Sakamoto came from a set down to defeat Patrick Maloney 3-6, 6-1, 6-2.
On the women’s side, 17-year-old Wakana Sonobe of Japan continued her breakout performance with a 6-0, 4-6, 6-1 win over American qualifier Rachel Gailis. Sonobe, the 2025 Girls’ (Jr) Australian Open Champion, has been a crowd favorite all week and keeps finding ways to rise to the occasion. In one of the biggest upsets of the day, American qualifier Monika Ekstrand knocked out No. 5 seed Mariam Bolkvadze, 2-6, 7-6(3), 6-3. She’ll now face Elizabeth Mandlik, who came from behind to defeat fellow American Anna Rogers, 4-6, 6-2, 6-1.
In doubles, UNC’s Reese Brantmeier and Alanis Hamilton, both 2025 doubles All-Americans, delivered a dominant 6-2, 6-3 win over the tournament’s No. 2 seeds. The Tar Heel duo continues to shine in front of a supportive home crowd.
Between the clear skies, buzzing stands, and nonstop action, Day 5 had the kind of energy that makes this event special. Tennis returns tomorrow with quarterfinal showdowns and a festive Fourth of July Cookout and holiday atmosphere. If you’re looking for the perfect way to spend your holiday, there’s no better place than courtside at Cary Tennis Park. For schedules, draws, and ticket info, visithttps://carytennisclassic.com/.
