The Tribune

By BRENT STUBBS

Senior Sports Reporter

bstubbs@tribunemedia.net

FRESH from his graduation from college, Kevin 'KJ' Major couldn't ask for a better way to start his professional career.

One week after he was done with his two-year sting at Seminole State College Oklahoma, Major was on the court competing in the USTA National Men's Open in Fort Lauderdale, Florida where he won the singles title with an impressive 6-4, 6-2 win over Charlie Force in the final on Friday.

Major, 23, advanced to the final by upsetting top seed Charlie Sullivan 3-6, 6-1, 6-4 in the semi-final. Before that, Major won 6-2, 6-0 over No.9 seed Jesse Ross in the quarter-final. He won his second round match 6-3, 6-2 over Gabriel Keymer and he opened up the tournament with a 6-2, 6-4 win over Jack Vance.

Looking at his performance, Major said it was definitely the kind of debut that he anticipated.

"This was the cleanest I've played in a while so winning the tournament was just keeping my mind stress free while playing to deal with tough situations easier made the difference," Major told The Tribune about his performance.

"I was really pleased with what I have achieved.

With his first victory under his belt, Major said he will contemplate his future. He said he's not sure when he will compete again on the pro circuit. But he indicated that based on his success in his first tournament, he's confident that he can make an impact as he looks to become the next to excel at the pro level.

However, Major Jr said he will skip the trip to Escazu, Costa Rica for the American Zone III Davis Cup Tie May 28 to June 2.

He said he prefers to take the time to work on improving on his pro career. He anticipates that he will need the time to get fully acclimated to the environment of competing as a pro.

Since 2013, Major Jr has played in 12 matches in three Davis Cup ties for the Bahamas, compiling a 4-7 win-loss record in singles and was 1-0 in doubles.