The Tribune

By BRENT STUBBS

Senior Sports Reporter

bstubbs@tribunemedia.net

Kevin Major Jr has clinched his third singles victory at the USTA Broward Summer Men's Open in Coral Springs, Florida.

On Tuesday, 24-year-old Major won the title over Ronald Hohmann 4-2, 4-1 in a shortened final set due to time constraints.

"This was good because I just came from Mexico where I spent two weeks where I qualified both weeks," said Major Jr, who lost in the second round in the first week and was eliminated by the No.2 seed in the first round.

"I played pretty well, even though I lost. I started going again and I came to Florida to get in some matches. I beat the Under-18 ITF Easter Bowl champion pretty comfortably in the final."

Looking at his performance in the tournament, Major Jr said it was pretty clean and he was happy to be playing at a faster and high base of competition, which is what he prefers.

"I'm handling pressure situations a lot better than I did before," Major Jr said.

"Everything is coming together and I'm performing the way I expected before I went to Mexico.

"This is the third tournament that I won in Florida this year and my record is 38-1, so I feel very good about where I am at right now.

"I am playing much better. I didn't have as much push as I had in the past and that is because I am getting better as a player."

Coached by Lawrence Carpio when he's in Florida training at the LAT Tennis Academy in Boynton Beach, Florida, and at the Impact Tennis Academy under coach Ricardo Demeritte Jr in Nassau, Major Jr said he's making great strides as he continues his transition from a junior to professional player.

"There are still some things I have to work on, but both of my coaches have been working with me and on the things that I need to improve on," he said. "They have been pillars in my junior and professional careers."

Major Jr hopes to be back in action in about two weeks either in Washington or Mexico. The way he's performing, he anticipates winning another title as he continues his winning streak. "I keep improving every day and when I lose, I look at it as something to chase," he said. "I feel as if I do better when I have something to play for."

After getting injured during the Bahamas Lawn Tennis Association's Giorgio Baldacci Open in December that prevented him from making another appearance on the Davis Cup team, Major Jr said he's fully healed and is playing at his best right now.