Arizona senior tennis star Colton Smith has added another accomplishment to his burgeoning résumé.
Smith claimed his first ATP Tour Challenger title Sunday, winning the Cleveland Open in Cleveland, Ohio.
Smith defeated former Texas standout Eliot Spizzirri in three sets, 6-4, 6-7 (6), 6-3.
Arizona’s Colton Smith rips a forehand during singles action against Auburn in their second-round match of the NCAA Men’s Tennis Tournament at the UA’s Lanelle Robson Tennis Center on May 4, 2024, in Tucson.
By virtue of the victory, Smith has soared in the ATP rankings, climbing 108 spots to a career-best 259th.
Smith, 21, has played in eight Challenger events. Cleveland marked his second appearance in a final.
Smith is able to participate in professional Challenger events while maintaining his college eligibility for the sixth-ranked Wildcats.
People are also reading…
Smith earned ITA All-American honors last year after advancing to the semifinals of the NCAA Singles Championship.
Arizona hosts Utah State, Loyola Marymount and Pepperdine this weekend.
Contact sports reporter/columnist Michael Lev at mlev@tucson.com.
On X (Twitter): @michaeljlev.
On Bluesky: @michaeljlev.bsky.social
