Rising New Zealand tennis hope GD Jones has had some good news and bad news.
Although tipped out of the Heineken Open qualifying tournament in the first round 6-3, 7-5 by Luxembourg's Gilles Muller (who is now through to today's last qualifying round), Jones can look forward to aseason on the competitive United States college circuit.
The 17-year-old Aucklander yesterday confirmed he is off to the University of Illinois on a scholarship.
He leaves on Wednesday to join the reigning college champions, and will be in action this month.
"I had offers from a number of universities but only two I considered seriously," said Jones.
"While there are no guarantees I will get to play, I'm pretty confident that will be the case," he said.
The scholarship is for between "one semester and four years".
He will do a general curriculum course for that first semester, then look at his options.
Far from downhearted over his loss in qualifying, Jones said: "I'm grateful for the opportunity. It is great to have the experience of playing in an ATP tournament."
He was joined by Daniel King-Turner as a first-round casualty.
Another New Zealander, Adam Thompson, reached the second round before bowing out - beaten 6-2, 6-3 by Muller.
Thompson surprised himself with his win over third seed Anthony Dupuis, of France, on Saturday.
After trading service games and winning the first set tiebreaker, Thompson went through when Dupuis retired.
King-Turner took the first set from fourth seed Wesley Moodie, of South Africa, dropped the second 6-3 and went out only after a third-set tiebreaker. Moodie is through to the last round today.
No qualifying was required for doubles, with a full draw of 16 being found at signing-on.
