Divisions: Men's Open Singles, Men's 35 singles
Open Singles: 1st Round lost to Rikard Ekstrand 6-1,6-1
35 Singles: Quarterfinals d. Kent Liu 6-1,6-2; Semifinals d. Angel Mollo (2) 6-4,4-6,6-3; Finals lost to Glen Erickson (1) 6-3,6-2
July 23, 2000 GLENDORA, CALIFORNIA: Enduring the hottest days of the LA summer, Harper made it all the way to the finals of the 35's before falling to the gritty journeyman Glen Erickson in the finals.
Harper's first match was against Kent Liu of Santa Monica. Harper got off to a good start and played steady tennis to notch a 6-1, 6-2 victory. "I actually felt like I played pretty well," Liu commented, "but Pat seemed to capitalize on every opportunity and won the big points."
In the semifinals Harper faced #2 seed Angel Mollo. After opening a 6-4, 3-0 lead, Harper dropped the second set 6-4 before winning the match 6-3 in the third. "Angel got a lot of balls back," said Harper. "Every time I thought the point was over he made me play one more ball." Mollo added, "Pat served better in the third set and got a lot of free points. I think that made a difference."
In the finals, Harper faced Glen Erickson, ranked #1 in Southern California and top 5 in the nation. Relentlessly attacking the Erickson backhand, Harper had some success but ultimately Erickson pulled it out 6-3, 6-2. "I was happy with my play today," Harper noted. "I was very patient and did not try to force the points, and I actually got some errors from Glen on the long rallies. My slice backhand was very effective. In the end, he was still too steady for me... this time."
Harper kisses trophy after reaching finals of Glendora Championships
(pictured with champion Glen Erickson, r.)