Playing as a wildcard entry, Dietrich pushed the event's No. 3 seed, Martin Verkerk, before bowing 6-4, 7-6 (0) in first-round action. Ranked No. 123 in the world, Dietrich gave a good account of himself against the talented Netherlands native.
"Mark [Dietrich] played a good match today," Tennessee associate head coach Chris Mahony said. "He was up against one of the better players in the tournament in No. 3 seed Martin Verkerk. Mark's composure was very good, and he even served for the second set at 5-3. Unfortunately he was unable to capitalize, and you generally only get one chance against [such a strong opponent]. Just to put himself in that position against such a good player is a very good achievement."
UT's Simon Rea, also a wildcard entry, will play his first-round match today against American Paul Goldstein. While attending Stanford from 1995-1998, Goldstein was a four-time NCAA All-America and was a member of four NCAA championship teams. Once ranked as high as No. 69 in the world, Goldstein currently holds a No. 173 world-ranking and is a regular on the ATP Tour.
Former Vol and current UT volunteer assistant coach Chris Woodruff teamed with Vol sophomore Mark Henderson as a wildcard doubles team. Their attempt to qualify for the main doubles draw came up empty, however, as they fell 6-4, 6-3 to the Polish tandem of Mariusz Fyrstenberg and Marcin Matkowski.