Early exits from U.S. Open are lessons for SoCal natives Aragone, Escobedo
The U.S. Open this year was a one-match experience for J.C. Aragone of Yorba Linda and Ernesto Escobedo of West Covina, who both traveled difficult roads to get even this far.
Aragone, 22, was in a coma due to multiple organ failure a little more than five years ago and deals daily with diabetes, wearing a device on his hip to monitor his blood sugar level. That level was “all over the place” on Monday, but ultimately wasn’t a factor when No. 28 Kevin Anderson of South Africa beat him, 6-3, 6-3, 6-1.
Aragone, who had to go through qualifying to get into the main draw, had to leave the court to get an insulin shot early in the match but said that wasn’t a factor in his loss. Tightness in his back was a more difficult problem, but he said he expects to be fine.
“Really, I wasn’t expecting this,” he said. “You know, it came out of nowhere. I had different plans originally and I was very fortunate to get in and make the most of my opportunity….It’s been kind of a big change of plans —and, I guess, in the best way possible.”
Aragone said he otherwise would have trained in Orlando before playing in a collegiate tournament. He played for the University of Virginia and last year worked for Chase bank before deciding he’d continue to play rather than turn to a career in finance now.
“I was just trying to enjoy my first-ever main draw of a Grand Slam, to be honest,” said Aragone, who hopes to become an advocate for fellow diabetic athletes.
Escobedo, 21, couldn’t hold off Radu Albot of Moldova, who prevailed 7-5, 4-6, 6-2, 6-4. Escobedo, who learned to play in public parks, cracked the top 100 for the first time earlier this year. He said he’s not discouraged by his early exit.
“It’s been a wonderful last year. I’ve had some great results. I’ve improved a lot as a tennis player and off the court,” he said. “I’m happy to be here. It was a tough one today but it’s okay.”
He also said some unspecified personal problems kept him from focusing as much as is required at the elite level. “Each match is a tough match. You’re not going to have any easy matches anymore,” he said. “I’m improving each day. I’ve just got to get better from here.”
More to Read
Go beyond the scoreboard
Get the latest on L.A.'s teams in the daily Sports Report newsletter.
You may occasionally receive promotional content from the Los Angeles Times.