The second singles match at the Stowe Mountain Lodge Classic featured the young American, Noah Rubin, and the crafty, French veteran, Jeremy Chardy. Chardy is no stranger to Stowe, having reached the finals last year at the inaugural event. Playing for a spot in the semi-finals and $5000, both players wasted no time staking their claim.

Both have good technique and power on the serve but while Rubin hits a two-handed backhand, Chardy hits a one-handed backhand and often employs the low slice to great effect. Rubin scored his first win over a top ten player when he defeated fellow American, John Isner on a similar court in Washington, DC earlier this month.

Chardy achieved a career-high ranking of #25 in 2013 so he is not to be taken lightly, especially coming off an impressive win over Grigor Dimitrov earlier this year at the Miami Open.

Both held in their opening services games, but Rubin was broken in the 4th following two double faults and two blistering service returns. Chardy faced triple break point in the 7th game, serving up 4-2. Following a double fault and several unforced errors, Chardy was broken at love.

Back on serve, both held to level the first set at five games apiece. Rubin and Chardy continued to serve huge and used the lob, drop volley and even a tweener in order to secure the lead. They remained on serve through the end of the set and played a twelve-point tie-breaker to decide it.

Rubin did not take his foot off the gas and ran away with the breaker 7-1 when Chardy double-faulted on set point. Rubin maintained the momentum hitting an incredible inside-out forehand winner and a sweet drop shot winner to claim the opening game of the second set.

Chardy persevered and held in his opening service game despite facing two break points and six deuces. Level at 1-1, Rubin faced triple break point following a double fault and was eventually broken when his forehand found the net.

Both continued to hold serve as the set progressed but the Frenchman, up a break, served for the set at 5-4. Chardy continued to unleash on the first serve and drew several errors from the American and clinched the second set with a remarkable drop shot winner.

A ten-point super tie-breaker would decide who moved on to the semis and receive a hefty paycheck. Rubin served first and it was an ace! Both players continued to play aggressively from the baseline, but that strategy did not always yield rewards.

Their shots found the net more often than they would like and each hit a double fault. It was the veteran Chardy that seized the moment with a lethal inside-out forehand winner to take the lead 7-6. Following several misses by the young American, Chardy won the super tie-breaker 10-7 and the match.