Kozlov Beats Giron in Mason Zisette Memorial Singles Final


For the third consecutive year, the Mason Zisette Memorial Cup open prize money tournament took place at host site Peninsula Racquet Club in Rancho Palos Verdes.

There were some familiar names of top local and touring professionals as Stefan Kozlov beat former UCLA star Marcos Giron in an entertaining Men’s Open singles final, 5-7, 7-6, 10-7. In the Women’s Open Singles final, UCLA’s Ena Shibahara beat Eryn Cayetano of Corona, 6-4, 6-2.

Stefan Kozlov

West Covina ATP Touring Pro Ernesto Escobedo and Tanner Smith of USC took home the top doubles prize by beating former UCLA teammates Austin Rapp and Martin Redlicki, 4-6, 7-5, 10-6. Brynn Boren and Shibahara won the Women’s Open Doubles.

“Our goal is to make this tournament one of the most prestigious events in Southern California and to grow the event along with our lead sponsor, the Mason Zisette Memorial Foundation,” tournament director Oliver Messerli reported. “Mason Zisette was an enthusiastic Southern California junior tennis player who had a passion for family, friends and tennis.”

Mason played junior tennis in Southern California from 2006-2014. Mason was known for his infectious smile, his joy of life and being a friend to all. Through his foundation, his legacy to bring joy and healing to those in need is something his family and friends are honored to carry out. Working hand in hand with local hospitals and shelters, his legacy is creating impact. College scholarships have been awarded to deserving students and programs helping families and children in need are receiving funding as a direct result of Mason’s influence.

Men’s Open Singles Results:

F            Stefan Kozlov d. (3) Marcos Giron            5-7, 7-6, 10-7

SF          Stefan Kozlov d. Gage Brymer                  6-7, 7-5, 10-2

SF          (3) Marcos Giron d. (1) Jason Jung           7-5, 6-1

Q           Gage Brymer d. (2) Ernesto Escobedo     7-5, 6-4

Q           Stefan Kozlov d. (4) Martin Redlicki          6-2, 6-3

Q           (3) Marcos Giron d. Siem Woldeab          6-4, 6-4

Q           (1) Jason Jung d. Kent Hunter                   7-6, 7-6

Women’s Open Singles Results:

F            (4) Ena Shibahara d. Eryn Cayetano         6-4, 6-2

SF          Eryn Cayetano d. (2) Hanna Chang           7-6, 4-6, 10-5

SF          (4) Ena Shibahara d. (1) Allie Will              7-6, 6-3

Q           (2) Hanna Chang d. Julia Jordan               6-2, 6-0

Q           Eryn Cayetano d. Ayline Samardzic          6-2, 6-2

Q           (4) Ena Shibahara d. Jessi Muljat               6-1, 6-1

Q           (1) Allie Will d. Skyler Grishuk                   6-3, 6-4

Prize Money Breakdown:

Men’s Open Singles — Winner $4,000

Men’s Open Doubles — Winning Team $2,000

Women’s Open Singles — Winner $2,000

Women’s Open Doubles — Winning Team $1,000