Battle of friends in Iowa Open

CEDAR RAPID  -- Brady Anderson and Jackson Hoyt have known each other for a long time. They grew up together and are neighbors.

Anderson, 17, and Hoyt, 15, have played tennis for a long time and faced each other Friday in the 18-and-under singles final in the Baird Iowa Open tennis tournament at Veterans Memorial Tennis Center.

“This was our first match against each other,” said Anderson, who defeated Hoyt, 6-1, 6-3.

Hoyt said he didn't expect to win since he was much younger than his competition in the division.

 “It was a good experience,” Hoyt said.

Hoyt wasn't bitter about the loss. He was glad to have made it to the finals match and happy for Anderson's success. They've always been close.

“He's like my brother,” Anderson said.

Anderson goes to Linn-Mar, and Hoyt attends Washington.

“We've played together before,” Anderson said, “but not in a tournament.”

Even though they know each other well, both focused on their own efforts.

“My semifinal match was my longest match,” Hoyt said. “It was a close one.”

The friends worked hard to earn each point in the finals, too.

“It was hard,” Anderson said, “but at the same time it was fun.”

Although this was their first official meeting, the two knew what to expect.

“I knew a lot of his weaknesses,” Hoyt said.

Anderson has had a lot of success playing tennis, especially in the Iowa Open.

“I've played in this tournament before,” Anderson said, “and won it a couple of times.”

Anderson is playing in men's open singles this weekend and has several other tournaments planned before school starts. Hoyt said he is essentially done for the summer.

The adult divisions continues through Sunday.