Little Rock Family Embraces Julio Peralta

Julio Peralta and the Gordon family. Megan, Julio, Sarah and David.

LITTLE ROCK, Ark. -- Part of the charm of the St. Vincent Auxiliary Men's Professional Tennis Tournament and other Futures tournaments is the accessibility of the players. Fans are very near to the action on the court. And in an attempt to make players feel at home, some fans even welcome the players as guests in their homes.

The players travel around the country and the world from hotel to hotel. The Gordon family has broken the monotony for Julio Peralta and is hosting him during the tournament. He thoroughly appreciates their generosity.

"I feel at home," Peralta said after his 6-4, 6-2 victory over Phillip Simmonds. Peralta, from Chile, was particularly pleased with a meal the family ordered from a placed called the Whole Hog Barbecue.

He also enjoyed meals from the Macaroni Grill and Izzy's.

Phillip Simmonds.