LAS VEGAS (UNLVRebels.com) - UNLV junior Jakob Amilon dropped his first round match at the Las Vegas Tennis Open Presented by The Orleans on a sunny October Tuesday at the Fertitta Tennis Complex.

The quick, 6-0, 6-2 loss to 242nd-ranked Darian King of Barbados did not tarnish the experience of playing in an ATP Challenger Tour event for the Swede, however, who had earned a wild card into the main draw.

"He was so consistent -- wasn't missing anything â€" that was the difference today," Amilon said of King. "It's still a great experience to play guys at this level and it's a great opportunity to have this event at UNLV. I learned a lot this week and it makes me want to work even harder."

Amilon is slated to play at the top of the lineup for the Rebels when the dual-match season begins in late January. The program's former longtime No. 1 player, Ace Matias, also fell in straight sets in his Tuesday match, 6-3, 6-0 to Giovanni Lapentti of Ecaudor, who is ranked No. 213 in the world.

This year's $50,000 challenger boasts a field where the top eight seeds are ranked 150 or better, led by top-seed Austin Krajicek, who currently sits 96th in the world.

Admission to the tournament is free of charge through Thursday. The finals are scheduled for Sunday. For more information, visit www.lasvegastennisopen.com.