News & Features
Special Feature
Major Statement for NCAA Tennis
by
Harry Cicma, 4 April 2008
Special from
NBCSports.com Novak Djokovic's second round 7-6(1), 3-6, 6-4 loss to South African Qualifier Kevin Anderson in Miami is not only a monumental upset, but also a major statement for NCAA College tennis.
Former
Illinois star Anderson defeated Djokovic
© Doug Wrege, TennisRecruiting.net
While many top tennis players are opting to skip college to hit the tour, Anderson proves that at least spending a few years on the NCAA circuit can help build much needed strength and match toughness. The former
Illinois star didn't win the national collegiate singles title last season - dropping a 7-6, 5-7, 6-3 decision to
Virginia's Somdev Devvarman.
So what does that say about NCAA tennis? A player who doesn't win an NCAA turns around and takes down the hottest player in men's tennis less than a year later?
It proves that these former college players can hang with anyone. Just ask Bobby Reynolds (Vanderbilt), Amer Delic (Illinois) and the Georgia Bulldog Jon Isner - all of whom are safely in the top 115 on tour - and rising.
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