University of Tennessee Athletics
Tennis Vols Open Play at Second Annual UT Fall Classic
October 19, 2001 | Men's Tennis
Oct. 19, 2001
KNOXVILLE, Tenn.-- The second annual UT Fall Classic began well for the Volunteers Friday at the Varsity Tennis Center on the UT campus. Four Vol netters posted victories Friday to open the Classic headed by sophomore Simon Rea's first career win over a ranked player.
Rea has had an outstanding season so far and Friday he took his game to a higher level by defeating No. 95-ranked Andre Van Der Merwe of UAB in the ranked-players round robin draw. Rea seemed very pleased with his performance saying "I am very excited to get my first win over a ranked player. It has been a goal of mine to be ranked and I think this a step in the right direction." Rea continued to play well in his second match with No. 12-ranked Phil Metz of Ohio State. Rea had an opportunity to serve for the first set, but came up short 7-5, 6-4. Rea, however, was not alone, as the highly ranked Buckeye also bested No. 16-ranked Vol Mario Toledo earlier in the day 6-2, 6-4.
Vol freshman Mark Dietrich also played well Friday in the ranked draw, managing a 6-1, 7-6 victory over wildcard entry Adrian Bohane of Ohio State. Bohane had defeated Tennessee's No. 86-ranked Wade Orr in the opening round of the ranked players draw 6-4, 6-2.
"This format (ranked players draw) is a great opportunity for our players, but also a great challenge," said Tennessee head coach Michael Fancutt. "Playing match after match at this level of competition will only make our players stronger. The definite highlight of the day was Simon (Rea) getting the win over Van Der Merwe and having a good shot against Metz. I am also proud of Mark Dietrich. He has been working hard with Chris Mahony (UT assistant coach) and it just goes to show you that hard work and a good attitude pay off."
The Vols also made a good showing Friday in the main singles draw behind the fine play of senior Andy Crews and freshman Michael Maddox. Crews upset the tournament's No. 1 seed, Octavian Nicodim of Louisville 6-4, 2-6, 6-4, after beginning the day with a 6-4, 6-3 win over Tennessee Tech's Will Chappell. Maddox, who was last year's flight "B" champion at this event, also began the day with two victories. Maddox started with a 6-1, 6-2 victory over Toledo's Zach Barden, before upsetting the tournament's No. 3 seed, Pablo Sahugan of ETSU 6-4, 3-6, 7-6.
The Vols will be back in action Saturday at the Classic, with matches scheduled to begin at 9 A.M.
