TULSA, Okla. – With three wins already under his belt,
Ivan Salec (Oroslavje, Croatia) recorded one of the most impressive victories in Radford men’s tennis history Friday, defeating Georgia’s Nate Schnugg (6-0, 6-7 (6), 6-2) in the opening consolation round of the 2009 D'Novo ITA All-American Championships main draw.
"Coach keeps telling me not to shoot until I see the whites of their eyes, and I am getting better at waiting and being patient in a point,” commented Salec, the 2008 Big South Freshman of the Year. “Schnugg is a great player, who beat me soundly when we played in the NCAA Tournament two years ago, so I knew I would have to be at my best. Fortunately I was able to come out on top this time."
Salec advanced to the main draw with wins over UCLA’s Amit Inbar (3-6, 7-5, 6-3), Virginia’s Houston Barrick (6-4, 6-0) and South Florida’s Wael Kilani, 6-1, 5-7, 7-6 (2), before falling in three sets (3-6, 6-2, 4-6) to Auburn’s top singles player, Tim Puetz, in the opening round Thursday.
"Ivan has come into his own as one of the top players not only in the Big South, but on the National Division I tennis stage," said head coach Mike Anderson. “To beat the No. 4 singles player in the country confirms that he has arrived. I am very proud of his heart and willingness to never quit. He is one tough player."
Salec's win over Schnugg marks the second time in school history a Highlander has defeated a top-five player as Martin Sayer knocked of the second-ranked singles player in 2005.
Salec returns to the court later Friday in round two of the main draw consolation bracket.
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