Michigan

A Banner Year For University of Michigan Tennis Entering NCAA Championships

May 3, 2024 by Admin

Kari Miller - Women's Tennis - University of Michigan Athletics

The University of Michigan Women’s Tennis team has marked a historic achievement by securing its highest ranking ever in the NCAA Tournament. This article delves into the numerous accomplishments and critical statistics that underline this significant milestone in the program’s history.

Each section below will provide an in-depth look at different aspects of the team’s recent successes, from their remarkable win streaks to individual accolades and future matchups in the NCAA Tournament.

2023 NCAA Tournament Ranking: Historical Achievement

The Michigan women’s tennis team has reached a new pinnacle in its storied history, becoming the No. 3 seed in the NCAA Tournament. This ranking is the highest the program has ever achieved. As the No. 3 seed, the team is set to host the first and second rounds of the tournament, providing them with a home-court advantage that could be pivotal in their quest for the championship.

Big Ten Tournament Success: Third Consecutive Title

Michigan’s journey to the top seed was bolstered by their performance in the Big Ten Tournament, where they clinched their third consecutive title. The victory came after a challenging match against Ohio State, culminating in a 4-2 win. This win not only emphasized their dominance in the Big Ten but also extended their winning streak to 18 consecutive matches.

Season Performance: Impressive Record

Throughout the season, the Wolverines have demonstrated exceptional prowess on the court. With an overall record of 26-3 and a national ranking of No. 2, they have solidified their reputation as one of the top teams in the country. The team’s success this season is a testament to their hard work, strategic play, and the effective leadership of their coaching staff.

Upcoming NCAA Matches: Opening Rounds

The NCAA Tournament opens this weekend at the Varsity Tennis Center in Ann Arbor. Michigan, ranked No. 2 nationally, will face Chicago State, the Horizon League champions, in their first match. This match-up is crucial as it sets the stage for Michigan’s pursuit of the NCAA championship, scheduled for May 17-20 at Oklahoma State.

Coaching and Leadership: Guiding Excellence

Ronni Bernstein, the head coach of the Michigan women’s tennis team, has been named the Big Ten Coach of the Year for the third consecutive season. Her leadership and strategic insights have been pivotal in guiding the Wolverines to their current high standing. Under her direction, the team has cultivated a culture of excellence and competitiveness.

Key Players: Standout Athlete

Kari Miller, playing No. 1 singles, has had a standout season with a 28-7 record. Her performance has earned her the title of Big Ten tennis Athlete of the Year. Miller’s contributions at the top of the lineup have been crucial in securing victories throughout the season, making her a central figure in the team’s success.

Michigan Men’s Tennis: NCAA Tournament Participation

Not to be overshadowed, the Michigan men’s tennis team has also made significant strides this season. Having reached the NCAA Tournament for the eighth consecutive time, they are set to face Binghamton in the first round. This match will take place at Columbia University, where the winner will advance to the next round against either No. 8 Columbia or Quinnipiac.

This historic achievement underscores the team’s hard work and dedication to excellence in collegiate tennis, for fans and supporters looking to celebrate and engage further with Michigan sports, Michigan sportsbook promos offer intriguing opportunities to participate in the excitement.

Venue and Public Engagement: Accessibility and Support

Admission to the NCAA Tournament matches hosted by Michigan is free, ensuring that all fans and supporters have the opportunity to watch the games and support their team. This open access is expected to draw large crowds, boosting the team’s morale and providing a home-field advantage that could be crucial in their pursuit of the championship.

Broader Implications: Legacy and Influence

The achievements of the University of Michigan’s women’s tennis team extend beyond their current season. They are setting a new standard for future teams and are having a profound impact on the broader landscape of collegiate tennis. The success of this season could very well influence the recruitment, training, and strategy of collegiate tennis programs nationwide.

Georgia’s Ethan Quinn, Down Quadruple Match Point, Wins All-Time Classic NCAA Singles Final

May 27, 2023 by Admin

By Randy Walker

@TennisPublisher

They say a cat has nine lives.

How many lives does a dog have? Or a Georgia Bulldog tennis player playing in the NCAA Championships?

In the case of Georgia Bulldog Ethan Quinn, the answer is five….as in match points saved en route to winning the 2023 NCAA singles championship at the USTA National Campus in Lake Nona, Florida.

Quinn pulled off one of the most incredible comebacks in the history of this event that started in 1883 when he fought his way back from being quadruple match down to dig out a 6-7(2), 7-6(5), 6-2 victory over University of Michigan’s Ondrej Styler in the NCAA singles final.

Quinn was one point from losing the final four times when Styler served at 5-4, 40-0, meaning Styler had four straight match points including the sudden-death deuce point that is used in college tennis. Quinn fought through each opportunity, capped with a forehand mishit from Styler. Quinn, from Fresno, Calif., was able to fight to win the second-set tiebreaker and play aggressive tennis in the third set to prevail and win Georgia’s fifth NCAA singles championship.

“I was as close as I could possibly have been to winning this match,” said Styler, a senior from the Czech Republic.

The No. 2-seeded Quinn was an escape artist for his entire six-day run to the championship, saving a match point in his first round 6-7(7), 6-2, 7-5 win over Luc Fomba of TCU (at 4-5, deuce in the third set), while also winning close matches in the round of 16 against Nishesh Basvareddy of Stanford (6-3, 4-6, 7-5) and the semifinals against Chris Rodesch of Virginia (2-6, 6-2, 6-4.)

“I guess I’d already been in that situation before, so definitely … It was something I was used to, I guess,” said Quinn trying to explain how he was able to escape defeat against Styler. ” I wouldn’t say used to, but I had already seen it before. Knowing that I’ve been in that position before, I could just continue playing the way I’ve been playing. I’d been in a lot of return games early in the match, throughout the entire match.”

Quinn actually jumped to an early double-break lead at 5-2 but was unable to serve out the first set on two occasions, then lost the first set tiebreaker. Styler performed one of the great acts of sportsmanship when he gave Quinn the point for a double-break lead when facing break point down 2-4 on a call that was called out, but was clearly in.

Quinn, a 19-year-old redshirt freshman, is the fifth college freshman to win the NCAA men’s singles title, joining Jimmy Connors of UCLA (1971), John McEnroe of Stanford (1978), Cecil Mamiit of Southern Cal (1996) and Devin Britton of Ole Miss (2009).

His journey from arriving to Athens so his impressive showing at the U.S. qualifying tournament in 2022 can be read here: https://www.worldtennismagazine.com/archives/21195?fbclid=IwAR33rK2F5g_O_xhe8bc43JCfOsjjhJfxXwdwpLRHgHEXV7MhjVDv-z3EU5k

Quinn joins two Georgia Bulldog greats, Mikael Pernfors and Matias Boeker, as NCAA men’s singles champions, Pernfors winning back-to-back titles in 1984 and 1985 and Boeker winning in 2001 and 2002.

Ethan Quinn, NCAA men’s singles champion from University of Georgia

$10,000 Men’s Open Grass Court Prize Money Tournament To Be Held In Pontiac, Michigan June 20-23

May 26, 2018 by Admin

The Wessen Lawn Tennis Club, and its pristine 24 perennial rye grass tennis courts, will be hosting a $10,000 Open Grass Court Prize Money men’s singles and doubles tournament, June 20-23 in Pontiac, Michigan.

The event, which is open to all entries, will offer a first-prize of $3,000 to the singles winner, $1,500 to the singles runner-up, $750 to losing semifinalists and $500 to losing semifinalists. The doubles winners will split $1500 and the doubles runners-up will split $500.

Entries are accepted on TennisLink.com here: https://tennislink.usta.com/tournaments/tournamenthome/tournament.aspx?T=221594#&&s=1A3 or via email to Randy Walker at Rwalker@NewChapterMedia.com

The first-year event is branded the U.S. Grass Court Championships, to reflect the club’s future ambitions to one day host a bigger event, potentially a ITF Transition Tour event, ATP Challenger or ATP World Tour event.

The Wessen Lawn Club, located just 30 minutes from downtown Detroit, features 24 perennial-rye grass courts, the exact type of specific grass courts as Wimbledon. The latitude and climate of Pontiac is also very close to that of London, sitting at 42 degree latitude vs. 51 degrees latitude for London allowing for the perennial rye grass to be in the same condition as at the All England Club and providing for an excellent North American training stop for any player planning to play in Wimbledon, Wimbledon qualifying or in the Wimbledon junior championships. Many tennis observers have called the facility, including an immaculately decorated clubhouse, as one of the best tennis clubs in the country, if not the world.

The Wessen Lawn Tennis Club is an amazing and beautiful tennis club that was featured in the New York Times in 2014 here: https://www.nytimes.com/2014/07/09/sports/tennis/a-touch-of-wimbledon-in-pontiac-michigan.html

A video of the club can be found here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=snjxMgFMOtg

“We’d like to be a stop for player who want to get a few days under our immaculate grass courts before taking off on a direct flight out of Detroit to Britain,” said Bill Massie, the owner and architect of the Wessen Lawn Tennis Club to WorldTennisMagazine.com here: http://www.worldtennismagazine.com/archives/14624.

“Our goal is to get a few players who want to get while also giving other players a competitive opportunity on grass to gain experience on the surface and a chance to earn some prize money.”

For information on sponsorship, hospitality, tickets, pro-am and recreational tennis opportunities on the grass courts during the event, contact Randy Walker at 917 770 0843 or Rwalker@NewChapterMedia.com