Sept. 30, 2014
Tulsa, Okla. – Georgia Tech’s Nathan Rakitt and Cole Fiegel are within one win of reaching the main draw of doubles after winning two qualifying matches Tuesday at the Saint Francis Health Systems ITA All-American Men’s Tennis Championships at the University of Tulsa.
The Tech duo, ranked 57th in the nation among collegiate doubles teams, beat top-16 seed Boris Arias and Justin Butsch of LSU, 6-4, 7-5, in the opening round of qualifying, then took down NC State’s Nick Horton and Thomas Weigel, 6-3, 6-1. They face fifth-seeded Jordan Angus and Filip Vittek of the University of San Diego at 12 noon Eastern time Wednesday.
A win advances them to the main draw, where they’ll join Tech teammates Carlos Benito and Eduardo Segura, the nation’s 20th-ranked doubles team.
Rakitt and Fiegel built some momentum for themselves in doubles by winning consolation matches in singles qualifying Monday. Rakitt, ranked 76th nationally, stopped Florida’s Maxx Lipman, ranked No. 100, 6-4, 3-6, 7-6 (4) after dropping his first-round match Monday.
Fiegel bounced back from an opening loss in pre-qualifying to beat Weber State’s Stefan Cooper, 7-6 (5), 6-3, then defeated Indiana’s Daniel Bednarczyk, 2-6, 6-2, 6-1.
“I’ve been really happy with how the guys have competed out here,” said assistant coach Derek Schwandt, who is with Tech’s four veteran players in Tulsa while head coach Kenny Thorne remains in Atlanta to work with the Yellow Jackets’ four freshmen. “Eddie, Nathan, Carlos, and Cole all showed a lot of heart in their matches, and we played with solid intensity and purpose in doubles today.
“Everyone is looking forward to the team matches this spring. The important thing is for us to get a little better every day, make the most of our fall season, and continue to compete with a lot of heart. As Rafael Nadal says, `the will to win and the will to prepare are one and the same.'”
About Georgia Tech Men’s Tennis
Georgia Tech’s men’s tennis team is in its 17th year under head coach Kenny Thorne. The Yellow Jackets have played in the NCAA Championship 14 times. Connect with Georgia Tech Men’s Tennis on social media by liking their Facebook page, or following on Twitter (@GT_MTEN). For more information on Tech men’s tennis, visit Ramblinwreck.com.
