The men’s tennis team is off to a strong start in the ITA All-American Championships in Tulsa, Oklahoma, and the underclassmen continue to stand out amidst tough competition.
By the end of Day 3 (Tuesday) in the qualifying draw for singles, freshman Duarte Vale and sophomore Johannes Ingildsen had continued their winning streaks into tournament play.
So far this season, Vale and Ingildsen are the only two undefeated players on the team in singles and doubles tournament play. They both claimed titles in doubles play and Vale claimed a singles title from the Gator Ranked +1 tournament.
On Day 2 in Tulsa, Vale took down the No. 1-ranked Gergely Madarasz of Purdue in a tough three-setter, 6-0, 3-6, 6-4.
Ingildsen also found some success in his first-round match as he defeated Dominik Stary of Northwestern, 4-6, 6-3, 6-1.
In doubles play, Vale played well with junior McClain Kessler as they won both of their matches against duos from Minnesota and Mississippi State. Vale’s doubles winning streak extended to five matches by the end of Day 2.
On Day 3, Vale extended his undefeated career winning streak to six matches as he beat Oscar Mesquida of Arkansas in the second round of singles play, 3-6, 6-3, 6-3.
Ingildsen also extended his winning streak to six matches after he defeated Christian Langmo of Miami in the second round, 2-6, 6-2, 6-3.
Ingildsen moved on to play Tyler Schick of Tulane in round three and won, 7-5, 7-5.
The Gators faced Schick back in September when he defeated Kessler in singles play at the Gator Ranked +1 tournament, 6-4, 6-2.
The performances from Vale and Ingildsen are promising signs for Florida, especially on a team that will have to rely on youth with half of its players being underclassmen.
You can follow Mari Faiello on Twitter @faiello_mari, and contact her at mfaiello@alligator.org.
Junior Alfredo Perez (left) was the lone Gator to win his singles match at the NCAA Individual Championships. Sophomore Johannes Ingildsen dropped his match, but will be back in action with Perez in doubles on Thursday.
