Jan. 22, 2015
NASHVILLE, Tenn. –
Daniel Valent was named SEC Freshman of the week after an undefeated start to the season in both singles and doubles play.
Valent’s undefeated 3-0 singles success comes as a result of a hard fought three-set victory on Friday against Georgia State’s Andrei Andrukhou, 2-6, 6-2, 6-0. Valent carried over his success to both of his matches Sunday, defeating then-No. 34 Northwestern’s Mihir Kumar, 7-5, 7-5, and defeated Belmont’s Robin Demasse in an easy 6-1, 6-3 match.
The freshman also went undefeated in Doubles action as the in the No. 3 spot in the Commodore lineup. Paired with senior Suresh Eswaran the duo defeated Northwestern’s Sam Shroshire and Alp Horoz in a 6-3 victory. Later Sunday evening, Valent generated a perfect 6-0 performance alongside senior Jeffrey Offerdahl to defeat Belmont’s Geoff Tulloch and Caio Niel.
The Zurich, Switzerland native currently is on a 7-0 streak that began on Nov. 7 vs. Ole Miss’ William Kallberg during tournament season.
Valent is one of four Commodores to win this award since its creation in 2008, and the first to win SEC Freshman of the Week since Gonzales Austin in 2012. Ryan Lipman leads the ‘Dores after earning the honor three times during his freshman campaign.
Valent and the Commodores head to Kentucky this weekend for the ITA Kick-Off Weekend. Vanderbilt will open play against South Florida this Friday at 5:00 p.m. ET.
