Sept. 26, 2011
Gonzales Austin rose to the challenge on Sunday, flashing a glimpse of the kind of tennis head coach Ian Duvenhage knew he was recruiting. It was one of a few isolated bright spots in an otherwise difficult first weekend of play, as the four members of the men’s tennis team found themselves 1-9 at the Land Rover Napa Valley Tennis Classic, last at the tournament.
“AJ (Austin) started playing like I always thought he was capable,” said Duvenhage, noting that Austin still needs to improve contribution in key matches. But, he continued, “It was by far the best tennis I’ve seen played in a long time.”
Austin paired up with senior Alex DiValerio for a strong doubles match on Friday to start the tournament. Senior Charlie Jones came back on Saturday after losing his first set to beat his opponent 1-6, 6-4, 6-3â€â€Âthe lone Commodore to win a singles match at the tournament.
“Our play was not up to expectations,” said Duvenhage. “I think there were some isolated bright spots. Charlie played a great match. Alex DiValerio and AJ played a good tennis match on Friday.”
“We’re certainly not trying to peak for this event,” the seventh-year coach continued, noting how hard the team has been working preparing for fall play. But, he said, there’s still a lot of work to do.
The team heads to the ITA All-Americans in Tulsa, Oklahoma on October 6th for their next tournament play.
Friday doubles results:
Alexios Halebian-Luca Corinteli (USTA) def. Charlie Jones- Blake Bazarnik (Vanderbilt), 9-8 (4)
Gonzalez Austin-Alex DiValerio (Vanderbilt) def. Ashley Watling-Japie De Klerk (Tulsa), 9-7
Saturday singles results:
JC Aragone (USTA) def. Blake Bazarnik (Vanderbilt), 6-7 (6), 6-3, 6-3
Luca Corinteli (USTA) def. Gonzalez Austin (Vanderbilt), 6-3, 6-4
Alexios Halebian (USTA) def. Alex DiValerio (Vanderbilt), 6-3, 7-5
Charlie Jones (Vanderbilt) def. Mitchell Kreuger (USTA), 1-6, 6-4, 6-3
Sunday singles results:
Nick Andrews (Cal) def. Blake Bazarnik (Vanderbilt), 6-2, 6-0
Japie De Klerk (Tulsa) def. Alex DiValerio (Vanderbilt), 6-3, 6-2
