Sept. 29, 2013
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TULSA, Okla. — Senior Jonas Dierckx lost his third round match at the 2013 ITA All-American Tournament to Justin Carter of UMBC, 6-1, 6-7 (7), 5-7, in Tulsa, Okla.
After rain-delayed action Saturday afternoon, Dierckx began his pre-qualifying play late Friday night, beating Omar Aly from Miami in straight sets, 6-1, 6-4. For Dierckx, it was his first action of the year, after sitting out the team’s first tournament to prepare for the All-American.
“It was definitely good to get out there and finally play,” said Dierckx. “You always have to wait and see what level you will be playing at once the season starts.”
Saturday morning featured a matchup between Dierckx and Diogo Casa of UTSA. Dierckx continued his steady play and cruised to an easy 6-1, 6-1 victory. Dierckx took the momentum into his Sunday afternoon matchup against Carter, easily taking the first set 6-1. The two battled for the next two sets before Carter was able to outlast Dierckx and advance in the tournament.
“His [Dierckx’s] level of play was pretty consistent from first point to last in all three of his matches,” said UI assistant coach Ross Wilson. “Jonas stayed mentally tough and was a little unlucky to lose the tiebreaker and then fall in the third set. He made his opponent go out and be aggressive and beat him, which was nice to see.”
While Dierckx would have liked to stay at the All-American longer, the weekend was still a success to him.
“I’m happy about the way I played. I played three good matches and got unlucky during my last one,” said Dierckx. “I was consistent all weekend and made him work for every point which was good to see.”
“To step out and have success as a senior will not only benefit Jonas, but it sends a message to the team,” said Wilson. “He is showing the team that he is capable of winning big matches, and that everyone should have the same expectation throughout the year.”
ITA ALL-AMERICAN – Saturday’s results
Pre-Qualifying – First Round
Jonas Dierckx (UI) def. Omar Aly (Miami): 6-1, 6-4
ITA ALL-AMERICAN – Sunday’s results
Pre-Qualifying – Second Round
Dierckx (UI) def. Diogo Casa (UTSA): 6-1, 6-1
Pre-Qualifying – Third Round
Justin Carter (UMBC) def. Dierckx (UI): 6-1, 6-7 (7), 5-7