Hawk Talk Monthly — October | 24 Hawkeyes to Watch 2019-20 | Fight For Iowa
TULSA, Okla. – University of Iowa senior men’s tennis student-athlete Kareem Allaf won back-to-back matches in straight sets on Tuesday to advance into the Main Draw at the ITA All-American Championships hosted by the University of Tulsa at the Michael D. Case Tennis Center.
Allaf, ranked No. 69 nationally, becomes only the second Hawkeye in program history to advance to the main draw (top 64 players) of this tournament, joining Marc Bruche (2011).
Allaf stayed hot, winning his third match of the tournament without dropping a set. In morning action, Allaf dropped Baylor’s Constantin Frantzen (6-2, 6-2). Following the win against Frantzen, Allaf set for battle against sophomore Trent Bryde of Georgia. In the first set, Allaf and Bryde traded the first eight games. The next eight went in Allaf’s favor to claim a spot in the main draw of the tournament. Allaf bounced Bryde (6-4, 6-0) to improve to 26-13 all-time in fall tournaments.
QUOTING MELLECKER FAMILY HEAD COACH ROSS WILSON
“Nice wins by Kareem today to qualify for the main draw. He continues to play solid tennis earning his spot in the main draw. This will be his second time participating in the main draw of an ITA National Tournament and I think he’s capable of making a deep run in the draw.”
For tournament updates follow @ITA_Tennis and @IowaMensTennis on Twitter and for behind the scenes action follow on Instagram @iowamenstennis.
