Six Blue Devils Recognized in Preseason ITA National Rankings

DURHAM – The Intercollegiate Tennis Association (ITA) announced Tuesday that six Blue Devils were named to the organization’s preseason national singles and doubles rankings.
 
In singles, seniors Garrett Johns and Andrew Zhang were tabbed No. 28 and No. 96, respectively, heading into the fall season.
 
Johns, the Atlanta, Ga., native served as Duke’s No. 1 singles player last season, going 19-10 overall in singles, including a 13-7 record in dual action. The Second Team All-ACC recipient clinched two matches for Duke and held an 8-8 mark against nationally ranked opponents. Zhang, a Third Team All-ACC selection, compiled a record of 22-9 in singles action just a year ago, including a dual mark of 13-4. His 22 overall singles wins on the year were first on the team, while his 13 dual victories placed him second. 
 
In doubles play, Johns and fellow classmate Michael Heller secured the No. 54 spot, while the junior duo of Faris Khan and Niroop Vallabhaneni ranked No. 55. Last season, Johns and Heller teamed up to register a 3-1 overall mark on court two. Khan and Vallabhaneni played on all three courts last season and finished 14-10 overall with a 4-3 mark on court one.
 
Freshman Pedro Rodenas also received preseason accolades after being listed No. 4 in the freshman/newcomer rankings. Rodenas has been busy this summer, playing in the Wimbledon Junior Championship (boys’ singles and doubles), ITF Futures Spain (men’s singles) and U.S. Open (boys’ singles and doubles) before officially beginning his Blue Devil career.
 
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