Rodenas, Smith Garner Major Awards; All-ACC Team Announced

DURHAM – Freshman Pedro Rodenas and head coach Ramsey Smith both earned major awards to highlight the men’s tennis All-ACC honors, the league announced Monday.
 
Rodenas was tabbed the ACC Rookie of the Year, while Smith garnered ACC Coach of the Year accolades. Rodenas became the first Duke player to earn rookie of the year nods since Henrique Cunha did so in 2010. Smith, who is in his 15th season at the helm of the Blue Devils, received his first coach of the year acknowledgement after leading Duke to a 20-6 overall ledger and a program record 11 ACC victories.
 
In addition, Rodenas was selected to the All-ACC singles second team and joined teammate Garrett Johns on the All-ACC doubles first team. Johns also earned All-ACC singles distinction as he was tabbed a unanimous first team selection, marking the third time in his career the senior tallied postseason praise.
 
Rodenas, who is No. 46 nationally, broke into the rankings midway through the year and has improved in position throughout the course of the season. He leads the team with 29 overall singles wins, including a team-leading 24 dual victories during his first season. The Madrid, Spain, native has played on Duke’s top three courts and held a winning record on all three, including an impressive 15-0 mark on court two. The rookie also leads the team in match-clinching victories with six, while holding a 7-3 ledger against nationally ranked opponents. Earlier this year, Rodenas earned a program record for most ACC singles wins by a freshman (11) and tied the overall school record for most ACC singles wins.
 
Johns held a top-20 ranking throughout much of the year, including a career-best rank of No. 4. He’s played on Duke’s top court in every dual singles match and holds a 13-10 dual ledger, including an 8-9 mark against nationally ranked opponents. One of those victories was a 6-2, 6-4 victory over No. 4 Antoine Cornut-Chauvinc of Florida State in April. The Atlanta, Ga., native has also recorded two match-clinching wins on the year.
 
Rodenas and Johns also teamed up in doubles play and were the lone Blue Devils to receive postseason doubles recognition from the league. The pair held a top-50 ranking throughout much of the year, including a No. 24 ranking heading into the NCAA tournament. The duo played on Duke’s top two courts, holding…