University of Tennessee Athletics
University of Tennessee
Crimson Tide Invitational
Fago Earns First Title
November 07, 2010 | Men's Tennis
Nov. 7, 2010
Tennessee senior Matteo Fago said he is playing his best tennis this fall, and the ended the first half of his final season with his first career singles title Sunday.
Fago defeated 60th-ranked Akash Muppidi of Boston College 6-4, 6-2 in the championship match of the Crimson Tide Fall Invitational in Tuscaloosa, Ala.
After surviving a three-set match over Louisville's Robert Hall in the first round Friday, Fago earned three straight-set victories to win the championship during the cold and windy weekend.
"I was impressed with how Matteo kept his focus and handled the conditions," volunteer coach Christopher Williams said. "The most encouraging thing about his performance this weekend was that he got better every match. He was noticeably playing better tennis today in the championship."
There's no question Fago has saved his best fall for his senior season. Fago finished the season 10-2 in three tournaments with a 5-1 record against ranked opponents, including a victory over sixth-ranked Michael Shabaz of Virginia.
"At the beginning of the fall, I was ready to play my best tennis," Fago said. "Now that the season is over, I feel like the I accomplished that.
"My expectations were good. I knew that if I played my best tennis, i"d have have a chance to win against the best players in the country. That was my motivation going into the fall."
More than one reason has contributed to Fago's newfound success. He said he has become more mature on the court and has been better able to use coaching advice. Also, he said strength and conditioning coach Herman Demmink has helped him get into top shape during the fall season.
Four Vols ended the fall with at least 10 wins: Rhyne Williams (13), John-Patrick Smith (12), Fago (10) and Taylor Patrick (10).
Players Mentioned
