University of Tennessee Athletics
Photo by: Maury Neipris/Tennessee Athletics
Rebeka Mertena Named SEC Women’s Tennis Player of the Week
January 29, 2020 | Women's Tennis
KNOXVILLE, Tenn. – Tennessee sophomore Rebeka Mertena has been named the SEC Women's Tennis Player of the Week, the conference announced on Wednesday. The honor is the first of her career.
The Liepaja, Latvia, native has played a key role in the Lady Vols 3-1 start to 2020, recording a perfect 4-0 singles mark in dual-match play.
"Rebeka worked hard this fall to put herself in a position where she can compete against some of the best players in the country," head coach Alison Ojeda said. "She was disappointed in her November results and made a commitment to play at a higher level every day in practice. The results she's had this spring are a direct reflection of the strides she's made over the past few months.
"Rebeka always competes hard for her team and the University of Tennessee. (Assistant coach Jarryd Chaplin) and I are very eager and excited to continue assisting in her development over the course of her career."
During the recent ITA Kick-Off Weekend, the UT sophomore took down a pair of ranked opponents from No. 19-ranked Kansas and No. 20-ranked Virginia.
Mertena defeated the Jayhawks' No. 93-ranked Malkia Ngounoue in straight sets, 6-3, 6-2, on Friday. She followed with a 6-1, 6-3 victory over Virginia's No. 35-ranked Rosie Johanson.
To open the season against North Alabama, Mertena defeated a pair of Lions in singles play, dropping only one game in both matches combined.
Mertena and the 20th-ranked Lady Vols now focus on a week of training, with no matches, as they prepare to face Purdue in Lafayette, Indiana, on Friday, Feb 7.
The Liepaja, Latvia, native has played a key role in the Lady Vols 3-1 start to 2020, recording a perfect 4-0 singles mark in dual-match play.
"Rebeka worked hard this fall to put herself in a position where she can compete against some of the best players in the country," head coach Alison Ojeda said. "She was disappointed in her November results and made a commitment to play at a higher level every day in practice. The results she's had this spring are a direct reflection of the strides she's made over the past few months.
"Rebeka always competes hard for her team and the University of Tennessee. (Assistant coach Jarryd Chaplin) and I are very eager and excited to continue assisting in her development over the course of her career."
During the recent ITA Kick-Off Weekend, the UT sophomore took down a pair of ranked opponents from No. 19-ranked Kansas and No. 20-ranked Virginia.
Mertena defeated the Jayhawks' No. 93-ranked Malkia Ngounoue in straight sets, 6-3, 6-2, on Friday. She followed with a 6-1, 6-3 victory over Virginia's No. 35-ranked Rosie Johanson.
To open the season against North Alabama, Mertena defeated a pair of Lions in singles play, dropping only one game in both matches combined.
Mertena and the 20th-ranked Lady Vols now focus on a week of training, with no matches, as they prepare to face Purdue in Lafayette, Indiana, on Friday, Feb 7.
Players Mentioned
/ Women's Tennis
Everything Orange S2 I Catherine Aulia (Women's Tennis)
Thursday, March 20
WTN | Alison Ojeda and Sofia Cabezas Postgame vs. UCLA (5.18.24)
Saturday, May 18
WTN | Alison Ojeda and Lauren Anzalotta Media Availability (5.15.24)
Wednesday, May 15
Everything Orange | Alison Ojeda (Women's Tennis)
Thursday, January 18
