ANN ARBOR, Mich. – The Cleveland State men's tennis team began play at the 2014 ITA Midwest Regional Thursday, with Ali Shabib, Manuel Bellutti, Jorg van der Vloet, and Mirko Radosevic playing in the Qualifying Singles Draw.
Shabib picked up two wins on the opening day, advancing to the Round of 16 where he will face Jorge Gonzalez Soler of Green Bay. The winner of tomorrow's Round of 16 match will earn a spot in the Main Singles Draw – which also begins tomorrow.
"We played some good tennis today, I am especially excited for Ali to get two wins and the opportunity to play for a spot in the main draw tomorrow," head coach Brian Etzkin said. "Ali's second match was one of his best matches that he has played in a long time, and I am excited to see what he brings to the court tomorrow."
Shabib earned a 7-6 (2), 6-2 victory over Nathan de Veer of DePaul in his opening round match, while he posted a 6-4, 6-2 win against Marquette's Mackenzie Stearns in the Round of 32.
Bellutti also picked up a win in his opening round match, posting a 7-5, 6-4 victory over Michigan State's Michael Dube, before falling in his second round contest.
"Manuel also had some good matches today, he was down in both sets in his first match and was able to come back and get the win. He couldn't quite pull it out in his second match, but when he gets 100% healthy, he will be a major threat for us," Etzkin said. "We are excited to start doubles play tomorrow and the main singles draw – which hopefully we will have two players in – and continue picking up the wins."
Action at the ITA Midwest Regional continues tomorrow (Friday, Oct. 17) with the final round of qualifying singles, first round of the main singles draw, and first round of the doubles draw.
Qualifying Singles Draw First Round
Manuel Bellutti (CSU) def. Michael Dube (MSU), 7-5, 6-4
Ali Shabib (CSU) def. Nathan de Veer (DEP), 7-6 (2), 6-2
Alberto Zanotti (NW) def. Mirko Radosevic (CSU), 5-7, 7-5, 6-4
Gleb Sklyr (MAR) def. Jorg van der Vloet (CSU), 7-6 (3), 6-3
Qualifying Singles Draw Second Round
Ali Shabib (CSU) def. Mackenzie Stearns (MAR), 6-4, 6-2
Bassem El Mekawi (YSU) def. Manuel Bellutti (CSU), 6-4, 6-4
Qualifying Singles Consolation Matches
Rafael Orantes (UDM) def. Mirko Radosevic (CSU), 6-3, 6-3
