TULSA, Okla. - Jeremy Schifris defeated ITA No. 1 rated singles player Stefan Dostanic of USC, 6-4, 3-6, 6-4 on Thursday, Oct. 6, to advance to the round of 16 at the ITA All-American Championships.
"It's just awesome," Schifris said. "It's kind of a dream that comes true. When you think of going to college and you have high ambitions you want to be one of the best, then it's just a great feeling to beat the number one in the country. I am very happy that I was able to get the W today, but it still doesn't mean anything. The tournament is still going and tomorrow is the next match. I am focusing on the next match now."
Schifris was invited to compete in the main draw of the ITA All-American Championships and defeated Youcef Rihane of Florida State, 7-6, 6-4 on Wednesday, Oct. 5.
"What a great day for
Jeremy Schifris and for Drake men's tennis," head coach
Davidson Kozlowski said. "I don't think he could've picked a better way to celebrate his birthday than by beating the top ranked singles player in the country and picking up the biggest individual win in program history. Jeremy has worked relentlessly on his tennis and improving his game. He transferred to us a bit down on confidence after spending his first year not getting much playing time at his previous school. However, I knew from the moment Jeremy stepped on campus and went through his first practice session he was special. I knew he would immediately make our team better. I was only hoping we could make him better. Since his arrival, he helped the team with a conference tournament championship and now he has beaten the nation's best."
Today marked the third time in school history that Drake men's tennis has defeated a No. 1 ranked opponent.
- 2022: Jeremy Schifris defeats No. 1 singles player in the nation
- 2018: Vincent Gilespie and Barny Thorold defeated No. 1 doubles team
- 2013: James McKie and Anis Ghorbel defeated No. 1 doubles team
The round of 16 begins in Tulsa, Okla., on Friday, Oct. 7.
