MIAMI SHORES, Fla. – Barry University senior Fabian Groetsch already had a South Region doubles title to his name. Now he adds a singles championship to his claim.
Groetsch defeated sophomore Ahmed Triki, 6-7 (5-7), 7-6 (7-4), 6-2, in the United States Tennis Association/Intercollegiate Tennis Association South Region Championships singles finals Wednesday at Buccaneer Tennis Center.
“To win such a prestigious tournament is like the biggest achievement you can get in the fall,” Groetsch said. “As a senior, this was my last chance to win this tournament.
“It’s a nice thing for Barry that two players played in the final, but I also feel sorry for Ahmed because I know he really wanted to win this tournament. It was a really hard battle."
Groetsch warded off four match points against top-seeded Triki.
“I was pretty on the edge in this match,” Groetsch confessed Usually facing four match points, you leave the court a loser, but I was just lucky. I wish that Ahmed has a chance the next two years to win this tournament.”
Seeded fourth, Groetsch, of Nuremberg, Germany, beat the Nos. 1 and 2 seeds in the tournament. Both of those matches went three sets. He also beat fifth-seeded Kenny Brasil of West Florida in straight sets.
“I had a pretty tough draw,” Groetsch said. “I feel like I was really prepared for this tournament. Mentally, which is really important for tennis, I was right on point. Unfortunately, it didn’t work as well in doubles as it did in singles, so maybe next year my doubles partner has a better chance.”
Groetsch will advance to the ITA Small College Championships in Sumter, South Carolina, Oct. 9-12.
“It’s nice that I won this tournament in doubles and now singles as well,” Groetsch said. “I will try to play my best tennis there at the Small College Championships and compete against the winners of all the other regions. We will see how far I can get.”
Groetsch became the second Buccaneer to win the region title in singles and doubles. Christian Witt won the region singles title in 1999 and the doubles in 2000.