NASSAU, BAHAMAS- Bahamian Syndey Clarke, who is playing college tennis for the University of Alabama at Birmingham (UAB) Blazers, had a strong showing this weekend, advancing to the semifinals of an ITA (Intercollegiate Tennis Association) Fall Circuit event.
The ITA Fall Circuit is a new initiative to provide local matchplay opportunities to collegiate, junior and professional players this fall. The ITA Tour, Fall Circuit by UTR (Universal Tennis Rating), kicked off on September 18 and runs through November 22, 2020.
Clarke was in a 28-player field at the Athletic Club Alabama in Huntsville, with fellow teammates including Jana Hecking, who would go on to be the champion of the event. In the opening round of 32, Clarke won over American Elizabeth Standifer, 6-4 and 6-4.
In the round of 16, Clarke won in straight sets over Danish athlete Ida Hasselbalch from the University of North Alabama, 7-5 and 6-3.
In the quarterfinals, Clarke went up against her teammate, Adela Wasserbauerova, who had to withdraw. Wasserbauerova is a college junior. Advancing to the semifinals, Clarke fell to American Kennedy Gibbs in straight sets.
UAB Coach Mark Tijia said: “It was great to finally get out there and compete again. A couple of our freshmen had their first look at college competition and they did well.”
The Bahamas Lawn Tennis Association (BLTA) congratulates Clarke on her semifinal run in the ITA Fall event, encouraging her to continue to shine and strive for excellence.
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