Vallverdu and Sundberg No. 1 in ITA Preseason Rankings
Sept. 9, 2008
CORAL GABLES, FLA… The University of Miami All-American doubles tandem of Daniel Vallverdu (Valencia, Valenzuela) and Carl Sundberg (Oslo, Norway) is ranked first in the nation in the preseason men’s tennis rankings released by the Intercollegiate Tennis Association (ITA).
It is believed to be the first time the Hurricanes have had a top-ranked doubles pair, at least since All-Americans Pat Cramer and Luis Garcia won the 1970 NCAA doubles title.
Vallverdu is also ranked nationally in singles competition, tying his career-high showing with a No. 3 preseason ranking. He is joined in the preseason rankings by junior transfer David Simon (Vienna, Austria) who is No. 99.
“Daniel is one of the most complete players in college tennis,” said fifth-year head coach Mario Rincon. “He has the ability to play at the highest level in both singles and doubles. Carl had a great season in doubles last year as a freshman, and he continues to improve his game and develop towards his potential.
“David, as well as Ignacio Taboada, is a great addition to our team, and I expect both of them to perform very well. We are really looking forward to this year and building upon the success we had last season.”
The Hurricanes, who finished last season ranked 19th in the nation, have had a doubles pair ranked among the nation’s top 10 in four-straight seasons under Rincon. Vallerdu and Sundberg, who earned All-America honors in 2007-08 and advanced to the NCAA Tournament’s Round of 16, were ranked as high as third last season. In 2006-07, All-Americans Luigi D’Agord and Josh Cohen also reached third in the nation, while in 2005-06, D’Agord and then-true freshman Vallverdu were 10th.
Vallverdu has continued to progress in singles play as well, playing out of the No. 1 position for Miami all last season. He was ranked in the top 10 throughout the spring season and was rated as high as No. 3 en route to All-America, All-ACC and ITA Southeast Region Player to Watch honors.
Simon is entering his first season with the Hurricanes after transferring from Louisville, where he was named to the All-Big East Tournament Singles Team in 2008 playing at the No. 2 spot.
The Hurricanes open fall competition at the Michigan Invitational from Sept. 19-21 in Ann Arbor, Mich.
