Nov. 6, 2010
CORAL GABLES, FLA. – Junior Santiago Nieto of the University of Miami men’s tennis team won three-straight singles matches before falling in the semifinals at the Texas Invitational in Austin.
In the B Draw quarterfinals, Nieto (8-4) soundly defeated second-seeded John Lewis of Texas A&M, 6-3, 6-1, for his fourth-straight win. He got off to strong start in the semifinals, taking the first set from Oklahoma’s John Warden, 6-3. But Warden ratcheted up his game and claimed the next two sets and the finals berth, 6-2, 6-1.
“Santiago played really well this tournament and improved a lot,” said assistant Miami coach CJ Weber. “Playing seven matches in both singles and doubles in two days is no easy task for anyone. It’s great to see Santiago’s work is yielding some positive results.”
In doubles competition, senior Christian Blöcker and Nieto (3-1) picked up their first loss in four matches, falling to host Texas’ top-seeded Kellen Damico and David Holiner, 8-3.
The Hurricanes close their fall tournament schedule on the road at a tournament in Sarasota from Fri., Nov. 12, through Sun., Nov. 14.
Singles
8-B Santiago Nieto (Miami) def. 2-seed John Lewis (Texas A&M), 6-3, 6-1
4-B John Warden (Oklahoma) def. Santiago Nieto (Miami), 3-6, 6-2, 6-1
Doubles
8 1-seed Kellen Damico/David Holiner (Texas) def. Santiago Nieto/Christian Blocker (Miami), 8-3