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Oct. 19, 2001
Arguably the greatest player in the history of Virginia tennis is wasting little time earning a reputation on the pro circuit.
Brian Vahaly, who graduated from UVa just this past May, defeated Chris Woodruff last weekend, in the first round of a tournament in San Antonio, Texas. Woodruff, the 1993 NCAA Champion, was ranked as high as 60th in the world, and had achieved victories over Pete Sampas earlier this year and Andre Agassi a little over a year ago. He also reached the third round at Wimbledon and the fourth round of the Australian Open. Vahaly defeated Woodruff in straight sets, 7-6, 6-2.
“It is the best win of my life and it gives me the confidence now to know that I can beat anyone out there,” Vahaly said. “It’s a huge transition from college to the pros, but beating someone who has taken down Agassi and Sampras…that was a big step for me.” Vahaly will be spending the next three weeks on tour, competing in Jamaica, including a week on Montego Bay. “Life on the tour is good,” Vahaly added.
“It’s a great win for him, and we’re real happy for him,” head coach Brian Boland added. Boland is in his first year at the helm of the Virginia tennis program, but did not coach Vahaly. “Obviously, his experience at the University of Virginia helped prepare him to compete professionally, and I think only better days are ahead for him.”