Recent Virginia Graduates Playing Professionally Around the World
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Oct. 10, 2006
By Leora Tanjuatco
Student Assistant, UVa Athletics Media Relations
Three former Virginia’s men’s tennis players have joined the pro circuit, packing up their college experiences as they head for international tournaments. Recent graduates Darrin Cohen, Rylan Rizza, and Doug Stewart are all currently playing professionally around the world.
“Darrin, Doug, and Rylan meant a lot to our program over the past four years,” Virginia head coach Brian Boland said. “I am proud that each of them graduated in four years and are now playing professional tennis full time. Darrin and Doug are in Germany and Rylan is leaving for Mexico for several weeks. Each of them really developed over the course of their time at UVa, and I have no doubt that they will make a good transition into professional tennis.”
Darrin Cohen heated up the hard courts this summer, teaming up with former Wake Forest standout Brett Ross to take the Mexico F10 Futures doubles title. He has had considerable success in Mexico, his talent taking him to the quarterfinals of the Mexico F9 Futures and the round of 16 in both the Mexico F11 Futures and Mexico F10 Futures. As for doubles, he advanced to the Semifinals of the USA F13 Futures Doubles with William Ward of New Zealand.
“Darrin has already had a great summer picking up points in both singles and doubles,” Boland added. “I am so impressed with Darrin in how much he has developed over the past four years, especially when one considers he was only a top 50 US junior player when he started at Virginia.”
Cohen’s current partner on the doubles courts is Doug Stewart, also a Virginia alumnus. He has been busy as of late, playing singles in the qualifying rounds of the USA F22 Futures, USA F23 Futures, and USA F24 Futures. Currently, Stewart and Cohen are in Germany, competing on carpet in the round of 16 at the Germany Satellite tournament.
Former Cavalier Rylan Rizza, with current Virginia player Treat Huey, made it to the quarterfinals of the USA F6 Futures earlier this year. Rizza has competed on hard courts in the States all summer, easily defeating opponents in the qualifying rounds, reaching the main draw several times. Over the next month, Rizza will be playing Futures events in Mexico.
“Rylan just started a few weeks ago as he had some school work to finish up, so it is good for him to finally be able to play full time,” Boland said. “I am proud of each of them for their efforts and I look forward to seeing them continue to excel.”