Virginia to Retire Somdev Devvarman's Jersey
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CHARLOTTESVILLE The Virginia athletics department will retire Somdev Devvarman’s jersey in a ceremony on Friday, Jan. 23 at the Boyd Tinsley Courts at the Boar’s Head Sports Club. The Virginia men’s tennis team hosts Illinois at 6 p.m. and the ceremony will take place during the intermission between the doubles and singles matches.
Devvarman graduated from Virginia in May after becoming the fourth student-athlete since 1950 to win consecutive NCAA singles championships. He finished his Cavalier career with a 158-27 singles record, including an 88-6 record during his final two seasons at UVa. During the 2008 season, Devvarman posted a 44-1 record and he finished his career on a school-record 36-match winning streak. He is the first NCAA Singles Champion to finish the season with one or fewer losses since UCLA’s Jimmy Connors went undefeated in 1971.
Devvarman was named the ITA National Player of the Year in 2007 and 2008.
“Somdev Devvarman’s collegiate tennis record speaks for itself,” said Virginia head coach Brian Boland. “He is one of the greatest players in the history of college tennis. Somdev’s athleticism, work ethic, and ability to play the game are extraordinary. However, what is most impressive about Somdev is what a great person he is. He represented the University of Virginia, college tennis, and our program with class. He was a true student-athlete and did everything with honor and dignity. He used his time at Virginia to prepare for the challenges and opportunities that life on the professional tour and beyond will present.”
Devvarman is the first men’s tennis student-athlete to have his jersey retired. During the ceremony on Friday night, Devvarman will receive a commemorative jersey and a banner will be displayed at the Boyd Tinsley Courts at the Boar’s Head Sports Club in honor of his career.
Since graduating from Virginia, Devvarman has competed professionally and is currently ranked No. 155 in the world. Earlier this month he reached his first career final of an ATP event at the Chennai Open, defeating former world No. 1 Carlos Moya and current top 25 player Ivo Karlovic in the process. He will play next in the $50,000 Challenger Circuit event next week in Carson, Calif.
Fans are encouraged to arrive early for Friday night’s match vs. Illinois. Admission to men’s tennis matches is free at the Boar’s Head Sports Club. Parking is available in the grass field across from the main entrance to the Boar’s Head Inn. A free shuttle service will be provided from this parking area to the Boar’s Head Sports Club.
Parking for the men’s tennis match on Friday is also available in the Birdwood Golf Course parking lot. Fans should turn off Route 250 at the entrance to Birdwood Golf Course and follow the road to the parking area. Fans parking at Birdwood Golf Course are encouraged to walk to the Boar’s Head Sports Club along the path between the third green and fourth tee. Lights will be set up along the path.