University of Georgia Athletics
Reinberg Marches On In Singles Bracket
May 24, 2017 | Men's Tennis
By: Natalie Bunch
ATHENS, Ga. -- The University of Georgia men's tennis team's Emil Reinberg upset No. 7 Hugo Di Feo of Ohio State University in the first round of the NCAA Men's Singles Championship 6-3, 6-7, 6-3. After failing to convert four match points in the second set, Reinberg was able to regroup and win the third set on his home court.
Reinberg came to the match loose and ready to rebound after the tight loss to University of North Carolina during the semifinals of the team tournament earlier in the week. During the final set he kept focused and mentally strong even when Di Feo broke his serve early in the set.
"Just keep fighting and just keep going to your game plan," thought Reinberg. "I started to play more aggressive."
Although the crowd grew anxious watching the match, head coach Manuel Diaz was not surprised by Reinberg's victory.
"Emil always fights really hard and put himself in a position to win the match," said Diaz.
This win continues an impressive sophomore season for Reinberg. He completed play in the fall with a singles record of 20-3, which led the team in singles wins. He continued his strong play throughout the spring while playing at the number three singles spot for the Bulldogs. In the regular season he contributed 12 singles wins.
On a young team that boasts six freshmen on the roster, sophomore Reinberg has improved and taken the role of a relative veteran.
"The biggest thing is my mentality is way different," said Reinberg. "I think what has made the most improvement in my game is I am confident about any situation."
Reinberg continues to play for the NCAA Men's Singles Championship. He will face the winner of the Jolan Cailleua of Texas Tech vs. Brandon Holt of University of Southern California match in the round of 32 May 25 in Athens, Georgia.
Players Mentioned
