Neff wins Dallas Summer Series benefiting Isner Foundation

[PonyPride]

From SMUMustangs.com:

Neff Wins Dallas Summer Series Benefiting Isner Family Foundation

DALLAS (SMU) - After five rounds of singles competition, Mustangs Men's Tennis Captain Adam Neff took home his first professional singles title, winning the Dallas Summer Series Benefiting Isner Family Foundation, defeating former Arizona All-American Colton Smith (7-6(5), 4-6, 6-2) in the series final Sunday morning.

The Mustangs hosted the USTA Pro Circuit Tournament at the Styslinger / Altec Tennis Complex this week, a staple tour stop for aspiring tennis professionals. The singles main draw consisted of 32 participants from around the world. In his first showing, Neff swiftly defeated Ritesh Patil (6-1,6-3). He then proceeded to take care of business in the round of 16, defeating Ernesto Escobedo (6-4, 6-3), clinching a spot in the Quarterfinals.

Neff went on to take down Harrison Adams in three sets (6-7(2), 6-4, 6-2) and then win his Semifinal matchup against Karue Sell (6-3, 6-4) to punch his ticket to Finals.

On Sunday in the series Finals, Neff took the first set 7-6 (5), but Colton Smith tied the match with a 6-4 set two victory. Neff responded with an outstanding set three, winning 6-2 to claim the match and win the series.

"I want to thank everyone that helped put on such an amazing event at my home courts," said Neff. "Such an incredible moment for me to win my first pro event at my home. Thank you, Grant, Ben, Luis, Landan, Sonia, Hannah, Sam, Caleb, and everyone else involved in helping me fight through this week."

Neff earns singles and double AAC All-Conference honors for the second year in a row in a season where he compiled nine wins and finished the regular season ranked No. 119 by the ITA, reaching as high as No. 96 previously in the year. Neff, the 2023 AAC Player of the Year, has earned All-Conference honors in either singles or doubles in each of his three seasons at SMU.

"What a week from Adam Neff," said Coach Grant Chen. "He has shown time and time again the heart and resiliency of a competitor. To have the opportunity to compete on his home courts and win his first USTA Pro Circuit tournament is a moment he will never forget. He has such a bright future ahead of him, and I am excited to see him continue to pursue his dreams."

Several other Mustangs participated in this week's series, including Louis Cloud, Eric Hadigian, Alex Stafford, Maks Silagy, Kale Mize and Xavier Calvelo.