DePaul University Athletics
Vito Tonejc Wins ITA National Player of the Week Award
3/10/2021 3:50:00 PM | MEN'S TENNIS
Becomes first Blue Demon and first in BIG EAST to win coveted men's tennis honor
CHICAGO – Vito Tonejc made history on Wednesday when he became the first DePaul men's tennis player to win the coveted Intercollegiate Tennis Association (ITA) National Player of the Week award.
The junior from Zagreb, Croatia is also the first men's tennis player in the BIG EAST to receive the prestigious honor.
Tonejc was recognized after leading DePaul to three consecutive victories last weekend---a 7-0 sweep of the NAIA's No. 3 team in the nation Cardinal Stritch, a 4-2 triumph over a Northern Illinois team that won its first 10 matches of the season and a 4-3 decision over Drake.
The BIG EAST Freshman of the Year in 2019 began his weekend with a 6-1, 6-0 victory Friday over Niccolo Rossi of Cardinal Stritch at No. 1 singles.
That was followed by a match-clinching 3-6, 6-3, 7-5 win Saturday over NIU's best, Bor Schweiger Muzar in the top singles slot. Muzar brought a 6-2 record into Lakeshore Sport & Fitness.
On Sunday, Tonejc took down Drake's best, Oliver Johansson, by a score of 6-1, 7-6(7-5).
For the weekend, Tonejc was 4-0 including a doubles triumph over NIU teaming with Luuk Wassenaar. Both of their other two doubles matches went unfinished.
Tonejc has racked up a sparkling 7-1 singles record in the dual-match season slotting in at the No. 1 position all but two times. He has won six in a row while leading DePaul to a 6-2 record even as coach Matt Brothers' team has won five of their last six.
"We could not be more proud of Vito for winning this award," said coach Matt Brothers. "Playing in the No. 1 singles spot is always a battle, and his wins at that position last weekend brought a tremendous amount of confidence to his teammates along with leading us to three victories.
"His professionalism, preparation and passion for the sport are an inspiration to anyone who has the privilege of spending time around him."
Tonejc and the Band of Brothers have set their sights on four in a row with Sunday's road match against Chicago State that starts at 11:30 a.m. at the H-F Racquet & Fitness Club in Homewood.
The junior from Zagreb, Croatia is also the first men's tennis player in the BIG EAST to receive the prestigious honor.
Tonejc was recognized after leading DePaul to three consecutive victories last weekend---a 7-0 sweep of the NAIA's No. 3 team in the nation Cardinal Stritch, a 4-2 triumph over a Northern Illinois team that won its first 10 matches of the season and a 4-3 decision over Drake.
The BIG EAST Freshman of the Year in 2019 began his weekend with a 6-1, 6-0 victory Friday over Niccolo Rossi of Cardinal Stritch at No. 1 singles.
That was followed by a match-clinching 3-6, 6-3, 7-5 win Saturday over NIU's best, Bor Schweiger Muzar in the top singles slot. Muzar brought a 6-2 record into Lakeshore Sport & Fitness.
On Sunday, Tonejc took down Drake's best, Oliver Johansson, by a score of 6-1, 7-6(7-5).
For the weekend, Tonejc was 4-0 including a doubles triumph over NIU teaming with Luuk Wassenaar. Both of their other two doubles matches went unfinished.
Tonejc has racked up a sparkling 7-1 singles record in the dual-match season slotting in at the No. 1 position all but two times. He has won six in a row while leading DePaul to a 6-2 record even as coach Matt Brothers' team has won five of their last six.
"We could not be more proud of Vito for winning this award," said coach Matt Brothers. "Playing in the No. 1 singles spot is always a battle, and his wins at that position last weekend brought a tremendous amount of confidence to his teammates along with leading us to three victories.
"His professionalism, preparation and passion for the sport are an inspiration to anyone who has the privilege of spending time around him."
Tonejc and the Band of Brothers have set their sights on four in a row with Sunday's road match against Chicago State that starts at 11:30 a.m. at the H-F Racquet & Fitness Club in Homewood.
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