Men’s Tennis’s Diallo to Turn Professional
LEXINGTON, Ky. – Kentucky men’s tennis’ Gabriel Diallo will forgo his remaining collegiate eligibility and turn professional following the fall semester, the Kentucky senior announced on Monday.
Diallo helped the Wildcats reach the program’s first ever NCAA Championship match as a team last season, while also making the quarterfinal round at the 2022 NCAA Singles Championship.
During his illustrious collegiate career, the native of Montreal, Canada compiled a 65-26 overall record in singles and was twice named an ITA All-American. Diallo was also a two-time All-SEC First Team Selection and was named to the All-SEC Tournament Team last season. He reached a career-high ITA ranking of No. 2 prior to the 2022 fall season and was the recipient of the three ITA Regional Awards, including the Arthur Ashe Leadership and Sportsmanship Awards, as well as the ITA’s Rafael Osuna Sportsmanship Award.
This fall, Diallo tested his game in the professional ranks and emerged with outstanding results. Playing on the ATP Challenger Tour, Diallo claimed victory in Granby, Canada, reached the final in Fairfield, Calif. and made the semifinal in Calgary, Canada. Diallo closed his terrific fall by participating in the 2022 Davis Cup Finals for Team Canada. Among his notable wins on the pro circuit are victories over 2022 NCAA Singles Champion, Ben Shelton, at the Fairfield Challenger, and world No. 62, James Duckworth, at this year’s Rogers Cup qualifiers.
Statement from Gabriel Diallo:
“After sitting down with my parents and coaching staff, I have decided to forgo my remaining eligibility at UK and turn pro. This decision wasn’t easy and I would like to thank everyone who helped me make it. While I am sad to leave, I am excited to start this next journey. I would like to thank the University of Kentucky for the best three and a half years of my life. I want to thank the coaching staff for helping me develop not only as a player, but as a person as well. I am grateful for the moments I got to experience, like playing in the National Championship match and meeting my teammates that have become my brothers. I would also like to thank my family for believing in me and supporting me unconditionally. I will complete my last four classes online in order to get my Bachelor of Finance. I am forever a Wildcat and will always support BBN wherever I go.”
For the latest on UK Men’s Tennis, follow the Wildcats on Twitter and Instagram at @UKMensTennis.
