Kento Yamada Earns Singles Win at ITA All-Americans

TULSA, Okla. – As the only player representing the University of Kentucky at the 2019 Saint Francis Health System ITA All-American Championships, junior Kento Yamada padded his fall resume with a singles win last Monday.
 
The Kobe, Japan, native defeated North Carolina junior Mac Kiger 6-1, 6-3 in the opening round of the qualifying draw. Yamada’s course ended with a 6-3, 6-4 loss to USC sophomore Bradley Frye the next day.
 
“The All-Americans is a great tournament, as all the best players in the country are there,” said UK assistant coach Matthew Gordon. “Kento did well, but this tournament showed him what he needs to do in order for him to take his game to the next level. He is a hard worker, and I am excited to see how he responds at (ITA Ohio Valley Regional Championships).”
 
The Wildcats continue individual fall competition with the Louisville Invitational on Friday and Saturday. César Bourgois, Millen Hurrion, Kevin Huempfner and Alexandre LeBlanc are set to represent the Blue and White in the Commonwealth’s largest city.
 
For the latest on the Kentucky men’s tennis team, follow @UKMensTennis on Twitter and Facebook, @kentuckymenstennis on Instagram, and follow along on the web at UKAthletics.com.
 
ITA ALL-AMERICAN CHAMPIONSHIPS
 
Singles (Qualifying Draw)
First Round                   Kento Yamada (Kentucky) def. Mac Kiger (North Carolina) 6-1, 6-3
 
Second Round              Bradley Frye (USC) def. Kento Yamada (Kentucky) 6-3, 6-4