Florida Atlantic University Athletics
Abdelnour Selected to Represent Syria in Upcoming Davis Cup Action
2/16/2011 12:00:00 AM | Men's Tennis
Feb. 16, 2011
Boca Raton, Fla. - Florida Atlantic University senior men's tennis player Marc Abdelnour will have the honor of representing his native country of Syria in the upcoming Davis Cup international competition. He will play against Korea in a first-round match beginning on Friday, March 4 through Sunday, March 6 during a 10-day break in the Owls' spring competition schedule.
"I'm really excited and grateful for this international opportunity," said Abdelnour, a resident of Aleppo, Syria. "Syria is now in a different Davis Cup Tournament group, instead of Group 3 which played matches at the end of April. This change in the competition schedule allowed me to fit this tournament into my college playing schedule, particularly the Sun Belt Conference tournament, and not conflicting with end of semester exams and other academic requirements."
Abdelnour is FAU's No. 1 singles player and No. 1 doubles team member. He is currently No. 124th ranked singles player in this week's Intercollegiate Tennis Association national poll after posting a 5-1 record this spring and 14-4 record during the 2010-11 season. He is the program's all-time leader with 76 career singles wins and ranks second with 127 total career victories in singles and doubles matches.
"Davis Cup is the highest honor a tennis player can earn to represent his home nation," said Brandon Stokes, FAU's head men's tennis coach. "Marc will represent Syria and FAU with all of his heart, mind and spirit. The entire team wishes we could go with him to cheer him on."
The upcoming Davis Cup matches will feature a best-of-five set format, compared to only three sets in NCAA competition. Abdelnour is looking forward to the international challenge.
"This is a big change, but I believe I'm ready to go five sets," said Abdelnour. "Five sets are only used in grand slam events. So, unless you play in those four events. Australian, French, Wimbledon and U.S. Open, you only play three-set matches."
FAU returns to the court on Saturday, February 19, against Florida Gulf Coast University in Fort Myers.
Players Mentioned
