TULSA, Okla. – University of New Mexico’s Samir Iftikhar (No. 101) upset No. 37 Alen Salibasic of Drake, 6-2, 4-6, 6-3, in the second round of Main Draw action at the Saint Francis Health Systems ITA All-American Championships on Friday morning.
Not only did Iftikhar pick up a huge win over a tough opponent, but he is also going where no Lobo has gone before, the round of 16 in the singles main draw at the ITA All-American Championships.
“It’s a great feeling to get another win against a quality opponent and advance to the sweet 16 at the All-American,” Ifitkhar said about his victory. “I’m excited to have another opportunity to represent New Mexico on a national stage.”
Iftikhar came out ready to play in the first set, despite strong Tulsa winds working against both opponents, and claimed a 6-2 win to take an early lead. The momentum carried over into the second set as Iftikhar quickly gained a 3-0 edge. However, Salibasic wasn’t ready to give up the fight just yet and battled back to put the boards at 3-3 and eventually tallied a 6-4 win to force a third set. Iftikhar jumped to a 5-2 lead in the third set and never looked back.
“It was tough conditions today for both players, but it definitely favored Sam,” head coach Bart Scott said. “He came out focused and determined and deserved the win today against a very tough opponent. Sam did get passive and let his foot off the gas a bit at 6-2, 3-1 in today’s match, so we’ll have to work on that to be ready for tomorrow.”
Iftikhar will compete again on Saturday morning in the round of 16. He will face the winner of the match between Soren Hess-Olesen of Texas and Sebastian Stiefelmeyer of Lousiville.
For updates and results throughout the weekend, follow along on the UNM Men’s Tennis Facebook page or head to the ITA website.