Nov. 14, 2017
AUBURN, Ala. -- Matteo De Vincentis of Rome, Italy, will join the Auburn men's tennis program in January, head coach Bobby Reynolds announced today.
"We are very excited to welcome Matteo to Auburn," Coach Reynolds said. "Matteo is the highest-ranked ATP player ever to enter Auburn with an 1156 world ranking. Matteo has the drive and passion to succeed on the ATP tour following college, and I'm thrilled with the challenge of coaching him to help him reach his fullest potential.
"He is a very talented left-handed player who relies on his serve and forehand to get control of the point. I believe with our on- and off-court training here at Auburn, Matteo can make huge improvements to his already very solid game."
De Vincentis played in six main draw ITF pro circuit events, earning a high ITF pro circuit ranking of 1135. His best win came against ATP 402 Pol Toledo Bague. He has a UTR of 13.84.
"We are excited for Matteo to join us; he will be our second lefty on the team. He's had tremendous success on the ITF pro circuit, and once we get him immersed in a consistent training environment, his level of tennis can increase even more," said assistant coach Mark Finnegan. "Through the recruiting process, Matteo demonstrated how much he loves to compete and wants to maximize his talent. He will fit in perfectly in helping to move the program forward."
"I was looking for a university where I could train with the best, with amazing coaches and top-quality facilities, and as soon as I looked at Auburn I was finished," De Vincentis said. "I want to face high-level players and also be at a place where I can study and Auburn is the best choice for me."
Auburn will open the spring dual match season Sunday, January 14, hosting Jackson State in a pair of matches at the Yarbrough Tennis Center.