May 21, 2009

(College Station, TX) - USD sophomore Dean Jackson (Soest, Germany) upset No. 7 seed Michael Venus of LSU in second round action today at the NCAA Division I Men's Tennis Championships. Jackson knocked off the 7th-ranked player in the nation in straight sets, 7-6 (9-7), 6-3. This past fall Venus won the first leg of the Grand Slam events with the All-American title. With the win Jackson now advances to tomorrow's round of 16 where he will face either Damon Gooch of Elon, or Conor Pollock of Texas A&M. By reaching the round of 16, Jackson also assures himself of 2009 ITA All-America honors.

"Today Dean was very composed and played a very smart match," said Torero coach David Anderton. "His backhand was exceptional, and his serving was outstanding. Earning a win over the 7th-ranked player in the nation; this is obviously his biggest win of his collegiate career. Yesterday's victory was a good one, but he has now taken his game to a new level. Winning the tiebreaker (9-7) in the first set was huge, and he went up a break early in the second. I'm very happy for Dean, the program and USD."

Jackson has now won nine straight singles matches, including three straight victories over players ranked ahead of him.

"I played my match exceptionally well," said Jackson. "I just spoke with my coach (David Anderton) and he said it was one of my best matches this season. I was cramping yesterday in the third set with (Justin) Kronauge of Ohio State, so I was kind of concerned with my fitness today. I wasn't even close to cramping. I felt good, played within myself and it turned out well. I am extremely happy. Last year in the Sweet 16, I knew that I could play at this level. Earlier this season I played against the No. 1 and No. 2 players in the country, both times in three sets. I had my chances to win, so I knew I could hang with anyone. He (LSU's Michael Venus) is obviously one of the best players in the country, but I knew I had a chance. I took it and won."