Tuesday, 03/19/2013

Junior Japie De Klerk was named the Conference USA Men's Tennis Player of the Week, the league announced today.

This marks the second time that De Klerk has been honored by the conference office this year. He was named Player of the Month in October for his performance at the ITA All-American Championships. De Klerk has been named C-USA Player of the Week four times during his career.

De Klerk, who's ranked No. 66 in the latest ITA Individual Rankings, upset No. 28 Dennis Novikov of No. 3 UCLA, 6-3, 6-2, at the No. 1 singles slot. He also earned a 9-7 win at No. 3 doubles against Bruins Dennis Mkrtchian and Clay Thompson. De Klerk is on a seven-match singles win streak and owns seven victories against nationally ranked opponents.

“We’re very happy for Japie to be named C-USA Player of the Week,” commented Head Coach Vince Westbrook. “He is getting healthier and stronger as the season progresses. We know when he is at full capacity, he can beat anyone in America.”

Tulsa will face Wichita State on Wednesday, March 27 in a 5 p.m. tilt at the Michael D. Case Tennis Center. TU will conclude the regular season playing four of its final five matches at home.