Alumna Ayana Akli took home the Women’s Doubles crown at the ITF W35 in Redding, CA while halfway around the world in Tunisia, alumnus William Woodall triumphed at the Men’s Doubles ITF M15 tournament.
Akli, a three-time ITA All-American for the University of South Carolina, soared to the title without dropping a set after benefitting from two walkovers in early rounds.
“My play, to be honest, was not great, but it allowed me to find a way to push through not playing perfectly and get the wins,” Akli recounted. “Getting the title felt incredible, and it showed everything I was working on came through in the end.”
After turning professional earlier this year, Akli has her sights set on growth rather than rankings as she ascends into her next tennis chapter.
“I want to get better and get more experience so when I am in high-pressure situations, I trust myself,” Akli said.
Woodall, a two-time NCAA Team Champion at the University of Virginia, partnered with his former Cavaliers teammate Chris Rodesch. The pair cruised to the final also without dropping a set before earning a tight 6-2, 3-6, 10-3 win in the championship match.
“My level got better and better as the week went on. It was only my fourth event on tour, so I didn’t expect my level to be exactly where I wanted it to be,” Woodall said. “Winning the title felt great, but I immediately had an internal want for more. This was a good first step, but I believe I have a lot more to produce on tour.”
