For JTCC alumnus Andrew Fenty, the decision to return to the University of Michigan for a fifth year of college tennis has been historic.
Granted an extra year of eligibility due to the Covid-19 pandemic, Fenty cemented his name in the Wolverine record books as the first player to achieve 100 career wins in singles and 100 career wins in doubles making the Washington, DC native the winningest player in the esteemed program’s 130-year history.
“I had no idea 100 wins in singles or doubles had never been accomplished before or that I was close to reaching triple-digit wins,” Fenty remarked. “I feel honored to be the first. When I came to Michigan, I wanted to be the greatest tennis player I could be and show everyone my best.”
Currently ranked #9 in the Intercollegiate Tennis Association (ITA) singles and doubles rankings, Fenty eclipsed the century mark in career singles wins on March 19 with a hard-fought 6-2, 6-7, 6-2 victory at No. 2 singles over #58 Justin Boulais of Ohio State. This achievement was the latest historic feat in Fenty’s illustrious career after surpassing 100 career doubles victories in January and becoming the all-time leader in program wins in February, breaking a decade-long record by Evan King (Class of 2013).
“These are outstanding milestones for Andrew and a testament to his consistency, leadership, and growth,” JTCC Director of International Operations Asaf Yamin stated. “We are proud of his success.”
Fenty began training at JTCC in 2007, worked his way through the Junior Development, High Performance pathway, and graduated from the JTCC Full-Time School in 2018. He credits training with JTCC alumni and ATP Tour professionals Denis Kudla and Frances Tiafoe for assisting in his development at a young age.
“I looked up to the older group of players when I was training at JTCC and watching the older players succeed at national tournaments made me believe that anything was possible,” Fenty recalled. “JTCC provides you with a family of coaches, friends, and teachers. It is hard not to succeed when you have all the resources around you and are in an environment like that.”
Fenty’s last mountain to climb in his intercollegiate career will come in May, when the two-time ITA All-America selection, 2020 Big Ten Player of the Year, and three-time First-Team All-Big Ten selection will attempt to capture arguably the only accolade missing from his impressive resume – a national championship.
“We want to win a national championship this year, and we have a great opportunity as a team to get it done,” Fenty said, as the Wolverines currently sit at #5 in the ITA team rankings and are poised to compete in the NCAA Championships May 17-27 in Orlando, FL. “Individually, I want to do my best and would love to bring a championship banner home for the University of Michigan before turning professional this summer.”
