ATHENS, Ga. – Alabama’s Matic Kriznik qualified for the NCAA Championships on Saturday with a win in the quarterfinals of the ITA South Sectional Championships.

The UA sophomore faced Auburn’s Billy Blaydes in the quarterfinals. Kriznik won the first set off a 6-4 victory, before falling 6-2 in the second set. He would drop just three games in the final round for the victory.  

It was the third consecutive three-set battle for Kriznik who downed Louisville’s Walid Ahouda, 0-6, 7-6(2), 7-6(4), in the Round of 32 and Georgia’s Santiago Giamichelle, 7-6(2), 4-6, 6-2, in the Round of 16.

With the victory, Kriznik became the third Alabama player in three seasons to advance to the NCAA Championships, joining Filip Planinsek (spring 2024) and Roan Jones (fall 2024) as national competitors.  

“Very happy for Matic as his game continues to develop during our preseason training. He had to face a number of obstacles this weekend, but like any good competitor, he stayed the course and executed his plan. He showed great resolve today even with his own personal check engine light glowing. Matic’s achievement is one of several made by him and his teammates this semester. It’s exciting to see the strides they all have made and the continued progress they make. Alabama is fortunate to have Matic represent our university at the upcoming NCAA Championships.”

Next

• Members of the Crimson Tide will compete at the UTR PTT Tuscaloosa tournament beginning Monday, Nov. 10
• The event is open to male athletes with a UTR of 11.5 and above

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