June 11, 2007

CHARLOTTESVILLE - The Intercollegiate Tennis Association announced Friday that Virginia junior Somdev Devvarman (Chennai, India) won the organization's Men's National Player of the Year award. Devvarman becomes the first male athlete from the Atlantic Coast Conference to receive the accolade.

Devvarman, the 2007 NCAA Singles Champion, ended the season ranked No. 1 in the ITA singles rankings. He had a 44-5 record this season, setting a new school record for wins in a season. He also led the Cavaliers to a No. 2 national ranking and the semifinals of the NCAA Tournament.

The ITA has presented the award every year since 1980 and past winners include MaliVai Washington and James Blake.

Earlier this week, Devvarman was named a singles All-American for the second time in his career. He and Treat Huey (Alexandria, Va.) were also named doubles All-Americans.