CARY, N.C. – Former UCLA men's tennis player Dennis Novikov captured the title at the Cary Tennis Championships last weekend. Seventh-seeded Novikov downed fifth-seeded Ryan Harrison in straights in the championship match of the ATP Challenger $50,000 event on Sunday afternoon.
Novikov only dropped one set the entire weekend, which was against the No. 6 seed Brydan Klein of Great Britain in the semifinals. This was the former Bruin's first ATP final appearance.
Very happy to get my first challenger Title especially in the USA! Thanks to everyone for the support and to Cary for hosting a great event!
— Dennis Novikov (@DennisNovikov) September 20, 2015
In two seasons at UCLA, Novikov compiled an overall singles record of 30-18. He was 34-11 in doubles. He ended his sophomore season ranked No. 26 in singles and No. 20 in doubles (w/Marcos Giron) in the Final ITA Rankings. In 2013, he decided to forego his junior and senior years to turn professional.
Cary Tennis Championships, Sunday Results:
[7] D. Novikov (USA) def. [5] [WC] R. Harrison (USA), 6-4, 7-5