TULSA, Okla. — LSU men’s tennis junior Danny Bryan was knocked out of the second round of qualifying at the ITA All-American Championships on Tuesday.
Bryan went up against Duke’s Jonathan Stokke, the No. 53 ranked player in the nation, and was beaten in straight sets, 6-3, 6-1. Despite the loss, associate head tennis coach Mark Booras said the experience was important for Bryan.
“The score pretty much tells the story,” Booras said. “Danny got out competed today by a great player, but I think he recognized the level he needs to play at to reach his goals.”
Bryan will return Thursday, to play with partner Colt Gaston in the main draw doubles tournament. Gaston was eliminated in the first round of singles qualifying on Monday, before rebounding to dominate, Zach Granger, of Utah, 6-1, 6-3, in a consolation match, on Tuesday.
Booras feels that Bryan and Gaston, who are the nation’s No. 27 ranked doubles team, have a chance to gain a lot of respect in the main draw.
“These guys are going to put their losses behind them,” said Booras. “They have a great opportunity on Thursday to show that they’re among the top teams in the country.”
Tigers Ken Skupski and Mark Growcott will also join their teammates on Thursday, in the main draw. Both players were exempt from qualifying in singles and doubles.
The final round of qualifying will take place on Wednesday.