For the first time in program history, women’s tennis has a player ranked by the Intercollegiate Tennis Association.Freshman Eleonore Tchakarova debuts on the list at No. 118 in the national singles rankings for Division 1 players. During the fall season, Tchakarova advanced to the finals in all three tournaments the Racers competed in and brought home two titles.
“I was really surprised that I was ranked, but I’m excited for it,” she said.
The ITA determines its rankings every two weeks during the spring and uses a formula based on wins and losses along with the player’s opponents’ rankings. Tchakarova was the only player from the OVC to be ranked by the ITA.
Head Coach Olga Elkin was excited she has a player ranked for the first time in Murray State history.
“She worked very hard this fall and deserves to have this honor,” Elkin said. “Every day we will continue to build and try and get her ranking up and try to get a couple more girls ranked as well. I think it could motivate the others on the team.”
Besides wanting to ascend to the top ranking, Tchakarova has set high goals for herself in her first spring season.
Said Tchakarova: “I want to win all of my matches and try to win the OVC and just work hard.”
Story by Tom Via, Staff writer