Abreu, Freitas to make semifinal appearance

TCU duo knocks off Duke squad

Rafael Abreu
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May 27, 2006

STANFORD, Calif. - The 24th-ranked tandem of Rafael Abreu and Jordan Freitas posted a 6-4, 7-6(4) victory over 17th-ranked Joey Atas and Jonathan Stokke of Duke on Saturday afternoon to advance to the semifinals of the 2006 NCAA Doubles Championships.

"I'm real proud of the way they played," stated TCU head coach Joey Rivé. "They have played three tough opponents and were able to play through in each match. I am just real proud of them."

In the opening round of the tournament, TCU's pair defeated No. 24 Thomas Liversage and Pierrick Ysern of San Diego 6-3, 4-6, 6-3.

The second round saw them defeat seventh-ranked Nick Maythaler and Ryan Rizza of Virginia (6-4, 3-6, 7-6(5)) on Friday to advance to the quarterfinal round.

With the win on Friday, Abreu and Freitas became the first TCU All-Americans since Fabrizio Sestini in 2004. All-America honors are recognized after a team advances past the second round of the tournament.

Former TCU doubles All-Americans include Clinton Banducci, Tony Bujan, Trace Fielding, Ashley Fisher, Jimmy Haney and Eric Lingg.

This season, the pair has knocked off two higher-ranked opponents and defeated six Top 50 foes before entering their tournament run.

Abreu and Freitas will continue their quest for the doubles championship on Sunday when they take on fourth-ranked team of Kevin Anderson and Ryan Rowe of Illinois.

"They have a tough match versus Illinois tomorrow," Rivé concluded. "With the way they are playing right now, anything can happen."