Jamieson Nathan has claimed back-to-back Universal Tennis Ranking (UTR) events in Canberra after defeating Alison Bai 4-0 4-2 in the second event held at the Canberra Tennis Centre from 22-23 August.\u00a0 Nathan also claimed the first event back in July defeating Leon Hemmings in the final.<\/p>\n
Nathan is currently back in Canberra on summer break from US College where he has been playing for Lander University in South Carolina since August last year.<\/p>\n
The 20-year-old has enjoyed being able to compete while back in the capital, with the events providing valuable matches during the break.<\/p>\n
\u201cI definitely had a few close ones but very happy to come out of lockdown and win these events.<\/p>\n
\u201cThe UTR tournaments have been a great opportunity to stay in shape and keep competing while we wait on Professional and national tournaments to come back.\u201d<\/p>\n
While competing for the Bearcats, Nathan compiled a 6-2 singles record before the season was shutdown due to COVID-19.\u00a0 The Bearcats were ranked No.9 in the final Intercollegiate Tennis Association (ITA) Division II national rankings and compiled a 9-1 record for the spring season.<\/p>\n
The Canberran has also been excelling off the court, majoring in Psychology, Nathan was named to the ITA Scholar-Athlete list, which recognises athletes who achieve a Grade Point Average of above 3.50 (on a 4.00 scale).<\/p>\n
\u201cI am absolutely loving College in America, the people are great and have been able to play high level tennis and make loads of friends from around the world.<\/p>\n
\u201cIt was definitely tough leaving halfway through my semester but I have loved the extra time at home with my family and my dog,\u201d Nathan said.<\/p>\n
The next UTR event will take place in Canberra from 12-13 September, but Nathan will not have the chance to make it three in a row, heading back to the US the day the event starts.<\/p>\n
\u201cI’m planning on leaving back for the US next weekend.\u00a0 Tennis and life is fully operational again over there so I’m planning on maximising that while staying as safe as possible.\u201d<\/p>\n