Tere-Apisah advances to third round in NCAA tennis tournament

An improved first serve propelled Georgia State’s Abigail Tere-Apisah to the third round of the NCAA tennis tournament today with a 6-3, 6-4 win over Tennessee’s Kata Szekely.

The victory guaranteed her All-America status, making her the first men’s or women’s player in GSU’s history to earn that distinction.

She will face top-seeded Allie Will of Florida in Friday’s third round in Athens at the Dan Magill Tennis Complex.

She credits the 45 minutes-1 hour she’s spent on her serve each day since the regular season ended for the victory.

“The last two matches, it is giving me an advantage to get points easily,” Tere-Apisah said. “During the season it wasn’t really a weapon.”

Tere-Apisah, who also uses a powerful baseline forehand, said she tried to push Szekely deep to her backhand side throughout the match.

“She was having difficulty getting them back,” Tere-Apisah said.

GSU coach Miha Lisac said Tere-Apisah’s focus is the reason for the improved serve.

“One thing is the time that you dedicate, but I give credit to Abby to being on the court and serving and dedicated to improving her serve,” he said.

Tere-Apisah’s next match will be tough, no matter the opponent.

Lisac said Will doesn’t give away points, which means Tere-Apisah must fight throughout.

“Abby will have to be close to her best to win that match,” he said.

– Doug Roberson, AJC. Please follow me on twitter @ajcgsu