Dennis Novikov to leave UCLA, pursue pro tennis career
After a 20-13 individual record in his sophomore season, Dennis Novikov elected to turn pro on Thursday.
By Kevin Bowman
Aug. 22, 2013 4:40 p.m.
After helping UCLA men’s tennis to a 29-2 record and an appearance in the NCAA Team Championships in his sophomore season, Dennis Novikov announced Thursday via Twitter that he was turning pro.
In his Twitter announcement, Novikov expressed his gratitude towards UCLA, saying, “I am thankful for my past 2 years at UCLA but have decided to pursue my dream of a pro career.”
At 19 years old, Novikov currently holds a singles ranking of 459, according to the Association of Tennis Professionals.
Novikov’s decision comes after a summer spent winning his first pro singles title in the Amelia Island tournament and competing with the United States Tennis Association’s Collegiate Team, which allowed him to receive free coaching and to participate in various USTA Pro Circuit events.
In his sophomore season last year, Novikov posted an individual record of 20-13, giving him the sixth-most wins for UCLA. Novikov lost what would be his final match as a Bruin in the NCAA Individual Championships on May 23, falling to Peter Kobelt of Ohio State 6-7(1), 7-6(5), 6-1.
Compiled by Kevin Bowman, Bruin Sports senior staff.
