University of North Carolina Athletics
Former Patterson Medal Winner Phillips Advances To U.S. Open Quarterfinals
September 4, 2006 | Men's Tennis
Sept. 4, 2006
NEW YORK, N.Y. - Former Carolina All-American Tripp Phillips advanced to the doubles quarterfinals of the U.S.Open on Sunday afternoon. Phillips and doubles partner Ashley Fisher of Australia defeated Poland's Mariusz Fyrstenberg and Marcin Matkowski, seeded 10th, 6-4, 6-4 for their third straight victory.
Because of rain, Phillips and Fisher's next opponents will not be determined until Tuesday. The quarterfinal match will likely be played on Wednesday.
"Tripp is playing the best tennis of his life and today he and Ashley played flawlessly," remarked Carolina Head Coach Sam Paul, who is serving as Phillips' coach throughout the tournament. "We are really proud of him and the support he has gotten from friends, alumni and family up here has been tremendous."
Unseeded Fisher and Phillips have now defeated the eighth and tenth seeded teams in the tournament. Their first and second round victories were each decided in three sets. In Friday's second round, Phillips served the final two points in the third set tiebreaker to clinch the match.
Phillips graduated from North Carolina in 2000 after earning All-America honors and a collegiate singles Top 20 national ranking. Phillips was also awarded the Patterson medal which annually recognizes the top male and female student-athletes at the University of North Carolina.
