Jovanovic falls in pre-qualifier

LOS ANGELES – Senior Vlatka Jovanovic of the University of Arkansas women’s tennis team was one of the 100 best tennis players in the country to garner an invitation to the prestigious Riviera All-American Championships in Los Angeles, Calif. this week.

Jovanovic, ranked No. 53, was slotted to face Arizona State’s No. 37 Sabrina Capannolo in the first round of the tournament. Unfortunately, the Zagreb, Croatia native fell in opening round action despite a 7-5, 7-5 effort.

With the loss, Jovanovic drops to 1-2 in the 2005 fall season. The Riviera, however, is not Jovanovoc’s last chance to better her individual record this fall. In two weeks, Oct. 18-23 at the ITA Regional Championship in Salt Lake City, Utah, the Lady’Backs senior will play in the main draw of the tournament along with freshman Aurelija Miseviciute, sophomore Maryori Franco and senior Karina Ledaja.

“Despite the loss, Vlatka [Jovanovic] played well considering her limited play thus far,” said Arkansas head coach Michael Hegarty. “I’m certain that she will bounce back strong at the USTA Collegiate Classic this weekend in New York.”

The Lady Razorbacks return to fall action as a team this weekend, Oct. 8-10, at the USTA Collegiate Classic at Flushing Meadows Country Club in New York City. For more information on Arkansas tennis, please visit LADYBACKS.COM.

Tennis Results

Riviera All-American Championships

Los Angeles, Calif.

September 4, 2005

No. 37 Sabrina Capannolo (Arizona St.) def. No. 53 Vlatka Jovanovic (Arkansas) 7-5, 7-5

— LADY RAZORBACKS —