ITA Release

Aleks Kovacevic and Siphosothando Montsi were named 2021 ITA All-Americans on Monday afternoon. Montsi and Kovacevic earned the honor by advancing into the round of 16 during the NCAA Singles Tournament.

The "All-American" title is given to student-athletes that earn a top 16 seed in the NCAA singles championship, advance to the round of 16 at the NCAA championship, or finish in the top 20 of the final ITA singles rankings. 

This is the first All-American honor for Montsi who went 18-4 this year season. Key wins included No. 104 Stefen Dostanic (USC) and No. 50 Ondrej Styler (Michigan). His 3-6,6-4,7-5 win over Inaki Montes (UVA) in No. 2 singles tied the match at 3-3, the Illini would go on to complete the come back after falling down 3-1.

"It feels great," said Montsi. "I'm happy to finally call myself an All-American. It was one of my goals this year and I'm glad I'm able to scratch that off the goals list."

This is the second All-American honor for Kovacevic, who earned the accolade in 2019 when he reached the singles tournament semi-final. This season he went went 11-1 in the No. 1 singles spot. He defeated No. 11 John McNally (OSU), No. 39 Kareen Allaf (Iowa) and No. 124 Andrew Fenty (Michigan) during the regular season. He reached the quarterfinals of the NCAA Singles Tournament in Orlando this year.

"Being All-American for the second time is another cool achievement to add," said Kovacevic. "I'm happy for Siphs to get his own first as well, and really feel for Zeke as I feel he deserved that status as well."

Montsi will return to the Illini next season while Kovacevic will pursue a professional playing career.