Kentucky tennis star Liam Draxl turns pro
A Kentucky tennis legend is moving on, as senior standout Liam Draxl has decided to forgo the remainder of his eligibility and turn pro.
Draxl, a native of Ontario, Canada, announced his departure from the program on Monday after four years in Lexington.
“After talking with the coaching staff and my family, I’ve decided to forgo my last year of collegiate eligibility and turn pro,” the team captain announced. “I’d like to thank everyone who was a part of my journey at Kentucky. You guys gave me the best four years of my life, and coming to Kentucky was the best decision I’ve ever made. To be a part of Kentucky’s culture and the team’s improvement over the past couple of years is so special to me.
“Moments like winning the SEC Tournament and playing at home during the NCAA’s with the support of Big Blue Nation are moments I’ll remember forever. I’m sad that my time at Kentucky is over, but I’m also excited to pursue my dream of being a professional tennis player. I’ll forever be a Wildcat and am excited to see what Kentucky tennis has in store for the future.”
Draxl earned ITA All-American honors three consecutive seasons to close out his career and was named ITA National Player of the Year back in 2021. As a senior, he posted a 19-8 singles record, playing primarily on the top court for the Wildcats. He finished the year as the No. 11 player in the ITA Singles Rankings and reached the Round of 16 at the NCAA Singles Championship as a No. 9-16 seed. Draxl was a combined 9-8 against nationally ranked opponents and had two wins against players inside the ITA top 10.
He’s the first Wildcat since Eric Quigley (2010-2012), to be named an All-American in three straight seasons, and just the fourth from Kentucky men’s tennis to earn three All-American singles selections all-time (Quigley, Jesse Witten, Cedric Kauffmann).
The All-SEC First Team member was named Male Athlete of the Year at the CATSPY’s.
Now, Draxl will take his talents to the next level, ending his time in Lexington to turn pro.
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