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Men's Tennis

2017-18 Men's Tennis Roster
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Michael Geerts Season 2017-18

ClassSenior
HometownAntwerp, Belgium
LINK: Geerts Leaving Lasting Legacy on Growing Program (by Mason Kern, Cronkite News/April 9, 2018)

LINK: Lone senior for ASU men’s tennis making most of his short Sun Devil career (by Sophia Briseno, ASU State Press/April 2, 2018)
 
Year Overall Dual Tournament Conference Streak Last 10 Match-Clinching Points vs. Ranked
2017-18 25-12 14-7 12-5 3-3 L2 8-2 2 5-6


SENIOR (2017-18)
  • Joined the Sun Devils in the spring of 2017 and earned Dean's List in fall of 2017.
  • Notched an 11-5 record in the fall, including two four-match win streaks
  • Highest Oracle/ITA Singles Ranking: No. 20
  • Highest Oracle/ITA doubles ranking: No. 58 (Tom Wright)
  • Represented the first Sun Devil since before at least 2004 to earn a nod to the NCAA Men's Tennis Singles Championship
  • Became the highest-ranked Sun Devil since No. 1 Sargis Sargsian in 1995 when Oracle/ITA ranked him No. 20 in their final three polls of the season
  • One of only three players to notch two wins over top-5 opponents this season
  • Secured wins over the top two players in the country in No. 1 Martin Redlicki of UCLA and No. 2 Mikael Torpegaard of Ohio State, both in straight sets
  • Went on a six-match tear, grabbing six-straight wins against LMU, Fresno State (2), San Diego, Boise State and Alabama (2/9-24)
  • His three-set win over Gui Osorio clinched a win over a competitive San Diego squad, taking the victory 7-5, 3-6, 6-0 (2/17)
  • Clinched the Blue Gray Tennis Classic for ASU, taking his match against No. 113 Mazen Osama 2-6, 7-6, 6-4 to win the championship (2/24)

HIGH SCHOOL 
  • Played for Vlaamse Tennis Vereniging / TC Ter Linden and has been in the Belgian Tennis Federation his whole life
  • Has ranked as high as 435 in singles and 390 in doubles professionally
  • Participated in the Belgian/Flamish championships, Nike Junior tour, Futures titles singles: Israel F11
  • Futures & Israel F12 Futures, Future titles doubles: Kuwait F2 Futures & Tunisia F28
  • Futures & Israel F16 Futures & Israel F17 Futures & Qatar F5 Futures
  • Represented Belgium at the Junior Davis Cup in ’12,’14 and ’16. In the European Championships, an array of team competitions and the MasterU (University Championship)

PERSONAL
  • Parents are Daniël Geerts (Independent CFO) and Kathleen Balling (High School Teacher)
  • Has one sister, Magalil
  • His favorite tennis player is Roger Federer
  • Tennis, Soccer and Basketball are his favorite sports to watch
  • His most memorable tennis tournament to date is World Nike Junior Tour Club Med Punta Cana (Dominican Republic).

QUOTING MATT HILL
"Michaël comes to us from Antwerp, Belgium and was in the Belgian Tennis Federation his whole life because he as always one of the best in Belgium for his age group. Michaël comes in with the highest professional ranking of 430 and has won multiple professional tournaments all around the world. Michaël is one of the best ball strikers in the world and can truly hurt you from any part of the court. His speed and his timing of the ball make him a threat against anyone he steps on the court with.” — Matt Hill

Q&A with Michael Geerts 

Longest match you have ever played?  When I was fifteen years old, I played the Belgian championships. My second round lasted 3 hours and 20 minutes.
What is your favorite shot? Forehand
Favorite commentator? Mats Wilander
Favorite grand slam? Why? Wimbledon because it is the classiest tennis tournament of the year, all white and special rules.
Favorite song from your favorite artist? Living by Bakermat
What is a quote that you live by? “It’s Not Whether You Get Knocked Down, It’s Whether You Get Up.”  Vince Lombardi
If you could learn to do anything, what would it be? Fly a plane, be a pilot.
If you could meet anyone, past or present, who would it be? Steve Jobs
What's your favorite TV show and why? House of cards, it is an intriguing TV-show with a strong storyline.  
What is your favorite meal of the day? Dinner, when you have enough time to relax and have a great meal.
What is your favorite season in the year? The European summer.
What is your favorite holiday and why? Christmas. The streets are all lit up and there is a cozy atmosphere in the cities.
What three words would you use to describe yourself? Ambitious, Realistic, relax
What is your favorite food? Steak with Belgian fries
What is your favorite candy? Mellow cakes
What is a place/country that you have always wanted to visit? Maldives and Canada
What was the most exciting game you have ever been a part of? Junior Davis Cup
What is your favorite dessert? Fruit with hot chocolate cake and ice cream
Why tennis? My parents were active tennis players in the club and I went with them a few times. I directly loved the game and got very passionate about it.
What is your favorite thing about Arizona State? Beautiful campus and the sports mentality in general for the athletes.