Perahya looks to win NESCAC championship

Making it to the NESCAC Championship match last season was not enough for the men's tennis team's number one singles player, junior Rifat Perahya. This year, he wants to win.

"I'm expecting to be in the finals this year," Perahya said. "Last year I was expecting to win, but I was a little tired in the finals [after playing to three sets in the semifinals]. This year I think I can win."

That semifinal match was only the second time in Perahya's 10-5 2003 season that he played in a match that went to a third set. Perahya attributes his impressive 21-6 collegiate career singles record to his coach and his teammates.

"Our practice, our coach -- I have improved a lot since I came here," he said. "I have good friendships with my team and I enjoy playing with them. The more fun I have the better my game is."

Perahya's success isn't limited to his singles game. Over the past two seasons, he posted a 24-10 record with his former partner, Tufts 2003 graduate David Ruttenberg. The two played together in the spring 2003 NESCAC championship tournament, making it to the semifinals before bowing out. The pair won the doubles championship in the fall of 2001.

Perahya looks to continue his success on the doubles court this season for the Brown and Blue. This year, the Istanbul-native will team up at the number one slot with senior captain Jon Bram. The two should mesh well as Bram is strong at the net while Perahya is most feared for his ground strokes.

"We're playing well in practice together," Perahya said. "We complete each other as players because his game is net."

"He's very tough and very consistent on the baseline" Bram said. "He has an all court game. We compliment each other really well, we are both really competitive. I'm very emotional on the court and he's very calming."

Perahya and the Jumbos have set their goals high this season: they want to go as far as possible in nationals. When it comes to his own game, the former NESCAC Rookie of the Year's aspirations are simple.

"My number one goal is to win every match I play," Perahya said.