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Florida Atlantic University Olivier Sajous face a fight at Delray Beach International Tennis Championships

FAU's Sajous 'in for a fight'

Friday, January 26, 2007

BOCA RATON ? Olivier Sajous, a freshman on the Florida Atlantic tennis team, came to the United States from Haiti when he was 16 to chase his dream of playing professional tennis.

On Saturday, he'll get a good taste of what it takes to be a pro when he attempts to qualify for the Delray Beach International Tennis Championships.

Sajous, 19, won the tournament's pre-qualifying tournament in November to advance to the qualifying tournament.

Four qualifiers from that tournament will advance to the main draw for the ATP event, which begins on Monday.

"I'm going to be in for a fight," said Sajous, who played on Haiti's Davis Cup team. "They are all going to be trying their best, but so am I. I'll be excited and nervous, but just trying to stay relaxed."

Sajous also is making an impact on the Owls tennis team. Sajous is ranked No. 63 in the latest ITA rankings in men's singles, which is the highest individual rank by a FAU player.

"I've never coached a player who loves the game more," FAU coach David Komie said. "His happiness is contagious and I'm sure that is a big part of why he was voted team captain."

Sajous won his first match at No. 1 singles Sunday when the Owls defeated Jacksonville 6-1.

"For a freshman I guess I'm doing good, but I expected to be doing better," Sajous said.