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Student-Athlete Spotlight: Samuel Rubell
6/30/2020 2:00:00 PM | Men's Tennis
DURHAM, N.C. – Despite his freshman year being cut short by COVID-19, Samuel Rubell put together an impressive rookie campaign.
Rubell compiled an 18-5 overall singles record, including an 8-1 mark in dual action as he opened the season on a seven-match win streak before falling to No. 17 Tennessee in three sets. He collected his first collegiate victory in the season opener at Hawai'i, defeating his opponent 6-0, 6-1.
In doubles play, Rubell went 4-4 on the year as he played most matches during the fall. Teaming up with freshman Omni Kumar, Rubell won his first doubles match in the spring against North Carolina A&T.
Following his first year at Duke, Rubell was named to the ACC Honor Roll.
Get to know more about Sam.
Favorite Color: Green
Favorite TV Show: Breaking Bad
Favorite Movie: The Wolf of Wall Street
Favorite Food: Sushi
Favorite Hobby: Boating
Favorite Sport: Tennis
Beach or Lake: Beach
What was your favorite memory from this season?
"My favorite memory was beating Illinois at home. I felt like that was our first real test as a team and we stepped up. The energy from the fans that night was great."
How was the transition coming to Duke – both academically and athletically?
"My transition coming to Duke was great. The support I received from the coaches and teachers made the transition to Duke pretty smooth."
Who served as a mentor for you this year? How did they help you?
"Spencer Furman. Every day at practice, Spencer set the standard with his focus and intensity. Spencer was an easy guy to talk to and he definitely helped with my transition to Duke – both athletically and academically." Â
Who is your favorite all-time tennis player and why?
"Roger Federer. I really like how he controls matches with his serve. Also, it is pretty cool how consistent he is, being at the top of the sport for about 20 years."
What do you look forward to most next year?
"I am excited to build on what we accomplished this past season. I think we can be a really good team next year and I am excited to see what we can accomplish."
For more information on Duke men's tennis, follow the Blue Devils on Twitter, Instagram and Facebook.
#GoDuke
Â
Rubell compiled an 18-5 overall singles record, including an 8-1 mark in dual action as he opened the season on a seven-match win streak before falling to No. 17 Tennessee in three sets. He collected his first collegiate victory in the season opener at Hawai'i, defeating his opponent 6-0, 6-1.
In doubles play, Rubell went 4-4 on the year as he played most matches during the fall. Teaming up with freshman Omni Kumar, Rubell won his first doubles match in the spring against North Carolina A&T.
Following his first year at Duke, Rubell was named to the ACC Honor Roll.
Get to know more about Sam.
Favorite Color: Green
Favorite TV Show: Breaking Bad
Favorite Movie: The Wolf of Wall Street
Favorite Food: Sushi
Favorite Hobby: Boating
Favorite Sport: Tennis
Beach or Lake: Beach
What was your favorite memory from this season?
"My favorite memory was beating Illinois at home. I felt like that was our first real test as a team and we stepped up. The energy from the fans that night was great."
How was the transition coming to Duke – both academically and athletically?
"My transition coming to Duke was great. The support I received from the coaches and teachers made the transition to Duke pretty smooth."
Who served as a mentor for you this year? How did they help you?
"Spencer Furman. Every day at practice, Spencer set the standard with his focus and intensity. Spencer was an easy guy to talk to and he definitely helped with my transition to Duke – both athletically and academically." Â
Who is your favorite all-time tennis player and why?
"Roger Federer. I really like how he controls matches with his serve. Also, it is pretty cool how consistent he is, being at the top of the sport for about 20 years."
What do you look forward to most next year?
"I am excited to build on what we accomplished this past season. I think we can be a really good team next year and I am excited to see what we can accomplish."
For more information on Duke men's tennis, follow the Blue Devils on Twitter, Instagram and Facebook.
#GoDuke
Â
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