Men?s Tennis Signs Two in Class of 2020

DURHAM, N.C. – Duke men's tennis head coach Ramsey Smith announced Monday the signing of two of the nation's best recruits to a talented class of 2020. Robert Levine and Nick Stachowiak will enroll at Duke in August of 2016 and join the Blue Devils for the 2016-17 season.

“Jonathan [Stokke] and I are thrilled to announce the addition of Nick and Robert to the Duke Tennis family,” Smith said. “Nick and Robert are character-driven young men who have proven themselves to be winners in the classroom and on the tennis court. These two are known for having a strong passion for the game and are hungry to take their tennis to the next level here at Duke.”

Levine, of the Laurel Springs School, is a Bedford, N.Y., product. He is a blue chip prospect and has been as high as No. 3 in the TennisRecruiting.net national rankings and currently stands No. 7.

“Robert is a relentless worker, fearless competitor, and a lifelong student of the game,” Smith noted. “He has a world-class backhand and a knack for finding ways to win. I believe Robert is one of those student-athletes who will push himself to be the very best he can be, and he will be a competitive leader in college tennis.”

Levine has achieved a top-100 ITF ranking, highlighted by 60 points from the International Spring Championships in March of 2015, when he reached the quarterfinals with a 3-1 record. At the event, Levine also paired with current Blue Devil Catalin Mateas in doubles as the two advanced to the semifinals before falling in an extremely close match, 7-6 (6), 7-6 (5).

In August of 2015, Levine played in the Winnipeg National Bank Futures presented by Manshield Construction qualifying draw and received a bye before defeating Connor Davies of Canada in the second round to advance to the main draw. Once in the main draw, Levine downed Edward Bourchier of Australia 6-2, 6-1 to move to the second round. As a result, Levine picked up one ATP point and earned his first ATP ranking. Levine also competed in the Junior US Open in 2014.

Stachowiak, from Cary, N.C., attended the North Hills Tennis Academy during his senior year. He is a blue chip recruit and has risen to as high as the No. 6 prospect in the United States the by TennisRecruiting.net. He also currently ranks No. 1 in the IMG TennisRPI and topped out at No. 7 in the USTA standings.

“Growing up in Cary, Nick won't have a long drive from his home to his freshman dorm,” Smith said. “Nick is a gifted athlete and great mover on the court who has a natural feel for the game. We recruited him because he has a huge upside. Nick has already experienced winning at a very high level in junior tennis. I believe with hard work in our Duke environment his game will rise to the top of the collegiate level.”

While attending Middle Creek High School, his first three years, Stachowiak claimed a pair of North Carolina High School Athletic Association 4A state championships and earned All-America honors. Stachowiak won the Greensboro March Madness Junior Championship and finished second at the USTA National Selection Tournament in early 2015. At the USTA National Selection Tournament in December of 2014, Stachowiak won the title with a 6-1, 6-0 victory against Blaine Boyden. In addition, Stachowiak won the Southern Closed Championship and the USTA National Selection Tournament, in singles and doubles, this summer.

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