Future Columbia teammates claim qualifying spots in Edwardsville

Columbia University tennis prospects Shaan Patel and Andrew Kotzen secured their spots in the upcoming Edwardsville Futures tournament. The two players swept the qualifying wild card brackets at the EHS Tennis Center on July 23, earning a chance to compete in the professional qualifying draw scheduled for late July.

Patel, a rising freshman and former Missouri high school state champion, earned his berth after a 7-5, 6-1 victory against Naresh Mithran Bharathy. Patel cruised through his earlier matches after a first-round bye and remains focused on the upcoming professional field. This win marks his third appearance in a professional singles qualifying tournament.

Andrew Kotzen, a rising junior at Columbia, claimed the second available wild card with a 6-3, 6-0 win over Diego Britt-Alvarez. Kotzen credited his mental consistency and strong service game for his success throughout the tournament. He noted that the win was a specific goal for his summer schedule as he prepares to play in the upcoming professional qualifying events.

The Edwardsville Futures tournament serves as a key stop on the professional tennis circuit. As the only professional event in the United States hosted at a high school, it draws high-level talent to the region. With these two wins, the Columbia program demonstrates its current strength and preparation for the professional level. The main tournament event runs from July 26 through August 2 at the EHS Tennis Center.