NU Signs One of Top Juniors in Great Britain

Lincoln --- Jack Baker, who is ranked in the top 60 in the International Tennis Federation (ITF) world junior rankings, has signed a National Letter-of-Intent to attend the University of Nebraska and join the men's tennis team for the 2004-05 season, Nebraska men's tennis coach Kerry McDermott announced Monday

"Jack will be an outstanding addition to our program," McDermott said. "He has a tremendous tennis background and his international experience will help him compete at the top level in the Big 12 and NCAA. He has a chance to help us improve next year as a team and to be a player that we can count on every match."

Baker has ranked as high as No. 54 in the ITF world junior combined rankings in 2004 after ending last year ranked No. 81 in singles. Baker has moved into the top 60 in the ITF each of the past two years, reaching as high as No. 59 in the world in singles play.

Since moving into the Boys 18 division in 2003, Baker has reached the quarterfinals in tournament play five times in singles action, including reaching the finals at the 2003 British Nationals and the 2003 Malaysian International. In doubles play, Baker has reached the quarterfinals of five tournaments over the past two years with his highest finish coming in at the 2003 British Nationals, where he and partner Matthew Brown placed second. Baker and Brown entered the tournament seeded sixth, but reached the finals after upsetting the top-seeded duo in the semifinals.

As a 16-year-old in 2002, Baker also ranked No. 5 in Great Britain and No. 14 in the European Tennis Association 16U division. Baker won the 2002 Malta World Ranking Tournament and reached at least the quarterfinals of four tournaments in singles play and four in doubles play.

A native of London, England, Baker has played under Coach Paul Dent at the Sutton Junior Tennis Centre.