ROME, Ga. - Javier Gallego earned an invite to the 2023 ITA Cup after an impressive fall campaign. 

Gallego was selected to the 16-player tournament as one of the top players in the NAIA. He finished runner-up at the ITA Regionals earlier this season. He is the third Lancer to compete in the tournament since 2016 (Danila Kurkulin, 2016; Max Rozas, 2019). 

In the opening match of the tournament, Gallego squared off against the No. 1 overall seed, Nicolas Cortes. He started off the match well, taking the first set 6-3. But Cortes was able to battle back to win the match 3-6, 6-1, 6-4.

After the opening round defeat, Gallego moved over to the West bracket where he went on a run to claim the top spot in the consolation bracket.

In the quarterfinal, he defeated Vaclav Schneider in three sets 4-6, 6-3, 6-1 to advance. The next round was set to be a rematch of the regional final against Sergio Conde. The foe from UNOH, however, was forced to retire due to injury before the match. 

In the final of the West bracket, Gallego matched up against Bryce Ware. He was able to come out victorious with a straight-set showing 6-3, 6-4.

To find out more about the 2023 ITA Cup, click here.