Injury Forces Byrnes Out of NCAA Championships

May 25, 2006 | Cowboy Tennis

Daniel Byrnes was defeated in the first round of the Individual NCAA Men's Tennis Championships by Rice's Robert Searle, 6-2, 3-0, when he was unable to finish the match due to a back injury on Wednesday in Palo Alto, Calif.

Byrnes had defeated Searle earlier this season, 6-3, 6-4, at No. 1 singles.

This is the second match in his last four that Byrnes had to retire in due to his back problems. In the Big 12 Championship semifinal against Baylor, Byrnes was unable to finish his match against Lars Poerschke.

Byrnes, who is currently ranked 13th in the country, finishes an impressive junior campaign with a 13-8 record. Byrnes was the Central Region champion and a unanimous All-Big 12 selection. The Melbourne, Australia, native also was recognized by the Big 12 for his play with brother Daniel in doubles action.