Published: July 02, 2009 10:40 pm      

Reb's Britton turning pro

Special to the Item

OXFORD, Miss. – Ole Miss men’s tennis head coach Billy Chadwick confirmed Wednesday that Devin Britton plans to turn professional and has signed with Octagon.

“Devin will be represented by Octagon, one of the top sports agencies in the world,” Chadwick said. “He has positioned himself as the top young American prospect. His stellar season at Ole Miss capped off by the NCAA Singles Championship has put him in position for a great package financially. We wish him well in his pro career.”

Octagon’s clients include NFL Hall of Famer and Super Bowl Champion John Elway, 14-time Olympic medalist Michael Phelps, NBA All-Star and MVP runner-up Chris Paul, women’s tennis sensation Amelie Mauresmo and men’s tennis stars Juan Carlos Ferrero and Gustavo Kuerten.

Britton, a native of Jackson, Miss., won his ninth straight match on grass to advance to the singles quarterfinals at Wimbledon Juniors on Wednesday.

He defeated Tiago Fernandes of Brazil 7-5, 6-3 in the round of 16. Britton is also competing in doubles with his partner, Jordan Cox.

“This was a very difficult decision for Devin because he was so close to the guys on the team,” Chadwick added. “He loved the University and his time in Oxford. He will be a great ambassador for the University and our tennis program on the tour.”

Britton became the youngest player ever and the first Rebel to win the NCAA Singles title.

He also became the first Rebel freshman to earn All-America honors. Britton earned All-SEC honors, made the SEC All-Freshman Team and was named the 2009 ITA Southeast Region Rookie of the Year.

Following Wimbledon, Britton will head to Croatia to serve as a practice partner for the U.S. Davis Cup team for the Davis Cup quarterfinal tie, which will be played July 10-12.