Ndayishimiye Selected for Rio 2016 Olympics, Samaha Also Competing Internationally

TROY, Alabama – Troy men's tennis' Hassan Ndayishimiye and Giovani Samaha have spent their summer competing internationally, and for Ndayishimiye it has led to a selection to represent Burundi at the 2016 Summer Olympics in Rio de Janeiro.

Ndayishimiye is the highest ranked player from his native Burundi in the Emirates ATP Rankings and will represent the east African nation in the Rio 2016 Olympics. The Troy junior will also represent Burundi in the 2015 All-Africa Games in September.

In addition, Samaha, a Troy senior, has been selected to play for Lebanon's Davis Cup team that is currently competing in a qualifying group with Chinese Taipei, Indonesia, Pakistan, Iran, Philippines, Kuwait and Sri Lanka.

"It is incredible that Hassan and Giovani are having such success this summer," Troy head coach Scott Kidd said. "It's doesn't surprise me because both guys have amazing work ethic and passion for the sport."

Samaha and Ndayishimiye have also spent their summers playing in multiple ITF Futures tournaments across Africa and Asia. Samaha played in two events in Lebanon in June, advancing to the round of 16 in singles play in both. He also competed in doubles in both events, advancing to the quarterfinals and semifinals, respectively.

"Giovani, who played at No. 6 for us this year, has had success of the ITF tour recently and we are excited that he is representing Lebanon at the Davis Cup this week," Kidd said.

Ndayishimiye has played in seven ITF Futures events this summer, traveling to Mozambique, Zimbabwe and Turkey. He most notably advanced to the semifinals in an early June tournament in Mozambique, defeating Nik Scholtz, Ole Miss' top player last season, in the quarterfinals.

"It is historic that Hassan has been selected to represent Burundi in the 2016 Olympics and 2015 All-Africa Games," Kidd said. "Also, Hassan's win over Nik Scholtz shows that Troy has the talent to compete with the best."

Ndayishimiye is currently competing in the Turkey F28 Futures in Istanbul where he plays in the quarterfinals later this week, his fourth quarterfinal appearance of the summer. He also competed in doubles in all seven tournaments this summer, advancing to four semifinals and winning a title at the Mozambique F1 Futures.

"Again, this shows that we are recruiting top players in order to take this program to the next level. Our coaching staff is thrilled how these awesome guys are representing Troy University and helping make a name for Troy men's tennis."

Troy University Athletics

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Hassan Ndayishimiye

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Ndayishimiye Selected for Rio 2016 Olympics, Samaha Also Competing Internationally

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