CLEVELAND, Ohio – Cleveland State men's tennis head coach Brian Etzkin announced another addition to the 2026-27 recruiting class, as Alexander Nikolov from Toronto, Canada is set to join the Vikings next fall.

"I'm excited to have Alex join our team and the Viking Family.  I'm already inspired by his story and his development on and off the court!  He has worked very hard to get to where he is today, and I can't wait for Alex to set some more lofty goals and accomplish them here at CSU," Etzkin said.

Nikolov is currently ranked No. 49 nationally in the Men's Open Division in Canada, and has had a strong year on the courts. This season, Nikolov has won back-to-back Men's Open Tournaments, picking one up on hard-court and one on clay.

"I chose Cleveland State because of Coach Etzkin and because of the great group of guys I'll be joining.  It will be fun to begin my career with three other great freshmen.  There has been a great history of success with the program and I can't wait to be a part of that tradition," Nikolov said.

Nikolov is part of a four-person recruiting class for the Vikings, as he will join Max Henson, Nikolas Jacobson and Nicolas Wild as newcomers next fall.