Ryler De Heart, ranked 261 in the world, will play world number one Rafael Nadal on Arthur Ashe Court tonight.

 Flushing Meadow, New York  (Athletic DNA), August 28, 2008 – Last week Ryler De Heart was sleeping on a friend’s couch - a 5^th story walk up in Chinatown.  After grinding through three tight qualifying matches and beating Rochus in the first round, De Heart will face world number one Rafael Nadal on Arthur Ashe Court tonight. 

De Heart became Athletic DNA’s latest Brand Ambassador after proving his determination, work ethic, and athleticism in reaching the US Open Main Draw.

Athletic DNA, a high performance athletic apparel company, has recently created a buzz around the professional circuit by launching a brand specifically targeted at players at the top level. In addition to utilizing the latest technology, Athletic DNA product has been designed in collaboration with professional athletes.  Athletic DNA goes a step further in its commitment to athletes.  Players selected to represent the brand also own a stake in the company.  This has players talking.

“I like that Athletic DNA really focuses on their players.  There’s only a handful of guys ranked in the top 5, but there are hundreds and thousands of hard working athletes out there grinding away 365 days a year.  Athletic DNA recognizes that,” said Robert Kendrick, another Athletic DNA athlete.

According to Athletic DNA CEO Dan Willman, “Ryler De Heart exemplifies the Athletic DNA core values.  He trains like an animal, puts in the hard yards, and tonight he gets his chance to go up against the best in the world.”

Ryler De Heart, a graduate of the University of Illinois isn’t just a dedicated and talented athlete.  Teammates from his Illinois days describe him as the  “hardest working guy out there.”  De Heart graduated with a degree in Pre-Med.