In a thrilling start to the 2024-25 season, the Harvard men’s tennis team narrowly lost to the 12th-ranked Duke University, with a final score of 3-4. Despite the loss, the Crimson showcased remarkable resilience and competitive spirit throughout the match. Coach Andrew Rueb praised his team for their outstanding performance, particularly noting the strong doubles play that gave Harvard an early lead. The singles matches were tightly contested, with Harvard pushing Duke to the limit and forcing third sets in four out of six matches. Senior captain Daniel Milavsky delivered a standout performance, securing a crucial victory against the 47th-ranked player from Duke.

The contest began on a high note for Harvard as they secured victories in the first two doubles matches, giving them an early advantage. Masato Perera and Benjamin Privara claimed a decisive win over Pedro Rodenas and Theo Winegar from Duke, while David Lins and Daniel Milavsky also triumphed against Andreja Petrovic and Cooper Williams. This strong start set the tone for what would be an intense and competitive match.

However, the momentum shifted slightly in singles play. Duke managed to secure five out of six opening sets, but Harvard did not back down. Valdemar Pape provided a significant boost by winning his match in straight sets. Despite falling behind later in the match, Harvard fought hard, forcing third sets in the remaining contests. The Blue Devils ultimately clinched victories at the No. 2 and No. 3 positions, putting pressure on Harvard.

One of the highlights of the day was undoubtedly Milavsky's comeback victory. Facing six match points, he persevered and defeated the highly ranked Cooper Williams in a grueling three-set match. This performance exemplified the determination and hard work that Coach Rueb has instilled in his players. Although Perera pushed for a third set and held a slight lead, the Blue Devils managed to secure the final match of the day, sealing the win.

The Harvard men’s tennis team demonstrated exceptional skill and tenacity in their season opener. While the outcome was not in their favor, the match highlighted the team's potential and readiness for the upcoming challenges. With another tough opponent on the horizon, the Crimson will look to build on this performance as they prepare to face NC State in their next match. The team's ability to compete at such a high level against a top-ranked opponent bodes well for the rest of the season.