The University of Chicago men’s tennis team celebrated a successful doubleheader on Sunday afternoon, securing victories against Grinnell and Holy Cross (IN). The matches marked the first home games at the Stagg Tennis Courts this season. With dominant performances in both doubles and singles, the Maroons demonstrated their prowess, finishing with scores of 7-0 and 5-2 respectively. This victory elevates UChicago to an impressive 18-2 record for the season, as they prepare for their next match against UW-Whitewater on April 19.
In their initial match of the day, the Maroons showcased their strength by sweeping all three doubles contests, establishing an early lead over Grinnell. Their relentless pursuit continued into singles play, where key players contributed decisively to secure a clean sweep.
Against Grinnell, the Maroons began with a strong showing in doubles. Andrei Leonov and Pat Otero triumphed convincingly at #1 doubles, while Alexander Ekstrand and Derek Hsieh followed suit at #2 doubles. Michael Choi and Jacob Lowen sealed the doubles sweep at #3. Transitioning to singles, Matthew Liew delivered an emphatic win at #5 singles, joined by Ajer Sher at #4 and Alexander Ekstrand at #1. Derek Hsieh, Michael Choi, and Jack Wong added further victories, culminating in a comprehensive 7-0 triumph.
The second encounter of the day proved more challenging but equally rewarding, as the Maroons navigated through competitive doubles matches before prevailing in singles play to clinch a decisive 5-2 win.
Facing Holy Cross, the doubles segment was fiercely contested. Derek Hsieh and Alexander Ekstrand narrowly secured a win at #2 doubles, echoed by Michael Choi and Jack Wong at #3. At #1 doubles, Leonov and Otero persevered through a tiebreak to finalize the doubles sweep. In singles, despite losing at #1, the Maroons rebounded strongly with Matthew Liew, Pat Otero, and Andrei Leonov delivering resounding victories, complemented by Michael Choi’s contribution at #2 singles. This cohesive effort ensured another significant victory for the Maroons.