The NC State men’s tennis team launched its 2025 campaign with a dominant performance, sweeping both Campbell and NC Central in back-to-back matches at the J.W. Isenhour Tennis Center. The Wolfpack secured a perfect 7-0 victory against each opponent, showcasing impressive depth and the promise of new talent.

Unstoppable Force: NC State Tennis Starts Strong, Eyes Ivy League Showdown

Season Kickoff: Fresh Faces Shine Bright

The NC State men’s tennis team began its 2025 season with a resounding statement, defeating both Campbell and NC Central by identical 7-0 scores. This opening doubleheader not only highlighted the team's strength but also introduced three freshmen who made immediate impacts. Coach Kyle Spencer expressed satisfaction with his players’ performances, noting the importance of giving newcomers valuable match experience. The freshmen were given ample opportunities to acclimate to college-level play, some even participating in multiple matches throughout the day.The day started with doubles action against Campbell. The senior duo of Braden Shick and Fons Van Sambeek quickly established dominance on court 1, securing a 6-1 win. Junior Martin Borisiouk and redshirt freshman Jules Leroux followed suit on court 2, adding another point to the board. Meanwhile, Noah Gabriel and William Manning’s match was left unfinished but still contributed to the momentum. Shick then took the lead in singles, dispatching his opponent 6-1, 6-0 on court 1. Leroux and Borisiouk soon joined him with victories of their own, solidifying the first win of the day.

Borisiouk Reflects on Growth and Mentorship

Borisiouk, hailing from Minsk, Belarus, reflected on his journey from freshman to junior. He empathized with the freshmen, recalling his own debut experiences. “I remember how challenging it was for me two years ago,” he said. “Seeing these young players succeed brings me immense joy.” Borisiouk’s growth as a player has been steady yet profound. He noted that daily improvements often go unnoticed until one realizes they can now compete against higher-caliber opponents. His 6-1, 6-2 win over Campbell exemplified this progress.In the afternoon match against NC Central, the synergy within the team became even more apparent. Gabriel and Van Sambeek kicked off the doubles round with a 6-2 victory on court 3. Leroux and Manning added another point with a 6-3 win on court 2. Borisiouk continued his strong form, taking down his Eagle opponent 6-3, 6-1. Manning, Gabriel, and Leroux all earned their second wins of the day, demonstrating the depth and consistency of the Wolfpack squad.

Team Dynamics and Future Challenges

Coach Spencer emphasized the integration of the freshmen into the team culture. “We focus on character when recruiting, and these new players have fit right in,” he remarked. Senior leadership played a crucial role in fostering this unity. Veterans like Luca Staeheli stepped up, securing a 6-2, 6-3 win against NC Central. The team’s synergy was evident, with players supporting each other through every match.Looking ahead, NC State faces a challenging month-long road trip, including the ITA Indoor Kickoff event. Before hitting the road, the Wolfpack will host No. 21 Harvard, aiming to avenge last year’s loss. Spencer is confident about his team’s potential. “We’re excited to face Harvard and prove ourselves against top competition,” he said. The match against the Crimson is set for Tuesday at 4 p.m. at the J.W. Isenhour Tennis Center, setting the stage for an intense showdown.