COLUMBIA, S.C.—Members of the University of North Carolina men’s tennis team began their fall season on Friday at the first day of Gamecock Ranked +1, hosted by the University of South Carolina. Four Tar Heels, split into two draws, combined to win three matches.
In the A draw first round, Benjamin Kittay dropped a three-set decision to Jeffrey Von der Schulenburg of Virginia, 1-6, 6-1, 6-4. Kittay rebounded to win his second match by a score of 6-4, 3-6, 6-3 over Billy Blaydes of Auburn.
Also in the A draw, Will Jansen retired while trailing, 4-3, in his first match against Jay Friend of Arizona. Jansen was unable to play his next match, allowing Martin Borisiouk of NC State to move on by walkover.
In the B draw, graduate students Anuj Watane and Karl Poling both won their opening matches. Watane beat Connor Krug of Duke, dropping the first set 4-6 before roaring back to win 6-1, 6-4. Watane dropped his second B-draw match, falling 6-3, 6-2 to Jelani Sarr of host South Carolina.
Poling won his opener 6-2, 7-5 over Edoardo Graziani of Virginia before dropping a 6-3, 6-2 match to Ozan Baris of Michigan State in his second outing.
Action at the Gamecock Ranked +1 will continue on Saturday with two rounds of doubles beginning at 9 a.m. and a round of singles at 1 p.m. The event will conclude on Sunday.
A-draw First Round
Jeffrey Von der Schulenburg (Virginia) def. Benjamin Kittay (UNC) 1-6, 6-1, 6-4
Jay Friend (Arizona) def. Will Jansen (UNC) 4-3, ret.
B-draw First Round
Anuj Watane (UNC) def. Connor Krug (Duke) 4-6, 7-5, 6-2
Karl Poling (UNC) def. Edoardo Graziani (Virginia) 6-2, 7-5
A-draw Second Round
Benjamin Kittay (UNC) def. Billy Blaydes (Auburn) 6-4, 3-6, 6-3
Martin Borisiouk (NC State) vs. Will Jansen (UNC) walkover
B-draw Second Round
Jelani Sarr (South Carolina) def. Anuj Watane (UNC) 6-3, 6-2
Ozan Baris (Michigan State) def. Karl Poling (UNC) 6-3, 6-2
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