Zhang Advances to Semifinals at ITA Carolina Regional

DURHAM – Senior Andrew Zhang advanced to the semifinals of the ITA Carolina Regional Championships for the second consecutive season after two additional wins on Sunday at the Cary Tennis Park.

Zhang defeated No. 17-32 Fons Van Sambeek of N.C. State 6-4, 6-4 in his first match of the day before defeating No. 17-32 Anuj Watane of North Carolina in a three-set thriller. Zhang dropped the first set 6-3 but rebounded for 6-2, 7-6 (5) victories in the final two sets to earn a spot in Monday’s semifinals. The Bloomfield Hills, Mich., native is set to battle Presbyterian’s Dusan Milanovic at 10 a.m.

 

In doubles action, Zhang was also stout, as he and teammate Michael Heller claimed another win at the tournament. The duo registered a 6-1 win in the opening frame over UNC Wilmington’s Davide Innocenti and Alex Degabriele but dropped a 7-5 decision in the second, forcing a deciding third set. The pair would not falter though, earning a 10-6 victory in the final frame to advance to Monday’s quarterfinal round.

 

Monday’s schedule will feature the singles semifinal matches at 10 a.m. followed by the doubles quarterfinal and semifinal matches. The doubles matches will not start before 1 p.m.

 

Singles

Main Draw Round of 16

[7] Andrew Zhang (Duke) def. [17-32] Fons Van Sambeek (NCSU) 6-4, 6-4

 

Main Draw Quarterfinals

[7] Andrew Zhang (Duke) def. [17-32] Anuj Watane [UNC] 3-6, 6-2, 7-6 (5)

 

Doubles

Main Draw Round of 16

[9-16] Michael Heller/Andrew Zhang (Duke) def. Davide Innocenti/Alex Degabriele (UNCW) 6-1, 5-7, 10-6

[9-16] Maxwell Benson/Dusan Milanovic (PRES) def. [2] Garrett Johns/Pedro Rodenas (Duke) 2-6, 6-3, 14-12

UPCOMING SCHEDULE

Duke Semifinal Singles Match [Monday]:

[7] Andrew Zhang (Duke) vs. [17-32] Dusan Milanovic (PRES) – 10 a.m.

Duke Quarterfinal Doubles Match [Monday]:

[9-16] Michael Heller/Andrew Zhang (Duke) vs. [4] Benjamin Kittay/Logan Zapp – NB 1 p.m.

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