Men's netters open play at ITA Championships

TULSA, Okla. – After opening its season two weeks ago at the Southern Intercollegiates, Vanderbilt’s men’s tennis team returned to action Monday as five players competed in the qualifying singles draw at the D’Novo/ITA All-American Tennis Championships.

Competing for Vanderbilt were senior Vijay Paul, juniors Adam Baker, Bryant Salcedo and Alex Zotov, and freshman Ryan Lipman.

Lipman opened the day with a three-set win over Virginia’s Jarmere Jenkins. Lipman defeated Jenkins, 3-6, 6-0, 6-2. Unfortunately, Lipman’s win would be the Commodores’ only of the day. Lipman will now face Louisville’s Viktor Maksimcuk in Tuesday’s second round.

Salcedo and Paul dropped three-set matches, while Baker and Zotov fell in straight sets.

Also competing in Tulsa will be Vanderbilt’s doubles team of Baker and Zotov, who are in the main doubles draw. The duo is ranked No. 12 in the country. In addition to Baker and Zotov, Vanderbilt will have its 50th-ranked duo of Vijay Paul and Bryant Salcedo competing in the qualifying doubles draw.

Qualifying Singles
First Round
Ryan Lipman (VU) def. Jarmere Jenkins (Virginia), 3-6, 6-0, 6-2
Mirko Zapletal (Fresno St.) def. No. 63 Bryant Salcedo (VU), 5-7, 6-0, 6-4
Dylan Arnould (Duke) def. Vijay Paul (VU), 5-7, 7-5, 6-3
Drew Courtney (Virginia) def. Adam Baker (VU), 6-3, 6-4
Tobias Wernet (Minnesota) def. Alex Zotov (VU), 6-3, 6-2