NASHVILLE, Tenn. – The Vanderbilt men’s tennis team commanded an undefeated start to dual play by sweeping their doubleheader against Nebraska and Belmont on Saturday at the Currey Tennis Center.
“Today was a good day for us. Anytime you start 2-0, it’s a good day,” said Vanderbilt head coach Ian Duvenhage. “We have a number of areas where we are going to have to get better but it’s a step in the right direction.”
Making their 2020 home debut, the Commodores faced Nebraska in their first matchup of the day.
In doubles, the Dores secured the doubles point with Commodore pair Christiaan Worst and Marcus Ferreira winning at No. 3 doubles 6-4.
Leading 1-0 heading into singles play, the Commodores earned wins on four courts with junior George Harwell leading the Dores at No. 1 singles.
Sophomore Max Freeman picked up the first singles victory of the match by defeating Cacciatore in straight sets 6-2, 6-4, followed by Harwell outlasting Albert Sprlak-Puk 6-1, 4-6, 6-3, to extend Vanderbilt’s lead to 3-0.
Joining the Commodores in January, freshman Joubert Klopper made his collegiate debut where he went undefeated. Earning his first victory in black and gold, Klopper downed Chester Wickwire 6-0, 6-2, to collect the Dores’ final singles victory.
The Commodores fell short on two courts to mark the final score against the Huskers 5-2.
Coming off of a confident victory in the first match, the Dores looked to maintain their successful debut taking on Belmont.
Vanderbilt commanded the lead in doubles play with Ferreira and Worst clinching their second consecutive doubles point with a 6-4 win over Belmont pair Vincent Sterkens and Grant Kelly.
In singles, Rowe, Harwell, Ferreira and Klopper collected victories.
Rowe led the Commodores at No. 1 singles where he won in straight sets 6-2, 6-3.
Earning an undefeated start in singles, Harwell collected his second consecutive singles victory with a 6-2, 6-2 win over Hendrik Inno.
Remaining perfect in singles play, Ferreira took down Arthur Toledo 6-2, 6-3 while Klopper remained undefeated with a 6-4, 6-2 win over Taisei Miyamoto.
With a 5-2 victory over the Bruins, Vanderbilt enters the spring season boasting a 2-0 record.
“It’s a good start, we just have to build on it. So far, so good,” Duvenhage said.
The Commodores return to action Jan. 25 to battle in the ITA Kick-off weekend in Austin, Texas.
Follow along with the Dores as they prepare by following @VandyMTennis on Twitter and Instagram.
