Men’s tennis knocks off UNCG to remain undefeated

GREENSBORO The North Carolina A&T men’s tennis program continues to rack up significant wins in 2023. Even better than these wins in 2023 is the fact that 2023 has no losses. The Aggies improved to 8-0 on Saturday with a 6-1 win over UNC Greensboro at the UNCG tennis courts.

Saturday’s win is significant as it is the first against UNCG in modern history, making the Aggies another strong Division I men’s tennis program in Greensboro. It also contributes to the best start in A&T’s modern history.

Sunday’s doubles point came down to third doubles. Pairing Ian Pedersen and Mathieu Dussaubat has been productive for the Aggies all season. But the duo got off to a slow start against the UNCG combo of Wyatt Cannon and Devon Moskowitz. After missing a few easy shots, Pedersen and Dussaubat trailed 4-2.

But they played much better as their aerial game improved. A&T’s No. 3 doubles thus collected a 7-5 victory to put the Aggies up 1-0, as their victory was aided by the Aggies’ win at No. 1 doubles. Vasil Ivanov and Esteban López defeated David Filsberg and John Gabelic 6-1. The A&Ts Eder white and Alex Martinez lost at No. 2 doubles to Christopher Johns and Tymofiy Khrystyuk.

Although the singles lead remained, the singles matches belonged almost exclusively to A&T. A&T’s outstanding showing in singles began at No. 4, as Martinez got some redemption for his doubles loss by defeating Johns in straight sets, 6-3, 6-2.

“I was very intense and I didn’t give up,” said Martinez. “I stayed on top of the guy from start to finish, dominated with my palm and put my opponent in spots where he had to come up with crazy shots.”

No. 3 single saw Vasil Ivanov won for the 38th time in an Aggies uniform when he beat Filsberg 6-3, 6-4. The Aggies secured the win at singles as Lopez beat Gabelic 6-4, 7-5. Trailing 5-3 in the second, he broke Gabelic’s serve to win for the third time in four matches, improving his record to 5-3.

“I played well. I hit my shots and made good decisions,” said Lopez. “I got most of my points with my forehand and serve and I was brave.”

After the win, the Aggies suffered their only singles loss of the day, a 7-6 (7-4), 6-4 Blanco loss to Khrystyuk at No. 2. However, Blanco said he was overall pleased with his effort and credited Khrystyuk with hitting big shots in crucial spots.

But A&T finished strong. Mathieu defeated Andrew Black 5-7, 6-3, 1-0 (10-8) at No. 6 singles. Pedersen remained unbeaten at singles as he improved to 8-0 with a 6-3, 4-6, 6-1 win over Moskowitz. It was challenging for Pedersen to stay unbeaten. He made some errors in the first set before losing to Moskowitz in the second. In the third set, he lost the first game.

“After that, I knew I had to raise my level to close out the match,” Pedersen said. “I started playing more consistently and won the set without any complications.”

Martinez added: “I’m very happy for the whole team, especially for Mathieu. He needed that win. We really wanted this.”

A&T was scheduled to play North Carolina State later in the afternoon, but NC State postponed the game. A&T will focus on Belmont Abbey College as it travels to Belmont, NC to play Wednesday at 3 p.m.