The University of Louisville men’s tennis team is set to kick off its 2024 season in a spirited manner with a home doubleheader on Wednesday. The Cardinals will face Xavier at 12 p.m. and follow it up with a matchup against Bellarmine at 5 p.m. Both contests will take place at the Bass-Rudd Tennis Center.
Season Opener Highlights:
- The upcoming matches mark the beginning of an exciting journey for the Cardinals, who are slated to play 16 home matches throughout the season.
- Louisville’s season opener will be a test of their mettle, featuring a doubleheader against Xavier and Bellarmine, providing an early gauge of the team’s form and readiness.
Roster Composition:
- The Cardinals’ roster for the spring season presents a blend of experienced returners and promising newcomers. Among the returning players are doubles All-American Natan Rodrigues, along with Etienne Donnet, who holds the No. 16 spot in the ITA Singles poll. Additionally, Will Mayew, ranked in the ITA Singles Top 60, Matthew Fung, and Andre’ Steinbach bring their experience back to the squad.
- Six freshmen join the ranks, injecting a fresh wave of talent and enthusiasm into the team. The newcomers include Miguel Avendaño, Evan Duggal, Russell Lokko, Kosuke Nakanishi, Piet Steveker, and Enrique Peña. Notably, Peña, a mid-year addition to the roster, arrived in The Ville in January, adding an intriguing dynamic to the team.
Anticipation and Outlook:
- The doubleheader serves as an initial opportunity for the team to set the tone for the season and establish their competitive edge.
- With a mix of seasoned players and fresh faces, Louisville aims to build a cohesive unit that can navigate the challenges of collegiate tennis.
As the Cardinals step onto their home court to commence the 2024 season, fans can expect an exciting display of tennis prowess and teamwork. The doubleheader promises to be an engaging spectacle, providing a glimpse into the team’s potential and aspirations for the season ahead. Supporters are encouraged to witness the action at the Bass-Rudd Tennis Center and cheer on the Cardinals as they embark on their quest for success.
Cards vs. Xavier
Series Record: Louisville leads 22-0
Last Meeting: February 26, 2022 – Louisville won 4-0 at the Bass-Rudd Tennis Center
Scouting the Muskateers: Xavier opened its season on Saturday with a 4-3 loss at Eastern Kentucky. Last season, the Muskateers finished 12-9, falling to Georgetown in the quarterfinals of the Big East tournament.
Cards vs. Bellarmine
Series Record: Louisville leads 23-0
Last Meeting: January 18, 2023 – Louisville won 6-1 at the Bass-Rudd Tennis Center
Scouting the Knights: Bellarmine opens its season with the Cardinals before hosting UIC on Friday. In 2023, the Knights finished 14-10 overall and lost their final three matches, including a in the ASUN tournament quarterfinals to Kennesaw State.
