UofL’s men’s tennis duo, Etienne Donnet and Natan Rodrigues, showcased their prowess in the 2024 NCAA Men’s Tennis Doubles Championship, securing a victory in the opening round against Old Dominion on Tuesday evening. Their stellar performance earned them a spot in the Round of 16.
Dominant Performance
The Cardinals displayed dominance right from the start, taking a commanding 5-0 lead in the first set. Although conceding a game thereafter, UofL secured the opening set with a convincing 6-1 scoreline.
Intense Second Set
The second set saw a fierce battle where each team served their way to victory in each game. With UofL trailing 4-5 and facing the possibility of a third set, they persevered, maintaining the trend of serving and winning crucial points.
Triumph in the Tiebreaker
The intensity continued to rise, leading to a 6-6 deadlock, forcing a tiebreaker. Louisville remained composed under pressure, securing the tiebreaker with a score of 7-4, clinching the set 7-6, and ultimately winning the match 2-0.
Next Challenge
Having secured their place in the Round of 16, Donnet and Rodrigues are set to face #22 Niels Ratiu/Freddy Blaydes of Georgia on Wednesday. The specific time of the match is yet to be determined, but anticipation is high for another exciting showdown.
Conclusion
UofL’s victory in the opening round underscores the skill and determination of Donnet and Rodrigues. With their eyes set on further success in the tournament, the duo is poised to make their mark in the NCAA Men’s Tennis Doubles Championship.
