Duke Drops 4-1 Decision to No. 6 Virginia

Friday, February 16

New York City, N.Y.

9 a.m.

Duke University

Virginia

Duke Drops 4-1 Decision to No. 6 Virginia

2/16/2024 3:26:00 PM | Men's Tennis

Box Score

NEW YORK – No. 15 Duke men's tennis fell 4-1 on Friday morning to No. 6 Virginia during its opening round matchup of the ITA National Team Indoor Championships at Philip & Cheryl Milstein Family Tennis Center on the campus of Columbia University.

The Blue Devils, who were making their first appearance at the national tournament since 2018, dip to 7-3 overall, while the Cavaliers improve to 7-3.

Rookie Alexander Visser recorded Duke's lone victory on court six over No. 104 Mans Dahlberg. The Westport, Conn., native improved to 4-1 in dual action and 1-2 against nationally ranked opponents.

How It Happened

Dylan Dietrich and Alexander Kiefer started doubles play for the Cavaliers with a 6-3 victory over Connor Krug and Faris Khan on court three. Chris Rodesch and Jeffrey von der Schulenburg followed that up with a 6-3 win over No. 11 Michael Heller and Andrew Zhang on the top court to register the doubles point. The match between Garrett Johns and Pedro Rodenas against Edoardo Graziani and James Hopper on court two went unfinished with the Blue Devils leading 5-3.
The designated home team extended their lead to 3-0 after wins by No. 19 Rodesch and Dietrich on courts one and two over No. 47 Rodenas and Johns, respectively. Rodesch posted 6-4, 6-4 victories over Rodenas, while Dietrich earned 6-2, 6-4 wins over Johns.
The Blue Devils would cut into the lead at 3-1 following Visser's victory over Dahlberg. Visser tallied a 6-3 win in the first set before registering a 7-5 victory in the second to record his fourth dual win of the year.
Unfortunately, Virginia posted a three-set win on court four to ultimately secure the victory. Connor Krug bested No. 56 von der Schulenburg in the first set 6-4 but dropped the next two 6-2, 6-3.
Two matches went unfinished with Zhang in a battle with No. 45 Inaki Montes on court three and Jake Krug competing against Kiefer on court five. Zhang notched a 6-3 win in the first frame but dropped the second 6-2. Montes was leading the final set 2-1 when the match was halted. Jake Krug beat Kiefer 7-5 in the opening set and was tied at 5-5 in the second frame when the Cavaliers clinched the overall match.

Notes

Duke is now 32-34 at the ITA National Team Indoor Championships
Visser improves to 10-5 overall and 4-1 in dual action during his rookie season

Quotes
"Tough match today and congrats to UVA. We did not play a good doubles point and that put us behind the eight ball. But I am really proud of how we bounced back and dug our teeth into singles. We competed great - won four first sets and put ourselves in position. Even with Pedro [Rodenas] and Garrett [Johns] losing I thought we were in good position to win the dual match. We have a resilient group and will regroup and refocus for another great opportunity tomorrow. We will be ready." – Duke head coach Ramsey Smith on his thoughts from the match

Next Match
Duke is back in action on Saturday when it faces Southern California at the ITA National Team Indoor Championships in the consolation bracket. The match is scheduled for noon at the Philip & Cheryl Milstein Family Tennis Center on the campus of Columbia University.

Results
Doubles (3,1*)
1. Chris Rodesch/Jeffrey von der Schu (UVA) def. #11 Michael Heller/Andrew Zhang (DU) 6-3
2. Edoardo Graziani/James Hopper (UVA) vs. Garrett Johns/Pedro Rodenas (DU) 3-5, unfinished
3. Dylan Dietrich/Alexander Kiefer (UVA) def. Connor Krug/Faris Khan (DU) 6-3

Singles (1,2,6,4*)
1. #19 Chris Rodesch (UVA) def. #47 Pedro Rodenas (DU) 6-4, 6-4
2. Dylan Dietrich (UVA) def. Garrett Johns (DU) 6-2, 6-4
3. #45 Inaki Montes (UVA) vs. Andrew Zhang (DU) 3-6, 6-2, 2-1, unfinished
4. #56 Jeffrey von der Schu (UVA) def. Connor Krug (DU) 4-6, 6-2, 6-3
5. Alexander Kiefer (UVA) vs. Jake Krug (DU) 5-7, 5-5, unfinished
6. Alexander Visser (DU) def. #104 Mans Dahlberg (UVA) 6-3, 7-5

To stay up to date with Blue Devils men's tennis, follow the team on Twitter, Instagram and Facebook by searching "DukeMTEN".

Duke Centennial
In 2024, Duke celebrates its Centennial, marking one hundred years since Trinity College became Duke University. Duke will use this historic milestone to deepen the understanding of its history, inspire pride and strengthen bonds and partnerships, and prepare for a second century of continued excellence and impactful leadership. To learn more, please visit 100.duke.edu

#GoDuke