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Men's Tennis
vs ITA All-American Championship
Men’s Tennis Presents Team Awards
5/2/2024 1:07:00 PM | Men's Tennis
DURHAM – Duke redshirt senior Garrett Johns and senior Faris Khan both were honored with team awards for their exceptional performances during the 2023-24 season.
Johns was selected the Charles Hamilton Hargrave Most Valuable Player for the second time in his career after also earning the honor in 2022. Khan received the sixth annual Robert C. Taylor Leadership Award. The MVP accolade, which was presented for the eighth-straight season, is a joint award with the women's team.
"I am so proud of these two young men and my entire team," Duke head coach Ramsey Smith said. "The thing that stands out the most about Garrett and Faris is their exponential growth from day one at Duke until now. They have grown as tennis players and leaders, and they have matured into men. It has been a pleasure for me to be a part of this development, and it's honestly the most rewarding part of my job. I am excited about the rest of the season, and excited about the future after Duke for these two strong leaders."
Charles Hamilton Hargrave was one of the first men's team captains for Duke, lettering in 1927-28. His family wanted to keep his memory alive within the Blue Devil tennis program and endowed the MVP award in his name.
The Lucile and Clarence Dragert Charitable Fund of Communities Foundation of Texas enabled the leadership award in Robert C. Taylor's name. Taylor was a 1949 Duke graduate and member of the tennis program. Taylor was President of Sigma Alpha Epsilon as an undergraduate and received his degree from Duke Law School in 1952. Taylor, who went on to become a tax attorney and public servant in the Dallas area, received the Charles A. Duke Award in 2008 for his longstanding support and service to the school.
Johns, a three-time All-ACC recipient, held a top-30 ranking throughout much of the season, including a current ranking of No. 21. He has played on Duke's top court in every dual singles match except three, posting a 14-4 ledger on court one. He holds a 9-4 mark against nationally ranked opponents, including a 6-2, 6-4 victory over No. 11 Cooper Williams of No. 8 Harvard. The Atlanta, Ga., native leads the team with six match-clinching wins with five of those six wins coming against nationally ranked teams.
In doubles action with sophomore Pedro Rodenas, the pairing is listed as the No. 1 ranked duo nationally and have garnered two-time First Team All-ACC honors during their time together. The twosome has played on Duke's top two courts this season and hold a winning record on both, including a 16-3 on court one. They finished ACC play with a 9-1 ledger and have gone an impressive 13-2 against nationally ranked opponents, including victories over the No. 1, No. 7, and No. 9 ranked duos. The pair lead the team in overall doubles wins and dual victories and are currently riding an 11-match winning streak.
"Receiving the MVP award means so much to me, because it shows the belief my teammates have in me," Johns said. "I respect each of my teammates so much, and it means the world to win this award. So many guys on the team are deserving of the award and I'm grateful to be able to represent the DMT in a strong manner. I'm excited to finish the year strong."
Khan has been a reliable leader for the Blue Devils during his four years. He is a three-time ITA Scholar-Athlete and two-time All-ACC Academic Team recipient. During his time at Duke, he has recorded 43 singles wins and 43 doubles victories, achieving a career high national singles ranking of 38 and a career high national doubles ranking of 55. His contributions have been pivotal to the program, including a memorable three-set match-clinching victory over No. 41 Cornell to send the Blue Devils to the NCAA Super Regionals last season.
"The award means a lot to me," Khan said. "I always pride myself on giving my best effort, and I enjoy motivating others to achieve what we all want as a team. There's nothing else like it. If you were to ask me the definition of leadership, it would be to guide others to a common goal in a succinct way. I'll savor the time I have left with this amazing team, and I hope Duke Men's Tennis can continue on the right trajectory to be the best team in the country."
The Blue Devils host an NCAA Regional for the second consecutive season on Friday and Saturday. They welcome No. 21 Alabama, No. 46 Charlotte, and UNC Asheville to Ambler Tennis Stadium. The Crimson Tide face off against the 49ers on Friday at 1 p.m. in the first round before Duke meets up with the Bulldogs at 4 p.m. The winners of Friday's contests will compete on Saturday in the second round for a chance to advance to the NAA Super Regionals. That match is slated for 4 p.m.
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
Johns was selected the Charles Hamilton Hargrave Most Valuable Player for the second time in his career after also earning the honor in 2022. Khan received the sixth annual Robert C. Taylor Leadership Award. The MVP accolade, which was presented for the eighth-straight season, is a joint award with the women's team.
"I am so proud of these two young men and my entire team," Duke head coach Ramsey Smith said. "The thing that stands out the most about Garrett and Faris is their exponential growth from day one at Duke until now. They have grown as tennis players and leaders, and they have matured into men. It has been a pleasure for me to be a part of this development, and it's honestly the most rewarding part of my job. I am excited about the rest of the season, and excited about the future after Duke for these two strong leaders."
Charles Hamilton Hargrave was one of the first men's team captains for Duke, lettering in 1927-28. His family wanted to keep his memory alive within the Blue Devil tennis program and endowed the MVP award in his name.
The Lucile and Clarence Dragert Charitable Fund of Communities Foundation of Texas enabled the leadership award in Robert C. Taylor's name. Taylor was a 1949 Duke graduate and member of the tennis program. Taylor was President of Sigma Alpha Epsilon as an undergraduate and received his degree from Duke Law School in 1952. Taylor, who went on to become a tax attorney and public servant in the Dallas area, received the Charles A. Duke Award in 2008 for his longstanding support and service to the school.
Johns, a three-time All-ACC recipient, held a top-30 ranking throughout much of the season, including a current ranking of No. 21. He has played on Duke's top court in every dual singles match except three, posting a 14-4 ledger on court one. He holds a 9-4 mark against nationally ranked opponents, including a 6-2, 6-4 victory over No. 11 Cooper Williams of No. 8 Harvard. The Atlanta, Ga., native leads the team with six match-clinching wins with five of those six wins coming against nationally ranked teams.
In doubles action with sophomore Pedro Rodenas, the pairing is listed as the No. 1 ranked duo nationally and have garnered two-time First Team All-ACC honors during their time together. The twosome has played on Duke's top two courts this season and hold a winning record on both, including a 16-3 on court one. They finished ACC play with a 9-1 ledger and have gone an impressive 13-2 against nationally ranked opponents, including victories over the No. 1, No. 7, and No. 9 ranked duos. The pair lead the team in overall doubles wins and dual victories and are currently riding an 11-match winning streak.
"Receiving the MVP award means so much to me, because it shows the belief my teammates have in me," Johns said. "I respect each of my teammates so much, and it means the world to win this award. So many guys on the team are deserving of the award and I'm grateful to be able to represent the DMT in a strong manner. I'm excited to finish the year strong."
Khan has been a reliable leader for the Blue Devils during his four years. He is a three-time ITA Scholar-Athlete and two-time All-ACC Academic Team recipient. During his time at Duke, he has recorded 43 singles wins and 43 doubles victories, achieving a career high national singles ranking of 38 and a career high national doubles ranking of 55. His contributions have been pivotal to the program, including a memorable three-set match-clinching victory over No. 41 Cornell to send the Blue Devils to the NCAA Super Regionals last season.
"The award means a lot to me," Khan said. "I always pride myself on giving my best effort, and I enjoy motivating others to achieve what we all want as a team. There's nothing else like it. If you were to ask me the definition of leadership, it would be to guide others to a common goal in a succinct way. I'll savor the time I have left with this amazing team, and I hope Duke Men's Tennis can continue on the right trajectory to be the best team in the country."
The Blue Devils host an NCAA Regional for the second consecutive season on Friday and Saturday. They welcome No. 21 Alabama, No. 46 Charlotte, and UNC Asheville to Ambler Tennis Stadium. The Crimson Tide face off against the 49ers on Friday at 1 p.m. in the first round before Duke meets up with the Bulldogs at 4 p.m. The winners of Friday's contests will compete on Saturday in the second round for a chance to advance to the NAA Super Regionals. That match is slated for 4 p.m.
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
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