The NCAA Singles Championship is one of the most highly anticipated and prestigious events on the collegiate tennis circuit. The tournament features the top male and female tennis players from across the country competing against each other. This year, the championship was held at the USTA National Campus in Orlando, Florida. In the first round of the Men’s Singles Championship, Etienne Donnet of the University of Louisville faced off against Andrew Fenty of the University of Michigan.
Donnet, who is ranked No. 45 in the Intercollegiate Tennis Association singles rankings, started off strong with a 7-5 win in the first set against the No. 20-ranked Fenty. However, in the second set, the outdoor match was interrupted due to lightning and rain in the area, and both players had to stop playing. After more than an hour of delay, the contest was moved indoors, and Fenty went on to win the second set 7-5, forcing a decisive third set.
Unfortunately, Donnet was not able to regain his momentum and lost the third set 6-1, which resulted in Fenty advancing to the next round. Donnet, who is a two-time All-ACC selection and senior from Lyon, France, finishes his season with a 26-9 overall singles record, after going 19-5 in dual matches playing mostly at No. 2.
Despite Donnet’s loss, the Cardinals still have a chance at the title, as they will start their doubles play on Tuesday, where Natan Rodrigues and Fabien Salle will compete against Tennessee’s No. 4-ranked Pat Harper and Johannus Monday. The Cardinals have been strong in doubles play this season, and their success in the doubles tournament could potentially compensate for Donnet’s loss in the singles tournament.
Overall, the NCAA Singles Championship brings together some of the most talented and promising young tennis players in the country. The tournament provides these athletes with an opportunity to showcase their skills and compete at the highest level of collegiate tennis. Fans can follow the tournament’s live scoring, webcasting, and daily results on the tournament website and through the NCAA website.
