NOTRE DAME, Ind. – University of Chicago's top-ranked men's tennis team opened its 2023 campaign with a 5-2 victory over Holy Cross (Ind.) on Saturday. 

UChicago, the defending NCAA Division III National Champion, swept the doubles competition against NAIA competition. Derek Hsieh and Andrei Leonov notched a 6-3 win at No. 1 doubles. Arjun Asokumar and Pat Otero teamed up for a 6-1 victory at the second doubles' slot, which secured the doubles' point for the Maroons. Biren Reddy and John Walentowicz went on to win their match at No. 3 doubles 6-4. 

"That was a really good opening match for us. We played a really solid team in a challenging environment and handled ourselves well as a young team. With three new pairings, doubles were especially impressive. In singles, we did a nice job of competing and handling the pressure. We have a long way to go as a team but today was a good first step for us", commented head coach Jay Tee. 

Walentowicz also handled his opponent at the No. 3 singles spot in straight sets, winning 6-3, 6-3. Emil Grantcharov battled to a three-set victory, falling 7-6 in the opening frame before wins of 6-2 in the second set and 10-8 in the third-set super tiebreak. Leonov prevailed 6-3, 6-4 at No. 5, and Marek Michulka cruised to a win at No. 6 singles 6-0, 6-3 to finish things off for the victorious Maroons in their opening contest. 

The Maroons will host Lewis at the XS Tennis Complex on Friday, Feb. 3 at 5 p.m. CT.