GREENSBORO, N.C. – The Elon University men’s tennis team suffered a 6-1 defeat at the hands of South Carolina State on Sunday, March 9, 2026. The match, initially scheduled for the Jimmy Powell Tennis Center, was relocated to Piedmont Indoor Tennis in Greensboro due to inclement weather.
Despite a strong start in doubles play, the Phoenix (3-6) were unable to maintain momentum as the Bulldogs (3-6) secured the victory with wins in five of the six singles matches. The loss marks the third consecutive defeat for Elon, as they continue their spring season. The team will look to rebound quickly as they prepare to host Coastal Carolina this Friday.
Doubles Competition Sets the Stage
The doubles point proved crucial, with South Carolina State ultimately gaining the advantage. Elon secured a victory on Court 3, with Nick Fisk and Charles Pilet defeating Hoang Anh Pham and Bastian Zamora 6-3. This win marked the second doubles victory for Fisk and Pilet this season, following a previous win against Florida Gulf Coast on February 27. However, the Bulldogs clinched the doubles point with wins on Courts 1 and 2. Mikalai Bankou and Novak Novakovic defeated Elon’s Veljko Krstic and Nikola Parichkov 6-1 on Court 1, while Iliyas Muratuly and Andrii Borodatiuk edged Jack Curtis and Rafael Ymer 6-4 on Court 2.
Singles Play Decides the Match
South Carolina State quickly extended their lead in singles play, winning at the No. 1 and No. 5 positions to accept a 3-0 advantage. With four singles matches still in progress, and three heading to final sets, a sudden rain shower forced a relocation of play to Piedmont Indoor Tennis. The Bulldogs ultimately secured the match win on Court 3 at the indoor facility.
Elon’s lone point came from Alonso Roca, who battled to a 6-4, 3-6, 6-4 victory over Cagan Efe Tufekci. This marked Roca’s second singles win of the spring season. No. 94 Veljko Krstic fell to Mikalai Bankou 6-2, 6-2 in the top singles matchup. Novak Novakovic defeated Rafael Ymer 7-6 (5), 4-6, 6-3, while Iliyas Muratuly overcame Nikola Parichkov 6-2, 4-6, 6-4. Andrii Borodatiuk defeated Oskar Antinheimo 4-6, 6-2, 7-5, and Bastian Zamora bested Charles Pilet 7-6 (4), 6-0.
Looking Ahead to Coastal Carolina
Elon will return to the Jimmy Powell Tennis Center on Friday, March 13, 2026, to face Coastal Carolina at 2:30 p.m. Fans can follow Elon men’s tennis on X (@ElonMTennis), Instagram (elonmtennis), and Facebook (Elon Men’s Tennis) for updates and coverage.
The team will aim to improve their record and build momentum as they navigate the remainder of their spring schedule. The match against Coastal Carolina presents an opportunity for the Phoenix to regroup and demonstrate their capabilities against a challenging opponent.
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