The Ole Miss men’s tennis team kicked off their campaign at the ITA Southern Regional in Tuscaloosa, Alabama, with several players delivering strong performances in the opening rounds.
Qualifying Singles: Whitwell and Milburn Advance Early
In the round of 64 qualifying singles, senior Gordon Whitwell and sophomore Kai Milburn represented the Rebels with confidence.
- Whitwell breezed past Ritabrata Sarkar with a commanding 6-1, 6-1 victory.
- Milburn followed with a solid 6-4, 6-4 win against Yin Chih Lan.
Both advanced to the round of 32 qualifying stage, but were unable to progress further after competitive matches.
Main Draw: Freshmen and Sophomores Impress
The main singles draw featured freshman Pietro Pampanin, sophomore Matthieu Chambonniere, and freshman Isac Strömberg — all of whom secured opening-round victories.
| Player | Opponent | Score | Round |
|---|---|---|---|
| Pietro Pampanin | Arnav Pathange (Alabama A&M) | 6-1, 7-5 | Main Draw – Round 1 |
| Matthieu Chambonniere | Piotr Andrzejewski (Tulane) | 6-4, 6-2 | Main Draw – Round 1 |
| Isac Strömberg | Calin Stirbu (LSU) | 6-3, 6-4 | Main Draw – Round 1 |
Their wins advanced them to the second round, which will take place the following day.
Senior Strength and Freshman Grit
In addition to the trio, two more Rebels — senior Noah Schlagenhauf and freshman Stefano D’Agostino — delivered impressive results in their matches.
- Schlagenhauf triumphed in a three-set battle against Marko Milosavljevic (Jacksonville State), winning 6-4, 5-7, 6-4.
- D’Agostino secured a straight-set victory over Roberto Ferrer Guimaraes (Mississippi State) with a 6-4, 7(7)-6(4) scoreline.
Both players showcased exceptional determination and composure under pressure, earning their spots in the next round.
Looking Ahead
All five Rebels — Pampanin, Chambonniere, Strömberg, Schlagenhauf, and D’Agostino — will return to the court on Saturday as they aim to move closer to the round of sixteen in the singles main draw. Their combined effort reflects a promising outlook for the Ole Miss squad as they continue their run in the tournament.
Conclusion
The Ole Miss men’s tennis team demonstrated depth, resilience, and promising talent during the first round of the ITA Southern Regional. With five players advancing, the Rebels have established themselves as strong contenders heading into the next stage. The blend of experienced seniors and ambitious newcomers is shaping a bright path for the program this season.
FAQs
1. Where is the ITA Southern Regional being held?
The tournament is taking place in Tuscaloosa, Alabama, featuring several top college tennis teams from the region.
2. Which Ole Miss players advanced to the second round?
Pietro Pampanin, Matthieu Chambonniere, Isac Strömberg, Noah Schlagenhauf, and Stefano D’Agostino advanced to the next round of the singles main draw.
3. How did senior Gordon Whitwell perform?
Whitwell won his opening match 6-1, 6-1, but fell in the next qualifying round, showing a strong yet short-lived performance in the event.
