Box Score (PDF)

FAIRFAX, Va. – The George Mason University men's tennis team opened its 2021 campaign in grand fashion, knocking off BIG EAST foe Villanova 6-1 on Saturday night inside the Burke Racquet & Swim Club.
 
The Patriots clinched the doubles point, then won five of six singles matches to command the victory.
 
"The guys played really well today," head coach Jimmy Davis said. "They came out and played confident on the big points and set us up to build some momentum early in the season. They've been working really hard in practice and it showed today after almost 11 months without competition due to COVID-19. We're excited to get back to work and keep improving."
 
Mason's first doubles tandem of sophomore Rithik Sardana and senior Ryan Charles put together a strong debut, winning 6-4 at the top spot over Villanova's Kim/Suarez combo. Sophomore Herman Jentoft and graduate student Luke Maxwell earned a 6-3 win at No. 3 singles to clinch the point, while the No. 2 duo of juniors Rishab Sardana and Erick Rivas were leading 5-4 when the point was called.
 
In singles, Rithik Sardana made his first appearance at the No. 1 position and made the most of it, defeating the Wildcats' Alex Kim in straight sets, 6-2, 6-2.
 
Charles followed with a dominant victory at No. 2, taking down Daniel Martinez, 6-2, 6-4.
 
Rishab Sardana picked up a quick victory at No. 3 singles (6-3, 6-1), while sophomore Momin Khan won at No. 5 with a single set victory over Justin Suarez, 6-3. Jentoft took the single set win at No. 6, 6-3, over Villanova's Anthony Prokurat.
 
The Patriots return to action next Saturday (Feb. 27) with a 6:45 p.m. contest vs. Christopher Newport at the Burke Racquet & Swim Club.