FAIRFAX, Va. – The George Mason University men's tennis team will begin its 2022-23 season of promise this weekend when the Patriots head to Fredericksburg for the Mary Washington Invitational.
 
The Green & Gold will battle opponents from host UMW, as well as Johns Hopkins and Washington College.
 
It's the first of four fall tournaments for the Patriots. Select student-athletes also will compete in the ITA All-American Championship and ITA Regional as well.
 
Mason welcomes back a number of key contributors from last season's lineup, including the No. 1-3 singles starters from 2021-22.
 
Leading the charge for the Patriots will be graduate student Rishab Sardana, a two-time All-A-10 selection who commanded Mason at No. 1 singles this past season. He also tallied seven wins at No. 1 and 2 doubles a year ago.
 
His brother, senior Rithik Sardana, also returns after a strong season at the No. 2 spot in 2021-22. Sardana led Mason with nine dual singles wins and also notched a 10-7 mark in dual doubles. Sardana earned a spot on the All-A-10 Second Team in 2021.
 
Senior Momin Khan made major strides this past season and elevated the Patriots' lineup from the No. 3 spot. He picked up six dual wins at that position while also notching six dual doubles victories.
 
That trio will be joined once again by senior Herman Jentoft, who started 11 dual matches a season ago while posting victories at No. 4, No. 5 and No. 6 singles.
 
Junior Hayden Postin went 7-2 in tournament singles this past season and also started five dual matches while going 2-1 in dual doubles. He will add depth to the lineup, along with sophomore Dustin Ha who registered a 7-4 overall singles mark in 2021-22.
 
In addition to Mason's returners, the Patriots welcome a talented crop of freshmen to the roster, including Zavan Fahim (Barboursville, Va.), Monil Lotlikar (Bangalore, India) and Alvaro Pedraza (University Park, Md.). Sophomore Niza Simunyola (Lorton, Va.) also will join the Patriot lineup this season.
 
After this weekend, the Patriots head to the Joe Hunt Invite Sept. 16-18 in Annapolis, Md.