Five Takeaways From Syracuse Tennis’ Perfect Opening Week
By Drew Albaugh | @Drew_Albaugh
A, B, C. It’s as easy as 1, 2, 3.
The Jackson Five’s famous tune must have been playing on repeat for Syracuse tennis, which won all three games of the opening week for the third straight year. Syracuse dominated nearly every facet of the sport, winning by a combined 18-3. But just because the victories came easy doesn’t mean there weren’t lessons to learn or observations to be made.
Here are the five key takeaways from the opening week of the 2024 Syracuse tennis season:
- This team is deep
All eight players stepped onto the court for a non-exhibition singles match during the first three games. SU lost just two singles matches all week, with every player securing at least one singles win.
This Syracuse roster boasts a legitimate upper-echelon ACC No. 1 and No. 2 in Miyuka Kimoto and Anastasia Sysoeva. After the top two, the drop-off isn’t steep, with several strong middle-of-the-pack players, including Nelly Knezkova, Constance Levivier, and the veteran Shiori Ito. All three utilized their unique gamestyles to win matches, proving why the Orange lack any glaring weaknesses. This deep, talented, and scrappy squad will be a formidable challenge for high-profile competition.
- Miyuka Kimoto’s injury is something to monitor but not immediately concerning
Kimoto enters the season as SU’s fastball, with elite ball placement and the ability to extend rallies. However, the senior’s legs may be feeling the effects of her long points.
The former No. 1 U18 player in Japan is coming off a broken leg that sidelined her for all but one match last fall. Early in the 2024 season, Kimoto is already dealing with a hamstring injury. She powered through a team-high 22 games in the first match against Cornell but skipped singles in Sunday’s match against Fordham. Against JMU, she showcased her prowess with a 2-0 win but displayed a slight limp after the match.
It’s an issue Kimoto can work through for now but something to keep an eye on as the season progresses.
- Balance is Syracuse’s middle name
The Orange features a perfect mix of four returners and four newcomers, giving this year’s squad a fresh feel with a strong identity. The team is evenly split across classes: two freshmen (Haram Kim and Monika Wojcik), two sophomores (Nelly Knezkova and Serafima Shastova), two juniors (Anastasia Sysoeva and Constance Levivier), and two seniors (Shiori Ito and Miyuka Kimoto).
This balance makes Syracuse a dangerous team, blending youthful energy with veteran experience. It shone through against JMU on Saturday when, after dropping the doubles point, the Orange regrouped with a quick, spirited meeting. SU turned the match around, winning 5-2.
- Confidence is key for head coach Younes Limam
Limam, in his 11th season with Syracuse, is no stranger to collegiate tennis. With every team, however, comes a unique message. For this year’s squad, that message is clear: confidence.
“Confidence comes from within, so we will take this one,” Limam said after the opening win. This sentiment echoed throughout the next two matches, especially against JMU when SU rallied after going down early.
After dismantling Fordham 7-0, Limam said, “It’s all about playing the ball and not the opponent.” That mindset, rooted in confidence, will be crucial as ACC play begins Feb. 9 against Boston College.
- Nelly Knezkova has stepped up in Year 2
If the Orange want to compete in the ACC this season, Knezkova’s performance will be vital—and so far, she’s delivered.
The sophomore swept all six sets in Week 1, including a dominant showing at the No. 1 position on Sunday against Fordham. Knezkova’s improved first step and above-average racket speed have made her a key contributor early this season.
Syracuse has a week to rest before taking on Drexel next Sunday at Drumlins. Game time is 11 a.m.
For updates on Syracuse tennis, follow me on X @Drew_Albaugh and CitrusTV on YouTube.
