Syracuse Tennis Prepares for 2025 Season with Fresh Faces and Returning Talent
By Drew Albaugh | @Drew_Albaugh
SYRACUSE, N.Y. — It is year 11 for Syracuse tennis head coach Younes Limam as he and the rest of the Orange squad look to improve upon a 10-11 (4-9 ACC) 2024 season. SU had an up-and-down last season, starting 8-1 before dropping seven of its last eight. This year, the Orange bring in four fresh faces ahead of a challenging 2025 season and return four players to round out a dynamic, experienced squad. Let’s get to know each player.
Returners
Miyuka Kimoto — Senior Miyuka Kimoto returns to the Orange for her fourth year. The Japanese native comes off an impressive spring 2024 campaign with a 10-8 singles record, including a marquee win against then-No. 3 Amelia Rajecki from No. 8 NC State. Her winning record and key victories earned her qualification for the NCAA individual championships. The former No. 1 U18 player in Japan also finished with a doubles record of 11-4, making her one of the most skilled, experienced and well-rounded players for the Orange heading into 2025. In fall 2024, the senior played just one singles match due to injury but is fully healthy entering the spring season.
Shiori Ito — Another senior, Shiori Ito, enters her fourth year with SU. The veteran finished with an overall singles record of 9-11 and a doubles record of 6-11 last spring. This past fall, the Japanese native began to hit her stride, going a combined 17-9 between singles and doubles matches. With the successful fall, Ito surpassed 100 total wins with Syracuse. Her veteran presence, patience and feel for the game should take her far in the upcoming year.
Constance Levivier — Junior Constance Levivier is coming off an underwhelming first year with the Orange, finishing 2-5 in singles play and 4-7 in doubles. However, this past fall, the Paris native flipped a switch, going a blistering 10-2 in doubles play and adding seven singles victories.
Anastasia Sysoeva — Junior Anastasia Sysoeva played in just one tournament last fall due to injury but is ready to go for the spring season. The Florida transfer is in her second season with SU and looks to build on what was a successful first year with the Orange. Sysoeva went 12-6 in singles play, including seven wins in ACC matches.
Newcomers
Nelly Knezkova — Sophomore Nelly Knezkova joins the Orange after transferring from Hawai‘i. As a freshman, Knezkova earned All-Big West Second Team honors, highlighted by a marquee win against No. 10 California at the No. 1 position. Like most of the SU squad, the Czech standout was hot in the fall, posting a combined 20-5 record. Alongside her partner Shiori Ito, Knezkova advanced to the quarterfinals at the ITA New England Regionals. Her 20 fall victories trailed only Serafima Shastova’s for most on the team.
Serafima Shastova — Sophomore Serafima Shastova earned All-ASUN Freshman of the Year and ASUN All-Freshman Team honors at Jacksonville State. In the fall with Syracuse, the Russian earned a spot in the singles draw at the 2024 Individual Championships and won an ITA Regional singles title. Shastova is just the fourth player under coach Younes Limam to take home a singles title in the event. The sophomore dominated, winning 16 singles sets by a score of 6-2 or better. With her unique combination of speed, power and finesse, she is one of the most intriguing SU players to watch.
Haram Kim and Monika Wojcik — A pair of freshmen round out coach Limam’s squad. Monika Wojcik, the No. 13 recruit in Florida and No. 52 recruit in the country, committed to the Orange this winter. Haram Kim, in her first stint with SU, hails from South Korea. Last year, Kim posted a 20-16 record in ITF singles matches and a 22-14 record in doubles. Both Kim and Wojcik look to prove age is just a number in 2025 with Syracuse.
Season Opener
The Orange get their first action this Wednesday against Cornell. Game time at Drumlins is set for 5:30 p.m. To follow the season opener and all things SU tennis, follow @Drew_Albaugh on X and Citrus TV on YouTube.
