The performances of junior Esben Hess-Olesen and freshman Ronnie Schneider at the ITA All-American Championship’s singles draw can’t be based simply on the marks in the win column.
Despite both of the North Carolina tennis players falling to the same competitor — Baylor’s Julian Lenz — in the main draw, Schneider’s defeat of two nationally ranked opponents and Hess-Olesen’s return to the courts after an injury, left them with positive feelings as they departed Tulsa, Okla.
“Obviously you have to be disappointed when you lose when you’re a competitor,” Hess-Olesen said.
“But looking at the way I played, I’m satisfied with my level of tennis.”
In his first match against No.38 Lenz, No. 28 Hess-Olesen gained a lead in both sets by breaking his opponent’s serve. But Lenz came back in both of the sets to ultimately win the match 7-6(4), 7-5.
“Both sets I actually had in my hand, I just need to close it out and I wasn’t able to” Hess-Olesen said. “Thinking back I don’t think I played poor games or anything, he was just playing some good points.”
Hess-Olesen faced No. 23 Alex Sarkissian of Pepperdine in the first round of the consolation. Each claimed a set 6-2, forcing a third set, which was ultimately decided by a tie breaker claimed by Sarkissian.
“I am actually leaving the tournament with a good amount of confidence,” Hess-Olesen said. “Both guys I played are some of the very top players in the country and I played really well myself.”
While Hess-Olesen earned an automatic bid to the main draw, Schneider earned his spot after winning three matches in the qualifying round earlier in the week.
