The Georgia Bulldogs men’s tennis team kicked off their spring 2026 season with a commanding 4 0 shutout victory over rival Georgia Tech on Saturday in Atlanta. This win marks the 75th all time victory for Georgia against the Yellow Jackets and extends their winning streak to 15 consecutive matches in this storied rivalry.
Doubles Play Sets the Tone for Georgia
Georgia wasted no time establishing control on the doubles courts. Senior Will Jansen and sophomore Gabriele Vulpitta delivered a flawless 6 0 performance against Georgia Tech’s Gianluca Carlini and Hidde Schoenmakers. The match showcased the Bulldogs’ superior coordination and aggressive net play.
Graduate student Derrick Chen and freshman Noah Johnston then clinched the crucial doubles point with a convincing 6 1 victory over Elias Shokry and Robert Bauer. This marked the first time these particular doubles pairings competed together during the 2026 season, making their dominant showing even more impressive.
The third doubles match between Georgia’s Arda Azkara and Santiago Giamichelle against Richard Biagiotti and Jonathan Irwanto remained unfinished at 3 3 when the doubles point was secured.
Noah Johnston Leads Singles Domination
Entering singles play with a 1 0 advantage, Georgia continued their momentum. Freshman Noah Johnston, currently ranked No. 100 nationally, delivered a stellar performance on court one. He defeated Biagiotti in straight sets 6 1, 6 2, improving his impressive singles record to 7 2 for the season.
Johnston’s development has been a highlight of Georgia’s 2026 campaign. The freshman has shown remarkable composure against higher ranked opponents and continues to prove himself as a key contributor to the Bulldogs’ success.
Ranked Players Deliver for the Bulldogs
No. 23 ranked Will Jansen continued his strong play on court two with a 6 3, 6 3 victory over Carlini. The senior’s consistent performance extended Georgia’s lead to 3 0 and brought the Bulldogs within one point of clinching the match.
Graduate student Arda Azkara delivered the clinching blow for Georgia with an upset victory over No. 72 ranked Hidde Schoenmakers. Azkara secured his fourth singles win of the season with a convincing 6 4, 6 2 scoreline.
| Court | Georgia Player | Ranking | Opponent | Result |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Noah Johnston | No. 100 | Richard Biagiotti | Won 6 1, 6 2 |
| 2 | Will Jansen | No. 23 | Gianluca Carlini | Won 6 3, 6 3 |
| 4 | Arda Azkara | Unranked | Hidde Schoenmakers (No. 72) | Won 6 4, 6 2 |
Unfinished Matches Show Georgia’s Depth
Several matches remained unfinished when Azkara clinched the victory for the Bulldogs. These incomplete contests still demonstrated Georgia’s competitive depth across all courts.
Key unfinished matches included:
- No. 33 ranked Santiago Giamichelle was leading Jonathan Irwanto 6 3, 5 3 on court three
- No. 119 ranked Gabriele Vulpitta held a 7 6 (8) advantage over Elias Shokry on court five
- Derrick Chen was ahead 6 2, 5 3 against Bauer on court six
The Bulldogs’ ability to compete at a high level across all six courts speaks to the program’s recruiting success and player development under their coaching staff.
Georgia’s Rivalry Dominance Continues
This victory adds another chapter to Georgia’s impressive history against Georgia Tech. The 15 match winning streak reflects the Bulldogs’ sustained excellence in this in state rivalry.
Georgia men’s tennis has established itself as one of the premier programs in the Southeastern Conference and nationally. Their blend of experienced upperclassmen like Jansen and Chen with talented newcomers like Johnston creates a formidable roster capable of competing for conference and national titles.
The Bulldogs’ roster features players from multiple countries, adding international experience and diverse playing styles to their lineup. This global approach to recruiting has become a hallmark of successful college tennis programs.
What’s Next for the Bulldogs
Georgia will remain on the road for their next competition at the ITA Kickoff Weekend. The Bulldogs are scheduled to face Boise State on Saturday, January 24, 2026. This tournament represents a significant early season test and potential pathway to the ITA National Team Indoor Championship.
The Bulldogs will look to build on their strong spring opener momentum as they face increasingly challenging competition. With ranked players performing well and newcomers exceeding expectations, Georgia appears well positioned for a successful 2026 campaign.
Tennis fans and Bulldog supporters should mark their calendars for this upcoming match. Share your thoughts on Georgia’s dominant victory in the comments below, and follow along as the Bulldogs continue their pursuit of SEC and national championship aspirations this spring season.
