UNC men's tennis thrives in sweep over N.C. Central

Lineup changes due to injury lead to strong performances from Anthony Wright and Constantinos Djakouris.

Published on Feb. 26, 2026

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The UNC men's tennis team secured a 5-0 sweep over N.C. Central University on Sunday, with strong performances from sophomore Anthony Wright and senior Constantinos Djakouris. Wright, who moved up in the lineup due to an injury, delivered an efficient 6-1, 6-2 singles win that clinched the victory for the Tar Heels. Djakouris also stepped up in the middle of the lineup, providing stability with straight-set wins. The lineup changes have been a factor in UNC's recent success, as the team has continued to deliver despite the shifts.

Why it matters

The UNC men's tennis team has faced some lineup changes due to an injury, but the squad has continued to thrive, showcasing the depth and preparedness of the roster. The performances of Wright and Djakouris highlight the team's ability to adapt and succeed even when faced with adversity.

The details

Sophomore Anthony Wright and senior Constantinos Djakouris both moved up in the UNC lineup due to an injury to junior Niels Ratiu. Wright delivered a dominant 6-1, 6-2 singles win that clinched the victory for the Tar Heels, while Djakouris provided stability in the middle of the lineup with straight-set wins. The lineup changes have been a factor in UNC's recent success, as the team has continued to deliver strong performances despite the shifts.

  • The match against N.C. Central University took place on Sunday evening.

The players

Anthony Wright

A UNC sophomore who has stepped up into the singles lineup due to an injury to a teammate.

Constantinos Djakouris

A UNC senior who has moved up in the lineup and provided stability with straight-set wins.

Niels Ratiu

A UNC junior who is currently injured, leading to lineup changes.

Roan Jones

A UNC senior who has formed a successful doubles pairing with Anthony Wright.

Sam Paul

The head coach of the UNC men's tennis team.

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What they’re saying

“Anthony's worked really hard. He worked really hard over Christmas break, and I think it's paying off in his game. He's got a really good routine, even at the end of the fall, he was coming in for extra workouts on the ball machine.”

— Sam Paul, Head Coach (dailytarheel.com)

“It's tough being a bench player, because we all work so hard. It's tough, you feel like you're not being recognized for your level or something. It's something I've struggled with a bit, but you've got to realize that we have a strong team, a strong squad, you've got to appreciate the other guys, as well. And then when you get chosen to play, you just got to enjoy it and take your opportunity.”

— Anthony Wright (dailytarheel.com)

“The pressure kind of increases in expectations from both myself and the coaches. I would say so, mentally it might be a bit tougher, but it is what it is. I like a challenge.”

— Constantinos Djakouris (dailytarheel.com)

“He's probably one of the most enjoyable doubles partners I've had so far. We just love getting loud. We love pumping up the crowd, it's just a good time out there.”

— Anthony Wright (dailytarheel.com)

The takeaway

The UNC men's tennis team has demonstrated its depth and adaptability, with players like Anthony Wright and Constantinos Djakouris stepping up to fill roles due to injury. This ability to adjust the lineup and continue winning showcases the team's strong work ethic and commitment to the program's success.