Kentucky women’s tennis captain Zoe Hammond and Jula Zhu both put forth strong performances at the ITA All-American Championships, with Hammond impressing and Zhu aiming to build on her sophomore year. 

Hammond and Zhu battled through qualifying for the singles main draw, though they fell short in doubles play. 

In doubles, the experienced duo took down No. 60 pair of Emma Rizzetto & Conley Raidt 6-2, 7-6 (7-3). In the round of 32, they fell to Barakat Quadre and Chloe Noel 7-6 (7-3), 6-1. Eliminating them doubles play. 

In singles, No. 57 Zhu started in the qualifying draw playing No. 124 Claire Hill.

After dropping the first, Zhu dominated to move on to the round of 64, taking 4-6, 6-0, 6-1. Following the win, Zhu was matched up with No. 88 Lavinia Tanasie, dropping a highly contested match 6-2, 6-4. 

Despite the loss, Zhu received some luck and was still able to qualify for the main draw, taking one of the last spots.

Joining Zhu in the main draw, No. 20 Hammond. In the first round of the main draw, Zhu was matched up with No. 11 Teah Chavez, falling 6-4, 6-4, sending Zhu to the consolation bracket.

Hammond, matched up in the first round with No. 54 Alejandra Cruz, took the win 6-7(5-7), 6-3, 6-4 in a competitive match. Hammond was next matched up with No. 43 Tatum Evans 7-6(7-4), 6-0, sending Hammond to the consolation bracket alongside Zhu.

In the consolation round, Zhu stayed alive with 6-4, 0-6, 6-2 win over Prisca Abbas. In the round of 32, Zhu would fall short of the victory in a competitive match with No. 55 Gabia Paskauskas, going down 6-4, 7-6(7-3), ending Zhu’s run in the tournament. 

Hammond started strong in the consolation bracket, taking the win over No. 36 Ozlem Uslu in a three-set comeback 2-6, 6-2, 6-1. In the round of 16, Hammond was unable to overcome No. 60 Nao Nishino, falling 6-0, 6-1, ending the Wildcats’ time in action. 

Kentucky women’s tennis will see action again, competing in the ITA Regional Championships in Knoxville, Tenn. The event will take place from Oct. 16-21.