Mayew Wins Carolina Classic Singles Title

Friday, September 19

Columbia, S.C.

North Carolina

Carolina Classic

Ian Mayew (left) with Tar Heel assistant coach Robert Kelly

September 21, 2025 | Men's Tennis

By: Matt Bowers

Freshman Ian Mayew took the championship in his first collegiate tournament in a strong Sunday for Carolina men's tennis.

Meanwhile, junior Niels Ratiu came from behind to beat Duke's Alexander Visser in three sets 5-7, 6-4, 6-2 to advance to the pre-qualifying final of the ITA All-American Championships in Tulsa, Okla. Ratiu lost his subsequent match to Eli Stephenson of Kentucky in three sets, 4-6, 6-4, 0-6

Mayew won the South Carolina Fall Classic singles title in Columbia, S.C., coming from behind and rallying to win after dropping the first set. He defeated South Carolina's Max Stenzer 3-6, 6-3, (retired) to take the title.

In other Tar Heel action at the ITA All-American Championships, sophomores Chris Xu and Anthony Wright both dropped their singles matches in straight sets.

Carolina Classic • Columbia, S.C. • Sunday 9/21/25
Ian Mayew (UNC) def. Max Stenzer (South Carolina) 3-6, 6-3 (ret.)

ITA All-American Championships • Tulsa, Okla. • Sunday 9/21/25
Men's Open Singles (PQ R128)
Niels Ratiu (UNC) def. Alexander Visser (Duke) 5-7, 6-4, 6-2
Charlelie Cosnet (Kentucky) def. Chris Xu (UNC) 6-4, 6-2
Julian Alonso Vivanco (TCU) def. Anthony Wright (UNC) 7-5, 6-3

Eli Stephenson (Kentucky) def. Niels Ratiu (UNC) 6-4, 4-6, 6-0

Freshman Ian Mayew d. Max Stenzer (USC) 3-6, 6-3, Ret. to win the South Carolina Classic. pic.twitter.com/0wi2HMtQJH
— Carolina Men's Tennis 🐏🎾 (@carolinatennis) September 21, 2025