Overview
Duke’s spring season kicked off two weeks ago. The Blue Devils have already defeated a top-10 opponent and remain undefeated through four matches. Even with these strong starts, they have a tough schedule ahead. Thankfully, they also have a talented new roster to match.
Duke went 16-10 (7-6 in the ACC) last season and lost to Tennessee in the second round of the NCAA Team Championships. Last year, the Blue Devils were unfortunately hindered by a seven-person roster. Duke was stretched thin across the courts, with then-junior Ellie Coleman out over the final 18 matches of the season.
“It's going to take all eight of us to have this season that we want to have and accomplish what we want to happen,” head coach Jamie Ashworth said.
With four new players — three of which are freshmen — the Blue Devils have an influx of young talented players. Eleanu Yu, a sophomore transfer from Stanford, boasts an impressive collegiate resume and brings more experience to the roster. The three incoming freshmen — Liv Hovde, Ava Krug and Irinia Balus — all have impressive young accolades. Hovde, who is not yet NCAA eligible, was the 2022 Wimbledon Girls Singles Champion.
“We have a great group of girls, a great product to put on the court, and [I am] looking forward to seeing where this takes us,” said Ashworth.
Duke is off to a roaring start and doesn’t show any signs of wanting to slow down. With strong returning veterans and new young talent, the Blue Devil roster appears stronger than ever. - Anna Newberry
New player to watch
Krug has wasted no time making her mark on the women’s tennis team. The Sarasota, Fla., native started the season with a standout resume, including a top-10 USTA ranking and appearances in the prestigious junior divisions for the 2022 French Open and the 2023 Australian Open. Krug reached No. 7 in the 2024 recruiting class, and the 5-foot-10 powerhouse has already made waves in 2025.
She kicked off the year with dominant singles performances, including a 6-1, 6-2 victory over Virginia Tech’s Mila Mulready and a spotless 6-0, 6-0 clincher against N.C. Central’s Gabriela Mejia Arenas. Krug also teamed up with junior Katie Codd to secure their first doubles sweep against the Eagles.
Krug’s pre-collegiate accolades and solid start this season have demonstrated that she has the composure and skillset to make waves on the court this spring. If Krug can maintain this momentum throughout the next few months, she will undoubtedly become a key player in Duke’s lineup. With twin brothers Connor and Jake representing the men’s team, the Krug dynasty continues to grow stronger. - Reagan Henderlite
Returner to watch
Dubbed as the new player to watch last season, Shavit Kimchi’s freshman year performance did not disappoint. Outside critical contributions from returning seniors Emma Jackson and Coleman, Kimchi’s dominant presence on the court will be sure to turn heads again this season.
The sophomore Blue Devil enters this season with a singles ranking of 49 and numerous accolades — including ITA Carolina Region Rookie of the Year, All ACC Third Team and ACC Freshman of the Year. Tallying 17 singles wins and 14 doubles wins, Kimchi propelled Duke to victory in several close matches against teams like N.C. State last season and holds the program record for the most match-clinching wins.
In addition to earning an invitation to the NCAA Singles Championship and becoming the second Blue Devil to begin her career with two top-30 ranked wins, Kimchi has continued to make waves for Duke, recently helping to deliver sweeping victories against N.C. Central and Virginia Tech in both doubles and singles. If Kimchi can continue to capitalize on her impressive career thus far, she will be essential to Duke’s success this season. - Tyler Rogers
Most anticipated matchup
Duke has a rigorous schedule this season, both in and out of the ACC. The most anticipated matchup of the season is always the final match against North Carolina March 26. It is not only highly anticipated because of the rivalry, but also because the Tar Heels have been a powerhouse in women’s tennis the last four years. With the graduation of superstar Fiona Crawley, the Blue Devils get a new chance against an old rival. A closer important matchup comes this weekend in the ITA Kickoff Weekend, as Duke will face No. 20 South Carolina and potentially No. 5 Virginia. - Newberry
Best-case scenario
The Blue Devils, with reinforced talent, continue their momentum from the victory against Pepperdine and make a run in ACC play. In a strong conference, Duke is ranked just behind Stanford and Virginia, both of which are scheduled. Similarly, Duke currently stands ahead of North Carolina, N.C. State, California and Florida State, all scheduled as well. Even with an arduous road ahead, the Blue Devils could become battle-tested early in the season, and could certainly make Ashworth’s 29th season memorable if they avenge losses to North Carolina, Virginia or go deep in the NCAA championships. - Andrew Negus
Worst-case scenario
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Like last season, injuries could get the worst of the Blue Devils. Fortunately, Duke has a full roster of eight, but it could get interesting during tough in-conference stretches — especially if the Blue Devils lose senior leadership from Coleman or Jackson. Compared to experience-heavy lineups, the freshmen and sophomore Blue Devils will need to step up to clinch key matches to prevent a possible losing record in the ACC. - Negus
Predictions
Negus: 18-4 (8-4 ACC), loss in NCAA third round
Newberry: 18-4 (8-4 ACC), loss in NCAA Sweet 16
Henderlite: 17-5 (7-5 ACC), loss in NCAA third round
Rogers: 19-3 (9-3 ACC), loss in NCAA third round