CARY, NC – Fourth-seeded Connor Garnett put a stop to Jhonnatan Medina-Alvarez’s incredible singles run at the North Carolina Cup on Friday with an 11-1, 11-7 triumph.

After the No. 43 seed battled his way up the bracket by defeating top players like Jack Sock, Jaume Martinez Vich, and Tyler Loong, Garnett’s outstanding two-handed backhand was too much to handle this time around. 

“It’s always a little intimidating when a guy is getting hot, and he beat some fierce competitors,” said Garnett. “I felt the pressure coming in, and I was excited that I could rise to the challenge.”

Garnett was actually supportive of Medina-Alvarez the whole way, clapping and even cheering on his opponent when he made a good shot.

“You’ve got to have fun out there. That’s something I’m trying to do to help de-stress myself when I’m playing. If he’s playing great, there’s nothing you can do except support.”