CARY, NC - It’s safe to say that Robert Slutsky is enjoying his time in North Carolina. He’s won five consecutive singles matches since starting in Monday’s qualifying draw to book his spot in the Round of 16 for the first time.

Slutsky played No. 16 seed Anton Gudz in his latest match Wednesday morning and came through the encounter with an 11-3, 11-2 victory.

He credits part of his success to the fact that he’s played his two main draw matches indoors, which typically benefits players with big serves and drives, like Slutsky.

But the lefty likes playing indoors for a different—and, perhaps, more relatable—reason.

“There’s a lot of pollen outside, so it’s a lot easier for me to run around and not sneeze when I’m playing indoors," he said.

Even pro pickleballers deal with allergies, it seems.

With the win, Slutsky becomes the second left-handed singles qualifier to make the Round of 16 in North Carolina after Jhonnatan Medina Alvarez took down Jack Sock in three games as well.