The NJIT men's tennis team, under head coach Marco Matteucci, has secured three new recruits for the 2026-27 season: freshmen Arijan Kaliterna, Xingyu Chen, and sophomore transfer Francisco Guimaraes. Kaliterna, a rising junior player from France, boasts a Universal Tennis Rating of 12.17 and is expected to enhance the team's competitive edge with his aggressive play style. Chen, originally from China, has a solid background on the ITF Junior Circuit, having reached No. 281 in the junior doubles rankings. Guimaraes joins NJIT after a successful stint at Lee University, where he was recognized as the Gulf South Conference Rookie of the Year. His professional experience adds valuable depth to the Highlanders' lineup.

By the Numbers
  • Kaliterna holds a Universal Tennis Rating of 12.17.
  • Chen reached as high as No. 281 in the ITF Junior doubles rankings.
  • Guimaraes achieved an ATP doubles ranking of No. 1807.
State of Play
  • The Highlanders aim to boost their competitive standing with these new team members.
  • Matteucci expresses confidence in the ability of all three players to contribute immediately.
  • Kaliterna and Chen bring strong junior-level credentials, while Guimaraes adds collegiate experience.
What's Next

The Highlanders will integrate these newcomers into their training and competition schedules ahead of the fall season, with expectations for immediate impact in matches. Coach Matteucci is focused on developing their skills further as they prepare for the upcoming challenges in their collegiate careers.

Bottom Line

With the recruitment of Kaliterna, Chen, and Guimaraes, NJIT men's tennis is positioned for a strong season ahead. The combination of diverse backgrounds and skills from these players is likely to enhance the team's performance and competitive depth.