The Tennessee Volunteers men’s tennis team commenced their 2025 season with decisive victories against in-state rivals Belmont and Tennessee Tech on January 11.
These matches, held at the Goodfriend Tennis Center in Knoxville, marked the beginning of a promising campaign for the Vols under head coach Chris Woodruff, who is entering his eighth year at the helm and 23rd year on staff.
In the opening match against Belmont, the Vols showcased their depth and talent across both singles and doubles. Senior Shunsuke Mitsui, known for his impressive singles winning percentage of 78.6%, secured a straight-sets victory, setting a positive tone for the team. Sophomore Filip Pieczonka, who had an outstanding freshman year with 19 singles wins, continued his strong form by dominating his opponent. The doubles teams, including the pairing of Mitsui and Pieczonka, demonstrated excellent coordination, contributing to the overall win.
The momentum carried into the second match of the day against Tennessee Tech. Transfers Ian Cruz from Belmont and Alejandro Moreno from Auburn made impactful debuts. Cruz, who previously held a 64-23 singles record at Belmont, exhibited his experience and skill, while Moreno, familiar with SEC competition, added depth to the lineup. Freshmen Jose Garcia and Lance Nisbet also made their collegiate debuts, showing potential and resilience in their matches, indicating a bright future for the program.
These victories are a testament to the team’s rigorous preparation and strategic recruitment during the off-season. The addition of four transfers and two freshmen has created a dynamic and competitive environment within the squad. Assistant coach Jaime Barajas expressed confidence in the newcomers, stating, “We have a very special group this year with six new guys who are all very hard workers and great team guys. Every single one of them will be a grand contributor in one way or another.”
Looking ahead, the Vols have a challenging schedule that includes matches against 11 top-25 opponents from the previous season. Notably, they are set to host the ITA Kickoff Weekend in Knoxville on January 24-25, featuring teams like Auburn, Illinois, and Michigan, with the winner advancing to the ITA Indoor National Championships in February. This event will be a significant test for the team early in the season.
The team’s home-court advantage has been formidable, as they achieved a perfect 18-0 record at home last season, a first in program history. Maintaining this unbeaten streak at the Goodfriend Tennis Center will be crucial as they face formidable opponents in the coming weeks.
Coach Woodruff emphasized the importance of building on last season’s successes, which included reaching the NCAA Quarterfinals for the third time in four years. He noted that the blend of returning players and new talent provides a solid foundation for the team’s aspirations this year. The leadership of experienced players like Mitsui, combined with the fresh energy from newcomers, is expected to drive the team toward achieving their goals.
The Vols’ early-season performance has generated excitement among fans and set high expectations for the remainder of the season. With a balanced roster and a challenging schedule ahead, the team is poised to make significant strides on the national stage. Their next matches include a road trip to face Middle Tennessee State University on January 16, followed by a contest against Wake Forest on January 19, before returning home for the ITA Kickoff Weekend.
As the season progresses, the Vols aim to leverage their early victories and team cohesion to navigate the competitive landscape of collegiate tennis, with aspirations of advancing deep into postseason play and contending for national honors.
