The University of Virginia men’s tennis team secured its seventh NCAA championship on May 19 after a close victory over Texas, according to a report by Jeff White of VirginiaSports.com. The Cavaliers rallied from behind in the final match held at the University of Georgia’s Magill Tennis Complex, overcoming early setbacks to win 4-3 and claim another national title under head coach Andres Pedroso.
This achievement places Virginia men’s tennis alongside the university’s men’s lacrosse and soccer programs as holders of seven NCAA championships each. With most players expected to return next season, the team is already looking ahead. “We are 100% going to go for it next year,” said sophomore Stiles Brockett during a celebration at Boar’s Head Resort’s Virginia Tennis Facility.
Pedroso highlighted how this year’s journey differed from previous titles. “And then this year these guys had to resurrect themselves and soul search and just go into really dark places to find ways to win in the middle of matches,” Pedroso said. The Cavaliers faced tough opponents throughout the tournament, often losing early sets but managing dramatic comebacks against Columbia, South Carolina, Wake Forest, and Texas.
The championship was clinched by junior Dylan Dietrich in No. 1 singles after he overcame a deficit against Texas senior Sebastian Gorzny. “I try to focus just point after point, but it’s easier said than done,” Dietrich said about handling pressure during his decisive match.
Despite missing key players Rafael Jódar and Roy Horovitz for much of the season, other team members stepped up when needed. “Everyone stepped up [who] had to step up… We all had to swim, and we swam,” Dietrich said.
A large crowd attended Tuesday’s celebration event honoring the champions in Charlottesville. Pedroso thanked fans for their support: “All of you own a piece of this.” He emphasized that while championships are important, relationships and hard work remain central values for his program: “At the end of the day what sticks with you is…the process and relationships.”
Looking forward, both coaches and players expressed optimism about defending their title next season as they aim for an eighth national championship.
