The Vols have two in-state victories to start the 2025 tennis season.

The Vols Have Two In-State Victories to Start the 2025 Tennis Season

As the 2025 tennis season begins to heat up, the University of Tennessee Volunteers (Vols) men’s and women’s tennis teams have kicked off the year with a strong statement, securing two key in-state victories that have injected excitement into the program and energized their fanbase. The Vols, historically a powerhouse in college tennis, have set the tone early in the season, and these two victories against in-state rivals will provide a solid foundation for what many hope will be a successful campaign.

While tennis is often overshadowed by football and basketball in the Southeastern Conference (SEC), the success of the Vols’ tennis programs has made waves both regionally and nationally. The Vols’ men’s and women’s teams have built strong reputations over the years, frequently competing at a high level in the SEC and NCAA tournaments. With a blend of experienced players and promising newcomers, the 2025 season is expected to be another exciting year for Tennessee tennis.

In this article, we will explore the two early in-state victories, their significance in shaping the course of the season, and the players and strategies behind the Vols’ early success. Additionally, we will delve into how these victories reflect the culture and competitiveness of Tennessee tennis, which has consistently produced top-tier talent and maintained a tradition of excellence.

Victory #1: Tennessee vs. Vanderbilt – A Rivalry Renewed

The first of Tennessee’s in-state victories came in the form of a hard-fought win over the Vanderbilt Commodores, a fierce in-state rival. When the Vols face off against Vanderbilt, it is more than just a tennis match—it’s a battle for bragging rights in Tennessee. Both teams have storied programs, and the matchup typically generates considerable buzz in both Nashville and Knoxville.

The match, which took place on January 13, 2025, at Barksdale Stadium in Nashville, was a statement win for the Vols, who came into the contest with high expectations after a strong fall season. The Vols’ men’s team triumphed 4-2, and the women’s team followed up with a 5-2 victory, making it a clean sweep for Tennessee across both genders.

The men’s match featured a stellar performance by senior Max de Vroome, who is quickly becoming one of the team’s most reliable players. De Vroome’s 6-4, 7-5 victory at No. 1 singles helped to establish Tennessee’s dominance early in the match. Vanderbilt came into the competition with a solid squad, but Tennessee’s depth in singles and doubles proved to be the difference. The doubles teams also performed admirably, setting the tone for the singles matches that followed. Freshman Luke Johnson, who had been highly touted as a top recruit, showed his potential in his debut match with a gutsy three-set win at No. 4 singles, ultimately clinching the victory for the Vols.

On the women’s side, the Vols displayed an equally impressive performance against their rivals. Elena Keleher, a seasoned leader for the Vols’ women’s team, clinched the win for Tennessee with a dominant straight-set victory at No. 2 singles, proving why she is one of the top players in the SEC. The depth of the women’s team was evident, as freshmen like Mia Petrovic and Jenna Palmer made immediate impacts in their first-ever SEC dual matches, with Petrovic contributing a crucial point in singles play and Palmer helping secure the doubles point with her partner, Sophia Tran.

The win over Vanderbilt was not only a crucial in-state victory but also served as an early-season confidence booster. Head coach Alison Ojeda, now in her third season with the Vols, was thrilled with the team’s performance and noted the importance of starting the season with a rivalry win. “It’s always special to beat Vanderbilt, especially on their home court. It sets the tone for our season and shows that we’re ready to compete at a high level from the start,” said Ojeda in a post-match interview.

The victory also reinforced Tennessee’s standing as one of the top programs in the SEC and put them in a favorable position early on in the season standings. With an SEC schedule that will only get tougher as the season progresses, these in-state wins provided valuable momentum and a sense of belief in the team’s potential to contend for conference titles and NCAA tournament berths.

Victory #2: Tennessee vs. Memphis – A Dominant Performance

The second in-state victory came just a few days later, on January 17, 2025, when the Vols faced the University of Memphis Tigers at the Goodfriend Tennis Center in Knoxville. While the Vols had already proved themselves against Vanderbilt, the match against Memphis offered another opportunity to solidify their early season success. The Tigers, a competitive program in the American Athletic Conference (AAC), have historically posed a challenge to Tennessee, but this year’s Vols squad was determined to leave no doubt.

Once again, Tennessee dominated both the men’s and women’s sides, delivering comprehensive victories that showcased their depth and skill. The men’s team won 5-1, and the women’s team earned a 6-1 victory, making it clear that the Vols were firing on all cylinders in their opening stretch of the season.

In the men’s match, the Vols quickly gained control, winning the doubles point with ease. The No. 1 doubles team of Max de Vroome and Luke Johnson continued their strong partnership, taking down their Memphis counterparts in straight sets. In singles, Tennessee showed why they’re considered one of the deepest teams in the country. Freshman Owen Riley impressed with a dominant 6-1, 6-3 win at No. 5 singles, showcasing the kind of talent that has many predicting great things for the Vols in the coming years. Jordan Pugh, a junior who has steadily improved over his career, also had a breakout performance, securing a win at No. 3 singles in straight sets, adding another point to Tennessee’s total.

For the women, the match was a similarly dominant affair. Elena Keleher and Sophia Tran continued their exceptional play, with Keleher winning in straight sets at No. 2 singles and Tran providing an anchor at No. 4. But it was the performance of Mia Petrovic that stood out. The freshman continued her incredible debut season with a 6-0, 6-2 victory, making her an early candidate for SEC Freshman of the Year. The Tennessee women also showed their strength in doubles, with the team of Keleher and Palmer easily defeating their Memphis opponents to secure the doubles point.

“Memphis is a tough team, and we knew we couldn’t take them lightly,” said Coach Alison Ojeda following the victory. “But our players came out focused and ready to play. We’re seeing great things from our freshmen, and the leadership from our upperclassmen is really showing. I’m proud of the way the team performed today.”

The win against Memphis not only improved Tennessee’s record but also showcased the rising talent within the program. The Vols are poised to be a contender on both the men’s and women’s sides in the SEC and NCAA tournaments, and their performance in these early in-state victories suggests they are capable of great things this season.

The Impact of These Early Victories

The two in-state victories for the Vols were more than just wins on the scoreboard; they represent a promising start to the 2025 season and lay the foundation for what could be an exciting year for Tennessee tennis. There are several key takeaways from these early victories that will be crucial as the season progresses:

Depth and Balance:

Both the men’s and women’s teams displayed incredible depth and balance in these matches, with contributions coming from veterans and freshmen alike. In both victories, Tennessee showed it can win in a variety of ways, whether through dominant singles performances, strong doubles play, or clutch victories from less-experienced players. This depth is vital in a sport like tennis, where injuries, fatigue, and tough matchups can create challenges.

Freshmen Making Immediate Impacts:

The performances of freshmen like Luke Johnson and Mia Petrovic have been a major highlight for Tennessee so far this season. Their ability to step into big matches and contribute immediately is a testament to the program’s recruiting success. As the season continues, these freshmen will be expected to play a larger role, and if they continue to deliver at the same level, Tennessee could be primed for a deep run in both the SEC and NCAA tournaments.

Team Chemistry:

Tennis is often seen as an individual sport, but at the college level, team chemistry and camaraderie are essential to success. The Vols have shown excellent teamwork in both singles and doubles play, with players supporting one another and pushing each other to be better. This chemistry will be crucial as the season progresses and Tennessee faces tougher competition in the SEC.

Setting the Tone for the SEC:

The SEC is widely regarded as one of the top conferences in college tennis, and the Vols’ victories over in-state rivals have set a positive tone for the rest of the season. Winning these early in-state matchups not only boosts team morale but also helps Tennessee gain confidence heading into conference play. With teams like Florida, Georgia, and Alabama on the horizon, every early win is important as the Vols look to make a statement in the conference.

Looking Ahead:

With the early in-state victories under their belts, Tennessee will now shift its focus to more challenging matchups as they head deeper into the 2025 season. The Vols will look to continue their momentum in SEC play while maintaining their dominance in non-conference matchups. For Tennessee fans, the excitement around the team’s early success is palpable, and the sky is the limit for this talented group of players.

If the Vols continue to build on these victories and develop their younger players, it’s clear that Tennessee tennis is primed for another successful season. Whether it’s a deep SEC run, a bid for the NCAA Tournament, or an individual breakout performance, the 2025 season holds plenty of promise for the Volunteers.

For now, the Vols can savor their two early in-state victories and look forward to the challenges that lie ahead. With the momentum from these wins, Tennessee tennis fans have plenty to be excited about as the season unfolds.