Virginia Men’s Tennis Team with Few Players Loses to Wake Forest in NCAA Quarterfinals

Virginia’s Reign as Two-Time Defending Champions of NCAA Division I Men’s Tennis Comes to an End

Virginia’s dominance in NCAA Division I Men’s Tennis has finally been halted as their bid for a third-straight national title fell short in a 4-1 loss to ACC rival Wake Forest in the quarterfinals of the 2024 NCAA Men’s Tennis Championship. The Cavaliers, who were missing their top player Chris Rodesch due to illness and had their second-best player Inaki Montes playing through a hamstring injury, couldn’t overcome the obstacles in their path.

In a rematch of their regular-season meeting where Virginia emerged victorious, the Cavaliers found themselves at a disadvantage with key players sidelined or playing through injuries. Despite a valiant effort from Montes, who fought through the pain to secure a crucial point for Virginia, the team ultimately succumbed to Wake Forest’s strong performance.

Head coach Andres Pedroso praised Wake Forest for their resilience and fighting spirit, expressing his support for their quest for a national championship. The defeat marked the end of an era for Virginia’s senior players, including Rodesch, Montes, von der Schulenburg, and Kiefer, who had led the team to back-to-back national titles in 2022 and 2023.

While the loss may have ended Virginia’s reign as champions, the legacy of their senior players and their contributions to the program will never be forgotten. Pedroso reflected on the impact of these players on the UVA community and the college tennis community at large, highlighting their remarkable journey and the respect they have earned from their peers.