The Columbia men’s tennis team, ranked 10th nationally, showcased their prowess by securing a decisive 7-0 victory against the No. 47 Penn Quakers at the Philip & Cheryl Milstein Family Tennis Center. The Lions' comprehensive performance highlighted their depth and determination, as they maintained their undefeated streak in Ivy League matches without conceding a single point to their rivals. Their doubles and singles performances were nothing short of spectacular.

In doubles, Columbia secured crucial wins on the first and third courts, despite facing stiff resistance from Penn's players. Moving into singles, the Lions demonstrated resilience and skill, with several straight-set victories that sealed their dominance over the Quakers. Each player contributed significantly to the overall triumph, proving Columbia's strength across the board.

Doubles Domination Sets the Tone

The Lions began their match with a commanding presence in the doubles segment, capturing the pivotal doubles point through victories on the No. 1 and No. 3 courts. This early advantage set the stage for their eventual sweep of the competition. Despite losing narrowly on the second court, the team’s adaptability shone through in their final doubles win.

On the first court, Michael Zheng and Nicolas Kotzen delivered an impressive 6-2 win against Sanjeev Chundu and Aaron Sandler. Meanwhile, on the third court, Hugo Hashimoto and Jayden Templeman turned around a challenging start, overcoming a 3-0 deficit to clinch a thrilling 6-4 victory against Tal Goodman and Parashar Bharadwaj. These wins underscored the team’s ability to perform under pressure, setting the tone for the singles matches that followed.

Singles Showcase: Skill and Resilience

Transitioning into singles play, the Lions exhibited relentless effort, securing multiple straight-set victories that solidified their dominance. Each player brought unique strengths to the table, contributing to the team's ultimate success. This section highlights individual brilliance alongside collective teamwork.

Hugo Hashimoto quickly dispatched his opponent, Shaurya Baradwaj, with a decisive 6-1, 6-0 win. Max Westphal followed suit, defeating Sanjeev Chundu in a hard-fought 6-4, 6-3 encounter. Sachin Palta sealed the deal with a 6-3, 6-4 victory over Justin Chung, ensuring Columbia's unbroken record in Ivy League play. Notably, Michael Zheng engaged in an intense three-set battle against Manfredi Graziani, eventually prevailing 6-7 (5-7), 6-4, (10-6). Thanaphat Boosarawongse also triumphed in a closely contested match at the sixth spot, winning 7-6 (8-6), 6-1 against Matthew Rutter. Finally, Nicolas Kotzen closed out the day with a dramatic 6-7 (4-7), 6-2, (10-4) win over Tal Goodman, showcasing the team's enduring spirit and tactical acumen.