The eighth-ranked Columbia men’s tennis team made a strong start to the 2025 spring season at the Fighting Illini Invite. Competing over three days at Illinois’ Atkins Tennis Center, the Lions faced off against Illinois and Boise State in singles and doubles matches. Key players like Michael Zheng, Nicolas Kotzen, Hugo Hashimoto, and Jayden Templeman showcased impressive performances, with Zheng securing notable victories over top-ranked opponents. The team demonstrated resilience and skill, posting multiple wins in both singles and doubles categories.

Michael Zheng, fresh from his 2024 fall NCAA singles championship, led the charge for Columbia. He defeated several high-ranked players, including No. 14 Kenta Miyoshi of Illinois and Julius Seifert of Boise State. Zheng also excelled in doubles play, partnering with Nicolas and Andrew Kotzen. Meanwhile, Hashimoto and Templeman dominated in doubles, securing five wins across the tournament. Overall, the team’s performance set a promising tone for the upcoming season.

Michael Zheng Leads the Charge with Stellar Performances

One of the standout players at the Fighting Illini Invite was Michael Zheng, who returned to action after claiming the 2024 fall NCAA singles championship. Zheng quickly proved he was ready for the new season by defeating several formidable opponents. His victories included a hard-fought win over No. 14 Kenta Miyoshi from Illinois and a two-set triumph over Boise State’s Julius Seifert on the opening day. Zheng’s versatility shone through as he also secured two doubles wins, playing alongside different teammates.

Zheng’s performance was nothing short of remarkable. On Saturday, he posted a solid 6-4, 7-6(4) victory over Miyoshi, demonstrating his ability to handle pressure against highly ranked players. Earlier that day, he had already dispatched Seifert in straight sets. In doubles, Zheng teamed up with Nicolas Kotzen for two wins and later paired with Andrew Kotzen for another victory. His consistency and skill were evident throughout the tournament, setting a high standard for the rest of the team.

Team Cohesion and Depth Highlighted by Multiple Wins

Beyond Zheng’s individual brilliance, the Columbia men’s tennis team displayed impressive depth and cohesion during the Fighting Illini Invite. Players such as Nicolas Kotzen, Hugo Hashimoto, and Jayden Templeman contributed significantly to the team’s success. Kotzen earned a decisive win over No. 111 Jett Middleton of Boise State, while Hashimoto secured two singles victories. The duo of Hashimoto and Templeman excelled in doubles, winning five matches over the three-day event.

The Lions’ strength in doubles was particularly noteworthy. Hashimoto and Templeman’s partnership proved nearly unbeatable, dominating their matches with consistent play and strategic teamwork. Other pairs, including Kotzen and Zheng, as well as Chang and Kotzen, also secured multiple wins. In singles, players like Sachin Palta, Jordan Chang, and Thanaphat Boosarawongse added to the team’s tally with impressive victories over opponents from both Illinois and Boise State. This collective effort highlighted the team’s readiness and competitiveness heading into the rest of the season.