The University of Denver men’s tennis team kicked off their 2025 season with a resounding 5-2 victory against UC Davis at Denver Tennis Park. Dominating both doubles and singles play, the Pioneers showcased their depth and talent, setting a strong tone for the upcoming season.

A Stellar Start Sets the Stage for an Unforgettable Season

Pioneering Doubles Performance

The match began with DU making a powerful statement in the doubles segment. Freshman Theo Coats paired with senior Daniel Sancho Arbizu to secure a commanding 6-1 win in the No. 3 doubles match. Their aggressive play saw them breaking in consecutive return games, demonstrating exceptional teamwork right from the start. Meanwhile, the junior duo of Raffaello Papajcik and Ryoma Mishiro clinched the doubles point on Court 2 with a decisive 6-2 victory. They started strong with breaks in their first two return games and never looked back. Even though their opponents managed to reclaim one break, Papajcik and Mishiro quickly regained control, ensuring DU took the early lead.In the top doubles match, the experienced pairing of graduate student Connor Robb-Wilcox and senior Rikuto Yamaguchi were serving for the match at 5-2 when the doubles point was already secured. This early success set the stage for what would be an impressive singles performance by the Pioneers.

Singles Showdown: A Display of Skill and Resilience

Fresh off a successful fall season, Sancho Arbizu continued his stellar form into the dual season. In his opening singles match, he dropped only two games, showcasing remarkable consistency. After jumping out to a 4-0 lead, he temporarily lost momentum but quickly reclaimed his advantage to win the set 6-2. His second set was even more dominant, as he won 24 of the 34 points, including an impeccable record on second-serve return points. Rikuto Yamaguchi added another point to the tally with his straight-set victory at No. 3 singles. He built a five-game lead after both players held their initial service games, eventually winning the first set 6-1. The second set remained competitive until Yamaguchi surged ahead 5-3 and served out the match. Connor Robb-Wilcox, in his debut as a Pioneer, clinched the match with a two-set triumph at No. 6 singles. Despite facing an early challenge, he broke his opponent's serve in the second game and extended his lead to 5-2. Although his opponent briefly narrowed the gap, Robb-Wilcox closed out the set 6-4 and followed up with a solid 6-3 win in the second set.

Rising Stars Shine Bright

Samuel Rovai, a freshman newcomer, provided the fifth point for DU in his first collegiate dual match. Despite being down early in the opening set, he rallied back with four consecutive games to gain a crucial break lead. He maintained this momentum into the second set, where he fought back from another early deficit to force a tiebreak. Demonstrating composure under pressure, Rovai secured the tiebreak 7-3, contributing significantly to the team's overall victory.While UC Davis managed to claim the final two matches at Nos. 2 and 5 singles, it did little to dampen the celebratory mood among the Pioneers. The team's performance highlighted their depth and resilience, signaling that they are poised for a formidable season ahead.

Looking Ahead: Preparing for the Next Challenge

With this victory, the University of Denver men’s tennis team sets its sights on the next match against Air Force on January 18th. Fans can expect more thrilling performances as the Pioneers continue to showcase their talent and determination at Denver Tennis Park. As the home for college sports, DenverPioneers.com will provide comprehensive coverage of all 18 NCAA Division I sports, ensuring fans stay connected with every exciting moment.