TCU's Tennis Stars Shine in the NCAA Championships

Pedro Vives' Journey to the Second Round

Tied at four games all with Pinto Sansano, Vives showed remarkable composure. He broke his Bulldog counterpart's third service game in the first set, setting the tone for his victory. Seeded 9-16, Vives faced a setback in the second frame when he fell behind 0-3. However, he demonstrated his tenacity by breaking twice and winning five of the match's last six games. This win improved his record against ranked opponents to 5-2 this fall and marked his 139th combined career victory. It was a testament to his skill and determination on the court.

Vives' performance in the second round against No. 121 Noah Zamora of UC Irvine on Wednesday will be closely watched. His ability to handle pressure and perform at a high level will be crucial as he aims to continue TCU's success in the tournament.

Lui Maxted's Battle in the Second Round

Maxted's victory over Tiago Silva was a hard-fought one. He took control in the third set by winning his second and fourth games on return. This decisive display put his match away and showcased his growth and improvement over the last two seasons. Maxted is now 34-14 in singles play during this period, and his performance in the second round against NC State's 57th-ranked Luca Staeheli will be another test of his abilities.

In addition to their singles success, Vives and Maxted also engaged in an opening round doubles tilt against DK Suresh and Ioannis Xilas of Wake Forest on Wednesday afternoon. As seeded 5-8 in the 32-team bracket, their doubles performance will be an important aspect of TCU's campaign in the championships.

TCU's Historical Performance in the Second Round

Vives and Maxted's singles triumphs gave TCU two players in the round of 32 for the seventh time in program history. This is a remarkable achievement and highlights the strength and depth of the TCU tennis program. Over the past four seasons, TCU has placed two players in the second round three times. Jake Fearnley and Jack Pinnington reached the third round in May, and in 2021-22, fellow All-Americans Luc Fomba and Juan Carlos Aguilar were victorious in the first round.

These achievements demonstrate TCU's consistent ability to perform at a high level in the NCAA Individual Championships. The team's success is a result of the hard work and dedication of the players, as well as the support of the coaching staff.

Duncan Chan's Performance and Qualification

Sophomore Duncan Chan had a tough match against No. 55 Spencer Johnson (UCLA), losing with a score of 6-3, 3-6, 6-4. Despite the loss, Chan had an impressive fall season with a 19-11 combined overall record. He led TCU in singles wins with 11 and qualified for the NCAA Championships after finishing as a finalist at the ITA Sectional Championships on Nov. 9.

Chan's performance this fall is a testament to his potential and the growth he has shown as a player. His experience in the NCAA Championships will be valuable as he continues to develop his game and contribute to the success of the TCU tennis program.