The TCU men’s tennis team swept Rice and Tulsa 4-0 to win the International Tennis Association (ITA) Kickoff Weekend championship.

TCU swept Rice University 4-0 last Saturday to advance to the International Tennis Association (ITA) Kickoff Weekend championship against Tulsa at the Bayard H. Friedman Tennis Center.

Coming off of two back-to-back ITA championships is no easy feat. But the TCU men displayed a combination of quick feet, fast hands and powerful screams that gave voice to their intensity as they swiftly overpowered the Rice owls. 

Coach David Roditi’s success with this team doesn’t come from anything complicated. It is a simple recipe of success.

“We just want to keep competing the way that we have been in the past,” Roditi said. “I expect effort, competitiveness and hunger, and a want to accomplish and be proud of the opportunity we have to be here and to represent TCU.”

TCU started its day strong in the doubles matches. Fifth-year senior Jake Fearnley and sophomore Jack Pinnington cleaned up 6-1 against Trinity Grear and Kabeer Kapasi of Rice, featuring two aces to end the set. This victory set the pace for the rest of the match. 

TCU secured the doubles point when sophomore Sebastian Gorzny and junior Pedro Vives defeated Santiago Navarro and Yasha Zemel in a thrilling, back-and-forth 6-4 win. 

Fearnley, with a determined face and a powerful forehand, beat Rice’s Yasha Zemel 6-1, 6-4 to secure the second point for the Horned Frogs. Fearnely looked confident on the court – showcasing a powerful forehand and a strong serve while maintaining a collected, controlled and passionate attitude throughout.

“I feel good,” Fearnley said. “Just starting the season, we all feel pretty fresh, but it’s good to get together and to be on our home court.”

Junior Lui Maxtead won his sets 6-2, 6-0 against Emir Sendogan and earned TCU’s third point. Maxtead showcased a lot of fight at the end of the first set, featuring an ace in the final game to win the set. He then dominated Sendogan in the second set to shut him out completely.

Vives secured the victory for the Horned Frogs after he defeated Rice’s Arthus de la Bassetiere 6-2, 7-5 in a hustle-filled, seesaw match. Bassetiere played him tough in the second set, but Vives seemed to bounce back after every mistake with more fire than he came into the match with. 

TCU advanced to the ITA Kickoff championship round on Sunday, where they defeated Tulsa 4-0. 

Fearnley and Pinnington defeated Tulsa’s Alex Okonkowo and Timo Carlson Seger before freshman Duncan Chan and Lui Maxtead secured the doubles point for the Horned Frogs.

Fearnley secured the next point for the Horned Frogs during singles play, beating Pierce Rollins 6-2, 6-0.

Pinnington kept the train rolling, beating Thiago Pernas 6-3, 6-3 to bring TCU to a 3-0 lead.

Maxtead clinched the victory for TCU after defeating Callum Gale 7-6, 6-3. This win brought TCU to the national championship.

After winning the kickoff tournament, the Horned Frogs will travel on Feb. 16 to New York City to take on the winners of the other regional tournaments.

TCU takes on Arizona State in the first of four rounds, hoping to win another ITA national championship.