The Virginia men’s tennis team entered the 2024–25 season with youth and inexperience—but also with potential. That promise is now turning into results, as the Cavaliers rolled through their first two NCAA Tournament matches and are set to face No. 10 seed Arizona in Saturday’s Super Regional.
“We’re a much better team now than we were in January,” said head coach Andres Pedroso after Virginia’s win over Princeton. “It’s been a year of real growth for these guys.”
That growth has been led by a standout freshman class, particularly Rafael Jódar. Since joining the team in January, Jódar has become Virginia’s top singles player. He posted a 14-match win streak at the No. 1 spot before the ACC final and is now considered one of the best players in college tennis.
“He’s had an outstanding year, on and off the court,” Pedroso said. “We’re very proud of him.”
Freshman Jangjun Kim has also emerged as a key contributor. After adjusting to college life, Kim found his rhythm on the court, using his power to dominate matches.
“He’s got big weapons and thrives on momentum,” Pedroso said. “When he gets going, he’s tough to stop.”
Another freshman, Keegan Rice, has shown resilience and steady improvement. Pedroso praised Rice’s ability to bounce back from setbacks, calling him a fighter who adjusts and grows after every tough match.
Rice credits the team’s close freshman group for helping him adapt quickly.
“Coming in with other freshmen and going through everything together really helped us bond and learn faster,” he said.
One of Rice’s best memories this season was clinching a match against Stanford just weeks after struggling with his game.
Veteran players like graduate student James Hopper and junior Mans Dahlberg have helped guide the younger players. Dahlberg, now an upperclassman, remembers what it was like entering the program as a freshman.
“I used to be the youngest one learning from upperclassmen,” he said. “Now I’m the one helping the new guys.”
Hopper, who recovered from wrist surgery last season, has become a consistent presence in the lineup at the No. 3 or No. 4 singles position. His experience has made a strong impact on Rice, his doubles partner.
“Every day he teaches me something,” Rice said. “Rooming with him, traveling with him, seeing how he approaches college athletics—it’s been really special.”
Virginia’s growth was on full display at the ACC Tournament, where they upset top-ranked Wake Forest before falling to Stanford in the final. Pedroso called the Wake Forest match a confidence boost and a reminder that belief is key in the postseason.
“We showed we can beat anyone when we’re mentally strong and play united,” he said.
Now preparing for Arizona, Virginia is focused and ready. A win would send them to the NCAA quarterfinals, where they would face either TCU or Central Florida.
“Everyone’s dangerous in this tournament,” Pedroso said. “We’re staying humble but confident.”
Virginia’s doubles teams have also evolved during the season, with several lineup changes aimed at finding the best combinations. Still, the team’s core values remain—compete hard, trust each other, and fight together.
And with the Super Regional set to be played in Charlottesville, the Cavaliers are grateful for home-court support.
“You always want to play at home,” Pedroso said. “Our fans love tennis, and it means a lot to compete in front of them.”
Six stars stitched onto the back of each player’s uniform represent the program’s national titles. But this year’s team isn’t dwelling on the past—they’re chasing a title of their own, powered by a new generation eager to make history.
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