Duke Women’s Tennis Makes History with ACC Title, NCAA Run, and First Road Win Over North Carolina Since 2011

The 2025 season will be remembered as one of the most remarkable campaigns in the proud history of Duke women’s tennis. A year filled with determination, breakthroughs, and unforgettable moments saw the Blue Devils etch their names into the record books with a combination of consistent dominance and big-time victories when the stakes were highest.

From the outset, there was a different energy surrounding this Duke squad. Head coach Jamie Ashworth, the architect of multiple elite teams during his tenure in Durham, had made it clear that the Blue Devils were not simply playing to compete — they were playing to make history.

And history is exactly what they made.

The Blue Devils tore through conference play, stacking up 12 ACC victories en route to capturing the program’s latest Atlantic Coast Conference regular-season championship. It wasn’t just about the wins; it was the manner in which Duke asserted itself atop one of the most competitive women’s tennis conferences in the nation.

But the defining moment of the regular season came in one of the most hostile environments the Blue Devils know all too well — Chapel Hill, North Carolina. The rivalry between Duke and North Carolina in any sport is fierce, but when it comes to women’s tennis, the Tar Heels have been an imposing mountain to climb, especially on their home courts.

Duke had not beaten North Carolina on the road since 2011. That streak, filled with frustration and close calls, came to an emphatic end this season when the Blue Devils marched into Chapel Hill and stunned the Tar Heels on their own courts. The victory not only snapped a 14-year drought but served as a statement to the rest of the nation: Duke was no longer knocking on the door of greatness — they had kicked it wide open.

For senior leaders like Emma Jackson and Sophia Krueger, the win was years in the making. Both had endured heartbreaking losses to North Carolina early in their collegiate careers but refused to allow history to define them. Their perseverance and development into cornerstone players were instrumental in the team’s resurgence.

“Walking off that court with a win in Chapel Hill is something I’ll never forget,” Jackson reflected after the historic upset. “We’ve worked so hard for this moment, and to do it as a team, with these girls, it means everything.”

The win over North Carolina lit a fire under the Blue Devils, who carried that momentum straight through to the ACC finish line, claiming the regular-season crown with authority. Their 12 conference wins were not only a testament to their consistency but also highlighted the team’s depth and resilience.

Freshman sensation Natalia Petrova made an immediate impact, showcasing a level of poise beyond her years. Her ability to rise in crucial matches gave Duke an edge that few teams could match. Petrova quickly became a fan favorite, with her aggressive baseline play and unrelenting competitiveness winning the respect of her teammates and opponents alike.

“From the moment Natalia stepped on campus, she brought an intensity that’s rare for a freshman,” Coach Ashworth noted. “She’s a competitor through and through, and she gave us a spark all season.”

In doubles, the Blue Devils were nearly unbeatable, with their top pairs consistently setting the tone early in matches. The chemistry between doubles partners, refined through hours of training and relentless focus, paid dividends throughout the year.

That cohesiveness and confidence propelled Duke into the NCAA Tournament with high expectations, and the Blue Devils did not disappoint.

The NCAA run proved to be another defining chapter in an already unforgettable season. Duke navigated the early rounds with precision, taking down formidable opponents and showcasing the grit that had become their trademark.

Their deep tournament run included thrilling victories and clutch performances, particularly from the team’s upperclassmen, whose leadership steadied the group in the season’s most pressure-packed moments. Though their journey ultimately fell just short of capturing the elusive national title, the Blue Devils’ showing in the NCAA Tournament solidified their status among the nation’s elite.

More importantly, the historic season laid the foundation for sustained success in the years to come.

For Coach Ashworth, this year was about more than wins and trophies — it was about building a culture of belief.

“We talked all season about believing in ourselves, believing in each other, and embracing every challenge,” Ashworth shared after the team’s final match. “This group has set a new standard for Duke women’s tennis. The future is incredibly bright.”

The historic win over North Carolina, the dominance in ACC play, and the deep NCAA Tournament run all point to a program on the rise. But beyond the tangible achievements, it was the intangible qualities — heart, unity, and resilience — that truly defined this remarkable Duke team.

Behind every great season are countless hours of preparation, moments of adversity, and the unwavering commitment of student-athletes determined to leave their mark. For the Blue Devils, the 2025 season was the culmination of that effort — a testament to what can be accomplished when talent meets tenacity.

As the final points were played and the echoes of their victories faded into history, one thing became clear: Duke women’s tennis is back on top, and they intend to stay there.

With a roster loaded with returning talent, emerging stars, and battle-tested veterans, the Blue Devils have set the stage for continued excellence. Their 2025 campaign will be remembered not only for the championships and milestone victories but for reigniting the championship spirit that defines Duke athletics.

For the first time in over a decade, they conquered Chapel Hill.

They ruled the ACC.

They made a deep NCAA run.

And most importantly, they reminded everyone why Duke women’s tennis belongs among the best in the nation.

The Blue Devils’ historic season will forever stand as proof that belief, hard work, and a little bit of rivalry fuel can lead to greatness — and for Duke, the journey is only just beginning.