Sebastian Dominko: A Titan Crowned ACC Men’s Tennis Player of the Year
In a resounding affirmation of his exceptional talent and unwavering dedication, Sebastian Dominko, the junior standout from the University of Notre Dame, has been named the 2024-25 Atlantic Coast Conference (ACC) Men’s Tennis Player of the Year. This prestigious accolade marks a historic moment for the Notre Dame men’s tennis program, as Dominko becomes the first player in its history to receive this honor. The announcement, made by the ACC on Thursday, April 24, 2025, not only celebrates Dominko’s stellar individual performance throughout the season but also underscores his significant contribution to the Fighting Irish’s success on the court.
Dominko’s journey to this pinnacle of achievement has been characterized by consistent excellence and a relentless pursuit of improvement. Hailing from Maribor, Slovenia, his passion for tennis has been evident since his junior career, where he achieved a career-high ITF Junior Ranking of 47th in the world. His participation in three Junior Grand Slam events – the US Open, Wimbledon, and Roland Garros – speaks volumes about his early promise and international exposure. Furthermore, his impressive record as an eight-time ITF Doubles Champion and two-time ITF Singles Champion laid a strong foundation for his collegiate career. Even before arriving at Notre Dame, Dominko had already tasted professional competition, achieving career-high ATP rankings of 892 in singles and demonstrating his capabilities against seasoned players.
Upon joining the Notre Dame program, Dominko quickly established himself as a force to be reckoned with. His freshman year saw him compile a remarkable 7-1 record during the fall season, earning him a national ranking of #17. Playing primarily at the No. 1 position, he notched nine ranked singles wins, including victories over opponents who would eventually be ranked among the top 10 nationally. His stellar freshman campaign culminated in an appearance at the NCAA Individual Singles Championships, where he earned All-American honors, finishing the year ranked 15th nationally – the second-highest-ranked freshman in the country.
Building on this impressive start, Dominko continued to excel in his sophomore season. He earned All-ACC honors in both singles (Second Team) and doubles (Third Team), showcasing his versatility and impact across both formats of the game. His consistent performance against top collegiate players solidified his reputation as one of the premier talents in the ACC.
The 2024-25 season, however, has been nothing short of extraordinary for Dominko. Playing in every match for the Fighting Irish, including all 13 rigorous conference matchups, he demonstrated exceptional dominance at the top singles slot. His remarkable 10-2 record against ACC competition was made even more impressive by the fact that all these victories came against ranked opponents. This remarkable streak included winning his first eight ACC matches, a testament to his early season form and ability to perform under pressure. By the end of the spring season, Dominko had amassed an impressive 19-4 overall singles record, with ten of those wins coming against nationally ranked players. His overall singles record for his junior campaign, including the fall season where he qualified for both the NCAA Singles and Doubles Championships, stands at an outstanding 27-8. His consistent high level of play has been reflected in his Intercollegiate Tennis Association (ITA) singles ranking, which currently places him at No. 20 in the nation. For the second consecutive season, he has also earned First Team All-ACC Singles honors, a clear indication of his sustained excellence within the conference.
Dominko’s impact extends beyond his stellar singles play. In doubles, he has also proven to be a formidable competitor. During the spring season, he recorded a 20-5 doubles record, showcasing his adaptability by partnering with six different teammates throughout the year. His most consistent partnership was with sophomore Chase Thompson. Together, they achieved a 7-4 record in the spring, with three of those victories coming against ranked opponents, including a notable 6-3 triumph over the No. 9 ranked duo from Florida State. Their strong performances earned Dominko and Thompson Second Team All-ACC Doubles honors, and they currently hold a No. 26 ranking in the ITA doubles rankings. This dual recognition in both singles and doubles underscores Dominko’s all-around contribution to the Notre Dame program.
The significance of Dominko’s ACC Player of the Year award cannot be overstated. It not only recognizes his individual brilliance but also elevates the profile of the Notre Dame men’s tennis program within the highly competitive ACC. This achievement serves as an inspiration to his teammates and future generations of Notre Dame tennis players, demonstrating that with hard work, dedication, and exceptional talent, the highest accolades are within reach.
Beyond his on-court achievements, Dominko is also recognized for his sportsmanship and leadership qualities. He carries himself with professionalism and respect, embodying the values of collegiate athletics. His commitment to his team and his unwavering determination make him a true role model for his peers.
The ACC Men’s Tennis Player of the Year award is a testament to the culmination of years of hard work, dedication, and a relentless pursuit of excellence. Sebastian Dominko’s journey from a promising junior player in Slovenia to the pinnacle of ACC men’s tennis is a compelling narrative of talent nurtured through perseverance. As he continues his collegiate career at Notre Dame, the future undoubtedly holds even greater promise for this exceptional athlete. His name will now be etched in the annals of Notre Dame athletics history, serving as a benchmark for future generations of Fighting Irish tennis players to aspire to. This prestigious award is not just an individual honor; it is a moment of pride for the entire Notre Dame community, celebrating the achievements of one of its brightest stars.
