Tennessee Men’s Tennis Team Defeats Wake Forest to Advance to NCAA Tournament Super Regional for Third Straight Season

Tennessee’s men’s tennis program is making a habit of going deep in the NCAA Tournament, and this weekend added yet another chapter to its run of postseason success. On Sunday afternoon at Barksdale Stadium in Knoxville, the Volunteers took down Wake Forest in a thrilling second-round match, securing a 4-2 victory that propels them into the NCAA Super Regional round for the third consecutive season.

Led by head coach Chris Woodruff, the Volunteers are peaking at the right time. A combination of veteran leadership, home-court dominance, and battle-tested resilience has Tennessee eyeing a serious run at the national championship. Sunday’s win was far from easy, however. The Demon Deacons, a perennial NCAA Tournament team themselves, brought depth and experience to the court, but it was Tennessee’s grit that ultimately made the difference.

The Volunteers entered the match with confidence, buoyed by their first-round sweep of Belmont. Against Wake Forest, they wasted no time asserting themselves in doubles. Tennessee’s top tandem of Johannus Monday and Angel Diaz played with exceptional chemistry and energy, earning a quick win that set the tone for the afternoon. The second doubles court followed suit, giving Tennessee the crucial doubles point and a 1-0 lead.

Once singles play began, the atmosphere inside Barksdale Stadium intensified. The crowd, a passionate and vocal sea of orange, played its part in what was a tense and emotional match. Wake Forest responded quickly, leveling the score at 1-1 with a win at the No. 5 singles court. Tennessee then regained the lead behind the powerful play of Blaise Bicknell, whose straight-set win on court three gave the Vols a 2-1 edge.

The match’s momentum continued to swing. Wake Forest clawed back once again, evening things up at 2-2 with a gritty performance on court four. But this Tennessee team thrives under pressure, and that was clear as the match wore on.

Johannus Monday, a senior and former All-American, showcased exactly why he’s considered one of the nation’s elite players. With his characteristic mix of patience and aggression, he outlasted Wake’s top player in a three-set battle that left the crowd roaring. His win gave Tennessee a 3-2 lead and pushed the Vols within one point of victory.

The clinching moment came on court six, where freshman standout Shunsuke Mitsui delivered a clutch performance beyond his years. After splitting the first two sets, Mitsui found another gear in the deciding frame, breaking his opponent twice and serving out the match with nerves of steel. As his final forehand landed just inside the baseline, Mitsui dropped his racket and was mobbed by teammates. The celebration was on: Tennessee was heading to the Super Regional.

Coach Woodruff, who’s built Tennessee into one of the most respected programs in college tennis, praised his team’s toughness and ability to stay focused in pressure moments.

“This is a group that believes in itself and believes in each other,” Woodruff said after the win. “Every guy understands his role, and today we saw that belief carry us through some very tough stretches. Wake Forest is a quality opponent, and they pushed us. But our guys stayed the course, and I couldn’t be prouder.”

The win moves Tennessee to 23-7 on the season and sets up a Super Regional clash against SEC rival Kentucky in Lexington. The Wildcats defeated Texas Tech to reach the round of 16, and the matchup between the two conference foes promises to be one of the most tightly contested battles of the tournament. Tennessee and Kentucky split their two meetings during the regular season, with each team winning on its home court.

For Tennessee, advancing this far in the tournament has become an expectation rather than an exception. The Volunteers have reached at least the Super Regional round every year since 2021, and they’ve made multiple College World Series appearances in recent seasons. The consistent success is a testament to the program’s recruiting, player development, and culture.

Johannus Monday, now in his senior year, has played a major role in that sustained success. After the match, he spoke about the journey the team has been on and what it means to keep playing in May.

“We’ve worked for this all year,” Monday said. “Every practice, every match, every early morning—we’ve had one goal in mind. We’re not done yet, but getting to the Super Regional again is special. It’s why we came to Tennessee. To play for something bigger than ourselves, to fight for each other, and to chase championships.”

The depth of Tennessee’s lineup continues to be a strength. In addition to Monday and Mitsui, players like Bicknell, Diaz, and Emile Hudd have stepped up throughout the season in critical moments. That collective depth gives the Volunteers flexibility and match-to-match adaptability, both of which are essential in tournament play.

Tennessee’s strong showing in doubles also bodes well for their chances in the rounds ahead. Securing the doubles point can be a major advantage in NCAA tournament play, where every margin matters and momentum can swing quickly. Against Wake Forest, the Vols looked sharp and aggressive at the net, an area they’ve emphasized in practice all spring.

Looking ahead to Kentucky, Tennessee knows the margin for error will be slim. The Wildcats feature a deep and talented roster, including multiple top-50 singles players. They also boast one of the best home environments in college tennis, making Tennessee’s task even more difficult.

But this team is built for tough tests. The Vols have played one of the nation’s toughest schedules and come out stronger because of it. They’ve beaten top-10 opponents, weathered injuries, and shown the kind of competitive fire that defines championship-level programs.

The Super Regional will also carry extra weight for Tennessee’s seniors, many of whom are looking to make one final push for a national title. Monday, in particular, has anchored this group with maturity and poise. His leadership, both vocally and by example, has been instrumental in Tennessee’s run.

Fans are taking notice too. Barksdale Stadium was at near capacity for both NCAA matches over the weekend, and the home crowd energy clearly helped fuel the Volunteers. While they’ll hit the road for the Super Regional, the Tennessee faithful will be watching and supporting from afar, hoping to see their team return to the NCAA Championships in Stillwater, Oklahoma.

The Vols are two wins away from that goal. If they can get past Kentucky, they’ll advance to the national quarterfinals, where only the elite of the elite remain. Tennessee has the pieces to get there—a seasoned coach, a talented and deep lineup, and the momentum of a postseason run that’s gathering steam.

For now, the focus is on recovery, preparation, and the next challenge. But make no mistake: Tennessee is a team no one wants to face in May. Their blend of experience, composure, and competitive fire makes them one of the most dangerous teams remaining in the NCAA Tournament.

In a season full of ups and downs, the Volunteers have once again put themselves in position to play for something meaningful. As they march toward the Super Regional, the message is clear—Tennessee tennis is built for moments like this.