Sun Devils Stun No. 8 San Diego, Extend Perfect Start to 7-0
SAN DIEGO - The Sun Devil Men's Tennis team is making noise early, and Friday’s performance was their loudest statement yet. Arizona State rolled into ITA Kickoff Weekend undefeated and walked out with their biggest win since the program’s reinstatement, toppling No. 8 San Diego 4-2 to stretch their season-opening win streak to seven.
This wasn’t just another W - it was a milestone. The victory marked ASU’s first road win since April 2024 and their first top-15 triumph since taking down No.
13 Michigan nearly two years ago. And they did it by taking down the host school - again.
That’s now two wins over San Diego in the last three ITA Kickoff matchups.
Next up, ASU will face Princeton for a shot at one of 16 coveted spots in the ITA Indoor National Championships. The Tigers advanced earlier in the day with a clean 4-0 sweep over Miami. That sets up a high-stakes showdown at the Hogan Tennis Center on January 23.
What made Friday’s upset even more impressive? ASU dropped the doubles point for the first time all season - and still found a way to dominate.
They came out firing in singles, grabbing five of the first six sets and never letting San Diego back into the match. Every one of their four singles victories came in straight sets, a testament to the team’s depth, composure, and ability to seize momentum.
Let’s break down the key results:
- Mathis Bondaz set the tone with a gritty first-set tiebreak win before cruising in the second, 7-6(5), 6-1.
- Shu Matsuoka brought steady hands and clean shot-making to his 6-4, 6-4 win over Stian Klassen.
- Niels Villard was rock-solid, taking care of business 6-4, 6-3 against Neo Neidner.
- Jelani Sarr closed the door with a confident 6-3, 6-4 win over Lambert Ruland.
The only point San Diego earned in singles came when Oliver Tarvet led Bor Artnak 6-0, 3-0 before Artnak retired. The other unfinished match - Ofek Shimanov vs. Manvydas Balciunas - was mid-battle at 7-6(5), 4-5 when the match was clinched.
This is a team that’s showing poise beyond its years. Dropping the doubles point on the road against a top-10 opponent could’ve rattled a lesser squad.
Not this one. The Sun Devils responded with a wave of confident, clinical singles play that left little doubt.
Now, with a 7-0 record and a spot in the ITA Indoor Nationals on the line, ASU is playing with house money - and they’re not just happy to be here. They’re here to win.