The 2025 season for the UCF men’s tennis team was a remarkable journey, marked by historic achievements and a strong follow-up to their successful debut season. Under the leadership of head coach Lloyd Bruce-Burgess and assistant Kareem Allaf, the Knights made significant progress, culminating in their first-ever NCAA Sweet 16 appearance.
With the departure of team captain Lleyton Cronje, UCF’s roster was strengthened by a core of rising juniors who had already shown great promise. Yassine Dlimi led the charge on court one, while Mehdi Benchakroun aimed to build on his impressive sophomore year. The team also benefited from the talents of Paul Colin, Liam Branger, Santiago Giamichelle, Emilio Sanchez, and freshman Nicolas Oliveira.
Despite starting the season unranked in the top-25 poll, UCF quickly proved their mettle. The Knights showcased their potential with a sweep of Oklahoma State and a historic win over Arizona during the ITA Kickoff Weekend, marking their first top-10 victory.
Key Victories and Challenges
UCF’s resilience was tested throughout the season, including a thrilling 4-3 victory over Ohio State at the ITA Indoor Championship. This win marked another top-10 triumph and demonstrated the team’s ability to compete with the nation’s best.
The Knights faced ups and downs in conference play, including a narrow loss to TCU and a stunning victory over Arizona. These matches highlighted the team’s growth and determination to succeed in the competitive Big 12 conference.
Postseason Success
The Big 12 Tournament in Waco provided another opportunity for UCF to shine. After a sweep against Utah, the Knights faced top-seeded TCU. Despite trailing 3-0, UCF mounted a comeback, with standout performances from Dlimi and Oliveira, to secure a spot in the finals.
Although UCF fell to Arizona in the championship match, their efforts were rewarded with the opportunity to host an NCAA regional. The Knights capitalized on this chance, defeating Miami and Florida to advance to the Sweet 16, solidifying their status as the only Florida program remaining in the tournament.
Looking Ahead
The 2025 season was a testament to the team’s hard work and the leadership of Bruce-Burgess and Allaf. The Knights’ journey from unranked underdogs to Sweet 16 contenders showcased their resilience and potential for future success.
As the team looks forward to the next season, the foundation has been set for continued growth and achievement. The experiences and lessons learned from this historic campaign will undoubtedly serve as motivation and inspiration for the challenges ahead.