The University of Santo Tomas (UST) Male Tennisters asserted their dominance in the UAAP Men’s Tennis Season 86 with a commanding 4-1 triumph over runner-up Ateneo de Manila University in a highly anticipated rematch of last season’s finals. The showdown took place Sunday at the Felicisimo Ampon Tennis Center at the Rizal Memorial Sports Complex, Manila, where defending champions UST showcased their prowess on the court.
In a display of skill and determination, the Male Tennisters delivered a flawless performance to secure their fourth consecutive win of the season, maintaining an unblemished record in the standings. Ateneo, on the other hand, faced their first defeat of the season, dropping to a 3-1 record and creating a tight competition among the top teams in the league.
UST’s Eric Jay Tangub set the tone for the match with a dominant display in the second singles match, securing a convincing 6-1, 6-4 victory over Ateneo rookie JD Velez. The momentum continued as Season 85 Rookie-MVP Nilo Ledama exhibited resilience and strategic play to overcome Noy Seno in the first singles match, clinching the victory with a score of 6-1, 1-6, 6-2.
The doubles matches proved to be equally decisive for UST, with Steven Sonsona and Symon Jaculan emerging victorious in the second doubles match after their opponents, JJ Llavore and Stef Gurria of Ateneo, retired from the match, sealing the win for the defending champions. Despite Ateneo’s efforts to mount a comeback, UST’s Richard Bautista and Geo Serino fell short against Ateneo’s Nio Tria and Axl Gonzaga in a hard-fought battle, with the Blue Eagles securing a win in the second doubles match with a score of 3-6, 7(4)-6, 6-2.
