Senior Season - Yassine Dlimi's Impact as a Knight

ORLANDO — After battling injuries, earning ranked wins, and making waves on the professional circuit, UCF men’s tennis standout Yassine Dlimi is set to return to the court for his senior season with the Black and Gold.

A fixture in the Knights’ lineup for the past three years, Dlimi has anchored the top singles spot for much of his collegiate career. The Casablanca, Morocco native began his journey at UCF on court three, where he quickly made his mark, winning 11 of 13 matches and posting an overall singles record of 11–5 as a freshman.

His debut season included a ten-match unbeaten streak from March 15 to April 21, highlighted by a ranked win over Texas’ Micah Braswell and a clutch victory against South Florida to secure a spot in the AAC semifinals.

Dlimi’s early success earned him multiple accolades, including American Athletic Conference Freshman of the Year, becoming just the second Knight to receive the honor, as well as All-Conference recognition in singles and AAC Player of the Week for the final week of the regular season on April 18, 2023.

Building on his collegiate momentum, Dlimi transitioned to the professional tour in the summer of 2023. He captured his first men’s pro title at the M15 Casablanca event on June 25, dropping just three sets as he secured a victory in his hometown. The win made him the first Knight to claim a professional title while still actively competing at the collegiate level

Returning to Orlando for his sophomore season, Dlimi faced new challenges in managing injuries and the pressure of maintaining his rising trajectory. Despite the setbacks, he continued to deliver strong performances and demonstrated the resilience that had defined his young career.

In his second year, Dlimi solidified his role as UCF’s top player, leading the Knights from court one in all 21 spring appearances. He posted an impressive 12-match unbeaten streak from January 21 to March 14, a run that spanned nearly three months and further cemented his status as a cornerstone of the program.

Recognizing his leadership and commitment, Dlimi entered his junior season with a new addition to his match-day uniform—a “C” stitched on the top right of his shirt, marking his appointment as team captain of the Black and Gold.

On the court, Dlimi delivered his most dominant season yet, breaking through early in the spring and sustaining that momentum throughout his junior campaign. He posted an impressive 17–10 singles record, including three victories over top 25 opponents, the most by a Knight since Gabriel Decamps in 2021. His highlight moment came in the Big 12 semifinals, where he stunned then-No. 7 Jack Pinnington-Jones to spark a dramatic comeback win over reigning national champion No. 2 TCU, propelling UCF into the conference final.

Throughout the regular season, Yassine Dlimi continued to shine in the top spot of UCF’s lineup, posting a 14–8 record at No. 1 singles. His spring campaign featured a six-match winning streak from February 21 to March 14, showcasing both consistency and grit against elite competition.

His standout performances earned him a string of accolades, including Big 12 Player of the Week honors on February 18 and a spot on the All-Big 12 Singles First Team, where he was recognized alongside fellow Moroccan and team captain Mehdi Benchakroun. Dlimi capped off his junior season by reaching a career-high ITA singles ranking of No. 52.

The culmination of his efforts came with one of the athletic department’s highest honors, being named UCF’s Athlete of the Year, a testament to his impact on the court and his legacy as a Knight.

Dlimi’s junior season success seamlessly carried over to the professional circuit, where he continued to elevate his game. He reached the finals of three events including the M15 Monastir and advanced to the semifinals in two more, notably at the M15 Tanger in his home country of Morocco.

His consistent results and rising form earned him another call-up to represent Morocco in the prestigious Davis Cup, referred to as “The World Cup of Tennis.” Competing on the international stage, Dlimi played a pivotal role with Morocco, aiding the national team earn promotion to World Group I.

With his senior season on the horizon, Dlimi is poised to build on his momentum and return to the Knights this spring after a successful run on the professional circuit. Leading a squad of five newcomers, Dlimi is more determined than ever to leave his mark, ready to elevate the program, inspire the next generation and continue to define what it means to be a UCF Knight.

About UCF Athletics
UCF is a proud member of the Big 12 Conference. Our mission is to positively transform the lives of our students academically, athletically, and personally through a nationally competitive intercollegiate athletics program that enhances the reputation and visibility of the University. We strive to be Florida's preeminent athletic program representing UCF and our community with distinction on the national stage as "Orlando's Hometown Team". To learn more about UCF and Athletics, please visit our websites at www.ucf.edu and www.ucfknights.com.