ORLANDO – Riding the momentum of a commanding ITA Kickoff Weekend, the UCF men’s tennis team surged three spots to No. 9 in the latest ITA rankings, matching the highest mark in program history and achieving the top ranking of the Bruce-Burgess era.
The Knights’ return to the top 10 is their first since 2021, when they also reached No. 9 during on April 7 and between April 28-May 9.
This week’s rise comes on the heels of an impressive sweep of then-No. 21 Southern California and a reverse sweep of then-No. 17 Oklahoma in Berkeley, Calif., securing UCF’s place at the ITA National Indoor Championship for the second year in a row. Both opponents remain in the ranks, with the Trojans now at No. 22 and the Sooners climbing four spots to No. 13.
UCF is one of five Big 12 programs featured in the rankings, trailing only TCU, which holds strong at No. 4. Arizona (17) and Baylor (20) each dropped one spot, while Arizona State entered the rankings for the first time this season at No. 24 after punching its ticket to ITA Indoors.
Looking ahead, two of the Knights’ upcoming opponents in Florida (18) and Clemson (19) have rejoined the rankings ahead of their February matchups.
The Knights return home to USTA National Campus on Sunday, February 1 to take on the Gators. The match will take place on the indoor courts due to cold temperatures with play set to begin at 10 a.m.