2026 Women’s Tennis ITA Team Championships | Georgia Dogs Official Athletics
- – The University of Georgia women’s tennis team secured its ninth national championship and sixth national indoor title on Tuesday, defeating Ohio State 4-3 in a thrilling final...
- The match was a back-and-forth affair, characterized by momentum swings and ultimately decided by a remarkable comeback from freshman Deniz Dilek on court three.
- The Bulldogs established an early advantage by winning the doubles point.
EVANSTON, Ill. – The University of Georgia women’s tennis team secured its ninth national championship and sixth national indoor title on Tuesday, defeating Ohio State 4-3 in a thrilling final at the Combe Tennis Center. The victory marks back-to-back ITA National Team Indoor Championships for the Bulldogs, solidifying their position as the nation’s top team.
The match was a back-and-forth affair, characterized by momentum swings and ultimately decided by a remarkable comeback from freshman Deniz Dilek on court three. Georgia head coach Drake Bernstein has now led his teams to at least a finalist position in four of the five national championship events they’ve competed in since he took the helm in 2024, accumulating three national championships and six overall titles – including SEC championships – in that span.
The Bulldogs established an early advantage by winning the doubles point. Anastasiia Lopata and Patricija Paukstyte delivered a decisive 6-1 victory over Luciana Perry and Flora Johnson on court one. Dilek and Aysegul Mert then clinched the point with a 6-4 win against Hephzibah Oluwadare and Teah Chavez on court two.
The singles competition saw Georgia continue its strong start. No. 33 Anastasiia Gureva secured the first singles point for the Bulldogs with a dominant 6-2, 6-2 win over No. 52 Nao Nishino on court four. Sofia Rojas added another point for Georgia, defeating Oluwadare 7-6 (3), 6-4 on court six.
However, Ohio State battled back, winning on courts one, two, and five to tie the match at 3-3. No. 3 Luciana Perry edged No. 74 Lopata 7-6 (4), 6-4 on court one, while No. 13 Teah Chavez topped her opponent. The fate of the championship rested on court three, where Dilek faced Sophia Cisse-Ignatiev.
Dilek, trailing 5-0 in the decisive tiebreak, mounted an improbable comeback, winning seven consecutive points to secure the match 6-0, 4-6, 7-6 (9-7). The freshman’s resilience proved to be the difference, clinching the title for Georgia in dramatic fashion.
“It was an incredible match, and Deniz showed tremendous heart and determination,” said Coach Bernstein, according to the University of Georgia Athletics website. “To come back from that deficit in the tiebreak is a testament to her character and her belief in herself.”
This championship win adds to Georgia’s impressive tennis legacy. The program now boasts nine national championships with six coming in indoor competition. The victory also marks the second consecutive ITA Division I Women’s National Team Indoor Title for the Bulldogs, demonstrating their consistent dominance in collegiate tennis.
The win comes on the heels of Dilek being named SEC Player of the Week, recognizing her outstanding performance throughout the tournament and culminating in her championship-clinching victory. Her performance has quickly established her as a key player for the Bulldogs.
The Bulldogs’ success is built on a combination of experienced leadership and emerging talent. Players like Gureva and Rojas provided crucial points, while Dilek’s heroics underscored the team’s depth and potential. The doubles team of Lopata and Paukstyte also set the tone early, consistently delivering strong performances.
Looking ahead, Georgia will aim to carry this momentum into the outdoor season and continue its pursuit of further championships. The team’s strong start to the year positions them as a favorite to contend for the NCAA title in May. The Bulldogs’ ability to perform under pressure, coupled with their well-rounded roster, makes them a formidable opponent for any team in the country.
The ITA Division I Women’s National Team Indoor Championship is a prestigious event in collegiate tennis, bringing together the top teams from across the nation. Georgia’s victory underscores its commitment to excellence and its status as a perennial powerhouse in the sport. The Bulldogs’ performance in Evanston serves as a clear indication of their ambition and their determination to remain at the pinnacle of collegiate tennis.