Tennis Hosts Tourney

Baylor earned the distinction of hosting the inaugural fall NCAA Men’s and Women’s Individual Championships at the Hurd Tennis Center in November 2024. This weeklong event marked a significant milestone for both the University and the city of Waco, bringing national attention to Baylor and showcasing its continued prominence in collegiate tennis.

The shift of the individuals tournament from May to November introduced a new chapter for NCAA tennis, offering players and fans an exciting, high-stakes competition to kick off the season. As the host institution, Baylor had the opportunity to highlight its world-class facilities while contributing to the tradition and excitement of college tennis.

With the Hurd Tennis Center as the backdrop, Waco welcomed some of the top talent in collegiate tennis. Baylor’s men’s tennis team made a strong showing, qualifying two doubles teams: Marko Miladinovic and Oskar Brostrom Poulsen, who were seeded No. 2, and Devin Badenhorst with Zsombor Velcz, seeded 5-8. Badenhorst and Brostrom Poulsen also competed in singles.

For the women’s team, Cristina Tiglea and Liubov Kostenko represented Baylor in the doubles draw.

This event was significant for Baylor not only athletically but also for the local community. Hosting such a prestigious competition underscored the University’s commitment to excellence in collegiate sports and its dedication to enhancing the student-athlete experience. The event also attracted top players from across the country to Waco, increasing local engagement and drawing attention to the city’s vibrant sports culture.

Baylor’s reputation within the tennis community remains strong and, drawing spectators, alumni and fans from across the country, provided Waco an opportunity to shine on the national stage.