The collegiate tennis route continues to stake its claim as a viable pathway to the highest professional level, with several former NCAA stars making an impact on the biggest stages at Wimbledon.
This year’s singles draws began with a combined 35 competitors who played at least one season of college tennis. Twenty-six were among the men’s field, the most this century according to the Intercollegiate Tennis Association.
Arthur Rinderknech pulled off one of the tournament’s biggest upsets thus far Tuesday when he eliminated world No. 3 Alexander Zverev in a deciding set for his first Top 5 victory on Centre Court. The Frenchman suited up for Texas A&M from 2015-18.
Carson Branstine, who helped the Aggies win a maiden women’s team title in 2024, made her Grand Slam debut on No.1 Court Monday against Aryna Sabalenka after ousting Roland Garros semifinalist Lois Boisson en route to qualifying. The world No. 1 ultimately won, 6-1, 7-5, and noted that Branstine, “definitely has potential. Very big serving. Honestly in the second set, it was really tough to read her serve. The speed was unbelievable.”