MANILA – The defending champions University of Santo Tomas (UST) and National University (NU) secured their spots in the UAAP Season 87 men’s tennis Final Four after dominant victories on Wednesday (19 Mar 2025) at the Felicisimo Ampon Tennis Center, Rizal Memorial Sports Complex.

UST triumphed over University of the Philippines (UP) with a 4-1 scoreline, while NU cruised past Ateneo de Manila University, 5-0.

Both UST and NU boast 7-1 records, with UP at 6-3, University of the East (UE) at 5-3, Ateneo at 3-6, Adamson University at 2-7, and De La Salle University at 0-9.

UST’s Dominance

UST’s Ericjay Tangub clinched a 6-2, 5-7, 6-4 victory over Miguel Iglupas, and Nilo Ledama rallied from a set down to defeat Lance Fernandez, 6-7 (1), 6-3, 6-3. In doubles action, Richard Bautista and Nash Agustines won 7-6(3), 6-2, while Steven Sonsona and Symon Jaculan triumphed 7-6(2), 6-2.

UP’s sole point came from Aslan Carbonilla, who triumphed over Sebastian Santos, 4-6, 6-1, 6-1, in the third singles match.

UST assistant coach Johnny Arcilla emphasized the importance of staying focused, highlighting their players’ experience and physical conditioning as key factors for their success.

NU’s Sweep

Andrei Padao set the tone for NU with a 6-0, 6-3 win over JD Velez in the first singles. EJ Tugade followed up with a 5-7, 6-4, 6-4 win over Stef Gurria, while Jules Lazaro routed Gab Quintana, 6-0, 6-0. In doubles play, Christian Padilla and Angil Balaoing won 6-3, 6-2, and Gab Bandoquillo and Aljon Talatayod completed the sweep with a 6-0, 6-1 win.

NU head coach Ronard Joven stressed that their focus remains on securing a top-two finish in the tournament and continuing their intense approach to each match.

Adamson Defeats La Salle

In the other tie, Adamson University defeated De La Salle University, 4-1. La Salle initially took a 1-0 lead when EJ Geluz won over Angelo Rosales, 6-7(1), 6-2, 3-0 (ret.), but Adamson responded by winning the next four matches to seal the victory.

Ramon Bentillo triumphed 5-7, 6-2, 6-3 over Ohye Tortal, while Miecoz Candelasa downed Yassan Al-Anazi, 6-4, 6-4. Adamson’s Herald Aton and Emmanuel Pedrosa defeated Leyton Portin and JT Bernardo, 4-6, 6-3, 10-3, and Tristan Correos and Nikko Lumahang completed the win with a 6-4, 3-6, 4-0 (ret.) victory in the second doubles match.

With the Final Four now set, all teams will look to secure their spot in the championship race.

Key Results:

UST defeated UP, 4-1

NU defeated Ateneo, 5-0

Adamson defeated La Salle, 4-1

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