GB opened their campaign with a strong 4-2 victory over Switzerland in the quarter finals. Momentum continued into the semi finals, where another composed team performance secured a 4-2 win over Australia, booking a place in the final against defending champions, the USA.
In a thrilling tie against the USA in a repeat of last year’s final, it all came down to a final match tiebreak which Sofia Johnson and Jamie Connel clinched 10-7 to seal a memorable 4-3 triumph.
This is the first time GB have won the title since 2017, taking the team up to an impressive 8th consecutive medal at the Championships and a 17th consecutive medal at major international university tennis event, including the FISU Summer World University Games.
Will Roberts, BUCS CEO, said: “This gold medal for GB Students at the Master'U BNP Paribas Championships is an extraordinary moment for higher education sport in the UK. This result reflects the strength, professionalism and ambition within our university tennis programmes, showcasing how higher education continues to produce world-class talent.”
Alistair Higham, GB Students Team Captain, added: “I couldn’t be prouder of this incredible team who fought hard throughout the competition, supporting each other all the way. The support and wishes we have had from the wider British university programme, including former team members, has been tremendous. To beat the US team in the final is the icing on the cake, especially when it came down to the final match tie breaker of the deciding match.”
A huge congratulations go to Finlay Murgett, Grace Piper, James Connel, Sofia Johnson, Oliver Okonkwo, Eliz Maloney, and coaches Alistair Higham and Tom Kisiel on this monumental GB Students success.
