News Summary

Santa Ana’s University High School sophomore Rishvanth Krishna has earned the title of Orange County Boys Tennis Player of the Year for 2025 following a stellar season. His remarkable performances include key victories in the Ojai tournament, where he triumphed over tough competitors and contributed significantly to his school’s success in various team competitions. Rishvanth’s determination and skill on the court have earned him recognition as a rising star in tennis, setting a promising path for his future.

Santa Ana Celebrates Local Tennis Star: Rishvanth Krishna Named 2025 Boys Tennis Player of the Year

Big news for tennis fans in Santa Ana! The spotlight is on Rishvanth Krishna, a remarkable sophomore from University High School, as he’s been recognized as the Orange County Boys Tennis Player of the Year for 2025. After an unforgettable season filled with triumphs, Rishvanth has proven that he’s a force to be reckoned with on the court.

A Season to Remember

Rishvanth’s season was nothing short of spectacular, and he played an essential role in University High’s success. He not only excelled in individual competitions but also shone brightly during team events. One of the highlights of his season was his impressive victory at the prestigious Ojai tournament, where he claimed the boys CIF division title. His journey was filled with nail-biting moments, demonstrating his resilience and skill.

Rising to the Challenge at Ojai

During the Ojai tournament, Rishvanth was seeded third, and he faced tough competition. In the finals, he squared off against Mater Dei sophomore Matteo Huarte, winning a decisive match with scores of 6-4, 6-4. But that wasn’t the only time Rishvanth showcased his grit. In the semifinals, he was down by three games against top-seed Lorenzo Brunkow but rallied back to win the match 7-6 (4), 6-1. It was a classic comeback that left fans on the edge of their seats!

Even earlier in the tournament, he demonstrated his tenacity by overcoming a 7-7 tie against Ryan Honary of Newport Harbor, ultimately winning 9-7 after trailing 15-40. After a previous heart-wrenching loss at the same event where he held match point, Rishvanth earned the nickname “King Slayer”, and this season, he truly lived up to that title!

Success in Team Competitions

While Rishvanth made waves individually, he also prioritized team competitions as the season progressed. His contributions were vital for University High School, helping them defend titles in the CIF-SS Open Division, regional, and state championships. The CIF State finals saw him rally from two games down in the first set against senior Cooper Han from Menlo, finishing off with a 7-5, 6-4 victory. This critical win helped secure the championship point, contributing to the team’s overall triumphant score of 4-3.

Recognition and Future Aspirations

Rishvanth’s achievements have not gone unnoticed; he has been selected as the SoCal MVP by the National High School Tennis All-American Foundation. Inspired by his brother, Rithvik, who played at UC Irvine, Rishvanth’s determination to improve his game has set him on a promising path. His coach, John Kessler, praises him for being one of the most composed players he’s ever guided, able to keep a level head even under pressure.

Celebrating Coaching Excellence

In addition to Rishvanth’s accolade, it’s worth noting that Tim Ludeke, the coach of Villa Park, received the esteemed honor of Coach of the Year for leading the team through a stunning turnaround from a prior 1-13 season to a commendable 13-4 record. Villa Park made history by reaching the CIF-SS championships for the first time under Ludeke’s guidance.

Looking Ahead

The recent Ojai tournament also saw impressive performances from doubles teams, such as Caden Lee and Edwin Yuan from Beckman, who triumphed by rallying from behind in their finals match.

As Rishvanth Krishna continues to shine, he joins other standout players on the All-County First Team, which includes talents like Brady Tallakson from Woodbridge and Matteo Huarte from Mater Dei.

With University High School claiming its 16th CIF Southern Section title under Coach Kessler, it is evident that this program stands tall among the best, solidifying its legacy against top private institutions in Southern California. With back-to-back state championships and continuous league titles, the future looks bright for Rishvanth and his teammates!

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