CHERISHANN DIAMZON / CONTRIBUTOR

USD junior Oliver Tarvet delivered a performance that shook the landscape of college tennis, defeating Columbia University’s Michael Zheng — the No. 1 ranked singles player in the country. The upset took place on USD’s home courts, where Tarvet mounted a comeback after trailing 0–3 in the final set, winning six straight games to close out the match.

Even though USD fell short in the overall team result, Tarvet’s individual win solidified his status as a top national competitor and showcased the elite potential of the Torero men’s tennis program.

“I mean, it was a battle,” Tarvet said. “I have a lot of respect for Michael. I know him well, and I know the head coach of Columbia well. And, yeah, I mean, it felt amazing. It was great to get a win over number one in the nation and also just help the team out as much as I can.”

The match drew attention from students across campus, including Loundeis Evans, a USD first-year who, although she didn’t watch the game firsthand, still felt the intensity through the livestream.

“Ollie is a phenomenal player from what I’ve heard and from what I’ve seen, so I knew he had potential to put up a good fight,” Evans added. “But to see him execute at such a high level with confidence from start to finish exceeded expectations.”

For Evans and many others, the match left a lasting impact. 

“I usually just watch clips here and there, but this definitely encouraged me to follow them more closely,” Evans said.

Nicholas Meyer, a USD junior and a transfer student, also expressed  pride in learning about the team’s rising success.

“I didn’t even know we had a good tennis team,” Meyer said. “So hearing our guy beat the No. 1 player from Columbia, that’s crazy. It makes me proud to go here.”

Although  tennis  is  an   individual or doubles sport, Tarvet linked his success to the team’s sucess. He took a moment to speak about the experience and what it meant both personally and for the team.

“Even though the match was over when I actually won, it shows a lot about our team and also myself just valuing   every single match, even if it counts or not,” Tarvet added. “Especially rattling off six games in the third set, it was a battle.”

Tarvet’s teammates saw the win as the result of years of dedication. Neo Niedner, a USD  junior who has trained alongside  Tarvet  since   their first year, shared his perspective on Tarvet’s performance and the team’s mindset.

“I genuinely believe Ollie is the best player in the country,” Niedner said. “To me and the rest of the team, it doesn’t come as a surprise … He’s been the hardest-working guy on the team every semester we’ve been here.”

While Tarvet’s climb to No.7 in the national rankings has drawn outside attention, Niedner emphasized that numbers don’t define  how  the  team  views  his   talent.

Oliver Tarvet after winning the match against Michael Zheng. Photo courtesy of @USDMtennis/Instagram

“To be honest, I don’t think we care that much about the individual rankings,” Nieder added. “Like I said, I genuinely and the rest of the team believes Ollie is number one. So I think it’s just a number. Obviously, the number one spot would be really cool to see and well-deserved, but whether he’s three, four, five, six, seven or eight, it doesn’t really matter. He knows he can beat anyone. It’s just another nice achievement, I guess.”

This mindset reflects a broader culture within USD’s tennis program — one that values effort, trust and belief in each other over external validation.

The performance also impressed athletes across USD’s tennis program. Kailey Evans, a senior on the USD women’s tennis team, shared how Tarvet’s home-court presence has become undeniable.

“Ollie doesn’t lose at home,” Evans said. “He’s just so tough. To be down 3–love and come back like that, it’s crazy. His fight and grit are unmatched.”

Evans, a member of the women’s tennis team who often trains alongside the men’s team, reflected on the broader impact of his win, noting how it energized both squads and brought a renewed sense of momentum heading into future matches.

“It shows so much respect to Ollie,” Evans said. “Like, he already knew they lost the match. And yes, he was doing it for himself, but also for the team. It gives him so much more confidence going into this match against Harvard, and I’d say it gives the team confidence, too.”

Evans also commented on the growing visibility of USD tennis.

“This is the first year they’ve really  started  making    waves,” Evans said. “They’ve always been good, but now they’re gaining traction. People are starting to notice.”

Tarvet credits his growth to the team’s relentless work ethic and the unique energy they bring to every match. Tarvet also spoke about the energy and bond within the team that fuels his performances.

“We just  keep stacking good days of  practice,” Tarvet  said. “When    you’ve got 10  guys screaming after every single point, it gives you the energy to make that final push. That’s what makes us USD.”

His love for the game has shaped both his athletic and personal journey. That same drive has impacted more than just his performance on the court. It’s influenced who he’s become off of it.

“College tennis doesn’t just make you a better player, it forces you to become a better person,” Tarvet said. “I had a lot of maturing to do when I got here. But the support system at USD helped me grow.”

The win over Michael Zheng represents more than an upset, it reflects the hard-earned rise of a program driven by passion, teamwork and belief.

With Tarvet now ranked No. 7 nationally   and the team continuing a strong season, the success of USD tennis is no longer a secret. The players are making history and they’re doing it in Torero blue.

Michael Zheng on the left, shaking hands with Oliver Tarvet on the right.  Photo courtesy of Thomas Christensen