Columbia's Michael Zheng wins NCAA men's singles title in all-American final

In the first all-American NCAA men's singles final since 2017, Columbia's Michael Zheng beat Michigan State's Ozan Baris to claim the 2024-25 Division I singles crown on Sunday in Waco, Texas. With his 6-2, 4-6, 6-2 victory, Zheng became Columbia's first NCAA singles champion since 1906 and the first men’s Ivy Leaguer to win the title in more than a century.

The first player to reach back-to-back men's NCAA singles finals since Steve Johnson of USC in 2011 and 2012, Zheng made amends for his defeat to Alabama's Filip Planinsek in the title match last spring.

“Honestly, it’s a huge relief,” said the 20-year-old junior, who hails from Montville, N.J. “It feels amazing to finally get it done and get the title for myself and Columbia.”

After dropping the second set, Zheng took control of the third with an early break and never looked back.

“I knew it was going to be a tough match today,” he continued. “I knew [Baris] wanted it really bad and he was going to come out and give it his best. I kind of just did the same. I thought I’m just going to make this third set as tough as possible. I’m happy to get it done.”

Zheng's victory was the cherry on top of a big weekend for Columbia athletics. On Saturday, the Lions' football program clinched its first Ivy League football in 63 years.