Johns Hopkins University Athletics women’s tennis player Sahana Madala won the 2026 ITA Southeast Regional Singles Championship in Fredericksburg, Virginia, entering the tournament as the No. 1 seed. Madala lost only one set in six matches, capturing the title by defeating second-seeded Shelly Zinchenko 6-2, 2-6, 6-4 in the championship match.
Madala became the fourth Blue Jay to win the regional singles title and the first since 2016. She earned All-America honors and advances to the ITA Cup, scheduled to begin Oct. 15 in Rome, Georgia.
Madala Wins Six-Match Singles Run
Throughout the tournament, Madala lost just one set, which occurred during her three-set victory over Zinchenko in the final. Her performance highlighted her consistency and dominance as a top seed.
Teammates Claire Loftus and Jasmine Nguyen also reached the championship singles quarterfinals. Nguyen’s run ended with a loss to Madala, while Loftus was defeated by Maya Diyasheva.
Ruth Sun and Aubrey Zhou Win Blue Draws
Ruth Sun captured the Blue 1 Singles draw title for Johns Hopkins University Athletics women’s tennis. Sun also paired with Aubrey Zhou to win the Blue Doubles draw, losing only five games in four matches.
Madala Advances to ITA Cup
Madala’s regional championship earns her a spot in the ITA Cup, beginning Oct. 15 in Rome, Georgia. Her achievement continues the tradition of Johns Hopkins athletes succeeding at the regional level.
Maryland Sports Blog Take
Madala’s triumph as the No. 1 seed was the highlight for Johns Hopkins University Athletics women’s tennis. She lost only one set during her six-match run and claimed the title by overcoming Zinchenko in the final. Meanwhile, Sun and Zhou secured Blue draw titles, with Loftus and Nguyen reaching the quarterfinals as well. Madala now moves forward to compete in the ITA Cup beginning Oct. 15 in Rome, Georgia.
Read the official Johns Hopkins University Athletics recap.
Source: Original report
