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ESSEN, Germany.— Arizona Women’s Tennis freshman Maria Garcia earned a bronze medal in mixed doubles at the 2025 FISU World University Games, becoming the first Portuguese woman to medal in tennis at the event and just the second Portuguese player ever to reach the podium.
Competing alongside fellow Portuguese player Pedro Araujo, the doubles pair advanced to the semifinals after a hard-fought win over Great Britain’s Grace Piper and Jamie Connel in the quarterfinals. The duo claimed a straight-sets victory, 6-4, 7-6(3), behind sharp serving and strong returns, converting seven of 12 break points and winning 60% of their first-serve points.
In the semifinals, Garcia and Araujo faced Angella Okutoyi (Kenya) and Kael Shah, falling 6-7(6), 3-6 in a tight contest. Despite their loss they posted solid numbers, winning over 80% of their second-serve points and converting half of their break opportunities, and secured a spot on the podium with the bronze medal.
Held every two years, the FISU World University Games are the second-largest Olympic-style event in the world. The 2025 edition brought together more than 8,500 athletes from over 150 nations and was hosted across six cities in Germany’s Ruhr region.
Garcia’s summer success adds another highlight to a growing résumé that already includes national junior titles in Portugal, a Billie Jean King Cup appearance, and a ranked collegiate doubles win during her spring season at Auburn. She posted a 5-1 singles record and an 18-11 doubles mark before transferring to Arizona ahead of the 2025–26 season.
As she prepares to begin her Wildcat career, Garcia brings not only international experience but a championship mindset to a program on the rise. Arizona is thrilled to welcome Garcia to Tucson and excited to see what’s next as she begins her Wildcat career.