Men’s tennis adds 3 for 2025-26 season

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From SMUMustangs.com:

Men’s tennis adds 3 for 2025-26 season

DALLAS (SMU) - SMU Men's Tennis Head Coach Grant Chen announced the signing of three new Mustangs for the 2025-26 roster on Monday.

This signing class consists of two transfer signees and a freshman set to fortify SMU's roster for its second Atlantic Coast Conference campaign.

"I am elated to announce the addition of three new Mustangs to The Hilltop. Alex Finkelstein, Krish Arora and Matthew Faraci will help round out a young returning team," said Chen.

"A balance of experience and fresh, vibrant energy will mesh well and help our team. They have two key things in common: being a well-rounded student athlete and the desire to help this program advance in the ACC."

Krish Arora – Junior | Irvine, California/Georgia Tech
Arora came to the Hilltop after spending two years at Georgia Tech. The incoming junior posted a 29-24 singles record as a Yellow Jacket.

In his sophomore year, the Irvine, California, native finished the season with a 12-9 overall singles record while going 8-6 in dual matches. He primarily played as the No. 3 singles player for Georgia Tech last season.

In doubles play, Arora mainly paired with Christophe Clement, where they played 11 matches as the Yellow Jackets' No. 1 doubles tandem. They posted a 12-9 overall record while going 8-7 in dual matches and 7-4 on court one.

Arora was ranked as high as No. 19 in the ITA doubles rankings with Clement. Notably, he competed in the 2024 US Open Juniors.

The finance major will be a contributor for the Mustangs in the classroom. Arora has earned the 2025 CSC Academic All-District, 2024 ACC All-Academic Team and 2024 ITA Scholar Athlete awards for his excellence on the court and in the classroom.

"Krish Arora has already proven himself as a top junior and collegiate player. He has a lethal forehand and will continue to improve these next two seasons," said Chen.

Matthew Faraci – Freshman | Manakin Sabot, Va./Benedictine College Preparatory Cadets
True Freshman Matthew Faraci hails from Manakin Sabot, Virginia. A high school state standout, Faraci is a two-time VISAA Player of the Year and was named All-Metro Richmond Player of the Year this past season.

Faraci had made three appearances at the USTA Nationals at Kalamazoo, Michigan. He joins SMU after being undefeated in his two final high school seasons.

On top of his excellence on the court, Faraci was also named Scholar Athlete of the Year in his senior year.

"I chose SMU for an academically challenging school as well as the perfect size of campus and student body," said Faraci.

"Matthew Faraci rounds out the recruiting class as a top junior from Virginia. He has a very strong foundation and his character aligns with SMU and our tennis program," said Chen.

Alex Finkelstein – Graduate | Raynham, Mass./Brown
Finkelstein joined the Mustangs after three years at Brown. Prior to Brown, the Raynham, Massachusetts, native played his freshman year at Columbia.

In the 2024-25 season, Finkelstein played as Brown's No. 1 singles player, posting an overall record of 17-10 and a 15-8 record in dual match play.

He is ranked No. 123 in the final ITA singles rankings and was ranked as high as No. 115 on April 15.

The Raynham, Massachusetts, native ended the season as the No. 6 Singles performer in the New England Region by the ITA.

"Alex Finkelstein finished ranked in the ITA National singles polls, where he earned his degree and played the top spot at Brown University," said Chen.

"He has an offensive style of play and wants to continue his development to set himself up to pursue professional tennis after college. He is hyper-focused on his goals to help the team, and we look forward to welcoming that hungry and determined mindset."