Vols Add Shion Itsusaki for 2025-26

KNOXVILLE, Tenn. – Shion Itsusaki, a native of Osaka, Japan, has signed with the Tennessee men's tennis team and will be a member of the squad for the 2025-26 season, head coach Chris Woodruff announced Thursday.

"Shion has been someone we have been following for quite a while, and we are extremely excited he will be a Vol this fall," said associate head coach Matt Lucas. "He has established himself as one of the top juniors in the world, and he will only continue to climb in those rankings as he competes in Junior Grand Slams this year"

Itsusaki is currently No. 59 in the ITF Junior Rankings, with a career-high placement of No. 53. Recently, Itsusaki competed in the main draw of the Junior Boys' Singles at the prestigious Australian Open.

"Head coach Chris Woodruff, assistant coach Jaime Barajas and I welcome this opportunity to develop his tennis whilst he is in Knoxville before he embarks on a professional career," Lucas added. "His familiarity with Shunsuke Mitsui and Tennessee makes this a perfect fit for him and our program!"

Overall, Itsusaki holds a 37-6 record, including a win over a blue-chip opponent. He joins Ethan Muza, a transfer from Baylor, as the second newcomer for the fall 2025 campaign.

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