The Georgia Bulldogs Women’s Tennis team has made headlines as three players have been honored by the Southeastern Conference (SEC) for their outstanding performances this season. The SEC announced these accolades on Wednesday, showcasing the talent within the team.
Three Bulldogs Secure All-SEC Honors
Anastasiia Lopata’s Stellar Season
Leading the group is Anastasiia Lopata, a senior from Kyiv, Ukraine. She has been a dominant force at the No. 1 singles position. This season, Lopata achieved a remarkable 6-3 record against SEC opponents. Her impressive displays include a notable upset against Texas’ No. 3-ranked Carmen Herea during the SEC Championships.
Her efforts earned her a spot on the All-SEC first team, marking her fourth consecutive selection and second in a row for first-team honors. Currently, she is ranked No. 16 in ITA singles and has achieved a career-high ranking of No. 10 in ITA doubles alongside her partner Patricija Paukstyte. Together, they compiled an impressive 9-2 record in conference play this season.
Aysegul Mert Shines Bright
Aysegul Mert, a junior from Istanbul, Turkey, has also made a significant impact on the team. This year, she received her first All-SEC first-team honor. Mert holds a career-high singles ranking of No. 6 in the ITA system and finished the season with a 7-3 record at the No. 2 singles spot.
Against ranked opponents, she achieved a commendable 5-4 record. A highlight from her season was a straight-set victory over Texas’ No. 6-ranked Anastasia Abbagnato, which propelled the Bulldogs to the semifinals of the SEC Championships. In doubles, Mert and her teammate Deniz Dilek have excelled, placing in the national top three with an overall record of 15-6.
Freshman Deniz Dilek’s Impressive Debut
Deniz Dilek, a freshman from Ankara, Turkey, rounded out the Bulldogs’ honors by making the All-SEC freshman team. Her debut season has been marked by significant achievements. Dilek earned SEC Player of the Week recognition following her impressive performance at the 2026 ITA Team Indoor National Championship, where she secured three ranked singles victories and two ranked doubles wins.
Mainly playing at the No. 3 singles spot for the Bulldogs, she holds a 6-4 record heading into the NCAA postseason. Like her teammates, Dilek excels in doubles and ranks in the top three nationally with Mert, contributing to their collective success with a 15-6 overall record.
Stay Connected with the Bulldogs
- Follow UGA Women’s Tennis on X: @UGAWomensTennis
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- On Facebook: @GeorgiaWomensTennis
- For more information, visit El-Balad.
The accolades received by Lopata, Mert, and Dilek highlight the strength of the Georgia Bulldogs Women’s Tennis program as they prepare for upcoming challenges. Their achievements serve as a testament to their hard work and determination throughout the season.
