Freshman ace fits right in on Fox Chapel tennis team

By: Josh Rizzo
Saturday, September 13, 2025 | 11:01 AM

Zoey Liu feels fortunate to share a home with the sparring partner she has on the tennis court. Zoey, who is Fox Chapel’s No. 1 singles player as a freshman, will often play with her 11-year-old brother, Luca.

“My dad used to hit with us a little bit,” Zoey said. “As we got better, my brother and I started to hit together. Sibling rivalries are there, but I really enjoy having someone to hit with and it’s a privilege.”

Zoey has settled in well as the top singles player for Fox Chapel, which sits in third place in a highly competitive Section 3-3A. The Foxes are 9-4 overall, including a 4-1 mark in section. Fox Chapel also has to contend with Shady Side Academy (7-0, 5-0) and Allderdice (5-1, 5-1).

Zoey started playing tennis four years ago. She said her dad had suggested tennis as an alternative to swimming, which was becoming more difficult due to restrictions during the covid pandemic. Tennis didn’t provide as many hurdles since it was outdoors.

Eventually, Zoey built her skills where she was competing in USTA and other youth tournaments. She finished in fourth place at a Level 4 tournament earlier this year at the Oxford Athletic Club.

“I started doing that in 2023,” Zoey said. “Playing in the tournaments gave me more experience and understanding what I need to work on. It made me improve.”

Playing in the tournaments also exposed Zoey to other players in the area. When Zoey played North Allegheny’s Mia Kaufman, it was a rematch from a tournament over the summer. Zoey was able to turn the tables in their meeting in a high school match, winning in straight sets, 6-2, 6-3.

“I definitely was thinking about how she played the first time,” Zoey said. “I thought about how to target certain things and how to elevate my game in my specific way. I want to keep my consistency higher than theirs.”

Turning in steady performances has allowed Zoey to adapt well to playing varsity tennis. She has compiled a 10-2 record in singles matches.

Fox Chapel tennis coach Alex Slezak is happy with her progress.

“I believe she has done a fantastic job in her freshman season,” Slezak said. “She has room to grow physically, mentally and emotionally still, and she will. Her experience as a seasoned competitor in the junior circuit has helped as competition is competition whether it is in a team or tournament setting.”

Zoey is still learning how to navigate every match. She has picked up some important things during her first season with the Foxes.

Zoey tries to not let one win impact how she approaches preparing for other opponents.

“Just because you beat someone doesn’t mean it’s easy to beat someone they’ve beat,” Zoey said. “People can play in different ways on different days.”

Tags: Fox Chapel