DURHAM, N.C. – At North Carolina Central University (NCCU), a brother-sister tennis duo is making history and leaving a lasting legacy. Alejandra Hidalgo Vega and Hugo Hidalgo Vega, siblings from Madrid, Spain, have electrified the courts for the Eagles, leading their respective men’s and women’s teams to the finals of the 2025 Mid-Eastern Athletic Conference (MEAC) Championship in Cary, North Carolina.
Their combined talents, fierce competitiveness, and close bond have earned them comparisons to other legendary tennis siblings, including Venus and Serena Williams, John and Patrick McEnroe, and Bob and Mike Bryan. But their journey at NCCU marks a rare and remarkable moment in the university’s athletic history.
Trailblazers on the Court
Both Alejandra and Hugo play No. 1 singles on their teams, dominating the MEAC competition this season. Their leadership helped NCCU’s men’s and women’s squads earn No. 2 seeds for the tournament, with only one conference match lost by each team during the regular season.
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Hugo, last season’s MEAC Men’s Player of the Year, made further history in February by becoming the first Eagle in the NCAA Division I era to earn a national tennis ranking after his victory over Duke’s then 38th-ranked Pedro Rodenas. Meanwhile, Alejandra boasts a stellar 14-5 singles record and 12-7 doubles record heading into the championship finals, building on her recognition as the 2023 MEAC Rookie of the Year and a three-time First Team All-MEAC selection.
“Their personalities are polar opposites off the court,” said D. Curtis Lawson, NCCU’s Director of Tennis. “Hugo is reserved and easygoing, while Ale is a social butterfly. But both are fierce competitors on the tennis courts.”
From Madrid to North Carolina
The Hidalgo Vegas’ tennis journey began early under the tutelage of their father Raul, a former professional tennis player, and their uncle. Their home in Madrid quickly filled with trophies, so many that their mother suggested keeping only the best ones to save space.
In Spain, where schools emphasize academics over athletics, the siblings looked overseas to continue both their studies and competitive tennis careers. Hugo initially chose Chicago State University, while Alejandra joined NCCU. But after a year apart, Hugo decided to transfer to NCCU to reunite with his sister.
“When I was in Chicago, my sister was here (NCCU) for one whole year, and she was very happy with the experience with teammates and coaches,” Hugo said. “I was happy at Chicago State because my tennis was very good, but it was some things I did not like. My sister told me about Central and I made the decision to come here.”
Sibling Support On and Off the Court
Their reunion brought a renewed sense of comfort and competitiveness to the Eagles’ tennis programs. Beyond their athletic achievements, their emotional support for one another has been invaluable.
“When I was thinking that he could transfer here, I imagined that he could watch my matches and support,” Alejandra said. “It is nice that he can watch me because he understands the emotional part of me. He is very calm so if I’m nervous, he can calm me down.”
Their camaraderie was on display during a heated match when Alejandra playfully taunted one of Hugo’s opponents over a disputed line call, demonstrating their deep bond and shared competitive spirit.
Balancing Independence and Family Ties
While their schedules often keep them apart during the day, the siblings still find moments to connect, whether sharing a meal at the cafeteria or exchanging supportive words between matches.
“We do a lot of things together but when we focus on tennis or school, we are not meeting each other because our schedule hours are so different,” Alejandra explained. “Maybe if you are twins, you have that. But for brother and sister, it is more like you know you have each other.”
Even when they are apart, the emotional connection remains strong. “If I have a problem, I don’t really like to tell him about it,” Alejandra admitted. “But if I see him and talk to him for a while, he is going to make me feel better even though he doesn’t know it.”
Coaches Celebrate Their Contributions
NCCU’s coaching staff has praised the Hidalgo Vegas for their remarkable impact on the program.
“Alejandra and Hugo are two of the most coachable student-athletes I’ve ever had the pleasure of knowing and working with,” said Sofia Rachi Cucalon, Head Women’s Tennis Coach. “Alejandra’s ability to adapt quickly and implement feedback effectively sets her apart. She’s not only a standout player but also an exceptional captain and teammate.”
Coach Lawson echoed these sentiments: “It has been a sheer delight to coach Hugo. Both Hugo and Alejandra have blossomed during their careers at NCCU, and our program has only gotten better with their addition. Hugo’s national ranking earlier this year brought new light to our program.”
Looking Ahead
As Senior Day celebrations honored Hugo’s contributions, Alejandra captured the moment with a smile and a cell phone camera, knowing that their time together at NCCU is drawing to a close. Hugo is set to graduate after this season, while Alejandra has one more year remaining.
Next year will bring change as the siblings pursue separate paths, likely in different countries. But their shared memories and accomplishments at NCCU will endure.
“My parents were like train, train, train, train, train when we were little,” Alejandra reflected. “We would be like, oh, my god, it is always the same thing, tennis, tennis, tennis. But at the end of the day, it was worth it. So, when you look back, you like that you made your parents proud.”
The Hidalgo Vegas have not only fulfilled their dreams of playing collegiate tennis and earning their degrees but have also etched their names into NCCU history—proving that with talent, perseverance, and family support, double trouble can be a winning formula.
