Kentucky men's tennis is becoming a must-watch; 'Cats move to 10-0
What to do if you’re weekending in Lexington? No. 2 Kentucky men’s tennis has the answer.
Like clockwork, the Wildcats completed another perfect weekend. This time it was Louisville and Duke that fell victim to Kentucky’s dominance. Last week it was Virginia and Virginia Tech. UK has now beaten its last four ACC opponents and improved to an unblemished 10-0 record on the season following Sunday’s action.
The week began well for the squad as they picked up their highest-ever ITA ranking, clocking in at No. 2 in the country. The second-best team in the land picked up another ranked win shortly after as Louisville came into the Friday matchup ranked No. 23.
This past weekend might’ve added a little extra fuel for the ‘Cats considering their in-state rival awaited them in Louisville. The Cardinals looked to avenge their loss from last season where they got swept in Lexington. This time, the Cards made sure that this year’s contest was a tad more competitive.
Early scares in the 502
After losing the doubles point, Kentucky would have to rally in singles play if it wanted to pull off the victory. Possibly, one of the few weaknesses that the ‘Cats have demonstrated this season is their doubles play. However, on Friday afternoon, doubles wouldn’t end up burning UK.
Taha Baadi got his impressive weekend going, immediately earning a point back for Kentucky. His 6-1, 6-4 straight-set win improved his singles record this year to 7-0. Baadi has been a staple for Kentucky singles this season with his teammates following his lead.
But Louisville wouldn’t go away in what would prove to be a back-and-forth affair. Alafia Ayeni tied the match up at two points apiece after the Cardinals followed Baadi’s win with a singles point of their own. Ayeni looked in trouble down three games in the first set, but then rallied off five games in a row to claim the opener. The second set was even tighter, as Ayeni was forced into a tiebreaker which he ultimately won — 7-5, 7-6(5) was the final score in his dub, and just like that the ‘Cats were tied again. Straight-set specialists.
Jaden Weekes and Charlelie Cosnet then came up clutch for Kentucky down the stretch.
Weekes earned another straight-set win after Joshua Lapadat lost his respective match. Weekes evened the score at three points apiece. Enter the Freshman Frenchman Cosnet hailing from Le Mans. He was able to capture the first set 7-5, but then failed to put the Cardinals away and there would ultimately be a match-defining third set. Cosnet found himself tied 4-4 in the decider, but powered through to a 7-5, 3-6, 7-5 victory, earning the win for Kentucky.
The Wildcats found a way to win on the road. It took a little more drama than people would have liked, but the victory was secured thanks to Cosnet. Welcome to the rivalry, young man. ‘Cats over Cards.
Double-digits for Kentucky
Sunday’s match was a little more comfortable for Kentucky, seeing they were back in Lexington. The ‘Cats fell again in the doubles match meaning they would have to come from behind for the second time in two matches. Kentucky has now lost three doubles points this season. Singles action remains perfect for the squad.
Liam Draxl and Ayeni were bested in doubles action versus Duke, but both bounced back to earn singles points for the Wildcats. Draxl recovered in a huge way after his Friday singles defeat at Louisville. This time, the ITA All-American won 7-5, 6-1. Ayeni, who was playing No. 1 singles over Draxl on this occasion, also took care of business in straight sets.
Lapadat followed Draxl’s lead, winning his first singles match of the weekend. Lapadat cruised to a 6-1, 6-2 win while playing third singles. His win would lead Baadi into a match-clinching scenario. Baadi’s match went a little longer, considering he was forced into a second-set tiebreak. Ultimately, his 6-4, 7-6(2) win moved Kentucky to the win column.
Just like that, the ‘Cats moved to an undefeated 10-0 on the season.
With the match already won, both teams elected to play out the remaining singles matchups. Duke won both of those and the final score was 4-3 for Kentucky. Hey, a win’s a win.
Tourney time
No, not the NCAA Tournament, but the ITA Indoor National Championships in Chicago. That’s what’s next up for the Wildcats. Action is set to begin on Friday with the championship coming on Monday. We’re set for a full weekend of tennis.
Each squad will be guaranteed three matches over the course of the weekend. Kentucky will travel a couple of hours north to the Windy City to open up the tournament. The ‘Cats clinched their birth with a win over Notre Dame just two weeks ago.
The ITA indoors will be a big test for the Wildcats, with many teams in the field that will be likely opponents when the postseason begins. One thing to work on: earning that first doubles point. While Kentucky proved itself by beating then-No. 1 Virginia last weekend, many squads will be craving that vital doubles point against a team like Kentucky.
That’s possibly the only negative from this dominating 10-0 start to the year. The ‘Cats should face some tests this weekend, but they’ve demonstrated they belong and that last year’s NCAA Tournament runner-up wasn’t a fluke.
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