Sunday scares: Kentucky men's tennis drops first match of season to No. 3 TCU
Truly, a clash of titans took place in the XS Tennis Village of Chicago on Sunday. No. 3 TCU squared off with No. 2 Kentucky in the Final Four of the 2023 ITA Indoor Championships. Kentucky came into the matchup boasting a flawless 12-0 record on the season.
In an Elite Eight rematch of last year’s NCAA Tournament, the Horned Frogs were able to avenge their postseason despair of 2022. The Wildcats had been productive in Chicago in the opening days of the tournament. No. 16 Florida and No. 6 USC were both on Kentucky’s collision course, but the ‘Cats handled business against both squads over the course of two days.
With a championship trip on the line, Kentucky was stifled by the Frogs 4-2. However, TCU seems destined for ITA Indoor success, considering this is its second-straight year reaching the championship. If history repeats itself, perhaps this loss will be sacrificial if the ‘Cats are to face the Frogs in the postseason yet again.
Not able to catch up
Possibly UK’s only flaw this season proved pivotal once again. Kentucky dropped another doubles point to open a match. Unlike the Virginia match or the Louisville battle, this time doubles did burn the Wildcats.
Joshua Lapadat and JJ Mercer were able to win 6-2 during doubles play, but the momentum was quickly put out. TCU won the following two doubles matches with Liam Draxl and Jaden Weekes losing 6-3 and Alafia Ayeni and Taha Baadi falling 6-4. Just like that the Horned Frogs were up 1-0 in the match.
Weekes then fell in straight-set singles and Kentucky was in real trouble.
Down two, Draxl gave the ‘Cats much-needed life. The senior got his match started with a first-set victory in a tiebreaker before a little more relaxed second set. He ended up winning his match 7-6 (1), 6-4 and earned Kentucky its first point. Even more impressive, Draxl took down top-20 opponent Jake Fearnley. A huge result for the ITA-All American.
Time’s ticking
Ayeni fell in three sets and just like that Kentucky trailed 3-1 overall. With TCU a point away from a trip to the ‘ship, Lapadat came through for the Wildcats.
Lapadat was victorious in a back-and-forth affair. He came out firing with an opening set 6-2 victory. The second set was similar in numbers but the games were flipped with the Canadian losing 2-6. Lapadat was forced into an all-or-nothing deciding set, with Kentucky’s fate on the line.
Demonstrating some stellar defense throughout the match, Lapadat honed in on the final point and pushed the ‘Cats over the line. Kentucky only trailed 3-2 after Lapadat’s 6-2, 2-6, 6-2 win.
Unfortunately for Kentucky, the contest ended in the match after. Charlelie Cosnet showed fight but ultimately fell short in an effort to tie the overall match score. The Frenchman fell 6-4, 3-6, 6-3 to TCU’s Tomas Jirousek.
Just like that, Kentucky is now 12-1 on the year and the Frogs are on their way to the championship of the ITA Indoors.
A bittersweet ending to the tournament after Kentucky’s positive results on Friday and Saturday. There are many positives to take from this weekend’s performance from the ‘Cats. However, the opponents only got trickier and time was up for the Blue and White. There will be chances at redemption whether it be in SEC play or come NCAA tournament time. Right now though, Kentucky men’s tennis’ time is up in the Windy City.
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