LEXINGTON, Ky. – The Kentucky men’s tennis team got off to a strong start in the 2024 season, securing two wins in a Monday doubleheader against Northern Kentucky and Eastern Kentucky. The Wildcats dominated their opponents in both matches, winning each with a score of 7-0.
Kentucky began the day by facing off against Northern Kentucky. The team put on an impressive performance, sweeping all matches in straight sets. In the doubles session, the duo of Josh Lapadat and JJ Mercer secured a 6-0 victory over Northern Kentucky’s Santiago Casamayor and Josef Zapletal. Eli Stephenson and Jaden Weekes also contributed to the doubles point win with a 6-2 result on court three. Meanwhile, Taha Baadi and Matt Rankin teamed up for a 6-4 win on court two.
In the singles portion of play, the Wildcats continued their dominance. Freshmen Eli Stephenson, Matt Rankin, and Jack Loutit showcased their skills, dropping only a total of five games between them. Rankin had an outstanding performance with a commanding 6-0, 6-0 victory at sixth singles. Loutit sealed the deal for Kentucky, winning his match on court two against Northern Kentucky’s Brandon Ponomarew with a score of 6-1, 6-3.
In the afternoon, the Wildcats faced off against neighboring EKU in their second match of the day. Kentucky once again came out victorious, winning all matches with another clean sweep of 7-0. Stephenson and Weekes continued their winning streak in the doubles session, securing a 6-2 win over Eastern Kentucky’s Paul-Antoine Brazet and Kristoff Stahlbrand. Baadi and Rankin also contributed to the doubles’ point win with a 6-4 result on court one.
In the singles portion of play, Kentucky kept up their momentum. Baadi claimed victory on court one after his opponent, Mario Monclus Martin, retired with Baadi leading 6-3, 4-1. Loutit continued his impressive performance with a 6-1, 6-2 win against Fernando Bulnes. Christophe Clement clinched the team match with a 6-3, 6-3 victory over Moritz Mayer, marking his first career singles win in a dual match. Additionally, sophomore Charlelie Cosnet secured his first career win at the second singles position with a 7-6(2), 6-4 victory over Ezven Holis. Mercer and Rankin completed the sweep for Kentucky with wins on courts five and six.
The Wildcats will be back in action on January 20th for a road match against Illinois. Kentucky is eager to continue their winning streak and maintain their impressive form for the rest of the season.
