Tennis

Kentucky is aiming to get back on track after a runner-up finish at the 2024 Lexington Weekend of the ITA Kickoff Weekend, where they fell to Alabama in the regional final. Leading the way for the Wildcats is sophomore Charlelie Cosnet, who remains undefeated in singles matches this season. The team also boasts a strong group of freshmen, including Jack Loutit, Matt Rankin, and Eli Stephenson, who have a combined 9-1 singles record.

Louisville, with a record of 3-0, will face LSU in their first match-up on Saturday afternoon at 1 p.m. ET. The winner of this match will go on to play the winner of South Carolina vs. Clemson on Sunday at 1 p.m. ET. The consolation match will take place at 10 a.m. on the same day.

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.

Part of Baadi’s success is attributed to his consistency, work ethic, and drive, which has impressed the coaching staff. Associate Head Coach Matthew Gordon remarked, “Taha is a special person who sets the standards with his consistency, work ethic, and drive. He has the ability to bring up others with him and has the mentality needed to be a great leader.”

Donnet and Mayew joined forces in doubles, starting their campaign with a resounding victory in the Round of 16. They defeated Mwendwa Mbithi and Lawrence Sciglitano with a score of 6-1, 4-6, 10-3. However, their journey was cut short in the quarterfinals as they fell to the top-seeded duo in straight sets.

Gordon has been with the team for five years, during which he has helped the Wildcats reach the NCAA Tournament every year, with a runner-up finish in 2022 being their best result

Rincon has completed four seasons as an assistant coach in Louisville, having steered the Cardinals to a pair of NCAA team tournament appearances.

Kauffmann led Kentucky to an impressive 27-5 record during the 2023 season, as well as an SEC Tournament Championship, an appearance in the semifinals at ITA Indoors, and a spot in the quarterfinal round of the NCAA Tournament.

Louisville’s head coach, Rodrigo da Silva, is excited about Nakanishi’s potential and work ethic.

Donnet, who is ranked No. 45 in the Intercollegiate Tennis Association singles rankings, started off strong with a 7-5 win in the first set against the No. 20-ranked Fenty.