Michigan State Triumphs Over Michigan in Thrilling Tennis Showdown
Overview of the Match
Location: East Lansing, Mich. (MSU Indoor Tennis Center)
Final Score: Michigan State 4, #25 Michigan 2
Season Records: U-M (14-11, 8-5 B1G) | MSU (15-8, 10-3 B1G)
Next Up for U-M: Friday, April 25 – Big Ten Tournament in Columbus, Ohio
A Clash of Rivals
In a highly anticipated season finale, the University of Michigan men’s tennis team faced a challenging match against the Michigan State Spartans, ultimately falling 4-2. The atmosphere was electric at the MSU Indoor Tennis Center, where tennis fans witnessed fierce competition and an impressive display of athleticism.
Spotlight on Will Cooksey
Senior star Will Cooksey delivered an impressive performance, securing a hard-fought victory against No. 12-ranked Ozan Baris in straight sets, 7-5, 7-5. This victory marked Cooksey’s first triumph over a top-15 opponent and highlighted his resilience, especially following a previous loss to Baris during the ITA Midwest Regional Championships in October.
“This win means a lot for me—it’s about redemption and showing what I’m capable of on the court,” Cooksey remarked, a sentiment echoed by his supporters attuned to his journey.
Doubles Dilemma
The match began with doubles play, where Michigan State seized the early advantage by winning the doubles point. With Michigan missing their top two players, Cooksey and Patorn Hanchaikul faced a tough matchup against Baris and Matthew Forbes, succumbing 6-3. Meanwhile, the duo of Alex Cairo and Nicholas Steiglehner struggled in their debut match, falling swiftly with a score of 6-2 at No. 3 doubles.
Despite their strong 3-0 record in the Big Ten, Michigan’s Bjorn Swenson and Mert Oral found their match against MSU’s Rakhmatullayev and Radjenovic abandoned at 5-5, leaving the Wolverines without the crucial doubles point.
Singles Action: A Fight to the Finish
As singles play unfolded, Steiglehner provided a glimmer of hope for the Wolverines, dominating Vuk Radjenovic with identical 6-2 sets to put Michigan on the scoreboard. However, MSU swiftly responded with wins at Nos. 5 and 3 singles, regaining control of the match with scores of 6-4, 6-2.
Cooksey’s electrifying victory at No. 1 singles temporarily halted MSU’s momentum, but it wasn’t enough to turn the tide. In an exciting turn, Bjorn Swenson, riding a six-match singles win streak, was forced into a third set against MSU’s No. 107 Max Sheldon, but the Spartans clinched the match before his fate was sealed on court six.
A Streak Broken
This loss broke an impressive 23-match win streak for the Wolverines against their rivals, a streak dating back to 2005, adding an additional layer of drama to this fierce rivalry.
What’s Next for the Wolverines?
Looking ahead, the Wolverines now set their sights on the Big Ten Tournament, commencing on April 24 in Columbus, Ohio. Michigan’s first opponent will be determined after the conclusion of Sunday’s matches, where all eyes will be on their quest for redemption.
Match Results Breakdown
Singles
- No. 1: Will Cooksey (U-M) d. No. 12 Ozan Baris (MSU), 7-5, 7-5
- No. 2: Bjorn Swenson (U-M) vs. No. 107 Max Sheldon (MSU), 2-6, 6-3, 1-4 (abandoned)
- No. 3: No. 92 Matthew Forbes (MSU) d. Patorn Hanchaikul (U-M), 6-4, 6-2
- No. 4: Nicholas Steiglehner (U-M) d. Vuk Radjenovic (MSU), 6-2, 6-2
- No. 5: Mitchell Sheldon (MSU) d. Mert Oral (U-M), 6-4, 6-2
- No. 6: Danial Rakhmatullayev (MSU) d. Alex Cairo (U-M), 7-6 (5), 6-3
Doubles
- No. 1: Ozan Baris/Matthew Forbes (MSU) d. Will Cooksey/Patorn Hanchaikul (U-M), 6-3
- No. 2: Danial Rakhmatullayev/Vuk Radjenovic (MSU) vs. Bjorn Swenson/Mert Oral (U-M), 5-5 (abandoned)
- No. 3: Mitchell Sheldon/Max Sheldon (MSU) d. Alex Cairo/Nicholas Steiglehner (U-M), 6-2
Order of Completion: Doubles 3-1 | Singles 4-5-3-1-6
As the stage shifts to the upcoming tournament, fans are sure to rally behind the Wolverines, hoping to see them rebound stronger than ever. Will they reclaim their dominance in the Big Ten? Stay tuned!
