Drama on the Courts: Michigan State Men’s Tennis Triumph Over Rivals U-M
EAST LANSING, Mich. – In a thrilling showdown that had fans at the edge of their seats, the No. 27 Michigan State men’s tennis team finished their regular season with a spectacular 4-2 victory over the No. 25 Michigan Wolverines. This match marked the Spartans’ first win against their in-state rivals since the 2002-03 season, ending a grueling 23-match losing streak.
A Fitting Farewell for Seniors
As the dual unfolded, the atmosphere was electric, especially as the Spartans honored their two outstanding seniors, Max Sheldon and Josh Portnoy. The celebration added a sentimental touch to an already momentous occasion, igniting the spirits of both players and supporters alike.
Securing the Win
With this significant victory, Michigan State elevated their Big Ten Conference record to 10-3 and their overall record to an impressive 15-8. Meanwhile, the Wolverines fell to 8-5 in the Big Ten and maintained an overall record of 15-8. The match was a display of resilience, strategy, and sheer determination wrapped up in a fierce rivalry.
Doubles That Set the Tone
The match kicked off with doubles play, where the Sheldon brothers (Max and Mitchell) captured a swift victory at No. 3 doubles, defeating Michigan’s Alex Cairo and Nicholas Striglehner with a 6-2 scoreline. This initial success paved the way for a charged atmosphere.
The intensity ramped up on the remaining courts as Ozan Baris and Matthew Forbes (No. 1 doubles) faced off against Michigan’s Will Cooksey and Patorn Hanchaikul. The Spartans clinched an early lead when Baris and Forbes sealed their match 6-3, effectively securing the all-important doubles point.
Singles Matches: A Rollercoaster Ride
As singles play unfolded, the Wolverines fought back fiercely. Vuk Radjenovic encountered tough competition, falling 6-2, 6-2 to Nicholas Striglehner at No. 4 singles. However, the Green and White quickly regained momentum. Freshman Mitchell Sheldon defeated Mert Oral at No. 5 singles, recording a solid 6-4, 6-2 win that fueled MSU’s confidence. Following closely, another standout freshman, Matthew Forbes, added to the tally with a 6-4, 6-2 victory over Hanchaikul.
Despite a brief setback when Will Cooksey edged out Ozan Baris at No. 1 singles in a taut contest of 7-5, 7-5, the match came down to critical showdowns in the No. 2 and No. 6 singles where tensions ran high.
The Deciding Factor
With the match hanging in balance, Danial Rakhmatullayev stepped up in a nail-biting finale at No. 6 singles. After a fierce battle, Rakhmatullayev emerged victorious, sealing a 7-6(7-5), 6-3 win and clinching the match for Michigan State.
With their triumph secured, Max Sheldon’s match at No. 2 singles remained unfinished, ending with a score of 6-2, 3-6, 4-1.
Looking Ahead: Big Ten Championships
The Spartans have their sights set on postseason play as they prepare for the 2025 Big Ten Championships, scheduled for April 25–28 in Columbus, Ohio. This victory against Michigan not only solidifies their competitive edge but also boosts their confidence heading into the tournament.
Match Recap: Michigan vs. Michigan State
Date: April 19, 2025
Location: East Lansing, Mich. (MSU Indoor Tennis Center)
Final Score: #27 Michigan State 4, #25 Michigan 2
Singles Competition Results:
- Will Cooksey (UM) def. Ozan Baris (MSU-M) 7-5, 7-5
- Max Sheldon (MSU-M) vs. Bjorn Swenson (UM) 6-2, 3-6, 4-1, unfinished
- Matthew Forbes (MSU-M) def. Patorn Hanchaikul (UM) 6-4, 6-2
- Nicholas Striglehner (UM) def. Vuk Radjenovic (MSU-M) 6-2, 6-2
- Mitchell Sheldon (MSU-M) def. Mert Oral (UM) 6-4, 6-2
- Danial Rakhmatullayev (MSU-M) def. Alex Cairo (UM) 7-6 (7-5), 6-3
Doubles Competition Results:
- Ozan Baris / Matthew Forbes (MSU-M) def. Will Cooksey / Patorn Hanchaikul (UM) 6-3
- Danial Rakhmatullayev / Vuk Radjenovic (MSU-M) vs. Bjorn Swenson / Mert Oral (UM) 5-5, unfinished
- Max Sheldon / Mitchell Sheldon (MSU-M) def. Alex Cairo / Nicholas Striglehner (UM) 6-2
With their recent victory, the Michigan State men’s tennis team has undeniably laid down an impressive marker for the postseason ahead. The energy, skill, and determination reflected during this rivalry match promise an exciting journey as they charge toward the championships. Fans and players alike are ready to rally behind the Spartans as they aim for glory!
