Michigan State Athletics: A Thrilling Final Showdown on the Court
EAST LANSING, Mich. – As spring breezes in, the excitement is palpable for the No. 27 Michigan State men’s tennis team as they gear up for their final home match of the season. This Saturday, April 19, the Spartans will host in-state rivals No. 25 Michigan at the MSU Indoor Tennis Center, with action set to kick off at Noon.
A Celebration of Spirit: Senior Day Festivities
Fans are encouraged to arrive early to secure parking – avoid the rush and consider checking out updates on @MSU_MTennis on X/Twitter for real-time information. Saturday doubles as an extra-special occasion—a celebration of the team’s remarkable seniors! Max Sheldon and Josh Portnoy, who have both left indelible marks on the Spartans’ tennis program over their illustrious careers, will be honored in a ceremony between doubles and singles matches.
The Rivalry Renewed: Spartans vs. Wolverines
This match marks the 29th showdown between Michigan State and Michigan, a fierce rivalry historically dominated by the Wolverines, who hold a significant 28-1 series advantage. Can the Spartans defy the odds and make history on this action-packed day?
Rising Through the Ranks: A Glimpse at the Rankings
In a display of skill and tenacity, the Spartans have ascended one spot in the latest Intercollegiate Tennis Association (ITA) rankings, landing at No. 27. The squad boasts four players in the ITA singles rankings, highlighted by standout junior Ozan Baris, who now sits at No. 12. Following closely is redshirt-sophomore Aristotelis Thanos, who broke into the prestigious top 50 at No. 38. Freshman Matthew Forbes has secured his place at No. 92, while senior Max Sheldon rounds out the group at No. 107.
Last Time Out: Spartans on the Road
In their last outing, the Spartans faced a challenging contest, taking on No. 32 UCLA. The match ended with a 4-1 defeat on April 13, diminishing MSU’s record to 14-8 overall and 9-3 in Big Ten play. Despite the loss, the Spartans showcased resilience, securing the doubles point with wins at No. 3 by Sheldon and freshman Mitchell Sheldon, and at No. 1 by Baris and Forbes. Unfortunately, the singles play did not favor MSU, as UCLA swiftly secured four straight wins to clinch the overall victory.
Scouting the Enemy: Michigan’s Season Performance
Turning the spotlight to the Wolverines, the Michigan men’s tennis team is currently navigating through a competitive 2024–25 season, boasting an 8–7 overall record with a 2–1 mark in Big Ten play. The Wolverines have found success at home with a 5–1 record, yet they’ve struggled on the road with a 2–4 record. Most recently, they faced a setback against Wisconsin on March 16.
In the ITA team rankings, Michigan clambered up five spots to No. 25, with three players making their mark in the singles rankings: Benjamin Kittay at No. 87, Gavin Young at No. 109, and Patorn Hanchaikul at No. 117. Notably, Young and Kittay form a formidable tandem, currently ranked as the nation’s No. 5 doubles pair.
What Lies Ahead: Postseason Ambitions
Following this electrifying clash against Michigan, the Green and White will set their sights on the postseason and march into action at the Big Ten Championships in Columbus, Ohio. Scheduled from April 25–28, this tournament promises to be a thrilling conclusion to the season.
Join the Spartan Community!
Whether you are a die-hard tennis fan or a casual observer, this Saturday’s match is an event not to be missed! Experience the electrifying atmosphere, support our seniors, and cheer for the Spartans as they strive to make history against their bitter rivals. Don’t miss out—mark your calendars and be part of this unforgettable sports celebration!
