Middle Tennesee State University Athletics
MTSU Men's Tennis Gets Ready for a Big Weekend Against Two SEC Opponents
1/30/2025 9:10:00 AM | Men's Tennis
MURFREESBORO, Tenn. — The Middle Tennessee State men's tennis team looks to keep its momentum heading into a big weekend against two Southeastern Conference opponents on Friday and Sunday.
The Blue Raiders are coming off a victory last Sunday against Miami (Fla.) in the ITA Kickoff Weekend, defeating the Hurricanes 4-2. Conference USA Athlete of the Week Kacper Szymkowiak picked up his second win of the year, alongside strong performances from Igor Mandou Berranger, Ondrej Horak, and Jakub Kroslak. Keep an eye on these players as the Blue Raiders prepare to face Auburn and ITA-ranked No. 20 Alabama this weekend.
History vs. Auburn
This match up marks the eighth meeting between the Blue Raiders and Auburn. The Tigers lead the all-time series 5-2 and have won the past three meetings. The teams last faced off in February 2023 at the Blue-Grey National Tennis Classic, where Auburn defeated MTSU 4-0 in the second round.
Auburn enters the weekend with a 2-2 record and is on a two-match losing streak. The Tigers fell 4-2 to Illinois in their most recent match at the ITA Kickoff. Auburn secured the doubles point behind victories from Will Nolan and Billy Blaydes (6-1), Alex Frusina and Joey Phillips (6-3). In singles, Frusina was the lone Tiger to earn a win, taking his match in straight sets, 6-3, 6-4.
If the Blue Raiders can claim the doubles point, they will be in a good position for an overall victory against Auburn. The first serve is set for Friday at 5 p.m. CST at the Adams Tennis Complex.
Looking Ahead to Alabama
Following Friday's match, the Blue Raiders will travel to Tuscaloosa, Alabama, to face the Crimson Tide. This will be the third meeting between MTSU and Alabama, with their last match up being in the 2021 season. Alabama edged out MTSU 4-3 in a tightly contested battle and holds a two-match win streak over the Blue Raiders.
Alabama is ranked No. 20 nationally by the ITA and holds a 3-1 overall record. The Crimson Tide's only loss came in their last match against No. 5 Virginia. Alabama picked up just one singles point in that match, with top player Filip Planinsek winning 6-4, 6-2.
Alabama is a strong team, but if MTSU can capitalize in doubles and win key back-court match ups, the Blue Raiders have a solid chance to compete well.
The match is set to start at 1 p.m. CST in Tuscaloosa. Links to watch and view live stats are available above.
Follow the Blue Raiders
Follow Middle Tennessee Men's Tennis on social media on Facebook (BlueRaiderMensTennis), X (MT_MensTennis) and Instagram (mt_menstennis).
The Blue Raiders are coming off a victory last Sunday against Miami (Fla.) in the ITA Kickoff Weekend, defeating the Hurricanes 4-2. Conference USA Athlete of the Week Kacper Szymkowiak picked up his second win of the year, alongside strong performances from Igor Mandou Berranger, Ondrej Horak, and Jakub Kroslak. Keep an eye on these players as the Blue Raiders prepare to face Auburn and ITA-ranked No. 20 Alabama this weekend.
History vs. Auburn
This match up marks the eighth meeting between the Blue Raiders and Auburn. The Tigers lead the all-time series 5-2 and have won the past three meetings. The teams last faced off in February 2023 at the Blue-Grey National Tennis Classic, where Auburn defeated MTSU 4-0 in the second round.
Auburn enters the weekend with a 2-2 record and is on a two-match losing streak. The Tigers fell 4-2 to Illinois in their most recent match at the ITA Kickoff. Auburn secured the doubles point behind victories from Will Nolan and Billy Blaydes (6-1), Alex Frusina and Joey Phillips (6-3). In singles, Frusina was the lone Tiger to earn a win, taking his match in straight sets, 6-3, 6-4.
If the Blue Raiders can claim the doubles point, they will be in a good position for an overall victory against Auburn. The first serve is set for Friday at 5 p.m. CST at the Adams Tennis Complex.
Looking Ahead to Alabama
Following Friday's match, the Blue Raiders will travel to Tuscaloosa, Alabama, to face the Crimson Tide. This will be the third meeting between MTSU and Alabama, with their last match up being in the 2021 season. Alabama edged out MTSU 4-3 in a tightly contested battle and holds a two-match win streak over the Blue Raiders.
Alabama is ranked No. 20 nationally by the ITA and holds a 3-1 overall record. The Crimson Tide's only loss came in their last match against No. 5 Virginia. Alabama picked up just one singles point in that match, with top player Filip Planinsek winning 6-4, 6-2.
Alabama is a strong team, but if MTSU can capitalize in doubles and win key back-court match ups, the Blue Raiders have a solid chance to compete well.
The match is set to start at 1 p.m. CST in Tuscaloosa. Links to watch and view live stats are available above.
Follow the Blue Raiders
Follow Middle Tennessee Men's Tennis on social media on Facebook (BlueRaiderMensTennis), X (MT_MensTennis) and Instagram (mt_menstennis).
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