Even with a rain delay moving the matches indoors, Kentucky men’s tennis (14-9, 4-6 SEC) still performed its best on the road, upsetting No. 17 Vanderbilt (14-8, 4-6 SEC) 4-1. 

Momentum from Kentucky’s previous game, when it defeated Austin Peay 4-0 was definitely a beneficial factor in winning both games during its Nashville trip.

While the game was delayed, the pace of doubles heavily favored the Wildcats as they took two out of three matches and continued their consistent playmaking into the singles matches. 

Duos Jaden Weekes and Martin Breysach went 19-24 (79%) on first serve percentage, which was one of the main difference makers during their match, taking down Danil Panarin and Pablo Martinez Gomez 6-3.

Nicholas Arseneault and Matthew Rankin were also forceful in their match, winning 6-4 against Vanderbilt’s Jack Satterfield and Hugo Coquelin. Unlike Weekes and Breysach’s match, Arseneault and Rankin struggled heavily during the first serve, which had them playing behind until they found their rhythm.

Satterfield and Coquelin excelled getting the early points during the set but their return percentage ultimately cost them a crucial point overall. The Commodores in this match were 2-8 (25%) during second serve points. A great start could not lead to a solid finish as the Wildcats would carry its confidence in the singles.

A huge takeaway from the Cats performance during the singles matches is that out of the six singles games, the Wildcats won three, but also led a couple more courts before clinching the win. 

Vanderbilt stole a match to get themselves on the board as Panarin downed Weekes 2-1 with scores of  3-6, 6-2, and 6-2.

Mikael Arseneault swept Satterfield 2-0 with scores of 6-2, 7-5 continuing to reinforce the depth of both Arsenault players for the Wildcats.