Arkansas Comes Up Short Against No. 25 Memphis, 4-3

FAYETTEVILLE, Ark. – The Arkansas men’s tennis team (4-2) fell shy of an upset over No. 25 Memphis (6-1), dropping the match 4-3 on Sunday at Billingsley Tennis Center.

In doubles play, the Tigers took the early advantage with a win on court two, as Kudernatsch/Rock defeated Planelles Ripoll/Sau Franco, 6-4. The Razorbacks responded with Connor Smillie/Jake Sweeney earning a 6-4 victory of their own on court three. The win for Smillie/Sweeney marked their third consecutive doubles victory this season. The doubles point came down to court one as Memphis’ Alemany/Barry clinched the point with a narrow 7-6 (3) win.

The Hogs struck first in singles play with Stefanos Savva defeating Dubouch, 6-4, 6-3, on court four while Melvin Manuel claimed his second ranked win of the season, taking down No. 80 Fanlo in straight sets at the No. 3 position. The Tigers answered with a victory on court five to tie the match, as Zabala defeated Emesz, 6-4, 6-3.

Arkansas regained the lead following a 7-6 (2), 7-6 (2) win from No. 117 Planelles Ripoll in the top spot over Alemany. Memphis evened the score again after a victory on court six, as Kudernatsch bested Kajin, 7-5, 7-6 (5). The match came down to court two, where Božo Barun faced off against Harry Rock. Rock took the first set 6-3 while Barun fought back to win the second set 7-6 (5), forcing a winner-take-all third set. In the final set, Rock came back late en route to a 7-6 (5) victory, securing the match for the Tigers.

The Razorbacks continue their season in Lincoln, Neb., as they travel to face Nebraska on Saturday, February 10.