Razorbacks Sweep Incarnate Word in Home Opener

FAYETTEVILLE, Ark. – The Arkansas men’s tennis team (3-0) opened its 2025 home slate with an impressive 7-0 victory over Incarnate Word (0-1) Friday evening at Billingsley Tennis Center.

The Razorbacks grabbed an early lead with a doubles sweep to take the 1-0 advantage. Connor Smillie and Jakub Vrba teamed up for their second win this spring after a dominant 6-1 victory over R. Candelas/Miralles at the No. 2 position. Brendan Boland and Lukas Palovic claimed a 6-2 win against Chauvel/Richmagui on court three to secure the doubles point for the Hogs. Božo Barun and Marino Jakic’s match in the top spot went unfinished with the score tied 3-3.

Arthur Bellegy started out strong again in singles play, cruising to a 6-1, 6-0 victory over Cuellar at the No. 6 position to obtain the first singles point. No. 85 Vrba quickly followed with a 6-1, 6-1 victory against Miralles on court four, while Barun clinched the match for Arkansas after a 6-2, 6-3 win over Vila in the top spot.

Jakic picked up another point for the Razorbacks, earning a 6-2, 6-2 victory against R. Candelas at the No. 3 position as the remaining courts were played out. Benni Emesz posted a 6-4, 6-1 win over Chauvel on court six and Palovic completed the sweep with a 7-5, 6-2 victory against Hernandez at the No. 6 position to attain the final point.

The Hogs return to Billingsley Tennis Center for a doubleheader on Sunday, January 19 against Tulsa at 12 p.m. and Oral Roberts at 5 p.m.