Lansing Sun

Michigan State men's tennis team faced a setback against Clemson on Sunday at the Duckworth Family Tennis Facility. The Spartans, ranked 16th nationally, were defeated by Clemson with a score of 5-2.

The match followed a narrow loss to Tennessee on Friday, leaving Michigan State eager for redemption. However, Clemson's victory extended their unbeaten run to 5-0 this season while the Spartans fell to a 4-3 record.

In doubles play, Michigan State's new pairings from Friday continued. Junior Ozan Baris and freshman Mitchell Sheldon played at No. 1 doubles but lost to Clemson's Noa Vukadin and Max Smith with a score of 6-4. Freshmen Matthew Forbes and Vuk Radjenovic pushed their opponents Roamin Gales and Wissam Abderrahman to a close contest but ultimately fell 7-6 (7-2). The third doubles match was unfinished with Taym Alazmeh and Danial Rakhmatullayev tied against Max Damm and Viktor Markov.

Singles matches saw senior Max Sheldon equalize the score for Michigan State by defeating Viktor Markov in straight sets, 6-2, 6-2. Matthew Forbes also secured a win for the Spartans at No. 3 singles over Abderrahman with scores of 6-4, 6-3.

However, Clemson regained control when Romain Gales defeated Radjenovic in two sets at No. 4 singles. Baris faced Vukadin in the top singles spot but lost in two tight sets, allowing Clemson to lead again.

Clemson clinched their victory as Marko Mesarovic won against Alazmeh at No. 5 singles with scores of 6-2, 6-2, followed by Smith defeating David Saye at No. 6 singles for the final team result.

Michigan State will continue their road trip next week traveling to Boise State on February 9th.