KNOXVILLE, Tenn. — The 26th-ranked LSU men’s tennis team faces its fourth top-20 opponent in seven days on Sunday when it heads to 10th-ranked Tennessee for a noon match at the Tennessee Varsity Tennis Courts.
The Tigers (9-5, 2-3 SEC) hope to capture a weekend split against the Volunteers (14-2, 3-2 SEC) after falling to the defending national champion and third-ranked Georgia Bulldogs at home on Friday, 4-2.
Tennessee is coming off a dominating 7-0 sweep against 33rd-ranked Arkansas on Friday. The Volunteers dropped a tough match at the No.18 Florida Gators on Tuesday, 4-3. Tennessee’s only other loss this season was also a 4-3 decision against fourth-ranked Ole Miss on Feb. 29.
The series between these two conference foes has become a heated rivalry over the last few years as their regular season match has ended in a 4-3 score the past five years. The Tigers have won four of those matches with team captain Kevin Dessauer clinching the past two.
The last time these two teams met was in the 2007 Southeastern Conference Tournament Quarterfinals where former Tiger and current student assistant coach Danny Bryan clinched the 4-2 victory for LSU.
LSU leads the all-time series against Tennessee with a 30-21-1 record.
“We are looking to continue our strong play in doubles which will be very important on the road,” LSU head coach Jeff Brown said. “Tennessee is playing very well and it will take a great effort to compete at their level.”
The Tigers and Volunteers have been strong in doubles this season.
LSU has won the doubles point in 10 of its 14 matches this season. The Tigers notched wins against the 30th and 31st nationally ranked doubles pairs from Georgia to clinch the doubles point.
LSU’s tandem of juniors James Cluskey and Michael Venus has won six straight matches. The Tiger pair owns a 10-2 record and three wins against ranked opponents this season.
The Volunteers have won the doubles point in 13 of their 15 matches including a sweep against Arkansas on Friday. Tennessee’s top doubles duo of senior Kaden Hensel and freshman J.P. Smith are listed in the rankings at No. 17.
LSU represents two singles players in the national rankings with Michael Venus (No. 74) and Jan Zelezny (No. 92).
LSU’s most consistent player in dual play has been team captain Dessauer who has compiled an outstanding 11-1 record this season. The New Orleans native is a perfect 4-0 in conference play.
There are three Volunteers listed in the singles rankings. Smith leads the way for Tennessee at No. 17. Hensel and freshman Boris Conkic are listed at No. 117 and No. 118, respectfully.