TUSCALOOSA, Ala. – The Alabama men’s tennis team (11-8, 3-7 SEC) secured a 4-3 victory over Kentucky (11-8, 4-5 SEC) on Saturday at the Alabama Tennis Stadium.

Damien Nezar, Andrii Zimnokh and Filip Planinsek highlighted the match, going undefeated in the victory over the Wildcats.

Alabama won the doubles point but dropped the first singles match for a 1-1 tie early in the competition. The Crimson Tide would rattle off three straight singles wins from Damien Nezar, Andrii Zimnokh and Filip Planinsek, respectively, to win the match.

Gallery: (3-22-2025) 03-22-25 MTN vs Kentucky

“A gritty win today and a full team effort. We’ve had several close matches that could tempt the mind to focus on what happened versus what can happen. It’s a choice we’re faced with each week in practice and ultimately in matches. I give a lot of credit to Filip and Roan (Jones) for leading the team. They’ve taken on the responsibility to push themselves and the team amidst all the chaos that could take over a locker room based on results.

“Damien and Andrii were impressive this weekend. They’ve been a strong team in doubles and keep improving in singles too. Getting healthy and being resilient have been their recipe for success. Filip handled today like a pro – down match points and yet remained cool as a cucumber. [He] Gathered himself and kept his foot on the gas pedal. His ace to win his match and clinch it for us was dynamite.

“Great crowd today and many thanks to the Crimson Racket Club for providing the tasty grilled burgers and hot dogs for the fans. Also, high fives to Christ Episcopal Church, Capstone Village, our camp and clinic kids as well as many others that were on hand to cheer us on. There is no place like home.”

Match Notes:

• Damien Nezar and Andrii Zimnokh captured the first doubles win of the day with a 6-2 victory on court one
• With the No. 3 matchup going to the Wildcats, Filip Planinsek and Matic Kriznik responded with a 7-6(5) win at the No. 2 spot to secure the doubles point
• Kentucky followed with the first singles point, but three back-to-back-to-back victories from Damien Nezar, Andrii Zimnokh and Filip Planinsek, respectively, clinched the match
• Nezar secured a 5-7, 6-2, 6-4 victory on court six, before Zimnokh defeated Charlelie Cosnet 7-5, 1-6, 6-4 on court four
• Planinsek captured the deciding point for the Tide on court one, downing No. 63 Antoine Ghibaudo 1-6, 7-6(6), 6-2

Next

• Alabama will host Oklahoma Saturday, March 29th
• The match is set to being at 1 p.m. CT

Results

Doubles

1. #83 Damien Nezar/Andrii Zimnokh (UA) def. #21 Eli Stephenson/Jack Loutit (KY) 6-2
2. #31 Filip Planinsek/Matic Kriznik (UA) def. Martin Breysach/Charlelie Cosnet (KY) 7-6 (7-5)
3. Antoine Ghibaudo/Jaden Weekes (KY) def. Enzo Aguiard/Zach Foster (UA) 6-2

Order of Finish 1,3,2

Singles

1. #18 Filip Planinsek (UA) def. #63 Antoine Ghibaudo (KY) 1-6, 7-6 (8-6), 6-2
2. #49 Jack Loutit (KY) def. #83 Roan Jones (UA) 6-1, 6-7 (3-7), 6-3
3. #74 Jaden Weekes (KY) def. Enzo Aguiard (UA) 6-4, 6-4
4. Andrii Zimnokh (UA) def. #121 Charlelie Cosnet (KY) 7-5, 1-6, 6-4
5. Matt Rankin (KY) def. Matic Kriznik (UA) 6-1, 6-7 (2-7), 6-4
6. Damien Nezar (UA) def. Martin Breysach 5-7, 6-2, 6-4

Order of Finish 3,6,4,1,2,5