COLUMBIA, S.C. – The Alabama men’s tennis team (15-12, 4-10 SEC) fell 4-3 to No. 14 Tennessee (19-7, 9-5 SEC) in the second round of the Southeastern Conference Tournament on Thursday.

Damien Nezar and Andrii Zimnokh highlighted the match with a win over the Volunteers’ No. 11-nationally ranked doubles team of Alex Kotzen and Alejandro Moreno. Additionally, Roan Jones and Matic Kriznik recorded a doubles win, while both Nezar and Kriznik secured singles victories in the match.

“Good effort today from the team. Our cards were dealt an unexpected hand with Filip (Planinsek) out the last two days. The guys did their best to stay in the game and had some gritty performances in both matches, yesterday and today. We will be well prepared for the postseason given the numerous down-to-the-wire matches we’ve had as well as some much needed days to rest and recover. Excited for NCAAs, our preparation and to watch this group respond once again.”

Match Notes

• Damien Nezar and Andrii Zimnokh downed the No. 11 doubles team in the country, Alex Kotzen and Alejandro Moreno, with a 6-4 decision
• Tennessee captured a win on court two but Roan Jones and Matic Kriznik would rally for the Tide and secure the opening point with a 6-4 victory on court three
• Tennessee recorded the first singles point with a win on court six
• Matic Kriznik followed with a 6-0, 3-6, 6-1 victory on court four to move UA out to a 2-1 advantage
• The Volunteers responded, however, with wins on courts two and one, respectively
• With a three-set battle, Nezar recorded a 6-2, 3-6, 6-1 score to even the match at 3-3
• Enzo Aguiard would win his first set on court three but fell 3-6, 7-5, 6-2 in the match
• Four of the Tide’s last five matches have resulted in a 4-3 result as 12 total competitions have seen the score 

Next

• Alabama will await seeding for the NCAA Tournament
• The Selection Show will stream on NCAA.com on Monday, April 28 at 4:30 p.m. CT  

Results

Doubles

1. #22 Damien Nezar/Andrii Zimnokh (UA) def. #11 Alex Kotzen/Alejandro Moreno (TENN) 6-4
2. Shunsuke Mitsui/Alan Jesudason (TENN) def. Zach Foster/Enzo Aguiard (UA) 6-4
3. Roan Jones/Matic Kriznik (UA) def. James Newton/Lance Nisbet (TENN) 6-4

Order of Finish 1,2,3

Singles

1. #31 Alex Kotzen (TENN) def. #79 Roan Jones (UA) 7-5, 7-6 (7-1)
2. #27 Shunsuke Mitsui (TENN) def. Andrii Zimnokh (UA) 6-3, 1-6, 6-2
3. Alejandro Moreno (TENN) def. Enzo Aguiard (UA) 3-6, 7-5, 6-2
4. Matic Kriznik (UA) def. Jose Garcia (TENN) 6-0, 3-6, 6-1
5. Damien Nezar (UA) def. Jan Kobierski (TENN) 6-2, 3-6, 6-4
6. Ian Cruz (TENN) def. Carlos Gimenez Perez (UA) 6-4, 6-4

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