Azuma Picks Up Ranked Win as Louisville Outlasts Tigers

Box Score

Clemson, S.C. — Ryuhei Azuma improves to 2-0 over ranked opponents, defeating No. 56 Sergio Hernandez Ramierez for the highest ranked win of this season. However, Clemson (7-12, 1-9 ACC) dropped a 4-2 decision to Louisville (9-8, 3-5 ACC) on Friday night. Prior to the start of the match, lighting in the area caused the contest to be delayed.

In doubles, Carlos Kelaidis and Jorge Plans Gonzalez won, 6-4, on Court 3. After a nearly simultaneous loss at line one, the doubles point came down to No. 2 where Yizhou Liu and Teodor Giusca were unable to handle the Cardinal comeback, losing 6-7 (4-7).

The Tigers trailed 2-0 after a loss at No. 2 singles before Giusca handled business on Court 4 with a 7-5, 6-1 victory. At line four Azuma held on to win his match, 6-1, 2-6, 6-3, evening the score at two-all. Despite the effort, losses at No. 6 and No. 5 sealed the Tiger fate and the victory for Louisville. At line one, Yizhou Liu battled back from a first set loss to tie his match at 3-6, 6-4, 5-5 before the match was abandoned.

Of Note: 

• Ryuhei Azuma earns his highest ranked win of the season and improves to 2-0 over ranked opponents
• Jorge Plans Gonzalez and Carlos Kelaidis improve to 2-2 at No. 3 doubles
• Azuma and Teodor Giusca snap two and three match losing streaks, respectively
• The Tigers fall to 3-8 all-time against Louisville

Up Next:

The Tigers return to action on Sunday when they face No. 42 Notre Dame at noon at The Duckworth Family Tennis Facility. At the match, seniors Carlos Kelaidis, Yizhou Liu and Jaxon Wiley will be honored for Senior Day. The ceremony will be held 10 minutes prior to first serve at 11:50 a.m.