EAST LANSING, Mich. – Freshman Marko Mesarovic picked up a three-set singles victory, but Clemson fell to the 16th ranked Michigan State Spartans 6-1 in East Lansing. The Tigers (2-3) are one of six teams to secure a point against the Spartans (9-0) this season.
“Credit to Michigan State for playing well and mature today when it mattered.” Head Coach Brandon Wagner said. “They have some great seasoned players and it showed today. We have another great opportunity on Sunday against another great team to respond and go for it with a full team effort.”
The Tigers began their battle early in doubles as the No. 33 ranked duo of Noa Vukadin and Max Smith were paired against the court one Spartan duo of Aristotelis Thanos and Taym Alazmeh. The Spartans were able to secure the doubles point from court three and two so the No. 33 duo left their match unfinished.
In singles, Clemson continued to fight as Michigan State currently has three players ranked within the top 100 in singles. On court one, Ryuhei Azuma faced No. 11 Ronald Hohmann who ultimately won the match 6-2, 6-4. On court two, freshman Wissam Abderrahman went up against No. 6 Ozan Baris and despite the fight from the newcomer, Baris took the victory 6-1, 6-4.
Impressing all and securing a point for Clemson was Mesarovic as he secured a super tiebreaker victory (6-3, 5-7, 1-0) against Michigan State’s David Saye. This marks the freshman’s third singles victory of the season and his first over an opponent from a ranked team.
The Spartans found victories on courts three, five and six as Michigan State came out on top and won the match, 6-1.
Up next, the Tigers will head to Evanston, Ill. to take on Northwestern on Sunday, Feb. 11. The match is slated for 12 p.m. For complete coverage of the Clemson men’s tennis team, follow @ClemsonMTennis on Twitter and Instagram
