Alabama
SEC Challenge
Alabama Records Strong Start on Opening Day of SEC Challenge
9/13/2024 5:18:00 PM | Men's Tennis
The Tide won three of four singles matches in addition to securing a victory in doubles play
TUSCALOOSA, Ala. –– The Alabama men's tennis team opened the 2024-25 season Friday with a strong start at the SEC Challenge. The Crimson Tide concluded the day with a doubles win in addition to securing the victory in three of four singles matches.
Roan Jones and Andrii Zimnokh went undefeated in their matchup against Mississippi State, downing Radomir Tomic and Michal Novansky in doubles before the UA duo each followed with a singles win against the Bulldog pair. Additionally, Damien Nezar recorded his first win in a UA uniform, topping his singles match against Florida's Bardley Paliska.
Players will compete in pairs throughout the tournament. Each pair will play a total of three matches each round - one doubles and two singles. The duo that wins two of the three matches will advance in the tournament's compass draw format.
Match Notes
- The duo of Jones and Zimnokh advanced to the semifinals after sweeping all three matches against Mississippi State's Radomir Tomic and Michal Novansky
- In doubles, Jones and Zimnokh battled to a 7-7 tie against the Bulldog pair before rallying to take a 7-4 victory in the tiebreaker
- Jones followed with a quick 6-1, 6-4 victory over Novansky in singles to secure UA the team victory
- Zimnokh would add a singles win to the duo's resume with a come-from-behind 3-6, 7-5, 6-3 decision over Tomic
- Transfers Carlos Gimenez Perez and Damien Nezar were edged in a tiebreaker during their opening doubles match against Florida's Henry Jefferson and Bradley Paliska, falling 8-7(6)
- Nezar responded by battling UF's Paliska to a 7-5, 2-6, 6-3 victory
- Gimenez Perez would fall to Florida's Henry Jefferson 6-0, 6-3 in singles
Next
- The Tide returns for day two of the SEC Challenge on Saturday with doubles matches beginning at 10 a.m. CT
Doubles Results
- Andrii Zimnokh/Roan Jones (UA) def. Radomir Tomic/Michal Novansky (MSU) 8-7(4)
- Henry Jefferson/Bradley Paliska (UF) def. Carlos Gimenez Perez/Damien Nezar (UA) 8-7(6)
Singles Results
- Roan Jones (UA) def. Michal Novansky (MSU) 6-1, 6-4
- #62 Andrii Zimnokh (UA) def. Radomir Tomic (MSU) 3-6, 7-5, 6-3
- Henry Jefferson (UF) def. Carlos Gimenez Perez (UA) 6-0, 6-3
- Damien Nezar (UA) def. Bardley Paliska (UF) 7-5, 2-6, 6-3
-UA-
Players Mentioned
