Alabama
SEC Challenge
Alabama Duo Reaches Finals at SEC Challenge, Wins Five of Six Matches on Day Two
9/14/2024 6:57:00 PM | Men's Tennis
Roan Jones and Andrii Zimnokh will compete in the finals of the Crimson Draw Sunday
TUSCALOOSA, Ala. –– The Alabama men's tennis duo of Roan Jones and Andrii Zimnokh earned a spot in the finals of Crimson Draw after sweeping Vanderbilt in the second round of the SEC Challenge on Saturday.
Jones and Zimnokh downed the Commodores in doubles play before both UA players posted a win in their singles match. Additionally, Damien Nezar won his singles and doubles match alongside partner Carlos Gimenez Perez as the pair faced Auburn in the White Draw's consolation semifinals.
Players 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
- UA went undefeated in doubles as both pairings captured wins, while the Tide secured victories in three of four singles matches
- Nezar and Gimenez Perez topped Jake Kennedy and Will Nolan from Auburn with an 8-5 decision
- Jones and Zimnokh posted an 8-4 victory over Vandy's No. 86-ranked Hugo Coquelin and Henry Ruger to remain undefeated in the tournament in paired play
- Jones and Zimnokh would go on to sweep the Commodores in singles as Zimnokh, ranked No. 62, cruised to a 6-2, 6-1 win over Henry Ruger
- After falling in the opening set, 6-3, Jones rallied to take the next two sets to win a dominant 6-0, 6-4 decision
- Nezar dropped just four games in his victory over Auburn's Kennedy, remaining undefeated in singles action to start his Alabama career
- Gimenez Perez would battle through a three-set heartbreak against Nolan (AU), falling 1-6, 6-0, 6-3
Next
- The Tide returns for the final day of action at the SEC Challenge on Sunday
- Doubles matches will begin at 9 a.m. CT
- Jones and Zimnokh will face Florida's Magnus Johnson and Kevin Edengren in the Crimson Draw finals
- Gemenez and Perez play Vanderbilt's Dylan Charlap and Callum Markowitz for fifth place in the White Draw
Doubles Results
- Carlos Gimenez Perez/Damien Nezar (UA) def. Will Nolan/Jake Kennedy (AU) 8-5
- Roan Jones/Andrii Zimnokh (UA) def. #86 Henry Ruger/Hugo Coquelin (VU) 8-4
Singles Results
- Roan Jones (UA) def. Hugo Coquelin (VU) 3-6, 6-0, 6-4
- #62 Andrii Zimnokh (UA) def. Henry Ruger (VU) 6-2, 6-1
- Will Nolan (AU) def. Carlos Gimenez Perez (UA) 1-6, 6-0, 6-3
- Damien Nezar (UA) def. Jake Kennedy (AU) 6-4, 6-0
-UA-
Players Mentioned
