Kentucky's men's tennis team (2-0, 0-0 SEC) is gearing up for its first ranked challenge of the season against No. 20 Michigan State (0-0, 0-0 B1G) on January 18. The match takes place at the Hilary J. Boone Tennis Complex at 1 p.m. ET, with free admission and pizza for fans. After sweeping Dayton in their opening doubleheader, the Wildcats have continued their home dominance, boasting a 29-match winning streak at home. Eli Stephenson and Jack Loutit are key players heading into this competition, showcasing impressive rankings and performances. Michigan State enters the match with four ranked singles competitors and two ranked doubles pairs.

By the Numbers
  • Kentucky has not lost a home match in 29 outings, with a 73-5 record in Lexington since 2021.
  • Stephenson holds an ITA Singles Ranking debut at No. 19, while Loutit is ranked No. 26.
  • Michigan State features four ranked singles players, including No. 3 Matthew Forbes and No. 14 Ozan Baris.
  • Kentucky will face 11 top 25 teams or teams receiving votes this season.
Yes, But

While Kentucky has a strong home record and notable individual rankings, facing a well-seasoned Michigan State squad presents a potential test against depth in both singles and doubles competitions.

State of Play
  • Kentucky is coming off two decisive wins against Dayton.
  • Michigan State is entering the season after a second-round NCAA Tournament appearance in 2025.
What's Next

After the matchup against Michigan State, Kentucky heads to New York for the ITA Kickoff Weekend, opening against Florida on January 23, followed by a possible match with either Columbia or Illinois.

Bottom Line

As Kentucky competes against Michigan State, this early showdown could set the tone for the remainder of the season, testing their preparation against ranked opponents and aiming for continued success at home.