Michigan State men's tennis has made a significant mark in the Intercollegiate Tennis Association (ITA) Division I rankings. With four singles players and four doubles pairs achieving top positions, the team is in a strong position as they head into the new year.

Michigan State Tennis Shines with Impressive Rankings

Junior Ozan Baris: A National Runner-Up

Junior Ozan Baris recently finished as the National Runner-Up at the NCAA Individual Championships on November 24. His hard work and skill have earned him a well-deserved ranking of No. 8. In the fall action, he had an outstanding singles record of 13-4, including an impressive 11-match win streak. In doubles, he had a 4-3 overall record, showing his versatility on the court.In addition to his individual achievements, Baris also formed successful doubles partnerships. He went 2-1 with freshman Matthew Forbes and 2-2 when teaming up with sophomore Aristotelis Thanos. His contributions to the team have been crucial in their pursuit of success.

Sophomore Aristotelis Thanos: A Rising Star

Sophomore Aristotelis Thanos advanced to the Round of 32 at the NCAA Individual Championships and is ranked No. 27. He had an 8-5 singles record in the fall, demonstrating his ability to compete at a high level. Thanos' performance in doubles was also notable, as he teamed up with Baris to form a No. 94 ranked pair.His progress throughout the fall season has been a source of pride for the team and has set the stage for an exciting spring.

Freshman Matthew Forbes: A Promising Talent

Freshman Matthew Forbes is ranked No. 40 and showed great promise in the fall. He had an 8-7 singles record and was part of several successful doubles teams. Forbes went 2-1 with Baris and also teamed up with senior Max Sheldon. His ability to adapt and perform at a high level has already made him a key player for the team.

Senior Max Sheldon: A Seasoned Veteran

Senior Max Sheldon is ranked No. 83 and had an 8-5 singles record in the fall. He also formed a doubles team with Forbes and logged a 5-3 record. Sheldon's experience and leadership have been valuable assets to the team, and his performance in the rankings reflects his consistent play.

Freshman Danial Rakhmatullayev and Sophomore Taym Alazmeh: A Dynamic Duo

Freshman Danial Rakhmatullayev and sophomore Taym Alazmeh went 9-3 in the fall and are ranked No. 66 in doubles. Their strong performance together has added to the team's depth and potential.The ITA rankings consist of the Top 125 singles rankings and the Top 125 doubles rankings. These rankings will remain the final singles and doubles rankings until February 5, while the first Division I Team Ranking will be released on January 6.Michigan State opens the spring season on January 17 at the MSU Tennis Center against Kentucky, looking to build on their strong fall performance and continue their success in the new year.