On the last day of ITA Kickoff Weekend, Michigan upsets Tennessee.

The final day of the ITA Kickoff Weekend, often a stage for intense matchups, lived up to its promise with a stunning upset as Michigan defeated Tennessee in a match that would be talked about for weeks to come. The energy was palpable, the atmosphere electric, as the teams faced off on the last day of the event, setting the stage for what would be an unforgettable victory for Michigan.

Setting the Stage: ITA Kickoff Weekend

The ITA Kickoff Weekend is one of the most highly anticipated events in collegiate tennis, bringing together some of the best teams from across the country to battle it out for a spot in the ITA National Indoor Championships. Traditionally held at various campuses across the country, the weekend features some of the most talented players from both the men’s and women’s circuits. For both the athletes and fans, it’s an early opportunity to witness elite-level competition that often foreshadows the rest of the season. For the 2025 ITA Kickoff Weekend, the field was stacked with top-tier teams, but none had captured as much attention as the showdown between Michigan and Tennessee.

Michigan, coming off a strong fall season, was eager to prove that they were a team to be reckoned with. Despite not being considered one of the favorites to win the tournament, their mix of experienced upperclassmen and talented newcomers was starting to come together. Tennessee, on the other hand, had been in fine form leading up to the Kickoff Weekend. With a history of success and a lineup full of formidable players, the Volunteers were widely considered the stronger side. Yet, as the match approached, there was a sense that Michigan had a point to prove—and they were ready to do so on the grand stage.

The Early Stages: Tension Builds

From the moment the first ball was struck, it was clear that this would be no ordinary contest. Michigan, led by head coach Adam Steinberg, came out aggressive, playing with confidence and resilience. The Wolverines weren’t intimidated by the Volunteers’ reputation, and their early strategy focused on establishing a solid foundation in doubles play, which has often been a key to victory in collegiate tennis.

Tennessee, coached by the experienced Chris Woodruff, was known for their all-around depth and physicality. Their doubles teams, in particular, were well-coordinated and skilled at dictating the tempo of the match. It was expected that Tennessee would dominate the opening doubles point, but Michigan had other plans. As the doubles teams took to the courts, the atmosphere grew even more intense. Each point seemed to carry a heavy weight, with both sides battling fiercely for control.

Doubles Drama: A Surprising Turn

In a twist that would set the tone for the rest of the match, Michigan pulled off a stunning upset in the doubles. Their duo of senior Andrew Fenty and sophomore Gavin Young showed exceptional poise and chemistry. Against Tennessee’s highly ranked pair, Fenty and Young’s aggressive net play and precise groundstrokes kept their opponents off balance. Michigan’s other doubles team, sophomore Patrick Maloney and freshman Noah Kiefer, also held their own, forcing Tennessee’s players into mistakes.

Despite Tennessee’s efforts to turn things around, Michigan managed to claim the doubles point in dramatic fashion. The win was a huge boost for the Wolverines, providing them with early momentum and confidence. It was clear that Michigan wasn’t just here to play—they were here to win.

Singles Play: Michigan’s Resilience

With the doubles point secured, the focus shifted to singles, and Michigan’s belief in their own ability only grew. The singles matchups were a study in contrasts: Tennessee’s heavy-hitters, with their athleticism and power, versus Michigan’s technical precision and resilience under pressure. The matchups on the singles courts were filled with anticipation, as each game felt like a battle of wills.

At the top of the lineup, Michigan’s Fenty faced Tennessee’s top player, senior Adam Walton. Walton had been in scintillating form all weekend, and he was expected to continue his dominant play. But Fenty, fresh off his doubles victory, was riding high. In a thrilling encounter, Fenty’s poise and ability to execute under pressure were on full display. Walton, known for his explosive game, found himself increasingly frustrated as Fenty consistently found answers to every challenge.

The match between Fenty and Walton was a microcosm of the day’s overall narrative. Walton, unable to dictate the tempo in the same way he had done earlier in the weekend, saw his errors mount. Fenty’s relentless consistency and ability to neutralize Walton’s power game were key, and Michigan found themselves one point away from an upset as Fenty sealed the deal in straight sets, 6-4, 6-3.

As Fenty’s victory was announced, the Michigan bench erupted in celebration, knowing that they were on the verge of something historic.

Momentum Shifts: Tennessee Strikes Back

The momentum shifted again, however, as Tennessee’s depth began to show through. Michigan’s second singles player, Kiefer, was up against Tennessee’s highly ranked freshman, Luca Wiedenmann. Wiedenmann, in just his first season, had already shown flashes of brilliance, and Michigan’s young Kiefer faced an uphill battle. Though Kiefer fought valiantly, Wiedenmann’s powerful serve and aggressive baseline play overwhelmed him in a 6-2, 6-4 victory for the Volunteers, pulling Tennessee level at 1-1.

As the other singles matches progressed, Michigan’s resolve was tested. Tennessee’s players, though rattled, were not going to go down easily. They pushed forward with the intensity that had earned them their high ranking. In several of the other matches, Michigan found themselves struggling to keep pace with the relentless power and athleticism of their opponents.

However, Michigan’s senior leadership began to shine as the match wore on. In a pivotal clash at the No. 3 spot, Michigan’s senior Harrison Brown took on Tennessee’s versatile player, Johannus Monday. Brown had been a steady presence throughout his college career, and his experience came to the forefront in a gripping three-set match. Brown dug deep, using his variety of shots to frustrate Monday. After an arduous three-set battle, Brown emerged victorious, securing a critical point for Michigan. His 7-5, 3-6, 6-4 win gave Michigan a 2-1 lead and brought the Wolverines to within one point of victory.

The Climax: Michigan Holds Firm

With the score at 2-1 in favor of Michigan, the tension was palpable. Tennessee, now on the backfoot, needed to win two more points to complete their comeback, but Michigan had the momentum, and their players were rising to the occasion.

The remaining singles matches were fraught with drama, but Michigan’s belief in their collective ability to upset the Volunteers never wavered. Each game felt like a microcosm of the larger story of the match: Tennessee’s depth against Michigan’s heart.

On court four, Michigan’s Young faced off against Tennessee’s senior Trey Hilderbrand. The match was tight throughout, with both players showing remarkable resilience. In the end, Young’s nerves of steel proved to be the difference. Despite facing mounting pressure from Tennessee’s fans, Young managed to break serve at a crucial point, taking the match 6-4, 7-5, and securing the final, deciding point for Michigan.

The Michigan bench exploded in celebration as the reality of the upset sank in. The Wolverines had done the unthinkable—they had defeated Tennessee in what many had predicted would be a one-sided affair. The upset was a testament to Michigan’s preparation, resolve, and ability to execute when it mattered most. They had proved that they were not just a team of potential, but one that could rise to the occasion and make history.