Auburn Women’s Tennis Faces First True Road Test at Michigan
ANN ARBOR, Mich. - After cruising to a 10-0 start, No. 4 Auburn women’s tennis is about to find out just how road-ready it really is.
The Tigers head north to face No. 13 Michigan on Monday evening in what will be their first true away match of the season - and it’s no small challenge.
While Auburn technically logged a road win over No. 8 Oklahoma State on Friday, that came via default.
Monday’s clash in Ann Arbor? That’s a different animal.
The Varsity Tennis Center is one of the more intense environments in college tennis, and Michigan isn’t just any opponent - they’re a perennial powerhouse that made the Final Four last season.
“Michigan is a great team and made the Final Four last season,” Auburn head coach Jordan Szabo said. “I’ve never been to Ann Arbor before, but I know it’s going to be a tough environment to play a tennis match. These are the types of matches we need to win if we want to do something big this year.”
Auburn’s Momentum Meets a Major Test
The Tigers have been nothing short of dominant so far this season. They’ve swept through their schedule with a perfect 10-0 record, and they’ve done it with depth, consistency, and a doubles lineup that’s been automatic.
Ekaterina Khairutdinova and DJ Bennett have anchored the top two singles spots, combining for a 9-1 record in dual matches. Khairutdinova is undefeated at 5-0, while Bennett is right behind at 4-1 - both proving to be tone-setters at the top of the lineup.
In doubles, Auburn has been lights out. They’ve secured the doubles point in every match this season, and the pairing of Angella Okutoyi and Merna Refaat is a big reason why. The duo is 6-0 and has given Auburn an early edge time and again.
This match also carries added weight as it’s the final tune-up before the ITA National Team Indoor Championship, which begins Feb. 6 in Evanston, Illinois. A win in Ann Arbor would not only keep Auburn undefeated but also send a strong message heading into one of the season’s premier events.
Michigan: Better Than Their Record Shows
At first glance, Michigan’s 1-2 record might raise some eyebrows. But a closer look reveals a team that’s still every bit as dangerous as last year’s Final Four squad.
Both losses came during ITA Kickoff Weekend against ranked opponents - No. 19 Vanderbilt and No.
15 Virginia - and this is a team that thrives as the season progresses.
Last spring, Michigan went 27-5 overall and swept through Big Ten play with a perfect 13-0 mark. Their NCAA Tournament run included wins over Youngstown State, Arizona State, No.
14 Texas, and No. 20 Oklahoma State, before falling to No.
2 Texas A&M in the national semifinals.
This year’s Wolverines are loaded with talent and experience. They’ve got four singles players ranked in the ITA, including No.
3 Piper Charney, who is as tough as they come at the top of the lineup. Add in three ranked doubles teams, and it’s clear Michigan has the firepower to test any opponent.
The Matchup: Strength vs. Strength
This one’s shaping up to be a high-level battle, with strength on both sides of the net. Auburn’s consistency in doubles has been a major weapon, but Michigan’s depth and top-end talent could push the Tigers in ways they haven’t been pushed yet this season.
Auburn holds a 2-1 edge in the all-time series, including a 4-0 sweep the last time these teams met back in 2018. But that was then. This is now - and this Michigan team, on its home court, is a different kind of challenge.
Rankings Snapshot
Singles (Auburn):
- Ashton Bowers - No.
27
- Ava Esposito - No.
28
- Alice Battesti - No.
90
- Natalie Outcalt - No.
119
Doubles (Auburn):
- Ashton Bowers / DJ Bennett - No. 55
What’s at Stake
For Auburn, it’s a chance to validate their hot start against a proven opponent in a hostile setting. For Michigan, it’s an opportunity to get back on track and remind everyone why they were a Final Four team a year ago.
Either way, expect a high-stakes, high-quality match between two of the nation’s top programs - and a potential preview of what’s to come at the ITA National Team Indoors.