Salazar Advances To Regional Final

Updated Draws

STILLWATER, Okla. – On a day that featured four ranked matchups for the Razorbacks, Jose Salazar won both of his singles matches, in the quarterfinals and semifinals, to advance to Monday’s final at the ITA Central Regional Championship.

Salazar, the No. 45 player in the nation, began the day with a 6-2, 7-5 win over Oklahoma’s Florin Bragusi, before completing his run to the final with a 6-4, 6-3 win over Oklahoma State’s Julian Cash, the No. 29 player in the nation.

“The guys played well today in both the quarterfinals and semifinals,” head coach Andy Jackson said. “It’s great to have Jose in the final tomorrow. He beat two high-quality players today. He is excited about the challenge tomorrow.”

Mike Redlicki, the No. 11 player in the nation, joined Salazar in the semifinals as he defeated Oklahoma State’s Jurence Mendoza, the No. 97 player in the nation, 6-2, 1-6, 6-4. His run, however, came to an end in the semifinals, falling in three sets to Minnesota’s Matic Spec, 5-7, 7-6, 7-5.

In the final match of the day, Salazar and Redlicki faced Oklahoma State’s Julian Cash and Arjun Kadhe, the nation’s top-ranked doubles team. Their run also came to an end, falling in straight sets, 6-2, 6-2.

Salazar will face Spec in tomorrow’s final at 10 a.m. CT. The winner of the match will gain automatic entry into the USTA/ITA National Indoor Championships in November.

A live stream will be available at okstate.com/watchtennis and results from all matches will be posted on okstate.com throughout the day.

ITA Central Regional Championship:

Sunday Results:

Singles:

  • (Quarterfinals) Jose Salazar def. Florin Bragusi (Oklahoma), 6-2, 7-5
  • (Quarterfinals) Mike Redlicki def. Jurence Mendoza (Oklahoma State), 6-2, 1-6, 6-4
  • (Semifinals) Jose Salazar def. Julian Cash (Oklahoma State), 6-4, 6-3
  • (Semifinals) Matic Spec (Minnesota) def. Mike Redlicki, 5-7, 7-6, 7-5

Doubles:

  • (Semifinals) Julian Cash/Arjun Kadhe (Oklahoma State) def. Mike Redlicki/Jose Salazar, 6-2, 6-2

Monday Schedule:

Singles:

  • (Finals) Jose Salazar vs. Matic Spec (Minnesota) at 10 a.m.

For more information on Arkansas men’s tennis, follow @RazorbackMTEN on Twitter.