Trying to use the momentum from Saturday’s 6-1 victory over Wisconsin, the Michigan men’s tennis team looked to beat Minnesota in a similar fashion.

But the fate wasn’t similar, as Michigan lost to Minnesota, 4-3, following sophomore Michael Zhu’s three-set loss.

Things didn’t start out as planned for the Wolverines. Just when the doubles lineup appeared steady, Michigan faltered on the doubles point. Michigan coach Bruce Berque was dissatisfied.

“We need to come out with more wins at two and three,” he said. “We were just becoming more confident in our doubles and came out with two disappointing results this weekend.”

Despite the doubles point loss, the number-one spot has been successful. Whoever is paired with senior Evan King has generally earned a victory, and this time, junior Alex Buzzi got the nod and earned a convincing 8-3 victory.

“Evan is very good obviously, and Alex has very good doubles skills,” Berque said. “He has good athletic ability and does great things at the net.”

Saturday, the Wolverines were able to sweep Wisconsin in singles. Sunday was another story.

Michigan came out fighting in the singles by earning three straight matches. Leading the way was sophomore Alex Petrone, who defeated his opponent 6-2, 6-1. Quickly after, junior Barrett Franks got a win of his own, dismantling Minnesota 7-6, 6-4.

“The biggest thing is (Franks’) mental approach to each match,” Berque said. “He takes a lot of pride with wearing the Block ‘M’. His competitive drive is what gives him positive results and he is getting better every match.”

Keeping the momentum with the Wolverines, King earned a 6-1, 6-2 victory. King has been Michigan’s best player all year and is looked to for wins each match.

With professional tennis a goal for King, it is no surprise to see his success on the court.

“He is an experienced player and has won at every level he has played,” Berque said. “He is skilled in every facet of the game and is one of college tennis’ best players.”

Despite the commanding 3-1 lead, Michigan couldn’t hold on to earn a victory. The Wolverines succeeded the final three singles matches giving Minnesota the match victory.

Michigan fought the whole way through the match, but when it came down the big points, the Golden Gophers prevailed.

With two of the last three matches going into three sets, it was critical for the Wolverines to hold serve and maintain focus.

Sophomore Vlad Stefan held serve through the entirety of the third set, but was unable to capitalize on any break points. Losing in a tiebreaker, the meet came down to sophomore Michael Zhu. But early breaks put Zhu into a hole that he was not able to overcome. With Zhu’s loss, Michigan lost the meet.

“I think it’s good we play this Friday because this would not be a fun one to sit on,” Berque said. “I think our guys are pretty good at sitting off disappointment and once we step back on the practice court they will try to focus on the next one.”