Kentucky Tennis Star Leaps Over Net to Win Point

Eli Stephenson's acrobatic move helps Wildcats upset No. 12 Georgia

Apr. 6, 2026 at 12:04am

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In a thrilling upset victory over No. 12 Georgia, Kentucky junior Eli Stephenson produced a highlight-reel moment by jumping over the net and slamming the ball onto his opponent's side to win a singles point. Stephenson's athletic play was a key part of Kentucky's comeback from a 3-1 deficit to claim the 4-3 win on Senior Day.

Why it matters

Stephenson's acrobatic play showcased the high level of athleticism and skill in college tennis, while the Wildcats' upset win over a top-ranked opponent boosts their profile heading into postseason play.

The details

With the match tied at 3-3, Stephenson found himself in a tight third-set tiebreaker against Georgia's Arda Azkara. In a daring move, Stephenson leapt over the net, reached across, and slammed the ball onto Azkara's side to win the point. While there was some debate online about the legality of the move, the judge ruled it a valid point, and Stephenson went on to win the match 1-6, 6-3, 7-6(5).

  • The match took place on Saturday, April 6, 2026, which was Kentucky's Senior Day.
  • Kentucky will close out the regular season next week, traveling to No. 7 LSU on Friday, April 10, and No. 24 Ole Miss on Sunday, April 12.
  • The SEC Men's Tennis Championship will follow on Wednesday, April 15, in College Station, Texas.

The players

Eli Stephenson

A junior on the Kentucky men's tennis team, ranked 24th nationally in singles. The Louisville native produced the highlight-reel play that helped the Wildcats upset No. 12 Georgia.

Arda Azkara

Stephenson's opponent from Georgia, who was on the receiving end of Stephenson's acrobatic point-winning move.

Kentucky Wildcats

The men's tennis team from the University of Kentucky, who rallied from a 3-1 deficit to upset the 12th-ranked Georgia Bulldogs 4-3.

Georgia Bulldogs

The 12th-ranked men's tennis team from the University of Georgia, who suffered the upset loss to Kentucky on Senior Day.

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What they’re saying

“Stephenson's quick thinking played only a small part in Kentucky rallying back from a 3-1 deficit. The 'Cats claimed the final three singles courts to upset the 12th-ranked Bulldogs, UK's best win of the season.”

— Zack Geoghegan, Author

“Stephenson even received some love from former player/current tennis broadcaster Patrick McEnroe for his athletic display.”

— Zack Geoghegan, Author

What’s next

Kentucky will close out the regular season next week, traveling to No. 7 LSU on Friday, April 10, and No. 24 Ole Miss on Sunday, April 12. The SEC Men's Tennis Championship will follow on Wednesday, April 15, in College Station, Texas.

The takeaway

Stephenson's acrobatic play showcased the high level of athleticism and skill in college tennis, while the Wildcats' upset win over a top-ranked opponent boosts their profile heading into postseason play. This thrilling match highlights the excitement and unpredictability of the college tennis season.