UAB Women’s Tennis Competes in Prestigious Blue Gray National Classic

Big news for college tennis fans: the UAB women’s tennis team is hitting the road for Montgomery, Alabama. They’re set to compete in the 77th annual Blue Gray National Tennis Classic, and honestly, it’s a pretty big deal.

This year, four players will represent UAB—freshman Emma Ascanio, sophomore Kristyna Damaskova, junior Klara Kajabova, and sophomore Nera Tesankic. The tournament draws top teams like Auburn, Georgia Tech, Iowa State, Jacksonville State, LSU, Mississippi State, and Ole Miss, so the competition will be no joke.

The Blazers’ Lineup and Previous Performances

UAB’s lineup looks solid heading into the tournament. Kristyna Damaskova posted a 16-4 singles record last season, so she’s definitely someone to keep an eye on.

Nera Tesankic finished last year at 12-8 in singles, and Klara Kajabova went 8-8. Emma Ascanio, the team’s freshman, will make her tournament debut this time around.

Team Pairings and Matchups

This year’s format splits players into two groups, with each school sending four athletes. Each pair starts with doubles, then moves on to singles against the same teams.

Damaskova and Kajabova will team up to face Georgia Tech’s Alejandra Cruz and Scarlett Nicholson. That could get interesting.

Tesankic and Ascanio are set to take on LSU’s Indi Patel and Auburn’s Natalie Outcalt. It’s a matchup that might surprise a few people.

Participating Teams and Their Rankings

The Blue Gray National Tennis Classic always brings out some of the best teams nationwide. This year’s field includes:

• Auburn (Ranked 8th)
• Georgia Tech (Ranked 29th)
• Iowa State (Ranked 65th)
• Jacksonville State
• LSU (Ranked 11th)
• Mississippi State
• Ole Miss (Ranked 34th)

With lineups like these, every match should be worth watching.

Event Format and Expectations

The tournament combines doubles and singles, so players have to show off their full skill set. This setup really puts both individual talent and teamwork in the spotlight.

Fans should get ready for some intense matches. The energy at these events is always something else.

Supporting UAB Athletics

UAB’s women’s tennis team, like the rest of the Blazers, really counts on community support. The 2025-26 Gold Card is now available, giving you entry to all home games for Women’s Soccer, Men’s Soccer, Volleyball, Women’s Basketball, Softball, and Baseball (Regions Field & Young Memorial).

Just a heads-up: the Gold Card doesn’t cover American Conference or NCAA Championship events. If you’re thinking about helping out more, contributions to the Blazer Scholarship Fund, capital projects, or even sport-specific giving make a real difference for these athletes.

Want to get involved or learn more? Check out Blazer Boosters or call (205) 996-9969.

Follow the Action

To keep up with the UAB women’s tennis team, follow them on Twitter and Instagram @UAB_WTN.

Don’t miss out on the Blazers’ journey at the Blue Gray National Tennis Classic. Give them a cheer—they’ll appreciate it.

The 77th annual Blue Gray National Tennis Classic is shaping up to be an exciting event. You’ll get to see some of the best collegiate tennis talent from across the country.

The UAB women’s tennis team brings a strong lineup and plenty of competitive energy. They’re ready to make their mark, and honestly, it’s hard not to root for them.

If you’re a longtime tennis fan, or just curious about the sport, this tournament offers a great chance to catch some high-level matches. Why not come out and support the Blazers?