Chambana Sun

The Illinois men's tennis team, ranked 19th, suffered a defeat against Michigan with a score of 4-2 at the Atkins Tennis Center on Sunday. This loss brings Illinois' record to 10-8 overall and 1-3 in conference play, while Michigan stands at an even 10-10 and remains undefeated in Big Ten action with a 4-0 record.

Head coach Brad Dancer commented on the team's performance, stating, "We don't handle adversity well as a team. It even shows on our bench. So we need to step up and compete the whole way through. It's April, and that's what we are focusing on."

In doubles matches, Mathis Debru and Kenta Miyoshi secured a win for Illinois by defeating Will Cooksey and Alex Cairo 6-1. However, Hunter Heck and William Mroz were defeated by Michigan's No. 27-ranked pair Gavin Young and Jacob Bickersteth with a score of 6-4. The doubles point went to Michigan after Bjorn Swenson and Mert Oral overcame Lucas Horve and Tyler Bowers with another 6-4 result.

In singles competition, Kenta Miyoshi, ranked No. 83, leveled the match for Illinois with a victory over Swenson at 6-4, 6-2. Michigan regained their lead when Nicholas Steiglehner beat Bowers with scores of 7-5, 6-2. Alex Petrov managed to tie the match again at 2-2 after winning against Bickersteth with scores of 6-3, 7-6 (5). Ultimately, after Horve's loss in his singles match, Michigan clinched the overall win when No.15-ranked Young defeated No.47-ranked Heck in three sets: 7-6 (8), 2-6, and finally taking it home with a decisive third set at 6-1.

Looking ahead, Illinois will face Nebraska on April 5 in Lincoln before traveling to Madison to compete against Wisconsin on April 7.