Chambana Sun

Illinois junior Kenta Miyoshi is set to compete in the NCAA Singles Championship, marking his debut at this prestigious event. The tournament will take place from November 19-24 at the Hurd Tennis Center in Waco, Texas. This year marks a change as the competition has moved from spring to fall.

Miyoshi earned his spot in the championship after advancing to the singles main draw final at the ITA Midwest Regional on October 14 in East Lansing, Michigan. During that event, he achieved two ranked victories and progressed through six consecutive wins to reach the final round.

This season, Miyoshi holds a 10-4 singles record and is one of eight Big Ten student-athletes participating in the 64-player NCAA Singles Championship draw. He started his fall campaign by winning four straight matches against ranked opponents at Battle in the Bay. After a brief setback with a 1-2 record at the ITA All-American Championships, he secured five victories at the ITA Midwest Regional, which qualified him for this national stage.

The history of Illinois men's tennis includes only one NCAA singles title winner—Amer Delic, who claimed victory in 2003. The current field features players who have qualified through various routes: ITA All-American Championships, ITA Regionals, ITA Sectionals, and ITA Conference Masters.

Miyoshi's first match will be against Jack Loutit of Kentucky on Tuesday. This tournament concludes Illinois' fall schedule before they resume play in January at Arizona's Thunderbird Invite. Further details about their spring schedule will be announced later.