Chambana Sun

The Fighting Illini women's tennis team will host Northwestern in their 2025 home opener on January 25 at the Atkins Tennis Center. The match, which is scheduled for noon Central Time, is open to the public without charge.

Northwestern arrives with a 1-0 record following a decisive victory over Butler. Meanwhile, Illinois seeks its first win after a defeat against Notre Dame. Historically, this matchup marks the 68th meeting between Illinois and Northwestern. The Illini have a 12-55 record against the Wildcats but have won their last four encounters under head coach Evan Clark.

In doubles rankings, Northwestern's Britany Lau and Mika Dagan Fruchtman hold the No. 42 spot. In singles, Illinois players McKenna Schaefbauer and Violeta Martinez are ranked No. 109 and No. 111 respectively.

Evan Clark is in his tenth year as head coach of Illinois' women's tennis team, with an overall dual record of 131-86 and a Big Ten record of 66-31. Including his previous coaching role at UNC-Wilmington, Clark holds an overall career record of 162-97.

Illinois finished last season with a 17-10 overall record and an 8-3 mark in Big Ten play. They made their second consecutive appearance in the NCAA Tournament under Clark's leadership, marking the program's seventh such appearance.

Junior McKenna Schaefbauer was named to the Big Ten Women's Tennis Players to Watch List following her successful sophomore year.

Illinois has been strong at home with a 72-24 record since Clark began coaching in the 2016 dual season.

Following Saturday's match, Illinois will continue their homestand against Georgia Tech on January 31 and Colorado on February 2 before hosting the ITA National Indoor Championships from February 7 to February 9.