Chambana Sun

The University of Illinois men's tennis team secured a victory against the University of Southern California with a 4-2 win on Sunday afternoon at the Atkins Tennis Center. The Illini, ranked No. 23, improved their home record to 6-1 this spring and now stand at 10-6 overall and 4-2 in Big Ten play.

Illinois took an early lead by winning the doubles point, which was pivotal in their triumph over the No. 26 Trojans, who were previously undefeated in Big Ten action. Tyler Bowers and Kenta Miyoshi claimed a win at No. 1 doubles against USC's Tristan Bradley and Peter Makk with a score of 6-4. Zach Viiala and William Mroz clinched the doubles point for Illinois on Court 2 after defeating Volodymyr Iakubenko and Oscar Weightman, finishing with a close 7-5 victory.

In singles matches, Zach Viiala contributed to Illinois' success by winning his match at No. 4 singles against Matteo Morazzi with straight sets of 6-2, 6-2. This victory marked Viiala's first time playing at that position.

USC narrowed the gap with a win at No. 6 singles; however, Will Mroz extended Illinois' lead by defeating Nathan Trouve on Court 2 after coming back from two breaks down in the first set to win it in a tiebreaker followed by a decisive second set.

Despite USC securing another win at No. 5 singles, Kenta Miyoshi clinched the overall victory for Illinois on Court 1 by overcoming Peter Makk with scores of 7-5 and 6-3.

The Illini will next face Northwestern away from home on Saturday as they continue their Big Ten campaign.