Chambana Sun

No. 23 Illinois is set to compete in two in-state tennis matches on Saturday, March 29. The Fighting Illini will first face Northwestern at noon in Evanston and then take on Chicago State at 5:30 p.m. on Chicago's South Side.

Illinois, holding a 10-6 overall record and a 4-2 record in conference play, recently achieved their highest-ranked Big Ten win. Last Sunday, they defeated No. 26 USC with a 4-2 victory at their home venue.

The team secured the doubles point against USC and won three singles matches. Tyler Bowers and Kenta Miyoshi continued their successful run in doubles by defeating USC's Tristan Bradley and Peter Makk, while Zach Viiala and William Mroz clinched the doubles point at Court 2.

Northwestern, the next opponent, has a 10-10 overall record and 3-3 in conference play. The Wildcats are currently ranked No. 65 and are seeking to halt a three-match home losing streak. They have faced two top-25 teams this season, losing to both Duke and Harvard.

Chicago State approaches the match with a 1-5 record and a four-match losing streak. In their last two duals, they experienced two 7-0 losses against Northern Kentucky.

Illinois has a favorable historical matchup against Northwestern, leading the all-time series 72-40-2, and they have previously swept Chicago State in their two previous encounters.

In related news, Illinois Director of Athletics Josh Whitman announced an extension for head coach Brad Dancer. The contract will keep Dancer with Illinois through the 2030-31 season. Whitman commented, "Brad Dancer is a trusted, veteran leader in our athletics department and one of the most accomplished coaches throughout all of collegiate tennis, and we are thrilled to extend our partnership through the next six years as he continues to lead a championship-caliber men's tennis program."

Dancer has been credited with numerous achievements, guiding Illinois to 17 NCAA Tournament appearances and maintaining a record of 384-180 overall. He is also the program's all-time winningest coach.

Illinois recently recorded their first top-25 win this season, defeating No. 12 Michigan 5-2. In that match, the Illini won the doubles point with victories at No. 2 and 3 doubles.

Kenta Miyoshi, who ranks No. 16 nationally in singles, achieved ITA All-America status by reaching the third round at the NCAA Singles Championship last November. Meanwhile, William Mroz ranks No. 62 in singles.

This Saturday's matches offer Illinois another chance to demonstrate their strength and continue building on their successful season.