Chambana Sun

The University of Illinois' men's tennis team is set to face road challenges as they compete against No. 23 Michigan and Michigan State. The team, currently holding a three-match winning streak, will first meet Michigan on Friday at 5 p.m. CT and Michigan State on Sunday at 11 a.m. CT.

The Illinois team stands at No. 24 in rankings and boasts a 12-6 season record with a 5-2 mark in Big Ten conference play. Recently, they accomplished a sweep in a doubleheader against Northwestern and Chicago State, winning 4-0 in both matchups.

Head Coach Brad Dancer, recently extended through the 2030-31 season, has led Illinois to a respectable track record, having taken the team to multiple NCAA Tournament berths and Big Ten titles. "Brad Dancer is a trusted, veteran leader in our athletics department and one of the most accomplished coaches throughout all of collegiate tennis," said Illinois Director of Athletics Josh Whitman.

Against Michigan, Illinois has a standing 45-70-2 all-time record, seeking their first road victory since the 2018-19 season. Michigan enters the weekend with a 12-8 record. On the other hand, Illinois maintains a more favorable 65-28 record against Michigan State, with their last road defeat in East Lansing dating back to 1994.

Michigan and Michigan State are both in the upper echelon of Big Ten standings, with ranked singles players, such as Michigan's No. 79 Gavin Young, and Michigan State's No. 10 Ozan Baris, further elevating the upcoming matches' significance.

Illinois hopes to continue its momentum and build on their previous win against Michigan earlier in the year, when they triumphed 5-2 in a non-conference encounter.

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