Illini legend Kevin Anderson becomes just the second in Illini tennis history to earn ITA Hall of Fame induction.
TEMPE, Ariz. - Kevin Anderson, who rose from a standout at Illinois to one of the world’s top tennis professionals, will be inducted into the Intercollegiate Tennis Association Men’s Hall of Fame in May 2026. The ITA announced the Class of 2026 in late July, honoring Anderson as part of a five-member group that includes John Isner, Steve Johnson, longtime Georgia coach Manny Diaz, and contributor John Frierson.
Anderson’s journey to the Hall of Fame spans from his days in Champaign to his rise as a two-time Grand Slam finalist and world No. 5. A native of South Africa, he played for Illinois from 2004 to 2007, helping elevate the Fighting Illini to national prominence. Anderson captured the 2006 NCAA doubles championship alongside Ryan Rowe, reached the NCAA singles semifinals and doubles final in 2007, and led Illinois to a team runner-up finish that same year.
His collegiate honors included three First-Team All-Big Ten selections, the 2007 Big Ten Tennis Athlete of the Year award, and recognition as the Fighting Illini Dike Eddleman Male Athlete of the Year in 2007.
Turning professional after his junior season, Anderson embarked on a career that spanned 16 years. He became the first Illinois alum to reach a Grand Slam singles final, finishing runner-up to Rafael Nadal at the 2017 U.S. Open. The following summer, he returned to the sport’s biggest stage at Wimbledon, reaching the 2018 final after a marathon six-hour, 36-minute semifinal victory over Isner — still the longest Grand Slam semifinal in history. He later fell to Novak Djokovic in the championship match.
At his peak in 2018, Anderson climbed to No. 5 in the world rankings, collecting seven singles titles and one doubles title before retiring from the professional tour in 2022. His final ATP crown came at Newport in 2021, a fitting close to a career defined by resilience and power.
Anderson now joins coach Craig Tiley, inducted in 2010, as the only representatives of Illinois men’s tennis in the ITA Hall of Fame. The induction ceremony is scheduled for May 2026 at the University of Georgia, held in conjunction with the NCAA Division I Team Championships.
Since its founding in 1983, the ITA Men’s Hall of Fame has honored more than 270 players, coaches, and contributors. Eligibility requires both collegiate excellence and accomplishments beyond college, criteria Anderson met at every stage of his career.
For Illinois, his induction serves as both recognition of Anderson’s legacy and a reminder of the program’s impact on the broader tennis world.
Kevin Anderson ITA Hall of Fame induction 2026, Former Illini tennis star Kevin Anderson career highlights, Kevin Anderson NCAA champion and Grand Slam finalist, Illinois Fighting Illini tennis players in Hall of Fame, Kevin Anderson retirement and professional tennis legacy
Sweat pours from Ryan Dickerson’s face during his first-round match against Kenta Miyoshi on Wednesday. Dickerson said he typically changes footwear twice per match, but during the three-and-a-half-hour battle with the Fighting Illini’s top player, he changed his footwear kit four times.
CHAMPAIGN - By the end of Friday morning’s quarterfinal, Ryan Dickerson was soaked, down to his third pair of shoes, and one step closer to a title.
The 28-year-old New Jersey native advanced to the semifinals of the Neitzel Family Open at Atkins Tennis Center after opponent Matthew Forbes retired midway through the second set due to a leg injury. Dickerson led 6-1, 3-0 at the time, having worn down the young Michigan State standout with a steady dose of pressure and precision.
“I actually played Matt before,” Dickerson said, referencing a three-set loss to Forbes in February at the Palm Coast Open. “He's a young guy, upcoming talent. He's going to be good.”
This time, it was Dickerson who dictated. Knowing Forbes’ weapons—particularly his serve and athleticism—Dickerson entered the match with a clear strategy: neutralize the serve, extend rallies, and wait for the right moment to strike.
“I had to be sharp with my offense and patient aggressive,” he said. “I didn’t want him to be on offense. I did a good job today getting into a lot of rallies.”
The plan worked. Forbes called a medical timeout late in the first set to treat a nagging leg injury, but after brief attention from a trainer and playing three more games, he was unable to continue.
Ranked No. 185 in the ITF and No. 1120 in the ATP, Dickerson improved his career record to 95-66. Forbes, ranked 2143 in the ITF, fell to 6-10 on the year.
While Dickerson’s tactical edge helped him win the match, his real opponent might’ve been the oppressive Central Illinois heat.
A self-described “massive sweater,” Dickerson came prepared with no fewer than five full “shoe kits” laid out courtside—each containing dry socks, fresh shoes, and ankle braces. It’s a system born of necessity.
“I usually need, like, two per match on average,” he said. “But here, it’s been unique. I’m sweating through shoes. I’m leaking water through my shoes to the court and it’s slipping as if it has just rained.”
During his opening-round match against Kenta Miyoshi, the University of Illinois' top player, Dickerson used all five kits and his original pair in a marathon 5-7, 6-2, 6-4 win that stretched more than three and a half hours.
“The last couple of days, it has been brutally hot,” he said. “I’m physically fit so I can handle it, but the sweating is another thing. Changing grips, shoes—it's a little out of control.”
Three of Dickerson's five shoe kits, which includes a dry pair of socks, two ankle braces and dry shoes, waiting for their turn during his match against Forbes. Arriving in Chicago on Monday, the New Jersey native drove to a major tennis retailer in Ohio to pick three pairs of shoes before making his way to Champaign.
Despite the conditions, Dickerson’s game has held up. His veteran experience and ability to adapt—whether to a young opponent’s serve or the moisture underfoot—have him in position to challenge for the title.
That quest continues Saturday morning against top-seeded Paul Jubb, who defeated Kyle Kang 6-3, 6-4 to reach the semis. It will be their first career meeting.
The winner of that match will face either American Quinn Vandecasteele or No. 8 seed Blaise Bicknell of Jamaica, who play in the second semifinal following the men’s doubles final.
For Dickerson, the goal is simple: stay solid, stay aggressive—and stay dry enough to finish.
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Champaign Illinois professional tennis tournament, Extreme heat impact on tennis players, Neitzel Family Open semifinal match preview
Top seeds Jubb, Bicknell, and Kang headline Friday’s Neitzel Family Open quarterfinals in Champaign. Vandecasteele-Kuzuhara rematch highlights Friday's slate. Admission to the tournament is free.
Photo: Sentinel/Clark Brooks
Kyle Kang attacks a weak ball during his match against Drew Fishback on Tuesday. Kang won the match in sweltering two set affair 6-1, 7-6 (6). The Stanford junior defeated Zeke Clark in two sets to advance to Friday's quarterfinals. Kang's resume includes leading Stanford to this year's ACC Championship and last year's PAC-12 conference title. He was also named ITA Northwest Rookie of the Year in 2024.
CHAMPAIGN — The 2024 Neitzel Family Open reaches a pivotal stage Friday morning as eight players remain in the singles draw, each vying for a spot in Saturday’s semifinals at the Atkins Tennis Center.
The day’s quarterfinal slate kicks off at 10 a.m. with a clash between 28-year-old American Ryan Dickerson and wildcard Matthew Forbes. Dickerson, who owns a career record of 94-66 and is currently ranked No. 185 in the ITF World Tennis Rankings, breezed through his second-round match Thursday with a 6-1, 6-2 win over Jon Gamble.
Forbes, whose ranking sits at No. 2,143, matched that scoreline in his upset over Leo Vithoontien. Despite the disparity in rankings, the two have history—Forbes outlasted Dickerson in a tight three-set match earlier this year on clay at the Palm Coast Open, 6-4, 4-6, 6-4. Friday’s contest, on hard court, offers a new dynamic.
Up next on the day’s schedule is a cross-continental showdown between Jamaican Blaise Bicknell and India’s Dhakshineswar Suresh. Bicknell, 131-86 in his professional career, advanced with a win over Keshav Chopra in the second round, his second victory over the American. Suresh battled through a pair of hard-fought matches to earn his quarterfinal berth. After a gritty three-set win Tuesday over Ryan Fishback, the Indian right-hander overcame soaring temperatures to defeat Evan Bynoe 6-3, 7-5 on Thursday.
Photo: Sentinel/Clark Brooks
Blaise Bicknell hits a cross-court winner during his first-round match against Oliver Okonkwo on Tuesday. The Jamaican defeated Okonkwo 6-3, 6-2, and followed the victory up with another win over Keshav Chopra in the second round.
The third match on deck pits top-seeded Brit Paul Jubb against No. 6 seed Kyle Kang of the United States. Jubb, who holds an ATP singles ranking of No. 398, entered the quarterfinals by knocking off Maxwell Exsted 6-3, 6-3, following his opening-round triumph over ITF No. 1 Naoki Tajima.
Kang, ranked No. 584, comes in with confidence after ousting former Illini standout and assistant coach Zeke Clark in straight sets, 6-0, 6-4. The win served as payback for Kang, who suffered a straight-sets loss to Clark in 2022 at the Edwardsville Open.
In the final quarterfinal, two rising American prospects square off: Bruno Kuzuhara and Quinn Vandecasteele. The two met in January at the Cleveland Challenger, where Vandecasteele claimed a three-set win decided by a final-set tiebreaker.
Kuzuhara returns to the quarters after a gutsy comeback win over Antoine Ghibaudo, 5-7, 6-1, 6-3. He opened the tournament with a dominant 6-3, 6-1 win over Braden Shick. Vandecasteele, meanwhile, began his run by knocking off No. 3 seed Aidan McHugh and moved on when Cooper Woestendick retired following the first set of their second-round match.
Friday’s action will also feature the tournament’s doubles semifinals. In one matchup, Illinois alum Hunter Heck and Japan’s Kenta Miyoshi will take on British pair Giles Hussey and Aidan McHugh at 10 a.m.
Later in the day, top-seeded Japanese duo Naoki Tajima and Leo Vithoontien face Americans Zachary Fuchs and Wally Thayne. That semifinal is scheduled to follow the Bicknell-Suresh singles match on North Court #5.
The Neitzel Family Open, an annual staple of the ITF World Tennis Tour, continues to deliver competitive tennis under the summer sun in Champaign-Urbana. Admission for all rounds remains free and open to the public.
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With a stunning final shot, Paul Jubb topped Naoki Tajima in opening-round play at the Neitzel Family Open in Illinois.
Photo: Sentinel/Clark Brooks
Sweat sprays from #1 seed Paul Jubb as he returns a shot over the net during a rally against Noaki Tajima in their first-round match at Atkins Tennis Center. It took Jubb three grueling sets to dispatch Tajima at the Neitzel Family Open on Wednesday.
CHAMPAIGN - Paul Jubb withstood sweltering heat and a surging opponent to punch his ticket to the quarterfinals at the Neitzel Family Open, outlasting ITF world No. 1 Naoki Tajima in three physically demanding sets Wednesday at the Atkins Tennis Center.
With on-court temperatures topping 100 degrees, Jubb, the top seed and ATP world No. 398, opened strong and closed even stronger. The 24-year-old Brit prevailed 6-1, 3-6, 6-2 in a match that tested not only tennis skills but endurance and resilience.
A former NCAA singles champion for South Carolina, Jubb came into the $25,000 ITF World Tour event looking to regain the form that once saw him ranked as high as No. 180 in the ATP last October. He wasted no time asserting control, using aggressive court positioning and clean hitting to dismantle Tajima in the opening set.
Photo: Sentinel/Clark Brooks
Noaki Tajima comes to the net for a point in the second set against Paul Jubb. Tajima took the set, grinding out a 6-3 victory.
Tajima, a 23-year-old from Kumamoto, Japan, entered the tournament atop the ITF world rankings with a solid 20-12 record on hardcourts despite preferring clay. After a rough opening set, he adjusted quickly in the second, jumping out to a 3-0 lead. Jubb responded with three games of his own, but Tajima closed the set by winning the next three, forcing a deciding frame.
But the cumulative toll of the match — and the oppressive humidity — began to weigh on Tajima. After leveling the final set at 2-2, his legs and energy began to fade. Jubb stayed composed, rattling off the next four games to secure the win.
Photo: Sentinel/Clark Brooks
LEFT: Jubb comes to the net for a volley in the third set. RIGHT: Jubb tosses the ball on a serve in the second set. The former NCAA champion was broke twice in the set, losing 6-3.
He sealed the match with a shot worthy of the highlight reel. After Tajima charged the net and hit back-to-back volleys, Jubb sprinted from behind the service line on the ad side to retrieve a ball that landed just inside the service box near the deuce sideline. Stretching his 5-foot-11 frame, he slid into position and whipped a down-the-line passing shot that left onlookers, and Tajima, in awe, closing out the match.
The win advances Jubb to a quarterfinal matchup against American wildcard Maxwell Exsted.
The Neitzel Family Open, formerly known as the Fighting Illini Open, is a USTA Pro Circuit and ITF World Tour men’s tournament first held in 2019. All matches are free and open to the public and are played on the east outdoor courts at the University of Illinois campus unless weather forces a move indoors.
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Dhakshineswar Suresh lines up a shot in a long rally with Ryan Fishback at the 2025 Neitzel Family Open in their first-round match in the main draw on Tuesday. Suresh, ranked #790 in the ATP and #1376 in the ITF, defeated Fishback in at three-setter, 6-3, 3-6, 6-1. Suresh advanced to face Evan Bynoe in a second-round match scheduled to start at 10 am this morning at Atkins Tennis Center in Champaign. It will the be first meeting on the hard court between the two players. More stories ~
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The Illini’s 18th NCAA Tournament appearance ends in Fort Worth with a 4-0 loss to nationally ranked Oklahoma
FORT WORTH, Texas — Illinois’ postseason run came to a quiet close Friday afternoon as the Illini fell 4-0 to No. 24 Oklahoma in the NCAA Tournament First Round at TCU’s Bayard H. Friedman Tennis Center.
In their 18th NCAA appearance under longtime head coach Brad Dancer, the Illini (15-12) found themselves outmatched by a seasoned Sooners squad that controlled key moments in both doubles and singles play.
Photo: Sentinel/Clark Brooks
University of Illinois tennis player Tyler Bowers rips a forehand shot during the Neitzel Family Open in 2024. The red-shirt sophomore from Bloomington fell in postseason singles play to Oklahoma's Kholo Montsi, 6-4, 6-4.
Oklahoma took the early lead after securing the doubles point with victories on Courts 1 and 3. Illinois did notch a bright spot at No. 2 doubles, where Kenta Miyoshi and Max Mroz earned a 6-3 win over OU’s Kholo Montsi and Luis Alvarez, improving their record to 3-1 as a duo. But it wasn’t enough to shift momentum.
In singles play, the Sooners methodically closed out the match with straight-set wins on Courts 5, 3, and 2 to seal the shutout. Alejandro Melero set the tone with a 6-4, 6-2 win over Mathis Debru at No. 5 singles. That was followed by Alvarez’s 6-4, 6-2 decision over Zach Viiala at No. 3, and Montsi’s 6-4, 6-4 win against Tyler Bowers at No. 2 to officially clinch the match.
The Illini showed signs of life on the remaining courts, but play was suspended once the match was decided. Miyoshi, ranked No. 12 nationally, was locked in a third set against Oklahoma’s Oscar Lacides at No. 1 singles, while Jeremy Zhang led his match on Court 4, and Mroz trailed early on Court 6.
Despite the early exit, Illinois closes the year with a winning record and continues to build under Dancer’s steady leadership, marking two decades of consistency and postseason presence for the program.
Tennis is not just a sport; it’s a lifestyle that can improve both your physical and mental well-being. If you're moving to another state and love tennis, these top seven cities in the Midwest provide everything you need to enjoy the sport.
Photo: Sentinel/Clark Brooks
Tennis fosters social connections, offering a chance to meet new people and form lasting friendships on and off the court. There are seven cities in the Midwest that have awesome tennis communities.
SNS - If you are a tennis enthusiast relocating to the Midwest, consider yourself fortunate. The Midwest consists of several of the country's most tennis-aware cities. Whether you are a newcomer to the sport or an experienced veteran, these top seven cities in the Midwest have excellent tennis facilities, dynamic tennis communities, and many avenues to improve your game.
Tennis is not just a sport; it’s a lifestyle that can improve both your physical and mental well-being. Regular play helps enhance cardiovascular health, build muscle strength, and improve flexibility. Beyond the physical benefits, tennis fosters social connections, offering a chance to meet new people and form lasting friendships. Whether you're hitting the courts alone or joining a community league, tennis is a great way to stay active and engaged.
If you want to win more tennis matches, focusing on outdoor play is a great way to improve your game. Outdoor courts, with their unique conditions, can help you develop better footwork, adjust to different playing surfaces, and build mental toughness, all of which contribute to more victories on the court.
Photo: Sentinel/Clark Brooks
While the summer months are a popular time to play tennis in the Midwest, lessons and competitive leagues operate year-round in larger cities thanks to the availability of indoor facilities.
Most people may think of cities in New York, Florida or California when they think of tennis hotspots. Still, there are thriving tennis communities with top-notch courts and competitive opportunities in the Midwest. While indoor facilities guarantee year-round playability, the local climate provides ideal conditions for outdoor tennis, particularly during the summer.
Minneapolis, Minnesota: A Tennis City with Active Communities
Minneapolis has a great mix of indoor and outdoor tennis options. There are many parks in the city, and many of them have tennis courts so you can play tennis with your kid or have an active day with friends. With numerous local clubs providing lessons, leagues, and events, Minneapolis boasts a robust tennis community as well.
Despite the city's frigid winters, there are plenty of indoor tennis courts, such as the Baseline Tennis Center, which make it simple to play all year round. Local tennis players can easily find opportunities to connect, whether through casual games or more competitive leagues. Thanks to the vibrant tennis culture here, both recreational and competitive tennis players have many chances to get better and compete.
Chicago, Illinois: A Tennis Lover’s Dream
Chicago boasts some of the finest tennis clubs in the Midwest, catering to recreational players and serious competitors alike. Leading the pack is Midtown Athletic Club, a luxury facility in the West Loop featuring indoor and outdoor courts, elite coaching, and USTA-sanctioned tournaments. Nearby, XS Tennis Village stands out with its 26-court complex in Washington Park, hosting major events like the Chicago Open while fostering youth development through its nonprofit arm.
The historic Chicago Tennis Club, one of the oldest in the city, offers a more intimate setting with red clay courts and a strong community vibe. For those seeking upscale amenities, East Bank Club in River North provides top-tier instruction and well-maintained courts alongside fitness and dining options. Meanwhile, McFetridge Sports Center serves as an affordable, year-round public option with reliable indoor play — making it a favorite among local leaguers.
For players looking for outdoor options, the Chicago Park District maintains more than 500 public tennis courts across the city, many free to use and set in scenic parks and neighborhoods. Popular sites like Lincoln Park, Grant Park and Jackson Park offer well-maintained courts that stay busy from spring through fall. The park district also offers lessons, leagues, and tournaments for all ages and skill levels, helping grow Chicago’s tennis community from the ground up.
Photo: Sentinel/Clark Brooks
Gabrielius Guzauskas, from Hindsdale, IL, plays in the 2024 Neitzel Family Open in Champaign. A senior at the University of Illinois, Guzauskas competes against the top college tennis players in the country. College towns are known to have pretty strong tennis programs in their communities.
Do you have an up and coming youth player in your family? When it comes to high school tennis, few programs match the sustained success of New Trier High School, whose boys and girls teams have claimed numerous state titles thanks to deep talent pools and elite coaching. Hinsdale Central is another perennial contender, particularly in boys tennis, with a reputation for producing nationally ranked juniors. Rounding out the top three is Stevenson High School, a consistent force in both singles and doubles, known for its disciplined players and strategic prowess. These programs not only dominate the state championships but also feed collegiate rosters, cementing Chicago’s reputation as a hotbed for junior tennis talent in the Midwest.
Indianapolis, Indiana: A Hidden Tennis Gem
Tennis is just one of the many sports that are popular in Indianapolis. There are several tennis facilities in the city, such as the Indianapolis Tennis Center, which holds events and tournaments. Tennis courts can be found in many local public parks, and some clubs offer memberships for access to the best facilities. Tennis enthusiasts from all skill levels congregate in Indianapolis. The city is also well known for having a low cost of living, which makes it an attractive choice for people who want to relocate to a new state without going over budget.
St. Louis, Missouri: A Thriving Tennis Hub
With a variety of tennis facilities and activities, St. Louis is an excellent city for tennis players. To foster a friendly atmosphere for tennis enthusiasts, the St. Louis Community Tennis Association offers programs that assist both novice and expert players.
To guarantee year-round play, St. Louis also has indoor tennis clubs and several excellent public tennis courts maintained by the city's parks department. With numerous tennis clubs and frequent tennis tournaments, the city offers a wide range of social and competitive opportunities. If you are planning on moving to another state, St. Louis should be at the top of your list.
Cleveland, Ohio: Where Tennis Meets Urban Living
Cleveland is another Midwestern city with a surprising love for tennis. With more than 200 tennis courts spread across the city, tennis players can find a court to match their needs. Cleveland also offers numerous tennis leagues, tournaments, and social events to engage with the local community.
The city’s tennis culture is welcoming to all skill levels, from beginners to seasoned pros. Whether you're looking for a casual game or want to compete, Cleveland is the place to be. The city is also undergoing significant revitalization, making it an even more attractive place to live for those looking to relocate and pursue their tennis passion.
Photo: Sentinel/Clark Brooks
From world-class tennis facilities to active communities and regular events, there are both casual and competitive places in the Midwest that provides year-round opportunities for tennis lovers.
Madison, Wisconsin: A Smaller City with Big Tennis Appeal
Madison may be smaller than some of the other cities on this list, but it offers a fantastic tennis scene. The city has numerous public tennis courts, as well as private clubs that offer lessons and leagues. During the colder months, there are 32 indoor courts available for those who need their weekly tennis fix.
Madison’s tennis community is active and friendly, and the city frequently hosts local tournaments. With beautiful parks and outdoor courts, the city is perfect for tennis enthusiasts who love to play outdoors. Madison's smaller size makes it a great place to settle down, with a more relaxed pace of life compared to bigger cities. Its tennis culture makes it an ideal place for newcomers looking to find a welcoming and engaging tennis community.
Champaign-Urbana, IL: #7 - The Hidden Gem
If you're looking for a fresh start and a place to improve your tennis game, these cities should be at the top of your list. However, just two and a half hours south of Chicago, three hours north of St. Louis, and an hour and a half west of Indianopolis sits the twin cities of Champaign-Urbana, home of the University of Illinois.
The C-U area boasts two six-court indoor tennis facilities with affordable fees and year-round programs, all set within a vibrant campus community of 130,000. What makes the twin cities an ideal place to relocate is the abundance of outdoor courts: within a ten-mile radius of campus, there are more than a hundred courts open to the public at no charge, including over 40 with lights that stay on until 11 p.m., making evening play easy and accessible. As home to the Big Ten’s Fighting Illini, the area also offers no shortage of opportunities to watch high-level college and professional tennis year-round.
Like Madison, the Champaign-Urbana tennis community is active with the ability to play seven days a week with seven or more different organized groups at one of the dozens of outdoor, well-kept parks.
Finding Your Tennis Home in the Midwest
If you're moving to another state and love tennis, these top seven cities in the Midwest provide everything you need to enjoy the sport. From world-class tennis facilities to active communities and regular events, these cities offer both casual and competitive players a place to thrive. Whether you prefer outdoor tennis during the warmer months or indoor play when it's cold, the Midwest provides year-round opportunities for tennis lovers.
URBANA - There is a big weekend of college tennis on tap at Atkins Tennis Center. The Illinois men’s tennis team will host Columbia and Boise State in the Fighting Illini Invite this Friday through Sunday. The three days of jam-packed tennis competition will feature singles and doubles play, along with hidden duals.
Lucas Horve and Illinois tennis fans cheer on the Fighting Illini at last March's home match against Ohio State. Tennis fans can get an early look at the Illini and several top collegiate tennis players in the nation at Atkins Tennis Center in their first home meet of the season.
Photo: Sentinel/Clark Brooks
The action gets underway on Friday at 10 a.m. with four doubles pairs from each school competing for first place in a doubles tournament. The invitational meet concludes on Sunday afternoon with a hidden dual featuring Boise State against players from both Columbia and Illinois.
The Illini host Boise State and Columbia after opening their spring schedule with a trip to Arizona for the Sun Devil Preseason Invite. Along with playing singles and doubles matches against Arizona State and Texas A&M, the Orange and Blue participated in training sessions and team-bonding activities during their time in the Grand Canyon State.
Columbia, ranked No. 8 in the first ITA team rankings of 2025, will make its first visit to the University of Illinois campus. Reloading this season, the Lions are coming off an Elite Eight appearance at the NCAA Team Tournament and finished last season 23-4.
Junior Michael Zheng, the top-ranked Division I player in the country, won the NCAA Singles Championship in November after finishing as runner-up one year earlier.
Boise State, which finished 2024 with a 20-11 record, earned a share of the Mountain West regular-season title before winning its conference tournament in dominant fashion. The Broncos were beaten by No. 11 Arizona in the first round of the NCAA Tournament. Jett Middleton, ranked No. 111, is Boise State’s top player to watch.
The Illini will be led by two ITA-ranked players: No. 14 Kenta Miyoshi and No. 30 William Mroz. Three other top-100 singles players fill the ranks of Illinois’ opponents, including Zheng at No. 1, with teammates Hugo Hashimoto (No. 33) and Nicolas Kotzen (No. 42).
FIGHTING ILLINI INVITE SCHEDULE
(TIMES SUBJECT TO CHANGE)
Friday, January 17
10 a.m. CT ~
Doubles tournament (four doubles teams per school, sets to six)
2 p.m. CT ~
Singles matches: Columbia, Boise State, Illinois
5 p.m. CT ~
Illinois hidden dual: Illinois vs. 1/2 Columbia & 1/2 Boise
Extra singles matches to follow Saturday, January 18
12 p.m. CT ~
Columbia hidden dual: Columbia vs. 1/2 Boise & 1/2 Illinois
3 p.m. CT ~
Singles matches: Columbia, Boise State, Illinois
5 p.m. CT ~
Extra singles matches to follow Sunday, January 19
10 a.m. CT
Boise State hidden dual: Boise State vs. 1/2 Columbia & 1/2 Illinois
1 p.m. CT ~
Extra singles matches to follow
EAST LANSING — University of Illinois junior Kenta Miyoshi has secured his place in the NCAA Singles Championship following a stellar performance at the ITA Midwest Regional held at Michigan State University. Miyoshi's qualification marks a significant milestone in his collegiate tennis career as he prepares to compete in Waco, Texas, from Nov. 19-24.
The Kawasaki, Japan, native showcased remarkable consistency and poise throughout the tournament, stringing together five consecutive victories before falling in the final to top-seeded and top-ranked Ozan Baris of Michigan State. Miyoshi’s progress highlights the growing competitiveness of Big Ten players on the national circuit. His adaptability and skill against ranked opponents position him as a strong contender in Waco, while his resilience and discipline make him one to watch in the upcoming season at Illinois.
Photo: Sentinel/Clark Brooks
Kenta Miyoshi rips a forehand shot at the 2023 Illini Open. The Illinois junior will play against the top college tennis players in the country at the NCAA Singles Championship later this week.
Miyoshi opened the competition with a 6-4, 6-4 win over Alex Fuchs of Ohio State in the Round of 64, followed by a dominant 6-0, 6-0 shutout against Michigan State’s David Saye. His commanding form continued in the Round of 16 with a decisive 6-1, 6-2 victory over Michigan’s Alex Cairo.
The quarterfinals and semifinals tested Miyoshi’s mettle against ranked opponents. He outlasted No. 4 seed and No. 13-ranked Sebastian Dominko (Notre Dame) 6-2, 7-6(6) in the quarters and edged past No. 6 seed and No. 70-ranked Alexander Bernard (Ohio State) in a nail-biting 7-6(8), 6-4 semifinal. Despite his valiant effort, Miyoshi succumbed 6-4, 6-3 in the final against Baris, capping an exceptional run at the ITA Midwest Regional.
Miyoshi’s performance in East Lansing adds to an impressive fall season in which he boasts a 10-4 singles record, with seven of those wins coming against ranked opponents. This includes a standout victory in the singles consolation bracket at the Battle in the Bay, where he recorded four consecutive wins over ranked competition.
The junior’s consistency against elite opposition has been a hallmark of his fall campaign. Out of his 14 singles matches, 10 were against ranked players, underscoring his readiness to compete at the highest level. Miyoshi becomes one of just eight Big Ten athletes to advance to the 64-player NCAA Singles Championship draw this fall, a prestigious event now held in autumn for the first time.
Miyoshi will face No. 77 Jack Loutit of Kentucky in the opening round of the NCAA Singles Championship. Loutit, a sophomore originally from Auckland, New Zealand, brings an impressive pedigree with a top-50 ITF Junior ranking and multiple international titles. Their matchup promises to be an early highlight of the tournament as Miyoshi continues to establish presence representing Illinois on the national stage.
Miyoshi is aiming to become the first Illinois men’s tennis player since Amer Delic in 2003 to claim the NCAA singles title. With his recent form and ability to excel under pressure, Miyoshi may be the next tennis star to represent the Illini tennis program.
TULSA, OK. – Illinois tennis player William Mroz advanced to the singles qualifiers at the ITA All-American Championships on Sunday in Tulsa. Mroz won three singles matches in pre-qualifying action to earn a spot among 64 student-athletes in the qualifying round today.
Mroz won in straight sets over Auburn's William Nolan, 6-4, 6-2, in his first match in the quallies. Next, he faced Georgia Tech's Nate Bonetto on Sunday morning, cruising to a 6-2, 6-1 win. The redshirt junior played a second match on Sunday afternoon, finishing with another dominant performance, knocking Duke's Oscar Brown 6-1, 6-4,
Sixty-four student-athletes will compete in the singles qualifying bracket, with 16 players advancing to the singles main draw on Wednesday.
