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.
SNS – Despite dropping his opening singles match, Illinois junior Kenta Miyoshi bounced back with four consecutive victories over ranked opponents to win the singles consolation bracket at Battle In The Bay in San Francisco a week ago today. The No. 42-ranked player in the ITA singles rankings, Miyoshi recorded straight-set decisions in each of those four wins to finish the weekend with a 4-1 record.
Photo: PhotoNews/Clark Brooks
Illinois tennis player Kenta Miyoshi lines up a backhand shot at the 2023 Illini Open. He is ranked 42 in the ITA heading into his junior season.
Miyoshi teamed up with Illini senior Karlis Ozolins in doubles play, while Ozolins also took part in singles action during the four-day event. Unfortunately, the Illini duo fell in straight sets in their opening singles matches. Miyoshi suffered a two-set defeat to Arizona's Zoran Ludoski, 6-4, 6-3.
Meanwhile, Ozolins battled but came up short 6-4, 6-2, in his match to UC Santa Barbara's Dominique Rolland.
Competing in the consolation singles bracket, Miyoshi picked up his first singles win of the season with a 6-2, 6-3 decision over No. 103 Maxi Homberg of Pepperdine.
A day later, he earned his second-ranked win of the weekend with a 7-5, 6-4 victory over Spaniard Pedro Vives. Vives ranked No. 37 and a senior at Texas Christian University, completed high school at Rafa Nadal Academy.
One victory away from the consolation finals, Miyoshi took care of business against Arizona's Casper Christensen in straight sets, 6-3, 7-5.
After taking the first set 7-5 against Savriyan Danilov, the Illinois junior dominated the second set to win the title with a 6-2 finish over the San Diego State graduate student from Moscow.
Former University of Illinois player Alexander Petrov lines up a down-the-line shot during his match against Zeke Clark. In the sweltering late afternoon heat on Wednesday, Petrov, who had lost two previous matches to Clark, won the day at the International Tennis Federation-sanctioned tournament held at Atkins Tennis Center.
URBANA - One former and two current University of Illinois tennis players were on their home court at Atkins Tennis Center on Tuesday. The trio, each having to battle three-set matches, advanced to Wednesday's second-round competition at the Neitzel Family Open.
Photo: Sentinel/Clark Brooks
Karlis Ozolins stays in the point against Andre Ilagan as an afternoon storm rolls in toward Atkins Tennis Center. After a two-hour rain delay Ozolins fell 6-3, 7-5.
In an alumni match, Alexander Petrov took down Illinois assistant tennis coach Zeke Clark in a grueling three-setter, 5-7, 6-2, 6-0. Despite the loss, Clark still owns the series between the two former Big Ten players at the pro level, 2-1.
William Mroz, who enters his senior year at Illinois, defeated Canadian Dan Martin in a marathon match 6(2)-7, 6-2, 6-1.
Later, Kenta Miyoshi dropped his first set 6-3 and then took the next two, 7-6(5), 6-4.
The third installment of the Neitzel Family Open has a total purse of $25,000. The week-long, ITF-sanctioned event has attracted young players from all over the world.
Below are the complete results from the tournament's first round.
Main Draw Results ~
Tyler Zink def Rodrigo Pacheco Mendez 6(5)-7, 6-4, 6-2
Kenta Miyoshi def James Tracy 3-6, 7-6(5), 6-4
Connor Bruce def Nathan Powwith 6-3, 6-4
Harrison Adams def Cleeve Harper 6-3, 6-1
Andre Ilagan def Karlis Ozolins 6-3, 7-5
William Mroz def Dan Martin 6(2)-7, 6-2, 6-1
Aidan Kim def Axel Nefve 7-6(5), 6-2
Gavin Young def Enzo Wallart 6-4, 6-3
William Grant def Ryuki Matsuda 2-6, 7-5, 6-4
Noah Schachter def Lucas Horve 6-3, 7-6(5)
Adhithya Ganesan def Alexander Bernard 6-3, 6-4
Cannon Kingsley def Gabrielius Guzauskas 6-2, 6-3
Duarte Vale def Kody Pearson 6-2, 6-1
Colton Smith def Kyle Kang 6-4, 6-4
Alexander Petrov dev Ezekiel Clark 5-7, 6-2, 6-0
Aidan McHugh def Emilio Gomez 6-4, 6(3)-7, 6-3
Six ways Trump's budget will damage rural Americans' way of life
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PONTIAC - People everywhere are conquering their cabin fever and are enjoying the great outdoors after a long, bitter winter. But before you head out for that hike, health care experts remind you to take precautions to avoid tick bites. Read more . . .
