URBANA-CHAMPAIGN, Ill. – The Wisconsin women’s tennis team opens Big Ten play this Friday, , with a road matchup against Illinois at at the Atkins Tennis Center. While traditionally a conference contest, this year’s meeting between the Badgers and the Illini will be played as a non-conference affair.
Wisconsin enters the match riding a wave of momentum, having secured consecutive victories to close out its Arkansas road trip. The Badgers defeated Arkansas 4-1 and followed that with a 4-0 sweep of Kansas. A key moment from the Arkansas weekend came courtesy of Maria Sholokhova, who upset No. 22 Carolina Gomez Alonso, setting a positive tone for the team. The Kansas match saw Parker Christensen clinch the victory with a straight-set win at No. 6 singles.
Illinois comes into the contest with a 3-5 record, having recently secured a 4-3 road win at Iowa State. The Illini faced adversity in that match, dropping the doubles point before rallying in singles play. Tess Bucher, Cara Mester, and Lizzie Isyanov each secured crucial victories, with Isyanov ultimately clinching the match in three sets. This resilience will be a key factor as they prepare to face the Badgers.
Historically, Wisconsin holds a 29-24 advantage in the all-time series against Illinois. Last season, the Badgers defeated the Illini 4-1 at home, adding another chapter to their series history. However, Illinois will be looking to even the score on their home court.
Wisconsin head coach, whose name was not provided, is expected to deploy the following lineup against the Illini:
Doubles
- No. 1 – Maria Sholokhova and Lucie Urbanova
- No. 2 – Ekaterina Ivanova and Ellison Reynoldson
- No. 3 – Tianna Rangan and Kaede Usui
Singles
- No. 1 – Maria Sholokhova
- No. 2 – Ekaterina Ivanova
- No. 3 – Tianna Rangan
- No. 4 – Ellison Reynoldson
- No. 5 – Kaja Jacobson
- No. 6 – Kaede Usui
The Badgers’ recent success on the road demonstrates their ability to perform under pressure, a trait that will be crucial against a determined Illinois team. Sholokhova’s upset victory over a ranked opponent highlights her potential to lead the team, while Christensen’s clinching performance showcases the depth of the Wisconsin roster.
For Illinois, the ability to overcome the loss of the doubles point against Iowa State speaks to their mental fortitude and singles play strength. Bucher, Mester, and Isyanov will be key players to watch as they look to replicate their success against Wisconsin.
Following this match, Wisconsin will return to Nielsen Tennis Stadium to host a West Coast weekend, facing UCLA on and USC on . This stretch of home matches will provide the Badgers with an opportunity to build on their momentum and continue their pursuit of a strong season in Big Ten competition.
The outcome of Friday’s match will not only impact the non-conference records of both teams but also provide valuable insights into their strengths and weaknesses as they prepare for the remainder of their respective seasons. The Atkins Tennis Center is expected to be a lively atmosphere as the Illini welcome the Badgers for what promises to be a competitive contest.
