Celebrate Michigan Men’s Tennis: Senior Day & Weekend Showdowns
Thrilling Promotions Await Wolverine Fans
This weekend promises to be electric for fans of University of Michigan Athletics! Mark your calendars for two exciting dates:
- Friday, April 4: Grab a slice with Pizza for students!
- Sunday, April 6: It’s Senior Day presented by the Alumni Association of the University of Michigan, featuring free poms for our loyal supporters!
Wolverines Set to Close Out Regular Season at Varsity Tennis Center
A Must-See Matchup Against Illinois
ANN ARBOR, Mich. – The No. 23-ranked University of Michigan men’s tennis team (12-8, 6-2 Big Ten) is primed for a dramatic finale to their regular-season home matches at the Varsity Tennis Center. This weekend, the Wolverines host a formidable No. 24-ranked Illinois team (12-6, 5-2 Big Ten) on Friday at 6 PM, followed by a clash with Northwestern (11-11, 3-4 Big Ten) at noon on Sunday.
Honoring Our Senior Stars
Make sure you’re there on Sunday as we pay tribute to our outstanding seniors: Will Cooksey, Patorn Hanchaikul, and Gavin Young. Together, these three athletes have crafted an impressive 81-30 overall record and a stellar 30-5 mark in Big Ten play throughout their four years in Ann Arbor!
Wolverines Ranking Update: Climbing the Charts
Three Wolverines hit the latest ITA rankings released on April 1! Cooksey debuted at No. 83, while Young and Benjamin Kittay ranked No. 79 and No. 82, respectively. Plus, Kittay and Young have soared to No. 14 in doubles.
With fresh momentum, Michigan is positioned at No. 23 nationally, tied for third in the Big Ten with Michigan State at 6-2. Last weekend, the Wolverines narrowly missed upsetting No. 3 Ohio State, falling 4-3, but turned around to deliver a 4-0 sweep against Penn State.
Looking Back: Previous Encounters
Illinois claimed victory in their earlier meeting this season on February 10 in Champaign, halting Michigan’s four-match win streak against them. However, the Wolverines boast an impressive 70-45-2 all-time advantage. With the Illini standing at 5-2 in Big Ten play, they are a team to watch, featuring ranked singles talents like Kenta Miyoshi (No. 16) and William Mroz (No. 64).
On the other side, the Wolverines have dominated Northwestern with a stunning 10-match winning streak, holding a commanding 79-28-1 edge in the all-time series. The Wildcats enter Ann Arbor in eighth place in the Big Ten at 3-4.
Dominance on the Court: Key Statistics
Michigan has proven their strength by winning the doubles point in their last three matches, boasting a 6-4 record when taking the early lead. When they’ve dropped the doubles point, they still manage a 5-4 record. The pairing of Young and Bjorn Swenson has been a force to reckon with, maintaining a 4-0 record in dual action and an unblemished 6-0 overall this season.
Swenson himself is riding high, currently on a five-match win streak in singles and holding an 11-7 record in dual play, including an impressive 6-2 in Big Ten matches. Notably, his recent straight-set victory over Penn State marked the 40th singles win of his illustrious Michigan career.
Cooksey also proved his mettle last Friday, clinching his first ranked victory of the season against No. 16 Aidan Kim of Ohio State with a dramatic 7-6 (5), 4-6, 6-3 scoreline. He stands tall at 19-7 overall with a commendable 5-1 in Big Ten play after winning his last three matches.
Join Us for an Incredible Weekend!
As the Wolverines gear up for these pivotal matches, the stakes are high, and the excitement is palpable. This weekend is not just about tennis; it’s about celebration, community, and college spirit! Don’t miss out on the chance to cheer for our remarkable athletes – come witness the magic of Michigan men’s tennis! For more details, visit MGoBlue.