April 29, 2011

Box Score

MADISON, Wis. - Down 1-0 after doubles, the fourth-seeded Illini men's tennis team (16-9) came out strong in singles to top No. 5 seed Michigan (13-10), 4-3, Friday afternoon in Madison to advance to the semifinals of the Big Ten Tournament. In an odd occurrence, the net broke prior to the start of singles play on court six, forcing sophomore Bruno Abdelnour and Michigan's Chris Madden to wait to begin their match until another court became available. With a trip to the semifinals on the line, Abdelnour downed Madden in straight sets, 6-4, 6-3, to secure the victory for the Illini.

With the win, Illinois earns a rematch with top-seeded Ohio State slated for Saturday at 10 a.m. CT. The Buckeyes claimed a 7-0 decision over the Illini in the lone meeting of the regular season March 27 at Atkins Tennis Center.

"We had our usual senior contributions today and Bruno was forced to play under a lot of pressure," head coach Brad Dancer said. "He stayed calm throughout the match and adjusted his shots and just did his thing. He's such a tough competitor and never gives up. The win is well deserved. It was nice for him to get his shining moment today."

Victories by seniors Johnny Hamui and Abe Souza gave the Illini a 2-1 advantage, before a Wolverine win at the No. 3 spot evened the score at two apiece. Junior Roy Kalmanovich fought back at No. 2 singles to secure his fourth win of the year over a nationally ranked opponent, as he rallied past No. 52 Jason Jung, 3-6, 7-5, 6-3, to put the Illini back in front, 3-2. A loss at the top spot again knotted the score, which set up Abdelnour's clutch match-clinching performance.

Match Results
#18 Illinois 4, #28 Michigan 3

Singles competition
1. #21 Evan King (UM) def. #14 Dennis Nevolo (ILL) 3-6, 7-5, 6-1
2. Roy Kalmanovich (ILL) def. #52 Jason Jung (UM) 3-6, 7-5, 6-3
3. Shaun Bernstein (UM) def. KU Singh (ILL) 7-5, 7-5
4. #97 Johnny Hamui (ILL) def. Barrett Franks (UM) 6-0, 7-5
5. #79 Abe Souza (ILL) def. Justin Rossi (UM) 6-3, 6-3
6. Bruno Abdelnour (ILL) def. Chris Madden (UM) 6-4, 6-3

Doubles competition
1. Jason Jung/Shaun Bernstein (UM) def. Abe Souza/Stephen Hoh (ILL) 8-5
2. Evan King/Barrett Franks (UM) def. Dennis Nevolo/Brian Alden (ILL) 8-4
3. Johnny Hamui/KU Singh (ILL) def. Chris Madden/Alex Buzzi (UM) 8-1

Order of finish: Doubles (3,2,1); Singles (4,5,3,2,1,6)