CHAMPAIGN, Ill. - Fighting Illini men's tennis seniors Tim Kopinski and Ross Guignon advanced to the finals of the JSM Challenger Friday night at Atkins Tennis Center in Urbana. The Illini doubles team defeated Gastao Elias (POR) and Sean Thornley (GBR) 7-6(4), 6-4 to reach their first ever pro circuit final.

Kopinski and Guignon will face Frank Dancevic (CAN) and Adil Shamasdin (CAN) at 2:00 p.m. Saturday. Those who wish to see the action live will receive free admission by showing a ticket from the Illinois football game against Iowa.

Kopinski and Guignon are the first Illini doubles team to ever reach the final of the JSM Challenger. The JSM Challenger is the final pit stop of the USTA pro circuit season and the last opportunity to earn points into the Australian Open.

Entering the tournament as a wildcard, Kopinski and Guignon defeated Marek Michalicka (CZE) and Peter Torebko (GER) 6-3, 1-6, 10-3 in the opening round of the main draw. The senior duo then took down [2] Marcelo Demoliner (BRA) and Roberto Maytin (VEN) 6-7(6), 6-4, 10-5 in the quarterfinals.

So excited for JSM Challenger finals! Saturday 2:00 pm @RossyG123 @Timbo__slice07 bring football tik free admission. #Illini #getanother

-- Brad Dancer (@dancerbrad) November 15, 2014

Thanks to everyone who came out to Atkins Tennis Center tonight to cheer on @Timbo__slice07 and I. Atkins was ROCKIN! Finals tmrw!!!

-- Ross Guignon (@RossyG123) November 15, 2014

How about a first set Illini. #illini

A video posted by Marcos Asse (@cubang8r) on Nov 11, 2014 at 4:37pm PST

Game. Set. Match. illini next

A photo posted by Marcos Asse (@cubang8r) on Nov 11, 2014 at 5:08pm PST