ROSEMONT, Ill. - Fighting Illini men's tennis freshman Aleks Vukic was named Tennis Athlete of the Week on March 31 by the Big Ten Conference. No. 50 Vukic went a perfect 4-0 on the weekend, helping the Illini end No. 11 Ohio State's 97-straight regular season Big Ten winning streak.

In doubles, Vukic and Farris Gosea contributed to the Illini's two doubles point wins, helping propel the Illini to home victories over Penn State (6-1) and No. 11 Ohio State (4-0). Vukic/Gosea grabbed their first ranked victory on the season by defeating No. 74 Torpegaard/Pollanen of Ohio State, 8-5. The duo also cruised to an 8-1 victory over Penn State's Barry/Trkulja.

In singles, Vukic's two victories over the weekend extended his winning streak to 11 matches. The Sydney, Australia native topped No. 83 Ralf Steinbach of Ohio State 6-2, 6-1 and defeated Aws Laaribi of Penn State, 6-3, 6-1.

This is the first time Vukic has received a Big Ten weekly award. The last Illini to win the conference athlete of the week award was Aron Hiltzik on March 17, 2015.

Vukic and the rest of the Illini will be back in action April 4 at Michigan State at 11 a.m. CT.