CHAMPAIGN, Ill. - Illinois men's tennis has added a second recruit to its 2020 signing class, as Brad Dancer announced the addition of Ryoma Matsushita on Thursday. Matsushita, a native of Saitama, Japan, will join the Fighting Illini for the fall of 2020.

"It is an exciting time for Illinois Tennis," Dancer said. "Ryoma is an outstanding young man with an incredible reputation.  Not only do we feel he can impact the team with his performance, but his work ethic, competitive spirit, and discipline with help continue the traditions of our program.  We can't wait to help provide the framework for his professional career."

Matsushita is currently No. 147 in the ITF Junior Rankings and reached a career-high of 90 in April 2019. The son of a fireman and an elementary school teacher, he has reached the doubles finals and the singles semifinals of the All-Japan Tennis Tournament. He said he chose Illinois because it seemed like the right fit in pursuing his goal of becoming a professional tennis player.

"I really loved Illinois' tennis program, facilities, campus, coaches, and teammates," Matsushita said. "In addition, there are many Asian students."

Matsushita plans to major in business. He joins Hunter Heck as 2020 signees for the Illini.

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