No. 2 Ohio State will host a pair of Substantial Ten rivals this weekend at the Ty Tucker Tennis Center: No. 14 Illinois on Friday at 6 p.m. And No. 69 Northwestern on Sunday at 11 a.m.
Dominant Form
The Buckeyes are coming off an undefeated three-game road trip, having defeated No. 10 Texas A&M, No. 60 Indiana, and Purdue. Ohio State currently holds a 17-3 overall record and a 4-1 record in Big Ten play. Illinois is 15-4 overall and 5-1 in conference matches, while Northwestern is 13-8 overall and 1-5 in the Big Ten.
Ohio State began the season ranked No. 6 in the ITA rankings, rising to No. 1 before settling at their current No. 2 ranking. The team is 11-0 at home this season, having swept eight opponents at the Ty Tucker Tennis Center. Against nationally ranked opponents, the Buckeyes have a 9-3 record, starting the season 5-0 against Top 5 teams.
Players to Watch
Nikita Filin, Alexander Bernard, and Preston Stearns are all undefeated in Big Ten singles competition. Filin leads with a 5-0 record, while Bernard is on a five-match winning streak and Stearns has won his last three matches. Five Buckeyes are also ranked in the latest ITA singles rankings: Aidan Kim (No. 9), Preston Stearns (No. 16), Anthrop (No. 27), Alex Okonkwo (No. 32), and Filin (No. 85).
In doubles play, five Ohio State pairs are ranked nationally, including Brandon Carpico and Filin at No. 1.
Following this weekend’s matches, Ohio State will continue Big Ten competition on the road against UCLA and USC on April 3 and 5.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Ohio State’s record against Illinois?
Ohio State and Illinois have a close all-time record of 65-60-1, but the Buckeyes have won the last 11 consecutive matches against the Fighting Illini.
How many Buckeyes are ranked in the latest ITA singles rankings?
Five Buckeyes are ranked in the latest ITA singles rankings: Aidan Kim, Preston Stearns, Anthrop, Alex Okonkwo, and Nikita Filin.
Where can fans find live scoring and video of the matches?
Live scoring can be found on Sidearm and live video is available on OhioStateBuckeyes.com.
What factors do you think will be most important for the Buckeyes as they continue through the Big Ten season?
