DURHAM, N.C. - The Fighting Illini men's tennis team garnered a thrilling 4-3 road win over No. 24 Duke Friday night. Up 3-1, No. 7 Illinois held off a Blue Devil comeback to garner its second win over a top-25 opponent. Aleks Vukic delivered the clincher at No. 2 singles.
With the score even at 3-3, Vukic broke TJ Pura in the third set to serve out the match, garnering a 6-2, 4-6, 6-3 victory. Illinois moves to 4-0 on the season.
"I'm really happy for this team as they continue to search for an identity," head coach Brad Dancer said. "Anytime you go on the road and play a good team like Duke, you are going to have to find ways to win matches. Our doubles play and Jared Hiltzik and Alex Jesse put us in a position to win, but credit Duke for clawing its way back into the match, especially TJ Pura. In the end, Vukic gets a well-earned match-deciding victory, executing some of the fundamentals he's been so focused on. Again, happy for the guys and looking forward to another challenge tomorrow."
Illinois took the opening point by defeating the Blue Devils in doubles at the No. 2 and No. 3 positions. The Illini have won the doubles point in all four contests this season. Julian Childers and Brian Page garnered an early break and cruised to a 6-2 victory over Pura/Mateas on court three. Aron Hiltzik and Aleks Vukic garnered two late breaks to defeat Levine/Dickerson by the score of 6-3 on court two.
Duke garnered the first singles point of the night, earning a victory at the No. 4 position. Vincent Lin defeated Julian Childers in straight sets (6-2, 6-1).
Illinois quickly respond to take the lead with victories on courts one and five. No. 21 Jared Hiltzik took out No. 12 Nicolas Alvarez 6-2, 6-4 at No. 1 singles. Alex Jesse followed with a straight set (6-3, 6-3) win over Adrian Chamdani.
Duke would even the score at 3-3 with wins at No. 3 and No. 6 singles. Aron Hiltzik's 18-match win streak came to an end with a 7-6 (5), 6-4 loss to Catalin Mateas. Josh Levine defeated Asher Hirsch 7-6 (5), 7-6 (3).
Vukic earned his third ranked singles win of the season by taking out No. 102 Pura in three sets.
The Illini face another road test Saturday at No. 10 North Carolina with first serve at 5 p.m. CT.
#7 Illinois 4, #24 Duke 3
Singles competition
1. #21 Jared Hiltzik (ILL) def. #12 Nicolas Alvarez (DU) 6-2, 6-4
2. Aleks Vukic (ILL) def. #102 TJ Pura (DU) 6-2, 4-6, 6-3
3. Catalin Mateas (DU) def. #41 Aron Hiltzik (ILL) 7-6 (7-5), 6-4
4. Vincent Lin (DU) def. #67 Julian Childers (ILL) 6-2, 6-1
5. Alex Jesse (ILL) def. Adrian Chamdani (DU) 6-3, 6-3
6. Josh Levine (DU) def. Asher Hirsch (ILL) 7-6 (7-5), 7-6 (7-3)
Doubles competition
1. Nicolas Alvarez/Vincent Lin (DU) def. Jared Hiltzik/Alex Jesse (ILL) 6-4
2. Aron Hiltzik/Aleks Vukic (ILL) def. Josh Levine/Ryan Dickerson (DU) 6-3
3. Julian Childers/Brian Page (ILL) def. TJ Pura/Catalin Mateas (DU) 6-2
Match Notes:
Illinois 4-0; National ranking #7
Duke 1-3; National ranking #24
Order of finish: Doubles (3,1,2); Singles (4,1,5,6,3,2)
