GD Jones picked up the second Big Ten Player of the Week award of his career last week for his performance against Duke in Durham, N.C.

Jones, the lone junior on the Illinois men’s tennis team, said he was pleased to earn the accolade because of the tradition and honor associated with both the Big Ten conference and the award.

More importantly, this time, it meant Jones was able to compete at the highest level against the Blue Devils on their home courts. Jones topped two-time All-American Ludovic Walter, the ninth-ranked player in the nation, 7-6(2), 3-6, 6-4. The three-set match was just his second match this spring. He did not play in the fall because he was recovering from two surgeries.

“It was a pretty tough match (against Walter),” Jones said. “If I had perhaps played with a bit more discipline, I could have made it easier (on myself).”

Jones’ teammates admire his dedication to the team and his selflessness. Last season, Jones beat Baylor’s Benjamin Becker, the reigning NCAA Champion, 6-4, 7-6(4) at the Intercollegiate Tennis Association National Men’s Indoor Team Championships. Instead of celebrating, he was disappointed. Despite his best efforts, his team had lost 4-3 to the eventual tournament champions.

“His own results don’t nearly mean as much to him as the team’s winning and the team’s losing,” said Illinois senior Pramod Dabir.

Jones also uses his tennis prowess to help his teammates with his “eye for tennis” or through his quirky sense of humor, said Illinois sophomore Brandon Davis.

“You can always look to him to be inspired a little bit by what he does, especially if you are feeling a little out of it,” Davis said.

Although Jones is a dominant player who won all of his matches while playing for New Zealand’s Davis Cup team last year, one would not know he was one of the best players in his home country by looking at him. Instead, he has a quiet demeanor. He is focusing on making the necessary improvements to his tennis game to succeed at the next level.

Illinois head coach Brad Dancer said he is pleased with the improvements Jones is making. Jones possesses a knack for ball control, efficiency of hitting, vertical position on the court and touch, Dancer said. One of the more unique aspects of Jones’ playing style is his strength of mind.

“He brings a lot of energy even though he’s a very calm player,” Dabir said. “When you’re sitting next to him you can feel the energy coming off of him on the court.”