Illinois (12-8, 5-4) takes on No. 4 Ohio State (20-2, 9-0) and Penn State (12-11, 0-9) in its final home matches of the season this weekend. The mood in Urbana is one of both celebration and reflection.
Friday night, the Illini look to avenge their March 5th loss against the Buckeyes in a marquee matchup of nationally ranked teams. Sunday’s match against the Nittany Lions will take on a different meaning. It’s Senior Night for the Illini, a night to celebrate and remember the accomplishments of graduating players.
For senior Mathis Debru, one of the team leaders and top players, it’s the last time he’ll suit up in front of the home crowd wearing orange and blue.
Chance to bounce back
Illinois enters the matches ranked No. 27 in the latest ITA poll. They dropped three spots after a difficult weekend that included 0-4 shutout losses versus Michigan and Michigan State. While the team has had a rough stretch, Debru remains confident that his teammates will bounce back.
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“I think the team has been on a great path the last couple of months and this year,” Debru said. “These are obviously not the results that we expected, but I do think that we got to keep doing things the right way, just as we’ve been doing, and keep pushing a little extra to create that jump.”
Friday’s match won’t be easy. The Illini suffered a shutout loss to the Buckeyes earlier this season, and the Buckeyes have been undefeated since. Ohio State rides its 13-game win streak and undefeated Big Ten record into Urbana with a loaded roster.
The Buckeyes boast three top 100 singles players: No. 10 Aidan Kim, No. 60 Alexander Bernard and No. 92 Jack Anthrop. In doubles, the Buckeyes feature the No. 60 duo of Bryce Nakashima and William Jansen.
“I think Friday is a big opportunity for us to keep applying what we’ve been doing, what we’ve been working on, and I am really excited about it,” Debru said. “The preparation will be very important and how we practice wholeheartedly and go after each other during the practices. I think those are a lot of things that can make a difference.”
Saturday should offer Illinois a chance to get back in the win column. Penn State is winless in conference play and recently suffered a ten-match losing streak. Still, Nittany Lions star No. 55 Loren Byers should prove a challenge for the Illini’s top players.
Last home match for Debru
The spotlight will shine on Debru this weekend. A native of Grenoble, France, Debru has spent three years with Illinois developing into one of the team’s top players. Head coach Brad Dancer highlighted Debru’s leadership and growth.
“Mathis has been with us for three years, but it’s one of those things where he’s been a phenomenal spirit for us,” Dancer said. “He’s led the charge in terms of being a huge part of our culture, work ethic and competitive spirit. We’re going to be forever grateful to Mathis for the imprint that he’s had on us.”
Dancer noted how Saturday would be a celebration for both Debru and senior Gabrielius Guzauskas. Guzauskas has persevered through numerous injuries during his Illinois career and remains a locker room favorite.
Debru said it’s that culture and camaraderie that he’ll miss the most.
“It’ll be obviously hard transitioning into my next chapter,” Debru said. “Tennis has been a part of my life for 18 years with a lot of ups and downs, but more ups than downs. I am just going to miss everything that it has meant to me, and the atmosphere of being in a group in college tennis is just something else. Being around guys that have the same goal as you and watching them all go towards the same goal is something that I will be missing.”
The senior has had many highlights during his time with the Illini. He said that his favorite was the team’s upset victory over Michigan earlier this season.
“It was the first time we’ve beaten them in my time here,” Debru said. “It felt like the team chemistry was paying off and everything that we built this year has paid off.”
As for what’s next, Debru is weighing a few options. He’s considering staying at Illinois to pursue a master’s degree or using his OPT year to travel and compete professionally with his brother Gabriel Debru, who is currently on tour.
No matter what comes next, one thing remains certain: when Debru steps onto the court Saturday evening, he’ll do so by carrying a legacy of success, with the unwavering support of his teammates and Illini fans behind him.
“There’s a lot of pride that goes into this school,” Debru said. “It’s more than just a tennis team. People often refer to it as a family, and it’s a real thing. I think the community around the school is huge. People really care about you — as an athlete — who you are as a person. Whenever I get on the court, I try to get the best that I have on this given day, and I think that’s the least you can do when you wear the ‘I’ of the Fighting Illini.”
