Last year, the No. 16 Illinois men’s tennis team opened the dual season with a 6-1 loss to No. 1 Virginia at the Atkins Tennis Center.
On Friday, the Illini hope to reverse their fortune when they travel to Charlottesville, Va., to take on the Cavaliers. The task won’t be easy for Illinois when it goes against a loaded Virginia squad that features seven of the ITA’s ranked players, including five in the top 30.
“Everything’s on paper, but it’s probably the strongest team I’ve ever seen in the 10 years I’ve been on the men’s side,” Illinois head coach Brad Dancer said. “They have a tremendous amount of talent, they have great kids. Coach Boland has done an unbelievable job putting that program together.”
But despite having just three of his players ranked, Dancer likes his team’s chances thanks to the recent success they’ve had against Cavaliers players.
“Last time Dennis (Nevolo) has played (Alex Domijan), he’s won, last time (Abe) Souza has played (Jarmere) Jenkins, he’s won,” Dancer said.“Some of their big guns, our guys have beaten them last time they’ve played them. It’s an intimidating lineup, and they can put so many great players on the court at once, but at the same time, I think we’ve got a pretty good team ourselves.”
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Leading the way for Illinois will be No. 11 Nevolo, who will likely go up against No. 3 Domijan or No. 27 Michael Shabaz, who played at the No. 1 singles spot in Virginia’s last match.
Given the choice of whom he would like to play, the junior had his mind made up.
“I’ve never beaten Shabaz so I’d like to play him,” Nevolo said with a grin. “That would be nice.”
Nevolo hopes that his newfound consistency will help him earn a win no matter whom he plays though.
“I’m making people beat me, I’m just not beating myself,” Nevolo said.
The Illini will also be looking for solid play from Johnny Hamui, who was named the Big Ten Athlete of the week after winning three matches at the Illini Open last week.
The No. 111 ranked player will likely play at the No. 2 or 3 singles spot, with the other going to No. 121 Abe Souza, but regardless of the order of the lineup, he is confident that his teammates will put forth a great effort.
“A big difference I’ve noticed so far this year is that everyone’s been more accountable for themselves,” Hamui said. “I don’t feel we’ll have matches like last year where one of us didn’t come out and play. I really feel confident that everyone will be out there doing their best this year.”
