Last updated on Nov. 15, 2025 at 10:42 a.m.
Illinois added a pair of 5-star talents to the roster as a part of its 2026 signing class. Head coach Brad Dancer announced Wednesday that Jon Gamble and Nicholas Mekhael signed with the Illini and will represent them for the 2026-27 season.
Gamble, hailing from Las Vegas, is currently the No. 13 American recruit, according to the Tennis Recruiting Network. He has three junior singles titles and nine junior doubles titles in his high school career. The Illinois culture and environment are what drew Gamble to the program.
“I felt it was the best place for me to keep improving as a player and a person,” Gamble said in a press release. “I really liked the team culture and the energy coach Dancer and the staff bring every day. It felt like the right environment to grow and compete.”
Mekhael, from Bordentown, New Jersey, is the No. 22 American recruit. He boasted an overall record of 34-15 and won two junior singles and two junior doubles titles during high school. Player and personal development are what drew Mekhael to Illinois.
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“I felt that Illinois was going to help me develop as not only a great tennis player but as a person in general by being surrounded by amazing leaders and teammates,” Mekhael said.
Dancer is excited to have these two recruits and knows that they can develop into important pieces for the program in the years to come.
“They both have a tremendous passion to represent and put their stamp on Illinois Tennis,” Dancer said. “Jon is a hard-working left-hander who is incredibly ambitious … He can move and play on a multitude of different surfaces. Nicholas is a highly intelligent tennis player who has a keen eye for the game. We know as he grows into his body more and develops his weapons that he will be an elite player.”
