Johns Clinches Match for Duke Against Illinois

DURHAM – Senior Garrett Johns recorded the match-clinching point on Friday night as No. 25 Duke defeated Illinois, 4-3, at Sheffield Indoor Tennis Center.
 
The Atlanta, Ga., native held on down the stretch to beat No. 95 Hunter Heck to secure the Blue Devils’ fifth victory of the year. Duke improves to 5-2, while Illinois drops to 6-3.
 
How It Happened

• The Blue Devils secured the doubles point to take an early 1-0 edge in the match. The senior-freshman duo of Johns and Pedro Rodenas made quick work of Heck and Gabrielius Guzauskas on court two, 6-4.
• The doubles pair of Faris Khan and Niroop Vallabhaneni then clinched the point after recording a 7-5 victory on court three over William Mroz and Kenta Miyoshi.
• The match between No. 49 Michael Heller and Andrew Zhang against No. 48 Mathus Debru Oliver Okonkwo went unfinished with the teams tied at 5-5.
• No. 84 Rodenas continued his unbeaten streak to begin singles action by besting Guzauskas 6-3, 6-2 on court three.
• The Fighting Illini would register wins on court six, five and four over the next three finishes to pull in front 3-2. Heller dropped a 6-3, 6-3 decision to Okonkwo on court six, before Nic Meister defeated Jake Krug on court five 6-3, 6-2. Miyoshi then hung on to beat Connor Krug on court four 6-3, 6-4 to give the Illini their third point.
• Duke knotted the score at 3-3 when No. 101 Zhang bested Mroz, 6-4, in the first set and 6-3 in the second on court two.
• With the overall match coming down to the outcome of court one, Johns registered a gutsy 6-4, 7-6 (0) tiebreak win to secure the victory. The senior tallied…