No. 21 Wisconsin returns to the Nielsen after two months

MADISON, Wis. – The No. 21 Wisconsin women’s tennis team (15-4, 6-2 B1G) is back home after a two-month hiatus to play two ranked matches at the Nielsen Tennis Stadium this weekend. On Friday at 4 p.m., the Badgers face No. 34 Illinois (16-6, 7-1) and on Saturday at noon, UW squares off against No. 70 Northwestern (9-11, 5-3).
 
Here are five things to know:
 
1. KNOW THE OPPONENTS: Illinois boasts a strong 16-6 overall record, including 7-1 in conference play. The team currently sits third in the Big Ten standings, one ahead of the Badgers, beating No. 56 Maryland 4-3 in its last match on April 9. The Fighting Illini have one ranked singles player in No. 72 Ashley Yeah and one ranked doubles team in No. 7 Kate Duong and Megan Heuser.

The Wildcats slide back into the ITA team rankings at No. 70 after previously being unranked. Northwestern has one ranked singles player in No. 111 Christina Hand and one ranked doubles team in No. 39 Christina Hand and Justine Leong.

2. LOOKING BACK: Wisconsin is 27-23 all-time again Illinois. During the 2021-22 season, the Badgers beat then-No. 68 Illinois, 5-2, during the regular season and 4-1 in the 2022 Big Ten Tournament.

Last time out, the Badgers fell to the then-No. 39 Wildcats on March 19. Wisconsin is 16-51 all-time again Northwestern.

3. POST-SEASON PREVIEW: The Big Ten Tournament begins April 26 and runs until April 30. The Badgers sit fourth overall in the Big Ten but have the opportunity to move up in the standings with four Big Ten matches remaining. Wisconsin is also in contention for the NCAA tournament, which takes place after the Big Ten Tournament.

4. HOW TO FOLLOW: Follow along with both livestream and live stats. Also, follow Wisconsin women’s tennis on Twitter (@BadgerWTennis) and Instagram (@badgerwtennis).

 

5. UP NEXT: The Badgers remain home for a match against No. 69 Indiana on April 21 at 5 p.m. It is their second to last game of the season.