The Wildcats are off to their best start in program history.
Northwestern men's tennis is off to its best start in program history following a dramatic defeat of Illinois on Saturday. The No. 11 Wildcats (14-1) pulled off a 4-3 upset over No. 8 Illinois (7-6) in a charged atmosphere in Evanston, defeating the Illini for the first time in 27 tries. It was also the program's first ever victory over a top-ten team.
Freshman Ben Vandixhorn earned the clinching victory for the Wildcats at fifth singles with the match knotted at 3-3. Vandixhorn beat fellow rookie Asher Hirsch 2-6, 7-6, 6-2 just moments after the Illini tied up the match with No.