Champaign, Illinois, February 3, 2026
The No. 15 Duke men’s tennis team faced defeats against Illinois and Kentucky, bringing their season record to 4-3. In their match against Illinois, Duke won the doubles point but struggled in singles play, ultimately losing 4-1. Against Kentucky, they fell 4-2 despite strong individual performances. The team is focused on regrouping before their upcoming match against No. 25 Illinois.
Champaign, Illinois – The No. 15 Duke men’s tennis team suffered consecutive defeats in their first regular-season road matches, falling 4-1 to Illinois on January 30 and 4-2 to Kentucky on February 1. These losses bring Duke’s season record to 4-3.
Match Against Illinois
In Champaign, Illinois, Duke initially secured the doubles point with victories on courts two and three. However, Illinois rallied in singles play, clinching four matches to win 4-1. Notable performances included freshman Adam Jilly’s singles victory at the No. 4 position, contributing to Illinois’ comeback.
Match Against Kentucky
In Lexington, Kentucky, the Blue Devils faced a strong Wildcats team. After dropping the doubles point, Duke mounted a comeback, narrowing the score to 3-2. Despite their efforts, Kentucky secured the final point, resulting in a 4-2 victory. Key contributions for Duke came from Gerard Planelles Ripoll and Pedro Rodenas, who each won their singles matches.
Season Overview
Prior to these road matches, Duke had a strong start to the season, including a 4-2 victory over No. 9 NC State on January 23. The team is now focused on regrouping and preparing for upcoming challenges as they continue their season.
Looking Ahead
Duke’s next match is scheduled against No. 25 Illinois on February 8, providing an opportunity to bounce back from these recent setbacks. The team remains committed to improving and achieving success in the remainder of the season.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
What were the results of Duke’s recent matches?
Duke lost 4-1 to Illinois on January 30 and 4-2 to Kentucky on February 1, bringing their season record to 4-3.
Who were the standout players in these matches?
Freshman Adam Jilly secured a singles victory against Illinois, while Gerard Planelles Ripoll and Pedro Rodenas each won their singles matches against Kentucky.
What is Duke’s upcoming schedule?
Duke’s next match is scheduled against No. 25 Illinois on February 8, providing an opportunity to regroup and improve their season record.
Key Features of Duke’s Recent Matches
| Match Date | Opponent | Result | Season Record | Standout Players |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| January 30, 2026 | Illinois | Lost 4-1 | 4-2 | Adam Jilly (singles victory) |
| February 1, 2026 | Kentucky | Lost 4-2 | 4-3 | Gerard Planelles Ripoll and Pedro Rodenas (singles victories) |
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