Huskers Down No. 17 Michigan, 5-2

Behind five singles victories, the #49 Nebraska men’s tennis team completed the upset 5-2 win over #17 Michigan on Friday night. The Big Ten triumph was the first time since 2019 that Nebraska took down a top-20 team. The win was highlighted by senior #81 Calvin Mueller claiming a dominant victory on Court One over #61 Kittay, and Leo Linquet clinching the upset.

This was the Huskers’ first win over the Wolverines since 2015, and second all-time, as the Big Red improved to 9-4 (2-1 Big Ten). Michigan suffered an end to its three-match win streak in Lincoln, and fell to 8-7 (2-1 Big Ten).

NU’s first home Big Ten matchup began with doubles, with the Wolverines taking the point. Michigan’s Cooksey/Hanchaikul jumped out to a quick lead on Court Three, defeating Colson Wells/Leo Linquet 6-1. Kittay/Swenson secured the doubles point for the Wolverines, topping Calvin Mueller/Nikolay Sysoev 6-3 at No. 1 doubles. 

Down one, the Huskers moved to singles competition. Nebraska took early control, with every Husker winning their first set. No. 81 Mueller started off hot for the Big Red, defeating No. 61 Benjamin Kittay in straight sets, 6-2, 6-2. The senior claimed the upset for his fourth-consecutive win and 12th of the season. Sysoev kept it going against Bjorn Swenson, also winning in straight sets, 6-3, 6-1. Wells earned a third point for NU, with a victory in the tiebreaker, defeating Cairo 7-5, 7-6 [7-1].

Cooksey grabbed Michigan’s first singles point, defeating Anton Shepp 6-2, 6-7 [7-2], 3-6. Up 3-2, Nebraska’s Leo Linquet sealed the top-20 victory for the Huskers, defeating Steiglehner 7-6 [7-3], 2-6, 6-1. To end the night, Roni Hietaranta bested Hanchaikul 7-6 [7-5], 1-6, 6-2.

With five singles wins and points from the Big Red, head coach Peter Kobelt tallied his 26th win at Nebraska. Sysoev notched his 18th singles win of the season, and Wells his 16th.

UP NEXT
The Big Red return on Sunday to play the No. 36 Michigan State Spartans at noon (CT). The dual will have live stats and live stream, and will be held at the Dillon Tennis Center. 

#49 Nebraska 5, #17 Michigan 2
Doubles competition:

1. Benjamin Kittay/Bjorn Swenson (MICH) def. Calvin Mueller/Nikolay Sysoev (NEB) 6-3
2. Anton Shepp/Henry Bilicic (NEB) vs. Gavin Young/Alex Cairo (MICH) 4-5 UF
3. Will Cooksey/Patorn Hanchaikul (MICH) def. Colson Wells/Leo Linquet (NEB) 6-1

Singles competition:

1. #81 Calvin Mueller (NEB) def. #61 Benjamin Kittay (MICH) 6-2, 6-2
2. Will Cooksey (MICH) def. Anton Shepp (NEB) 2-6, 7-6(2), 6-3 
3. Nikolay Sysoev (NEB) def. Bjorn Swenson (MICH) 6-3, 6-1
4. Roni Hietaranta (NEB) def. Patorn Hanchaikul (MICH) 7-6(5), 1-6, 6-2
5. Leo Linquet (NEB) def. Nicholas Steiglehner (MICH) 7-6(3), 2-6, 6-1
6. Colson Wells (NEB) def. Alex Cairo (MICH) 7-5, 7-6(1)