Michigan to Compete at ITA Kick-Off in Virginia This Weekend

ANN ARBOR, Mich. -- The University of Michigan men's tennis team will compete at the ITA Kick-Off hosted by Virginia on Friday and Saturday (Jan. 23-24). The Wolverines take on Cornell in the first match on Friday at 9 a.m., while the host plays Illinois. The consolation match will take place on Saturday at 9 a.m., with the winners playing at noon for a place in the ITA National Indoor Championship.

Notes

• At 14 sites this weekend, the No. 1 team at each site will face the No. 4 team, while No. 2 faces No. 3. Two matches are guaranteed -- the winners and losers will play the following day. The winning team of each site, along with hosts Baylor and SMU, will be invited to play at the ITA National Team Indoor Championship, Feb. 13-17 in Texas.

• The Wolverines have won the ITA Kick-Off five times, in 2009, 2020, 2023, 2024 and 2025. The program has reached the semifinals of the ITA National Indoors twice, in 2023 and 2020.

• This will be the first time Michigan will meet Cornell in the ITA Kick-Off. The Wolverines hold a 7-4-2 lead over the Big Red in the all-time series, but it was the Ivy squad that got the last win -- ending Michigan's season in the first round of the 2025 NCAA Tournament, a 4-0 decision in Austin, Texas.

• Michigan and Virginia met last season at the ITA National Indoors, with the Cavaliers taking a 4-2 match. All-time, Virginia holds an 11-4 advantage in the series. Michigan holds a 71-45-2 edge over Big Ten rival Illinois, including a 4-0 victory last season.

• Michigan is 0-1 on the season after opening the season on Monday (Jan. 19) with a 4-1 loss at No. 9 NC State. Max Dahlin, ranked No. 7 in singles, put up a point for the Wolverines, winning in straight sets at No. 1.

• Michigan's Big Ten Player to Watch, Dahlin is now 10-2 in singles play this season. He earned All-America honors by reaching the NCAA Quarterfinals in singles this fall.

• Bjorn Swenson and Dahlin are ranked No. 7 in doubles with a 7-1 mark. The duo reached the NCAA Tournament quarterfinals in the fall to earn All-America honors. Swenson began the spring season earning Big Ten Player of the Week honors for his play at the Florida Hidden Duals.

• Michigan's home opener is set for Saturday (Feb. 7) when the Wolverines host Columbia, followed on Sunday (Feb. 8) by a matchup against Tennessee. Both matches will begin at noon at the Varsity Tennis Center.