Men’s Tennis | January 22<\/p>\n
\n Story Links
\n
<\/p>\n
DeKALB, Ill. \u2013 The Northern Illinois University men’s tennis team begins its 2026 dual season this weekend with three matches, including two at home. The Huskies host IU Indy at 1 p.m. on Friday, Jan. 23 and Illinois State at 1 p.m. on Saturday before traveling to Chicago State on Sunday morning.<\/p>\n
Friday and Saturday’s matches will be at the Nelson Tennis Center at Chick Evans Field House and admission is free.<\/p>\n
NIU put together positive results in the fall, leading to a growing confidence within the team.<\/p>\n
“When teammates see their peers doing well, it develops a collective confidence,” said head coach Ren\u00e9 Vidal. “Overall, the level of team belief is high, but with that comes responsibility and expectations.”<\/p>\n
The 2025 fall campaign was highlighted by strong showings in the ITA Midwest Regional Championships and Mid-American Conference Indoor Championships in October. Sophomore Nikola Puntaric<\/a> qualified for the ITA Conference Masters, where he won the co-championship of the singles back draw.<\/p>\n Puntaric qualified for the event by winning the Singles Flight A draw at MAC Indoors, becoming the first NIU player to do so. In doubles, Puntaric and senior Iker Gaztambide Arrastia<\/a> finished as runner-up in the Flight A draw.<\/p>\n “We’re really excited about this season,” said Vidal. “In part because of the success we had in the fall, but we have a unique combination of deep experience with three senior co-captains and a sophomore base of talent that’s eager to win.”<\/p>\n The Huskies three returning seniors are Gaztambide Arrastia, Federico Scotuzzi<\/a> and Iker Dellien Velasco<\/a>. Gaztambide Arrastia added All-MAC First Team to his resume last season and sits at 49 career singles wins.<\/p>\n