Wisconsin Badger men’s tennis season ends in the second round of the NCAA Tournament.
After disposing of San Diego (USD) 4-1 in the first round of the NCAA Tournament, the Badgers lost 0-4 to USC in the second round ending the 2016-2017 season.
Against USD, the Badgers won the #2 and #3 doubles matchup to claim the doubles point. Wisconsin claimed wins at the #1, #4, and #6 singles matches to earn the victory. Facing #5 USC on Saturday, the Badgers lost the doubles point and the #3-#5 singles matches.
Highlights from the win over USD
Just the 5th NCAA tourney win in program history. See how it all went downhttps://t.co/690quUhxkl
— Wisconsin Tennis (@BadgerMTennis) May 13, 2017
Despite the 2nd round exit, the 2016-2017 season was a marked improvement for Badger men’s tennis and there is every reason to expect a return trip to the NCAA Tournament next season.
It was a heckuva season.
— Wisconsin Tennis (@BadgerMTennis) May 13, 2017
All 6 singles starters return next year... we will be back.#OnWisconsin pic.twitter.com/tfeZJmfVdx
The Badgers have a lone senior on its roster in Jordan Zordani. Wisconsin should be an experienced squad next season with five seniors and two juniors.
More from Badger of Honor
- Wisconsin Football flips 3-star defensive tackle from Northwestern
- Former Wisconsin Football stars to be featured on the next Wheaties box
- Believe it or not, Wisconsin Football has never played these FBS teams
- Four-star running back Darrion Dupree commits to Wisconsin Football
- Wisconsin Football wide receiver enters the transfer portal
That 18-8 mark including 7-4 in Big Ten place put the Badgers 4th in the conference standings just a game behind 3rd place Illinois. The Badgers lost a narrow decision to Illinois in the only meeting with the Ilini this season. The .636 was a dramatic improvement from recent history for Badger tennis.
2016-2017: 18-8
2015-2016: 14-9
2014-2015: 7-18
2013-2014: 9-16
2012-2013: 13-12
2011-2012: 11-12
2010-2011: 12-13
2009-2010: 20-8
Coach Danny Westerman seems pleased by the progress. He took Denver to the NCAA Tournament five times in his 10 seasons there.
Already excited for next season.#OnWisconsin pic.twitter.com/poaLtSp5kd
— Wisconsin Tennis (@BadgerMTennis) May 14, 2017
Of note, on the Badger roster, there is one Wisconsin resident. But Wisconsin’s tennis recruiting knows no limits. The Badgers have players from nearby Illinois, but also talent imported from Spain and England.
Next: Wisconsin's Nigel Hayes at the 2017 NBA Combine
During the 2016-2017 season, the Badgers got tremendous production from the #4 (.783 winning percentage) and #6 singles (.773 winning percentage), and the #2 doubles (.818 winning percentage). To take a fuller step forward the Badgers will look to improve on the road and against nationally ranked competition. Wisconsin was 5-4 in road environments (11-3 in Madison) and 1-3 versus nationally ranked opponents.