Kawai Makes History Advancing to NCAA Singles Round of 16

ORLANDO, May 22, 2019 (Press Release)

Fighting Illini women’s tennis sophomore Asuka Kawai will play another day at the NCAA Singles Championships after picking up a victory in the Round of 32 on Tuesday afternoon at the USTA National Campus in Orlando, Fla. Kawai’s win today helped her to secure All-America honors in singles play. The last All-American in singles play was Illinois Athletics Hall of Famer, Lindsey Nimmo Bristow, in 1993.

“Once again, I am so pleased with how Asuka (Kawai) navigated the difficult moments of the match,” said head coach Evan Clark. “After having numerous match points, being down set point, and still being able to pull out the set, shows you what a fantastic mental effort Asuka (Kawai) had today.”

On court five, Kawai defeated No. 50 Brienne Minor of Michigan, 6-3, 7-6(11). The Palatine, Ill. native was able to hang on in the second set, winning the tiebreaker, 13-11. Ranked No. 43 in the latest Oracle/ITA Division I Women’s rankings, Kawai earned her ninth ranked victory in singles play and sixth in the top 50 this season. Kawai improves to 17-9 in singles play since the beginning of the spring season.

Asuka Kawai 💪@IlliniWTennis gets it done against Minor (Mich) 6-3, 7-6! pic.twitter.com/qBKG6dA2r4

— NCAA Tennis (@NCAATennis) 21. Mai 2019

The unanimous All-Big Ten selection is the first Illini in program history to advance to the NCAA Singles Round of 16 Tournament. Before Kawai, the highest Illini finish during the NCAA Singles Tournament was Nimmo Bristow, who played in the Round of 32 in 1991 and 1993.

“I’m so proud of Asuka’s accomplishments,” noted Clark. “For her to reach the Sweet Sixteen and become an All-American as a sophomore is something very special.”

Kawai will face No. 7 seed Alexa Graham of North Carolina on Wednesday during the Round of 16. Graham is a two-time All-ACC honoree and an ITA All-American in doubles play. Graham defeated 37^th-ranked Ashley Lahey of Pepperdine, 7-6(4), 6-4 on Tuesday. Match times and court assignments for the Round of 16 will be announced later tonight.

“Asuka’s best tennis is still ahead of her, so that is exciting,” said Clark. “I know she is ready for more and is excited for another great opportunity tomorrow.”

Singles Main Draw
Round of 64 (May 20) – def. No. 11 Maria Mateas (Duke), 3-6, 6-2, 6-3

Round of 32 (May 21) – def. No. 50 Brienne Minor (Michigan), 6-3, 7-6(11)

The Tournament Venue

The NCAA Championships will be played at United States Tennis Association (USTA) National Campus in Orlando, Fla. In Lake Nona, the collegiate tennis area is home to UCF men’s and women’s tennis program and features 12 hard courts with seating for 1,200 fans. It will be large enough to allow two collegiate matches to be played simultaneously. The area also will feature a two-story pavilion including concessions and locker rooms.

The USTA Player Development division aims to provide the best opportunities to succeed for the next generation of American tennis champions. This new home for American tennis will host every type of tennis event from 10-and-under team tennis events to national championships for those aged 90 and older.

Championship Schedule/Format
The NCAA Individual Championships is a six-match event for men’s and women’s doubles and singles over six days with the men’s and women’s doubles and singles champions crowned during the finals matches on Saturday, May 25.

Monday, May 20: Singles First Round – 10 a.m. CT / 11 a.m. ET

Tuesday, May 21: Singles Second Round and Doubles First Round – 10 a.m. CT / 11 a.m. ET

Wednesday, May 22: Singles and Doubles Round of 16 – 11 a.m. CT / Noon ET

Thursday, May 23: Singles and Doubles Quarterfinals – 3 p.m. CT / 4 p.m. ET

Friday, May 24: Singles and Doubles Semifinals – 3 p.m. CT / 4 p.m. ET

Saturday, May 25: Singles and Doubles Finals – 3 p.m. CT / 4 p.m. ET

*NCAA Singles and Doubles Champions (men and women) are crowned.

How to Watch – Tennis Channel Coverage

The Tennis Channel will provide live coverage of the NCAA Tennis Individual Championships beginning on May 20. Golf Channel’s coverage also will include all six matches for men’s and women’s singles and doubles.

See below for full broadcast schedule throughout the championships (all times Eastern Time). The Tennis Channel can also be viewed online at www.thetennischannel.com or on the Tennis Channel app.

Monday, May 20 (First Round – Singles)

4 pm – 6:30 pm: (12) matches across 12 courts