CHAMPAIGN — Don't worry.
Aleks Vukic and Dennis Nevolo are still friends.
Even after Vukic, a rising senior at Illinois, defeated Nevolo, a former Illini All-American in straight sets, 6-3, 6-3, on Friday during the semifinals of the JSM Futures of Champaign-Urbana.
"I'm never going to talk to him ever again, Our friendship is over." Nevolo deadpanned. "No, in all seriousness, he's a great kid and a great player."
Vukic showcased what made him one of the top ranked college players in the country last season en route to Friday's win. A win that was more mentally challenging leading up to it than physically.