Juniors Evan Zeder and Conner Murnighan begin the Illinois men's tennis team's search for a second title at the Icy Hot/Intercollegiate Tennis Association All-American Championships today in Chattanooga, Tenn.

Last year, Michael Calkins and Amer Delic joined forces to defeat Stanford's top-rated duo of Scott Lipsky and David Martin 8-5. The win kicked off an unforgettable Illinois season, which concluded with a national title and perfect 32-0 record.

Zeder and Murnighan, who have been entered in the qualifying singles tournament as well as the main draw of the doubles tournament, are the first Illini to see action at the prestigious national tournament. A pool of nearly 300 competitors will compete in pre-qualifying, qualifying and main draw events this week.

"I can't wait to go out there," Zeder said. "There will be a lot of good opportunities for us out there. I just want to go out there and have fun, not get frustrated with myself, and play some good matches."

The Illini will focus on individual improvement throughout the tournament.

"We've been practicing hard this week and playing a lot of matches to get ready for the tournament," Murnighan said. "Individually, we're all trying to prove ourselves."

The duo will be joined by classmate Chris Martin, Calkins and sophomore Ryler DeHeart when main draw play begins on Oct. 9. This is just the second appearance of Illinois' new doubles duos. Martin will join Zeder for main draw action and Calkins will compete with Murnighan. DeHeart will only compete in the singles portion of the tournament.

"You just have to take it one match at a time, so I'm not worried," Martin said. "We just focus on what we can control. It's all a process; we just have to take it one match at a time."

Calkins, the lone senior competing for the Illini, has an additional incentive to perform well. He is returning to the site where he garnished his first national doubles title.

"My last match down there I won," Calkins said. "Hopefully, I can go back down there and keep the winning streak going."

A crucial factor in the Illini's ability to perform well is their familiarity with the tournament.

"It's always nice to go back to a place you've played at," Calkins said. "I know how to play down there, whether it's indoor or outdoor, we were on both surfaces last year."

"Now, I know what to expect," Zeder added. "I have one year of experience (at this tournament) under my belt."

Despite the men's confidence, they realize they will be tested continually throughout the tournament.

"Every time we step on the court we're ready to make a statement," Martin said. "This is just one more tournament to prove that we're one of the best teams in the country."