Michigan State University Athletics
Matthew Forbes Claims Big Ten Men’s Tennis Player of the Week
3/18/2026 3:50:00 PM | Men's Tennis
Sophomore standout earns Big Ten honors after key weekend victories, including MSU’s upset of No. 1 Ohio State.
EAST LANSING, Mich. – Spartan sophomore Matthew Forbes continues to make his mark on the national stage, earning Big Ten Men's Player of the Week for the second time in his career after Michigan State's historic victorious weekend.
Forbes won both his singles matches, including Sunday's at Ohio State, in helping MSU upset No. 1 Ohio State in Columbus on Sunday, 4-3, dealing OSU its first Big Ten home loss since 2003.
The Spartan sophomore from Raleigh, N.C., is ranked No. 11 in the ITA National Rankings. Forbes delivered a statement win against No. 22 Jack Anthrop of Ohio State. In a hard-fought three-set battle, Forbes clinched the match for the Spartans, securing the program's first win over Ohio State since 1999 and the Spartans' first win in Columbus since 1998.
Forbes started the weekend by securing a straight-set victory over Penn State's Michael Wright in straight sets on Friday, 7-5, 7-6 (11-9).
Forbes is currently No.11 in the nation and has defeated multiple ranked opponents in both doubles and singles action.
Michigan State is 4-0 in conference play, and Forbes has been a key player in multiple matches this season. Competing at the top of the lineup, Forbes has consistently delivered against ranked opponents in both singles and doubles play.
Forbes has shown competitiveness across both singles and doubles action, setting the bar high for future competition and positioning him as one of the nation's top contenders.
Forbes becomes the third Spartan to earn weekly honors this season, joining seniors Ozan Baris and David Saye, who were recognized during the fall.
Up next, Forbes and the Spartans will head to Evanston, Ill., to face the Northwestern Wildcats this Friday, March 20, at 7 p.m.
Forbes won both his singles matches, including Sunday's at Ohio State, in helping MSU upset No. 1 Ohio State in Columbus on Sunday, 4-3, dealing OSU its first Big Ten home loss since 2003.
The Spartan sophomore from Raleigh, N.C., is ranked No. 11 in the ITA National Rankings. Forbes delivered a statement win against No. 22 Jack Anthrop of Ohio State. In a hard-fought three-set battle, Forbes clinched the match for the Spartans, securing the program's first win over Ohio State since 1999 and the Spartans' first win in Columbus since 1998.
Forbes started the weekend by securing a straight-set victory over Penn State's Michael Wright in straight sets on Friday, 7-5, 7-6 (11-9).
Forbes is currently No.11 in the nation and has defeated multiple ranked opponents in both doubles and singles action.
Michigan State is 4-0 in conference play, and Forbes has been a key player in multiple matches this season. Competing at the top of the lineup, Forbes has consistently delivered against ranked opponents in both singles and doubles play.
Forbes has shown competitiveness across both singles and doubles action, setting the bar high for future competition and positioning him as one of the nation's top contenders.
Forbes becomes the third Spartan to earn weekly honors this season, joining seniors Ozan Baris and David Saye, who were recognized during the fall.
Up next, Forbes and the Spartans will head to Evanston, Ill., to face the Northwestern Wildcats this Friday, March 20, at 7 p.m.
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