Nikola Puntaric of the Northern Illinois University men’s tennis team was named the Mid-American Conference Singles Player of the Week, the league announced today.

The junior went 2-0 at No. 1 this weekend, securing wins over Yurii Hoida of Chicago State by score of 6-2, 6-1 and Grinnell College’s Lucas Willett, 6-1, 6-0. Puntaric also went 2-0 at No. 1 doubles.

Puntaric has won three consecutive matches and is 8-1 in singles this season. It’s the first name Puntaric has been named MAC Player of the Week.

NIU has now won Player of the Week five times this season, the most since 2019 (six) and second most since 2015.

• Jan. 26: Iker Gaztambide Arrastia – Singles Player of the Week

• Jan. 26: Iker Gaztambide Arrastia / Federico Scotuzzi – Doubles Team of the Week

• Feb. 16: Iker Gaztambide Arrastia – Singles Player of the Week

• Feb. 23: Lorenzo Leti Messina / Federico Scotuzzi – Doubles Team of the Week

• March 2: Nikola Puntaric – Singles Player of the Week