It's gut-check time for the Wisconsin men's tennis team as they prepare to write a new chapter in the storied rivalry that is Wisconsin-Michigan at the Nielsen Tennis Center on Saturday.

While the Badgers' season remains an open book, the story recently for the Wolverines has been somewhat of a fairy tale. Michigan is perfect in Big Ten play thus far and is coming off a crucial win this past Sunday at No. 71 Harvard at the Murr Center in Cambridge.

"If we're not ready on Saturday for this match," says Badgers' head coach Greg Van Emburgh, "we're not doing something right."

A victory on Saturday would be beneficial for the cardinal and white, and it is certainly within reach. The Badgers, who have bounced in and out of the national rankings this season, have enjoyed an extraordinary amount of success on their home courts. Wisconsin has won five home duals, all of which were 7-0 sweeps of the opposition. If not for a loss resulting from a rules violation on Feb. 18 against No. 51 Northwestern, the team would be a perfect six-for-six at home on the year.

"I think that [playing at home against Michigan] will help us," said Van Emburgh about the big-time Big Ten match up. "I think it's definitely a plus for us. We're used to our place, our court speed and our facility. … I'm hoping to have a lot of people out for the match. The more, the merrier. … it's great to have people and support. It's always nicer to play in front of a home crowd — and a big crowd."

Sophomore Felipe Bellido has been the catalyst for the Badgers' recent success, riding a personal six-match win streak into Saturday's contest. The Peru native echoed the sentiments of his coach regarding the significance of playing this all-important conference battle at home.

"The crowd is really important, Bellido said. "We're having a lot of people come here to support us. … I think it puts a lot of pressure on [Michigan], too."

Bellido, who was the No. 1-ranked junior in Peru before coming to play for the Badgers, is no stranger to winning. Last year, he tied No. 1 singles player Jeremy Sonkin for most Big Ten wins on the team, recording five straight conference wins en route to a seven-victory conference season. His thirst for triumph and his gung-ho attitude has been the key to his recent streak.

"[Felipe is a] competitor," Van Emburgh said. "Whether he feels perfect in practice or perfect in the matches, in the end of the day, you know he's going to be there, fighting his tail off, whether he wins or loses. … He's the type of guy that puts it out there."

Another fierce competitor is Sonkin, the 6-foot-4, 210-pound sophomore who is nationally ranked at No. 113. The Wheaton, Ill., product will have his plate full on Saturday when he pairs off with Michigan's singles star Matko Maravic, the No. 30 player in America.

"For Jeremy, I think he has a chance against whoever he plays," said Van Emburgh. "If [he plays] the No. 1 guy in the country, it's a coin toss. So going into the match on Saturday … Jeremy has beaten him before, and I think he's going to be ready to beat him again."

Sonkin exuded a balance of confidence and humility when discussing his upcoming match against Maravic, the Croatian sophomore sensation who he defeated last season in straight sets.

"I just have to be ready to go, on top of my game. I ended up beating him last year, but this is a different year. It's a different day. I [have] to come out just really focused, really intense, and just go for my shots and play my game."

As entertaining as the Sonkin-Maravic match promises to be, the Wisconsin coaching staff is quick to point out that each singles match is equally weighted, and that it will take more than just stellar performances by Sonkin and Bellido to beat the Wolverines Saturday.

"To win this match, it's going to be a team effort," said Van Emburgh. "It'll come from seven guys on this team. They'll all play a part in the effort to get a win against Michigan on Saturday."

Both Van Emburgh and Sonkin expressed their belief that the dual will come down to a 4-3 result. Sonkin says it will be a simple test of wills.

"In the end," Sonkin said, "it's just going to be who wants it more."

"I think right now we do. We have the confidence. We've been all playing really well. We've had some good wins this year. I think we're ready to go, and we'll do it."