Tough morning match yesterday. As I mentioned in an earlier post we ran into a fired up and talented Chicago team. Even though Chicago defeated us 7-2 the match was much closer than the score indicated.
Started off slow a bit slow in doubles. At #1 Christoph and Quin fell behind a break early in the match. To their credit they break back evening the match at 3-3. However one sloppy game sealed their fate. Couple easy put-a-ways that the Chicago team managed to dig out turned the tide as the Maroons were able to break back. After the break the Chicago team was able to finish out the match 8-4. At #3 doubles the heart was willing but the rackets couldn't get it done. We had a hard time holding serve and Chicago was able to score a quick 8-3 victory. At #2 Justin and Dan continued their strong play coming back from a break to keep us in the match with a 9-7 win. Funny thing about Dan and Justin is they almost always go down a break and then reel off a couple straight games.
In singles we didn't get many breaks against the loaded Chicago team. The Chicago roster is absolutely loaded with talent. They have 3 4-star recruits and several 3-star junior recruits in their line-up. Really on paper this team is one of the best in the nation. Really a shame to see this team outside of the top 10. They certain have the talent just missing something...
Really some close matches in singles. Etienne made his return to the singles line-up after a 3-week break. He layoff was evident as he quickly dropped the first set 6-1. However once he started to get his timing back he played some great tennis. He faced off 2 match points in the second set with huge forehands and was getting stronger as the match progressed. He able to come back from a break to take the 2nd set in a tiebreaker. ET was like "Rocky" against the Chicago opponent -- he moved his opponent around the court breaking down his movement and legs. It is unfortunate for ET that the team match was decided before he split sets. His opponent started cramping so badly he couldn't serve or move around the court. In a full match ET would have easily won. ET was a warrior in the match tiebreak. He worked hard, battled with pride and earned 3 match points. However his lack of recent match-play hampered his ability to close out his wounded opponent. I've really got to say that ET has become the soul of our team -- he has the unique ability to put the team on his shoulders and provide inspiration to all. If we were in Oz the Cowardly Lion would only have to search out ET for bravey and heart. Consider that eight months ago ET wasn't sure if he would ever play again. Now he treats every opportunity to be on court as a treasure. We are certainly a much better team with ET playing.
The Chicago match also marked the debut of freshman Adriel Borshansky into the top line-up. Yoga is one calm and collected competitor. I absolutely love his court ethic and love of the game. How is this for a come back. In a heated match he was down 0-6 before winning 6-1, 6-3! Now I just need to find a way to get him into the doubles line-up.
Really all the matches were close. In fact the most lopsided match was Chris's 6-4, 6-2 loss at #2. However he was up a break at 4-3 before the Chicago player notched up his game. Nadeem also had an intense battle at #5. One of those matches where one point can make all the different. The first set was a major war with the Chicago squeaking out a 7-6 (11-9) victory. Nadeem wins one of his set points I'm sure he wins the match. Dan also had a tough one losing 7-5 in the 3rd. I say this every post but Dan is one of the most amazing competitors I have ever coached. Doesn't matter the situation: he can be up big, down big or locked in a tight match and you can't tell if he is winning or losing. He is positive on court and works for every point. This is a guy you absolutely love to have on your team.
Tough 7-2 loss to a talented team.
Later that night we played ST Thomas under the lights at the Hilton Head Beach and Tennis Resort. I was proud of the effort and intensity that we displayed. After being out in the sun all day and being in a battle against Chicago I was afraid that we would be a bit flat. We started off with some great doubles going up early in all three matches. Thomas and Conor played incredibly well dominated a pretty good team 8-1. David and Reid got their measure of reedemption winning at #3 8-5. Earlier in the year they didn't play their best tennis and lost at #3 doubles to UPS. I know this victory was important for the them and they looked forward to playing. Number one doubles was interesting. Jasper and Justin raced out to a 4-1 lead before the ST Thomas team found their stride and strung together 3 straight games. This was a great doubles match with both teams playing solid tennis. In the end Jasper and Justin had a bit more experience winning in a breaker.
In singles it was especially gratifying to watch Quin and Christoph play. In his previous match Quin suffered a near melt down. Against a much better St Thomas opponent he was aggressive, played big and was relentless with his forehand. I really felt like his game matured before my eyes. Christoph played his best match of the year. He has been working on using his forehand to set up points and to dicate play. In the past he felt like he needed to consistently attack the net to be successfully. Now he is much more comfortable at the baseline his game has started to blossom. Playing a bunch of extra matches (in singles and doubles) has been wonderful for Christoph. If he keeps up this progression he is going to be a major force in our line-up.
Jasper played brilliant tennis. After being a bit moody in doubles he really found his stride and played unbelievably in singles. Jasper is a very deliberate player and takes his time between points and games. It really says something when he wins in a match in 40 minutes. Great stuff!
Thomas continues his torrential play. In a era when players bludgeon the ball with extreme topspin it is refreshing and enjoyable to watch the play of Thomas. He is no longer trying to outhit people (like the past two years) but is out-thinking people on the court. He is using a wonderful mixture of slice and topspin to keep opponents off balance. He has also learned the lesson that he doesn't need to win every point outright. He is now putting his opponent in tough situations, playing balls low at the feet, topspin lobs and crisp volleys to win matches. Honestly at this point he is probably playing as well as anyone on the team.
David was again "the clincher" with his solid 6-1, 6-2 victory. This trip has also been very good for his game and confidence. Conor had the roughest match of the night winning 7-5, 6-2. Tough match for Conor on his dimly light court (lighting was pretty bad on his court). Hard for him to play his attacking game when he can't cleanly see the ball. Have to give big props to Conor for his #7 match against Chicago. We decided to put on a #7 exhibition and I asked if anyone wanted to play. Well Conor jumped (begged) at the opportunity and was able to defeat his opponent 6-4. For the record his opponent was one of the better players out of the PNW. Love Conor's desire to always want to play!
Day off and tomorrow we face a tough Carleton team. To the beach!
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