After their win over Miami Friday, the Virginia men's tennis team broke the school record for consecutive 20-win seasons with their fifth this weekend.
Much of the No. 3 Cavaliers' (21-3) success is due to the efforts of juniors Somdev Devvarman and Treat Huey, who have greatly contributed to the team's ability to break the school record by helping secure wins for the past three years. Devvarman and Huey have played doubles together since their freshman year and have since received national recognition. During their first two years, the pair predominantly covered the No. 2 doubles position and posted strong winning records; however, the start was not as easy as they make it seem.
"In the beginning, we weren't sure what sides we were going to take, and we weren't sure who was going to get which balls." Devvarman said. "But over time, we've played a lot together and we know what the other person is doing well.It gets a lot easier."
Huey said that it was not difficult to form such a strong doubles team with Devvarman because they formed a solid bond immediately. Since their freshman year, they have been good friends who can always joke around with each other.
The practice together has paid off as the pair is now Virginia's top doubles team and is currently ranked No. 2 nationally. Since the start of the season in January, the duo has compiled an impressive 19-5 record.
In addition to the doubles wins, Devvarman and Huey have also contributed through their numerous wins in singles.
Devvarman placed second last season in the NCAA singles tournament and has continued to prove his ability by consistently ranking No. 2 nationally this season. Although he enjoys doubles, he said he prefers singles because it is worth a full point for the team.
On the other hand, Huey, presently No. 22 nationally, favors doubles.
"I like them both, but I definitely like doubles more," Huey said. "It's a lot more exciting."
Both players have compiled a 21-3 record in singles since January, even while playing the toughest competition in the nation. It should not come as a surprise, then, that both Devvarman and Huey have been honored as ACC Player of the Week multiple times this season.
Despite the high expectations stemming from their rankings, neither one lets the pressure bother them.
"There's no pressure at all," Devvarman said. "People keep saying that people are coming for me, but I don't think anything has changed. Every match is a challenge, but I'm up for it."
This past weekend, the Cavaliers defeated ACC foes Miami and Florida State during two hot, long matches. Both Devvarman and Huey contributed crucial singles wins in the match against Florida State and comprised the only doubles team for Virginia to win its match against Miami and Florida State.
"We played through a lot of adversity," Devvarman said. "It was really humid, and the courts were a lot slower. We were down a lot [against Florida State], and we showed a lot of heart."
Devvarman and Huey hope to extend the team's ACC winning streak and can be seen in action battling No. 16 Duke this Friday at the Snyder Tennis Courts at 3 p.m.
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