As Virginia men’s tennis prepares to hosts the annual U.Va. Classic this weekend. the Cavaliers are looking forward to getting back into action and competing against the talent expected in this weekend’s tournament.
“This weekend will have a collection of great teams from around the country,” Virginia coach Brian Boland said. “This first tournament gives us a great opportunity to open up the season at home and come together as a team and to see the hard work pay off.”
The big question, though, is how the tennis team will perform without 2007 graduate Somdev Devvarman. Devvarman achieved some of the highest honors in collegiate tennis while at Virginia, including two NCAA singles championship, four All-ACC teams, five All-American awards and the ITA National Player of the Year award.
“I don’t think he’s replaceable,” senior captain Dominic Inglot said. “When you lose someone that good you realize how much harder you have to work; however, we trained really hard this summer putting in the hours, and everyone is ready to start and do their best to represent Virginia.”
Virginia also graduated Treat Huey, who ended the season ranked No. 33 in singles and teamed with Devvarman for the No. 2 doubles team, and Ted Angelinos, who went an undefeated 23-0 in singles in dual match play.
On the plus side for Virginia, Boland isn’t going anywhere. The reigning ITA National Coach of the Year just signed a five-year contract extension that will keep him with Virginia through 2013.
“I am thrilled to spend many years to come at the University of Virginia,” Boland said. “My family and I have been extremely happy at Charlottesville and look forward to many great years ahead.”
It will be difficult for Boland to match last year’s performance, as it was arguably the best season men’s tennis has had in the school’s history; Virginia went into the NCAA semifinals at an unbeaten 32-0 before being upset by Georgia. It is evident, however, that the hard work has already paid off, as junior Houston Barrick and sophomore Sanam Singh swept the ITA National Summer Championships, showing a glimpse of what the future holds. These two have already proven they will be a factor this season, but the depth in talent does not stop there. Inglot is one of Virginia’s best overall players: Last year, he earned ITA Singles All-American, and this year he is already ranked No. 18 in the country. Inglot will join with another impact player — sophomore Michael Shabaz — to form a strong doubles team.
As always, the fall competition will be a good opportunity for Virginia to work out the kinks before the spring season arrives.
“It is a great chance for everyone to improve themselves before the spring season, since players will have the opportunity to compete against ranked players this weekend,” Inglot said. “This allows each of us to improve our records and set ourselves up really well for the spring.”
The men’s tennis team looks to take its experience from last year’s stellar season and enhance its play to another level this year. With a strong group of returners and dedication to hard work, the team hopes it has what it takes to stay at the top.
“We have high expectations this year,” Inglot said. “We all know how important it is to start a season off strong. I think the U.Va. team players will do very well this weekend stepping in and doing their best.”
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