Longfrog
Active Member
Since the tennis season is underway, it seemed appropriate to start a new thread. Last week, the Frogs took care of Abilene Christian and Arizona State. I think this is ASU's first season back after a decade-long hiatus, but they do have a couple of ranked players, so they're no pushovers. The Frogs took it 5-2, dropping singles matches at the #4 & #6 spots. The schedule this year is formidable as usual, but I wouldn't expect the first real challenge until Feb 6 when the Frogs travel to Chapel Hill to take on #3 UNC. TCU enters the season ranked #10.
As for the season outlook, the top trio of Alex Rybakov/Trevor Johnson/Alastair Gray should be strong. It hurts not having the best player in the nation anymore, but those three should win at least two singles matches most of the time. I assume we're familiar with Rybakov. Gray had a great fall campaign and looks like a top 50 player. I don't know the story on why he wasn't eligible last season, but it does make you wonder what if. Meanwhile, Johnson had some major wins on the Futures circuit, topping several former college stars. It looks like he's really taken a step forward after some recent injuries.
Speaking of injuries, Guillermo Nunez is playing again after surgery last summer. He lost his match against ASU so I think you'd have to say he's still a pretty big question mark this year. Reese Stalder is another one who looks like he's reached another level... I expect him to win a lot of matches at #5 if he stays there. Apparently the South African freshman Bertus Kruger has the inside track for the last singles spot. I can't say I know much about him but he comes in with some promise. We do have some other candidates with fellow freshmen Juan Martin, Max Kurzban and Eduardo Roldan.
I should also add the women are ranked #25 and have notched a couple wins against lesser competition. They face #23 Ole Miss on Friday.
As for the season outlook, the top trio of Alex Rybakov/Trevor Johnson/Alastair Gray should be strong. It hurts not having the best player in the nation anymore, but those three should win at least two singles matches most of the time. I assume we're familiar with Rybakov. Gray had a great fall campaign and looks like a top 50 player. I don't know the story on why he wasn't eligible last season, but it does make you wonder what if. Meanwhile, Johnson had some major wins on the Futures circuit, topping several former college stars. It looks like he's really taken a step forward after some recent injuries.
Speaking of injuries, Guillermo Nunez is playing again after surgery last summer. He lost his match against ASU so I think you'd have to say he's still a pretty big question mark this year. Reese Stalder is another one who looks like he's reached another level... I expect him to win a lot of matches at #5 if he stays there. Apparently the South African freshman Bertus Kruger has the inside track for the last singles spot. I can't say I know much about him but he comes in with some promise. We do have some other candidates with fellow freshmen Juan Martin, Max Kurzban and Eduardo Roldan.
I should also add the women are ranked #25 and have notched a couple wins against lesser competition. They face #23 Ole Miss on Friday.