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The Virginia men’s tennis team returns home this weekend for the final two home regular season matches. The top-ranked Cavaliers (22-0, 7-0 ACC) host Duke on Friday (3 p.m.) and North Carolina on Sunday (1 p.m.). VirginiaSports.com caught up with sophomore Sanam Singh for an update on this season and to preview this weekend’s action.
Question: You are coming off two big wins over Miami and Florida State, both of which were 4-3 matches. What was the key to pulling out those close wins on the road?
Singh: The conditions down there were different than we were used to. It was warmer and a lot more windy. But the key was that the guys stepped up when we needed to. On a certain day, all of us might not play well. The great thing about this team is that when things get close, people step up. Against Miami, I was the one that clinched it and against Florida State it was Drew (Courtney). We did the things we needed to do to get the wins, but we can definitely play better.
Question: Will playing close matches in those conditions help you when you get to the NCAA Tournament in a few weeks?
Singh: For sure. The match at Miami was hot and really windy and that is similar to what we could see in Texas. It was also important to play some close matches and get used to that pressure. Especially to win those matches the road in front of some hostile crowds. That will only help us.
Question: You have moved up the lineup in both singles and doubles this season and have posted impressive records in both. What has been the change in your game this season compared to last year?
Singh: Obviously, the first thing is just the hard work I have put in over the past year. I have tried to be more consistent with my game. Another thing that I have tried to work on is being more focused on the court. At times last year I lost a little focus in my match, but I have done a much better job in that area this year.
Question: Last season, you teamed with Houston Barrick in doubles late in the year. This year, you have played the whole season as a team and have been ranked in the top 10 for most of the year. What has been in the difference in your doubles play?
Singh: It is always difficult when you start playing with a new doubles partner. It takes time to get used to each other. Things started coming together for us as a team in the NCAA Tournament last year. We continued to play over the summer and won the ITA Summer title. That just built our confidence. I think we make a good team because we compliment each other well. Houston is very good at the net and I am more comfortable on the baseline.
Question: This weekend you play your final two home games of the regular season. Has this season seemed to go quickly?
Singh: We were actually talking today as a team about how quickly this season has gone. This Sunday is senior day and it feels like last year’s senior day wasn’t that long ago. It feels like this season has gone by in about a week.
Question: You play Duke and North Carolina this weekend. What are you looking for when you take on two of your biggest rivals?
Singh: It should be two good matches and it will be nice to get home. After a couple of tight matches last week, we want to get back to playing our best tennis.