UGA Men's Tennis Faces SEC Road Weekend

ATHENS, Ga. --- The No. 1-ranked University of Georgia men’s tennis team (12-0, 2-0) will play its first Southeastern Conference road contests this weekend as the team heads to South Carolina (9-4, 1-1) and Florida (5-3, 1-1). Georgia is currently 5-0 in matches played away from Athens, but four of those were on neutral courts. Before practice Wednesday, Georgia head coach Manuel Diaz addressed his team’s latest challenge.

“We have a tough road challenge ahead of us,” said Diaz. “I think everyone is very positive about our first weekend and they are truly beginning to realize the gravity of every SEC match. Each time on the court is of the utmost importance. Hopefully we can reach down and play at our best in both of our matches this weekend.”

Georgia leads off the weekend with a 2 p.m. matchup against the Gamecocks Friday in Columbia. Georgia is 26-6 all-time against South Carolina. The last time the two teams squared off was in the 2006 regular season in Athens, a match that saw the Bulldogs take away a 6-1 win. The Gamecocks are led by Yevgeny Supeko and Peter Rodrigues at the No. 1 singles position, who hold respective records of 4-0 and 1-5 at the position.

Following the South Carolina match, Georgia will drive directly to Gainesville Friday night.

“I think it is important to get down there as soon as possible,” said Diaz. “That way we will have all day to rest, recuperate and prepare ourselves mentally and physically to play a very tough Florida team.”

Against the Gators, Georgia holds a 46-15 all-time mark. In 2006, the Bulldogs took an emotional 4-3 victory in Athens as Luis Flores defeated Janne Holmia at the second singles spot, 4-6, 6-1, 7-6 (7). This year, Florida is led at the No. 1 position by freshman Jesse Levine, who holds a 7-0 record at the position.

“I believe Florida is as good at the one, two and three singles positions as anyone we have faced so far,” said Diaz. “Our main challenge will be trying to assert ourselves at those top three positions while hopefully continuing our great play at the bottom of the lineup. Additionally, we have to play good doubles, that could be a crucial part of this match.

“We will be fighting a big, hostile crowd,” continued Diaz. “I think we are ready to face that big challenge as well. This will be a fun weekend.”

The University of Georgia will play host to the 2007 NCAA Men’s and Women’s Tennis Championships, May 17-28. For ticket and tournament information, please visit the NCAA Tournament Information Center on georgiadogs.com.

University of Georgia Athletics

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