Chris Patzanovsky rallied in three sets against Nick Brookes to clinch the game for the Tigers. He did so after losing the first set, 5-7, and then winning the last two 6-3 and 6-4.
The University of Memphis men’s tennis team (1-0) started the 2019 season with a dramatic 5-2 win against Northwestern (0-1) Sunday afternoon.
Chris Patzanovsky rallied in three sets against Nick Brookes to clinch the game for the Tigers. He did so after losing the first set, 5-7, and then winning the last two, 6-3 and 6-4.
Memphis' men’s tennis head coach Paul Goebel said Patzanovsky showed great leadership during his first performance as the team’s lone senior.
The Tigers aim to continue their regular season success from last year (18-6) (5-0 American Athletic Conference), and they are hopeful to have better results in postseason play after bowing out in the AAC semifinals against University of South Florida 3-4 and the NCAA Tournament Regionals against South Alabama 3-4.
Last season, the team lost three seniors, including Ryan Peniston and Andrew Watson who are now professional players. Patzanovsky has taken the role of the team’s leader and is also the team’s No. 1 position out of No. 6 in singles play.
Head coach Paul Goebel gives advice to Chris Patzanovsky during the match against Northwestern. Patzanovsky is the team’s lone senior this year, and the team’s No.1.
“It is a big responsibility, and I enjoy being there,†Patzanovsky said. “But on the other hand, every position is just worth one point. It doesn’t matter if you play No. 1 or No. 6, you need to take care of business on the position you play on.â€
The group of four freshmen, Oscar Cutting and Patrick Sydow and redshirts Jeremy Taylor and David Stevenson, showed good first outings in the first match of 2019. Cutting settled the final score against Northwestern at the No. 6 position winning a three-set tiebreak comeback victory with scores of 6-7, 6-3, 6-0.
Goebel said while only a few new players hopped on board, the roster still seems brand new this year.
“We just have a really new roster, and we don’t have anyone playing in the same position as last year,†Goebel said. “It’s a very long season, but the first match was a very good depth where we’re wanting to be.â€
The team fell victim to the unpredictability of college tennis last year as they bowed out of the AAC and NCAA Tournaments earlier than expected. Patzanovsky says this season could be better with what he has seen from his teammates so far.
“I think the sky’s the limit for us this year,†Patzanovsky said. “The whole team has already shown so much potential. So I’m very excited, and we can do a lot of great things this year.â€
The men’s tennis team has played consistently well over time and have not had a losing season since the 2007-08 season when they went 8-13. Goebel and Patzanovsky said they encourage students and fans to come to the home games as they are free for all and have free pizza, as well.
“A lot of people, when they think of tennis, think of this classy sport, and everyone has to be quiet,†Patzanovsky said. “College tennis is completely different. College tennis is loud and wild, and the effect the fans have on the outcome of the match is insane in college tennis.â€
The Tigers stay home for their next match against the Belmont Bears, who will start their 2019 season against Memphis. Play begins Jan. 18 at 6 p.m. at the Racquet Club of Memphis, followed by another game Jan. 20 at 11 a.m.
