When Alexandre Lacroix arrived at Florida four years ago, he came in with the burden of expectations on his shoulders.
But in his time as a Gator, Lacroix has successfully dealt with the pressure of being a highly sought recruit en route to transcending greatness in Florida tennis history.
Last week, he notched two major career-spanning milestones in Florida’s 6-1 drubbing of then-No. 35 Alabama.
He became the winningest doubles player in UF history, as he and partner Sekou Bangoura Jr. beat Alabama’s duo of Ricky Doverspike and Jarryd Botha to give Lacroix his 94th doubles victory.
Later in the match, Lacroix toppled Doverspike in straight sets for his 100th career singles win.
Reaching those milestones boosted Lacroix to being named the Southeastern Conference’s Player of the Week on Wednesday.
While the numbers carry an impressive weight, Lacroix’s work ethic and journey to his current success has made his career special.
Coach Andy Jackson said Lacroix came to Florida as an unpolished doubles player, making his achievement even more remarkable.
“Alex has really taught himself how to play doubles here,” Jackson said. “We want younger guys who are learning to play doubles to see that the guy who won more matches at Florida ... didn’t come in as a fantastic doubles player in juniors, but learned to play as time went on.”
Looking back at his earlier years, Lacroix said the hardest part of learning the doubles game was adapting the singles play he honed during junior tennis.
“It shows that after a few years, you can play anything even if you’re not tall or you can’t volley well at first,” he said. “It means a lot to have that record.”
While his hard work brought out the best of Lacroix on the doubles court, he has always been known for his dominance in singles.
Currently ranked No. 6 in the ITA singles rankings, Lacroix is an intimidating opponent, and he has proven himself against the top players in the nation throughout his career at Florida.
With the No. 13 Gators (11-3, 4-0 SEC) a third of the way through their SEC slate, Lacroix will need to keep piling up the wins to help Florida stay competitive.
The Gators will get one of its toughest tests of the year today, as they host No. 3 USC, the two-time defending national champion.
“It’s important for our guys to not be impressed by Southern California,” Lacroix said. “They’re a talented team with great players from top to bottom, but if we give the same effort that we have been all season we can have a chance.”
