After spending his first two years of college at Wake Forest, Frank Carleton wanted the opportunity to play for an elite tennis program. One month into his first dual-match season in Gainesville, he has made the most of that opportunity.
The junior, who is undefeated in singles play during dual matches, has been a major factor in the No. 5 Gators’ strong start to the season. He will put his perfect record on the line Saturday when Florida hosts No. 32 Florida State.
“I’m always trying to get better,” Carleton said. “I feel like I’m getting better every time I’m on the court. I can get a lot better.”
Carleton joined the Gators in August after struggling through his sophomore year at Wake Forest. When he went 13-20 in singles play, Carleton made the decision to transfer.
He has been ranked as high as 20th nationally in singles, but never quite saw significant success aside from being named to the All-Atlantic Coast Conference team his freshman year.
When Carleton arrived in Gainesville, he was welcomed with open arms. Coach Andy Jackson made sure Carleton understood he would be playing in a great environment.
“‘It’s good to be a Gator.’ That was the first thing [Jackson] said to me, and that was the first thing I remember,” Carleton said. “That’s been probably the most true statement that I’ve found out here.
“Playing for the Gators is really professional. You have a lot of things at your fingertips, all the resources you could imagine. Everybody really wants to win here.“
Carleton has thrived off the competition thus far. After going 7-3 in singles play during the fall, he has reeled off three straight wins to start the dual-match season. His latest win came last Saturday against Virginia’s Alex Domijan, who has been ranked as high as No. 1 nationally. Carleton has also played well in doubles, as he and partner Spencer Newman are 14-3 since the fall, including 4-0 during the dual-match season.
“Me and Spence complement each other pretty well,” he said. “We used to be roommates at the USTA academy a few years back. Our friendship off the court might be carrying over on the court and vice versa.”
Almost six months into his career at Florida, Carleton has settled in. He is playing tennis at a high level on an elite team, something he wanted badly when he came to Gainesville.
“It’s a big-time program. It’s a winning program, not a program that would be satisfied with a 20-in-the nation spot. So we’re trying to win, and that’s what I like.”
