Coach Roland Thornqvist is excited to be back in business.
With six of Florida’s seven players listed in the top 40 of the ITA Singles Rankings, he has good reason.
After almost a two-month break, the Gators are eager to jump into the season.
Along with the tough schedule also came a few new rule changes.
This spring, the NCAA will be experimenting with a 6-point doubles match and a tiebreaker in singles instead of a third set.
Florida has three seniors, one sophomore and three freshmen on the roster.
Coming off of what he considers an “excellent” fall season, Thornqvist said he expects his freshmen to perform at a high level in the dual-match season in the spring.
He said the team will rely on the freshmen a lot, but he will also be relying on his seniors for leadership and stability. The team begins the spring season in Las Vegas for the three-day Freeman Memorial Championships on Friday.
“Baby talk has to go away quickly,” Thornqvist said, “or we’re in for a rude awakening.”
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UF women's tennis coach Roland Thornqvist and the Gators were predicted to win the Southeastern Conference by the other SEC coaches.
