After ending last season on a bittersweet note, the Florida men’s tennis team is motivated to come back even stronger for this year’s campaign.
Florida’s 2014 season came to a heartbreaking end at the hands of heavy favorite Ohio State, losing 4-3 in a thrilling Round of 16 matchup in the NCAA Tournament.
UF coach Bryan Shelton, entering his third season at Florida, said he thinks the way the season finished is providing inspiration for the team.
"I think that was just some validation for us that ‘hey, we’ve gotten better,’" Shelton said, "but at the same time, it was a little bit of a sting because we were so close and we didn’t get the job done.
"It’s just like maybe if we hit a few more serves, or if we worked on the return a little bit more, or if we had done one more wind sprint, what’s the difference to get that one extra point that we needed, and so you use that as fuel to come back and continue to work hard so that the next time you’re in that situation, you execute."
As a team captain and one of the returning players who witnessed the loss to Ohio State, junior Gordon Watson echoed Shelton’s sentiments, saying although the loss hurt, good could come from it.
"It’s a great motivator for this year, to put in the extra work everyday to get to that next level this year," he said.
Richard Brej, Florida’s lone senior, said he believes the way the team played in that match last season helped unify the players, bringing them together like a family.
Speaking of family, Brej, Watson and the rest of the Florida players also said they are looking forward to playing in front of their Gator family this weekend in the SEC Fall Classic, which begins today and is being hosted by UF.
"The fans are awesome, they always support us," Watson said, "and the freshmen, it’s a good introduction for the spring…"
Added Shelton: "It’s pretty special. I always say it’s nice to be able to sleep in your own bed.
"Obviously, we’re comfortable on our courts, and get to play in front of family and friends and fans, that’s always fun for our guys and for us as coaches as well."
Follow Graham Hack on Twitter @graham_hack24
UF men's tennis coach Bryan Shelton walks on the Ring Tennis Complex courts prior to Florida's 5-2 win against North Florida on Jan. 22
