The No. 17 Gators (6-5, 1-1 Southeastern Conference) look to extend their 5-0 home record as they take on two top SEC East opponents this weekend.
The Gators have played better and more comfortably at home this season — all five of the team’s losses coming on the road.
Florida will face No. 14 Tennessee on Friday at 5 p.m. and No. 16 Georgia Sunday at 1 p.m. at the Ring Tennis Complex.
Coming off of a tough win against South Carolina on Sunday, Florida has had time to strengthen areas where they need work, like doubles matches.
In the past 11 matches, the team has given up the doubles point six times.
Out of those six times, they’ve come back to win only twice.
There’s been a competitive history between Florida and Tennessee.
Last year, the Gators beat the Volunteers 4-3 in the regular season but lost to them to end their run in the SEC Tournament in the semifinals.
“We know that tomorrow night, Tennessee is a quality opponent,” coach Bryan Shelton said.
“We’re going to have our hands full again. We know them very well, and they know us, too.”
As for the Bulldogs, the Gators defeated them earlier this season on Feb. 15 in Houston at the ITA National Men’s Team Indoors. Sophomore Gordon Watson clinched the match to pull off the 4-2 upset. That was Florida’s only road win this season.
“Georgia is tough any way you slice it,” Shelton said. “They’ve got a great program. [UGA coach Manny Diaz] does a good job of getting those guys ready to compete.”
These two opponents were also the only two teams to finish ahead of Florida in the SEC East last season.
Although UF faces two tough opponents, they have momentum. Florida is coming off a 4-2 come-from-behind win against South Carolina on Sunday.
The Gators will have to start the match off fighting on Friday.
With only two come-from-behind wins this season, they can’t afford to fall behind against these two top-20 opponents.
“We’re going to have to play aggressive tennis — kind of first-strike tennis,” Shelton said.
“We know we’re going to have to go out there and play to win because they’re not going to give it to us.”
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Sophomore Gordon Watson hits the ball during Florida's 5-2 win against North Florida on Jan. 22.
