In the 2011 dual-match season, Florida started off 5-0, including three sweeps of its opponents.
Its next match was against Florida State, which was also the first road test of the season. In 2013, Florida is faced with that same situation tomorrow.
The No. 11 Gators, are 5-0 and have also swept three of its opponents so far this season.
“It’s just another school,” freshman Gordon Watson said of Florida State. “I know the crowd will be a little rowdy, but we’re looking forward to it and we should be prepared for it.”
Watson is undefeated in doubles and singles this season, posting a 3-0 record in doubles along with his partner Billy Federhofer, and 4-0 in singles.
He said improving his first-serve percentage is crucial to to his performance tomorrow.
Coach Bryan Shelton said Florida is averaging around 60 percent on its first serves, and his goal is to increase that by 10 percent.
In some cases, players are averaging in the low 50s.
“That’s really unacceptable,”Shelton said. “It’s the one shot where you have total control. It’s like a free throw.”
He said the team is scoring at a higher rate on first serve attempts than when they have to serve a second time.
Shelton said that issue hasn’t been a problem thus far since the team is excelling at returning serves.
One of those players shining in the return game is Watson.
Watson said before he got to Florida it really wasn’t something he emphasized, but now it’s one of the key components of his game. Since becoming a Gator, Shelton has stressed to him the importance of the return, and it’s the one area of Watson's game that has most improved.
Shelton is hoping the team faces some adversity tomorrow against the Seminoles. Until now, the Gators have yet to face a quality opponent this season. That will change next week when the team travels to Seattle for the ITA Indoor Championships.
For now, Shelton is focused on Florida's aggressiveness against Florida State, and he said that starts from the opening serve.
“We are going to go out there and let our tennis do the talking,” Shelton said.
Gordon Watson hits a ball during Florida’s 7-0 win against St. John’s on Jan. 6, 2013. The junior won the singles event of the Gainesville ITA Circuits Draw on Monday.
