USF Men’s Tennis Kicks Off 2022 Spring With High Hopes
MATCH ONE
MATCHUP: South Florida at Georgia State
WHEN: Friday, Jan. 28
TIME: 1 p.m.
LOCATION: Atlanta, Ga.
SITE: Peachtree Corners Tennis Complex
MATCH TWO (ITA KICKOFF WEEKEND)
MATCHUP: Virginia Tech
WHEN: Sunday, Jan. 30
TIME: 1 p.m.
LOCATION: Athens, Ga.
SITE: Magill Tennis Complex
LIVE STATS/VIDEO: Click
here
MATCH THREE (ITA KICKOFF WEEKEND)
MATCHUP: South Florida vs. VCU/No. 7 Georgia
WHEN: Monday, Jan. Jan. 31
TIME: TBA
LOCATION: Athens, Ga.
SITE: Magill Tennis Complex
LIVE STATS/VIDEO: Click
here
By Joey Johnston
TAMPA (Jan. 27, 2022) – The USF men's tennis program has enjoyed great success under Coach
Ashley Fisher — a 72-47 dual-match record, two American Athletic Conference championships and three NCAA Tournament appearances in the previous five seasons.
Fisher said he believes the best is yet to come.
"We're always looking to continue the upward trajectory,'' Fisher said. "The success we've had is good, but we want more than that. We are hungry to get even better.
"We have been knocking on the door, very close to that breakthrough, very close to that big win. In sports or in life, it's always hardest to do something you haven't done before. Once that first domino falls, once that breakthrough happens, I believe you can not only get there, but stay there. And that's our goal.''
When the Bulls open their spring season Friday afternoon at Georgia State — then head to the ITA Kickoff Weekend event at Athens, Ga., and a potential meeting with the No. 7-ranked Georgia Bulldogs — Fisher said it's preparation for much larger aspirations.
A top 20 ranking.
An AAC title.
A deep run at the NCAA Tournament.
"We believe those results are possible,'' Fisher said.
Fisher's confidence is fueled by a veteran lineup of five seniors — technically designated as juniors because of the COVID bonus season — that he describes as an "older and wiser'' group.
"When these guys came in, I felt like this was the group that would make history and change the direction of our program,'' Fisher said. "This is the year to do it.
"Our experience has to count for something — actually, it will count for a lot. We have depth. We have put more emphasis on doubles, so I believe we are stronger there. Our schedule is very competitive. So let's get going and get some things done.''
Whatever the Bulls accomplish, it will likely revolve around No. 1
Chase Ferguson, a former AAC Freshman of the Year, an NCAA Tournament stalwart and a professional tour aspirant. Ferguson already has left an indelible mark on USF men's tennis, but he would like to leave on the highest note.
Ivan Yatsuk, 6-foot-6, will also play at the top of the lineup and has a history of big victories.
Antonio Muniz Hidalgo had an excellent fall, while
Sergio Gomez Montesa, an engineering major with a 3.9 grade-point average, has an enduring role as the team's heart and soul.
Rithvik Bollipalli, a tiebreaker away from All-American status, should be a valuable contributor to doubles and singles.
Sophomore
Alvin Tudorica had productive moments, including a pair of NCAA doubles victories against Duke and Florida.
Fisher said he's also counting on production from a pair of transfers —
Bruno Oliveira (South Carolina) and
Tom Pisane (LSU).
"Last year, we had to rely on everyone and I think that will be the case again,'' Fisher said. "Our guys at (No. 8 and No. 9), they could find themselves in the lineup in spots. Between injuries and illness, we will need everyone to contribute.''
Last season, the Bulls were a few points away from upsetting TCU, then a top-five ranked squad. USF downed Duke in the NCAA Tournament's first round, then lost against Florida, the eventual national champion.
It's a pattern Fisher hopes to break. Three times during his tenure, the Bulls have reached the NCAA's second round. Three times, they have been turned away — against two teams that went on to national titles (Texas and Florida) and once when they faced powerful Georgia on its Athens home court.
"We have to win some matches, get our ranking higher and put ourselves in a better position to advance further,'' Fisher said. "I think we have the schedule and players to do just that.''
USF could boost its standing with good showings in home matches against Texas A&M, a top 25 team, along with Columbia and Cornell, which received votes in the preseason poll.
Despite USF's experience and track record, the Bulls were ignored by the preseason pollsters. Fisher said that's OK.
"The underdog story has always resonated with me,'' Fisher said. "As a player, I wasn't a factor when I started out in college tennis (at TCU). I ended up as a No. 1-ranked player (in doubles), then top 20 in the world (on the professional tour).
"It's not where you start. It's where you finish. I know what's possible and I love taking on that role here. Some of the so-called brand-name schools might not see us coming. It's great fun to surprise people. It won't be a surprise to me, but I believe we have the kind of team that can do some really big things this season.''
About Men's Tennis
Be sure to follow USF men's tennis on social media (Twitter / Facebook / Instagram) and visit GoUSFBulls.com for the most up-to-date information.?Head coach?Ashley Fisher?will begin his sixth year at the helm of the program for the 2021-22 season.
– #GoBulls –
