Florida men’s tennis beats Bulls

Despite the chilly, overcast day, the Florida Gators men’s tennis team heated up as play progressed during its 8-1 victory against South Florida in Florida’s last match at the Gator Invitational, a three-day round robin between the Gators, FAU, UCF and USF.

Head coach Andy Jackson said the Gators needed the match experience.

“We got a lot of things done this weekend by playing a lot of matches, which we need,” Jackson said. “We are trying to build up to the All-American tournament in Tulsa. Nice start for us.”

Florida won two out of three doubles matches after the Gators’ top duo, Billy Federhofer and Nassim Slilam, loss a match to USF’s Yannick Yoshizawa and Oliver Pramming. Slilam bounced back in singles play, defeating Wael Kilani 6-3, 6-2.

“I thought that Nassim continued what he had been doing in the spring of last year and the summer and now with our practices in the fall,” Jackson said. “He is leading by example and he has picked up his level.”

Jackson expected another Gator to step up last season. A broken foot in January forced Michael Alford to miss the spring season. The sophomore played four sets against the Bulls, including a three-set, comeback victory on court six.

“He was somebody we were counting on last year. He needs matches and match play more than anyone else. For him to be able to play four sets in a day, we will see how he comes out of it tomorrow physically. It looks really good today,” Jackson said. “He showed toughness, gained confidence and that could be something very positive for the Gators.”

Injuries plagued the Gators last year in fall competition. This fall is no different, Jackson said.

“It is an issue every year,” he said. “It is an issue for (Roger) Federer and (Rafael) Nadal. Tennis has gotten to be an enormously physical sport. If you are not healthy, you are not going to win. First, we have to be fit, but we have to be healthy too.”

The Gators did not leave the three-day invitational unscathed. Junior Billy Federhofer hurt his elbow after running into a pole on the court Saturday against UCF. The lefty sat out of singles competition after his doubles match. Federhofer’s injury is not serious, Jackson said.

Due to the extensive amount of time on the court this past weekend, Jackson said he will give the team Monday off and cut back on practice Tuesday and Wednesday.

The Gators next play at the ITA Southeast Regional in Athens, Ga. from Sept. 20-23. Jackson called the regional one of the best non-national tournaments in the fall. SEC rival Georgia will participate as well, Jackson said. The Bulldogs defeated the Gators last season in a close 4-3 match in Athens.

Doubles*

1—Yoshizawa/Pramming (USF) def. #36 Federhofer/Slilam (UF) 9-7 (1:07)

2—Carleton/Newman (UF) def. Acuna/Hagn (USF) 8-3 (:46)

3—Alford/van Overbeek (UF) def. de Vilchez/Marin (USF) 9-8(7-4) (1:04)

Order of finish: 2-3-1

Singles*

1—#37 Slilam (UF) def. #104 Kilani (USF) 6-3, 6-2 (1:24)

2—#58 van Overbeek (UF) def. Marin (USF) 6-3, 6-2 (1:18)

3—#69 Carleton (UF) def. Acuna (USF) 6-1, 6-3 (1:19)

4—Newman (UF) def. Yoshizawa (USF) 6-3, 6-4 (1:41)

5—Butz (UF) def. Pramming (USF) 6-3, 6-1 (1:14)

6—Alford (UF) def. de Vilchez (USF) 6-3, 2-6, 6-1 (1:42)

Order of finish: 5-2-1-3-4-6

*Indicates unofficial match times compiled by Gator Country.