The Florida men’s tennis team opened its fall season, going undefeated in six singles and three doubles matches on the first day of the 2010 Gator Invitational at the Linder Stadium/Ring Tennis Complex.
“It was a nice start to the season,” Florida coach Andy Jackson said. “I am pleased that we won all of our matches against quality players. I am looking forward to tomorrow.”
The duo of Bob van Overbeek and Billy Federhofer joined forces to defeat Marc Abelnour and Ervin Garibovic of Florida Atlantic, 8-6. Alexandre Lacroix and Nassim Slilam toppled North Florida’s Daniel Sotomarino and Hleb Maslau 8-2. Gator freshmen Michael Alford and Andrew Butz combined for an 8-5 triumph over North Florida’s Mortiz Buerchner and Beuregard Treyz.
Lacroix then pulled out a hard-fought 6-3, 6-7 (6), 6-4 victory over Abdelnour of Florida Atlantic on Court No. 1. On Court No. 2, van Overbeek notched a 6-1, 7-5 win over North Florida’s Buerchner.
After dropping the first set, Slalim rallied to within one game of winning the match outright before Maslau of North Florida retired due to cramps with the score 0-6, 6-4, 5-3. Alford defeated Garibovic from Florida Atlantic, 6-3, 6-3. Federhofer cruised to a 6-0, 6-1 victory over Daniel Vardag of Florida Atlantic and Butz defeated North Florida’s Sotomarino, 6-1, 6-4.
Play resumes Saturday at 10 a.m. with doubles followed by singles after a brief intermission. Admission is free.