The Virginia dynasty picked up another passenger today as the Cavaliers repeated as the NCAA Men’s Tennis National Champions with a 4-1 win over No. 10 Oklahoma.
The match was originally supposed to start at 6 p.m. central time but due to lightning in the area the start time was pushed back to 7 p.m. The plan was to play the match outdoors, since this is an outdoors event, but around 6:30 p.m. the skies opened up and it started pouring so without too much hesitation they decided to officially move the match indoors.
From a spectators standpoint playing indoors was definitely not an ideal situation. They had metal bleachers set up so if you were able to get a seat in one of them you were good but otherwise you were standing behind two or three people trying to see over their heads to get an idea what was happening on the court down below. The indoor center was split with three courts on each side of the plaza so it was fine for doubles but once singles started I had to do a lot of bouncing back and forth to keep tabs on everything.
Back to the match at hand most knew going in that the doubles point was an absolute must for Oklahoma because trying to take four singles matches off a team like Virginia wasn’t going to easy.
Oklahoma’s No. 1 team of Andrew Harris and Axel Alvarez broke Ryan Shane’s serve to start the match but Shane and Luca Corinteli broke Harris’s service on the deciding point when Harris threw in a double fault. Corinteli held for 2-1 when he hit a nice volley off his foot on the deciding point and then Alvarez held from 40-30 to even it at 2-2. Shane would hold for 3-2 and then Harris would come back from 0-40 down to hold for 3-3.
Down at No. 3 the match stayed on serve through the first three games but then Virginia’s J.C. Aragone and Collin Altamirano would break the Andre Biro serve on the deciding point for 3-1. Aragone came from 30-40 down to hold for 4-1 and then Virginia broke Austin Siegel to go up 5-1. Altamirano would serve it out to give Virginia the 6-1.
There would only be one break of serve at No. 2 doubles and unfortunately for Virginia it came at the worst time. Oklahoma’s Spencer Papa and Alex Ghilea defeated Mac Styslinger and Thai-Son Kwiatkowski 7-5 after Styslinger double faulted at 5-6, 30-30 and 30-40.
The doubles point would be decided back at No. 1 and it looked like Alvarez and Harris were closing in on a break when they were up 30-40 on Corinteli’s 5-5 service game. Harris netted a backhand on the 30-40 point and then Corinteli hit a service winner on the deciding point to hold for 6-5. Alvarez went down 15-40 on his serve and then he’d double fault the break and the match to Virginia as Corinteli and Shane won 7-5.
Virginia got off to a really hot start in singles as Collin Altamirano, Thai-Son Kwiatkowski, Alex Ritschard, J.C. Aragone, and Henrik Wiersholm all went up early breaks on their respective courts. It looked like Virginia would take all six opening sets but both Andrew Harris and Axel Alvarez came back from a break down to win sets at No. 1 and No. 2.
Oklahoma started to get some traction in the second sets with Alex Ghilea, Andre Biro, and Andrew Harris each taking break leads.
The one guy for Oklahoma that couldn’t get any traction was Florin Bragusi because J.C. Aragone did a great job holding serve as well returning serve. Aragone took the opening set 6-3 and then he broke Bragusi to go up 5-4 in the second. Aragone would serve it out from 40-15 to win 6-3, 6-4.
Oklahoma’s Andrew Harris would put the Sooners on the board after he got past Ryan Shane at No. 1. Harris came back from a break down to win the opening set in a tiebreak then he won all six games in the second set to take it 7-6(3), 6-0.
Within seconds of the finish at No. 1, Virginia’s Thai-Son Kwiatkowski would get a win at No. 3. Kwiatkowski broke Spencer Papa to start the match but Papa would break, hold, break, and hold to go up 4-1. Kwiatakowski would then win the next five games to take the opening set 6-4. In the second set Kwiatkowski went up 4-2 but Papa would hold and break for 4-4. Kwiatkowski would break right back and then serve it out to win the match 6-4, 6-4.
Virginia’s lead was 3-1 but Alvarez was up a set at No. 2, Ghilea had got a split at No. 4, while Andre Biro was serving for the second set at No. 6.
Ghilea and Alex Ritschard exchanged 6-1 sets with Ritschard getting the first and Ghilea taking the second. Ritschard jumped out to a 4-1 lead in the third set and it looked like he might be the one to get the clinch however Henrik Wierholm would bounce back on his court at No. 6.
Wiersholm trailed Biro 2-5 in the second set but he would break for 3-5 and then fight off a match point to hold on the deciding point for 4-5. Wiersholm broke again for 5-5 but Biro broke back to go up 6-5. Biro’s third attempt at serving out the set would come up short as Wiersholm would break from 15-40 to send it to a tiebreak. Wiersholm won the first three points in the tiebreak and led 4-2 at the changeover. Wiersholm would win the next three as well with Biro dumping a service return into the net on match point and Virginia had the national title for the second straight year and for the third time in the last four years.
Post-Match Footage of Trophy Presentation and Speeches
Virginia Head Coach Brian Boland
Opening Statement…
“First of all congratulations to Oklahoma on a great season. We have so much respect for their team and how hard they competed. You feel for anyone who loses a match like this. I know John Roddick and his team left it all out there on the court. I am really pleased with our overall effort. I couldn’t be happier for this team. These guys hung in there all year long, and we went through some adversity in terms of not winning the ACC tour- nament as well as losing in the finals in the National Indoors. Our guys were extremely persistent. Again, I was really pleased with how they stuck together throughout the entire year as it was a true team effort. I couldn’t be happier for the players.
On winning the doubles point and getting off to a good start in singles…
“We used the momentum from the doubles point well initially, but give Oklahoma credit as they closed out some first sets that we had opportunities to close. Collin Altamirano had a chance to finish the first set, and Ryan had four set points as well. Credit goes to Oklahoma for making it a tough battle when it was looking pretty convincing for a while before they made a great run. That’s a credit to them. I was pleased with the guys, and I thought that they stayed composed and disciplined throughout the entire match. All credit goes to Oklahoma for making it difficult for us.
On what’s going through his mind during the powerade bath…
“I am not going to win that one, and that’s what was going through my mind. I think I can win most things, but I am going to concede that one or I will be chased all over the court. I appreciate the guys for what they do. It is so enjoyable for me to watch them celebrate, because I know how hard they work. That’s what it is about for me, just to stand there and watch them during the pile-on and watch the excitement that they have. That’s what it is all about. I just enjoy seeing them work hard and do it the right way and to have that celebration.
On his parents seeing him win the national title for the first time…
“My parents were overseas for my first two titles. My dad was serving the government as a judge so he spent some time in Afghanistan and Bosnia after he retired. They missed those championships so that was something really special for me to have them here today. To have success, it’s about your parents and what they have done for you. For me, that was a huge joy to have my dad, Bernie, and my mom, Donna, here. I couldn’t thank them enough, as well as my brother Dan. Dan has never missed a single tournament. Michael and Beth couldn’t make it this year, but for Dan to be as busy as he is and to never miss a tournament makes you realize there is nothing like family. I am really grateful for my parents and what they have done for me. They (his parents) have taught me a lot, and I am really humbled by it.
On Thai-Son Kwiatkowski coming back after two breaks down…
“That is something that Henrik and Thai have worked on, is staying composed in tough situations. Thai settled down after being down 4-1, and he started playing within himself. He (Thai) came out struggling a little bit, and in Henrik’s case I walked on his court when he was down 2-5. I just wanted to make sure he stayed composed, and manage the match the right way by taking his time and playing with focus and discipline that is important for him to have success. Henrik and I have been through that situation a couple times this year. I also want to say something about Ryan Shane if you don’t mind. This guy won the NCAA Singles Championship last year. When he came to Virginia his first year he didn’t even start on a regular basis, and he was just in and out of the line-up. He continued working and improving, and in his second year he moved up in the starting line- up. Ryan’s third year he won a national championship, and it would be very easy for him to say, well I have won a team championship and national singles championship and I have kind of done what I am going to do.’ For Ryan to come back the way he did and to have to face the expectations of having a target on his back. It was great for him, but extremely hard and I have so much respect for him not only as a player but for the character that he possesses. He is just an amazing human being, and I just feel so blessed to have had an opportunity to coach Ryan. He is a great leader who comes to work hard everyday, and there is nothing more enjoyable than to work with someone of his caliber and to have the level of character he does. I am grateful for him as well as Luca. Luca is another one that I have so much respect for especially the leadership he provided for us this year.
Ryan Shane, Virginia (#1 singles & #1 doubles)
Talk about your doubles match…
“Coming out we knew it would be tough, Oklahoma had won the doubles point the day before and it was big for them. We knew we had to come out with a lot of energy. I don’t know what happened on the other two courts, but I know on our court it came down to a few key points. Going into that match we knew that’s how it was going to be, so, mentally we were prepared for it. We just came out with a lot of energy and never got down on ourselves. I think that was a huge key for us to win. I came out and got broken right off the bat, I made all my serves, they came up with some big points, but just kept plowing through and eventually got the job done.
Thinking about going for another championship after you won last year…
“I would say a week after, I had the individual tournament after that. After that was done, we got back to work right away, the celebration is done. You have to start looking forward, because the work has to start right away, it’s a full year of work to win a championship like this. You give yourself the best chance to win it with your preparation. I think that’s what we did this year. We got right back to work over the summer, every guy was play- ing tournaments, working hard, even guys who had internships were working. I think for me and I think for everyone we got to work pretty much right away.
Luca Corinteli, Virginia (#1 doubles)
Talk about your doubles match…
“I agree. I think we were a little shell-shocked in the beginning just because Ryan had a pretty good service game and they hit two or three return winners off the bat. They had bunch of energy, a lot of crowd support, I think it was a little bit difficult for us in the beginning. We got a break back in the next game and kind of settled in. I think it was just really key for us at the end to really trust each other, I know we were down 5-all, 30-40, two break points, I felt like I trusted Ryan. He had a great volley at 30-40 and it comes down to a couple points like he said and they went our way again today, so we were pretty lucky to come out with the doubles point.
Thinking about going for another championship after you won last year…
“I would agree. Obviously, you like to celebrate for a little bit and enjoy the moment. But, we got right back to work. It’s a really, really long year, a lots of ups and downs, a lot of growing pains I think as a team, even though we returned most of our starters and the majority of our team. That’s what makes it so special at the end, we dealt with a bunch of adversity, we had a target on our back the entire year, we embraced it really well, it makes you feel so much better right now.
Oklahoma Head Coach John Roddick
On the match and the close doubles point
“I want to congratulate Virginia and their program their players and their coaches. (Virginia Head Coach) Brian (Boland) and (Virginia Assistant Coach) Dustin (Taylor) are good friends of mine, and we knew it was going to be a tough match. They’re a class act. They’ve proven that they can win this tournament. We have to keep working and try to get over that hump. Congratulations to them. You guys saw, they outplayed us in there. That’s the way it goes some nights. We did a lot of things that we try to do, we try to execute. That’s all I can ask from my guys. Virginia just out- played us. I don’t feel like we gave anything away.
“Going back to the question on the doubles, we had chances there at #1. We had the break point, I think it was 5-all, the deuce point. We lose a tight one. It came down to a couple deuce points, probably, in the doubles. The way they were hitting the ball in there, everybody was just crushing the ball. It’s either going to fall your way or not. I thought (Ryan) Shane did a good job of taking backhands up the line on us. We were ready for that. He just hits it so hard that sometimes even when you’re ready for it, you just out of habit nudge a little to the right and he hits it by you. That shot right there was probably one of the keys for them from a return. He got one on the baseline on us too, where Andrew (Harris) got caught at the net. It’s just he hits it so hard, even when you know it’s coming. It’s like a pitcher in the ninth inning, and all of a sudden they’re throwing 95 mile an hour heat upstairs. That was too good.
On coming up short against Virginia for the second straight year
“Every year is different. I don’t know if it matters if it’s three straight years, or three years out of five. Every year is a different one, and every one hurts in a different way.
On nearly coming back from first set losses
“There was a point there where you don’t like to have your players scoreboard watch, but I made them all kind of just check it out, because we were fighting back so well. It definitely looked like, for a good bit, that there was a path to four points, even with maybe some margin for error, because we were fighting back so well. That was great to see. That’s where you’re proud of the guys. We didn’t lay down. We fought hard, and made them earn it, and they did. (Henrik) Wiersholm did a great job of battling back from a break down in the second, and played a great tiebreaker. I don’t think Andre (Biro) he played one or two points, but it wasn’t enough to say you gave it away or anything like that. Wiersholm just went out and got it, and clinched the match there. That is the nature of it. It’s the hardest sport, I think, to kind of really keep track of where the score is. The points on the board don’t mean a whole lot a lot of times. If you’re up 3-0 and you’re getting killed in the third sets, you’ll take that as a coach if you’re win- ning those sets I mean. We were kind of in that position at a certain point. Not in the third, but we were looking like we could maybe get it down to the last match. That’s, at that point, what I was hoping for.
On whether he wonders when he will get to win a championship
“I don’t really think about it in terms of me winning, I think of it in terms of my team. I tell the guys, a good year or a bad year … there was a point in this season when we were really struggling. I said, guys, I can do this for a long time, probably, hopefully, (Senior Associate Athletic Director) Mike Alford willing back there. I tell them, and it’s every team, they only have four chances at it. So, it’s really about them. I’m here to help them become better players, try to become better people, become better students I feel like that’s my job. I pride myself on helping our guys learn how to compete. Competing is fun at the highest level. You can take that competitive attitude into life. We talked to them when we were, I don’t know, 7-7 or 8-8, at one point this year, and I said, if you guys want to take this season and throw it down the drain, I mean, it’s your season. I think they really understood that, and they responded. Really, to be here now, losing is really hard, but to be here and see that journey from middle of March to now is pretty amazing, and probably something they’ll learn a lot from perseverance, doing things right, and being disciplined. We started practicing at seven in the morning a lot of times. They bought into it, and they worked their butts off to get here from that point. So, it was a pretty special group.
On when he knew his team could make it to this point
“Last night? I knew that we had talent on our team. I knew that we had some good tennis players on our team. We lost one guy from last year, so naturally people are going to think that you have a good chance to have a good team this year. We fought some injuries, we fought maybe lack of focus issues. I think my guys always work reasonably hard, but it’s those little discipline things that are so tough to do day in and day out. When they started doing that, I thought, OK, we can really start getting better. When we played TCU, we lost there in the regular season. We had Andrew (Har-ris) back and we had a team match point there with Spencer (Papa), and we ended up losing the match, but I said, guys, right there proves we can play with the best teams. We played great two days later against Texas. From then on, we started playing a lot better. Then it all came together here. It wasn’t one of those years where we were thinking about it the whole season, because we had so many steps to climb. But it doesn’t matter, you just have to take each one as they come.
On the impact on the players from the delay and moving the match indoors
“Tennis is tennis. When it rains, you have to go indoors sometimes. It was something we looked at the weather coming over, we knew it was a possibility, and it’s something that we talked about. We would’ve preferred to be outside, but that’s the way it goes. In tennis sometimes you end up playing at a time you don’t want to play, or you have to move indoors, or at a grand slam they close the roof and you wanted it open. It’s just the way it goes. We still prepared. We were warming up indoors already. We started indoors knowing there might be some rain, and we hadn’t hit in there as much, so we were planning, at that point, on warming up indoors anyway, even if we played outside. Because we’d been outside every night, and we didn’t need to hit outside anymore. Plus, it was so humid, I figured why start sweating. It is what it is. Who has the advantage? I don’t know. Indoor tennis is quicker. It was a pretty close match at the end, and it still is quick.
On the possibility of moving singles outdoors after playing doubles indoors
“That’s not an option. I don’t know if that’s something that we need to revisit, because doubles and singles are separate. That’s something that coaches could talk about. I have no idea I think you might have some vote one way and some vote the other. I haven’t even really thought about it that much. You just kind of know what it is. It’s just like a pro match, if they close the roof, the roof stays closed. I haven’t really thought about it, so I don’t really know which way (I’d go). I’d have to really think about it.
“Once it starts, it’s indoors. The decision is made, so you just have to play. That’s what we try to do.
Just reviewing your archives for the summary of the 2015 championship. So much consistency in the line-ups for both teams. Virginia had the exact same doubles pairings and only had to replace Mitchell Frank with Henrik Wiersholm in singles. Oklahoma was missing only two players from doubles (Dane Webb and Jose Salazar) and one player from singles (Dane Webb being replaced with Andre Biro).<br /><br />http://collegetennistoday.blogspot.com/2015/05/1-oklahoma-vs-3-virginia-2015-national.html<br />
Apparently my luck is outstanding. I just knew UVA had the best team and basically just flipped a coin from there, next time I just hope my team makes it past the first time round. Also I love to be inventive with my bracket names.<br />Ps. Thai-Son is amazing don't throw dirt on him.
There was one person that so irate with the situation that she called the fire marshall because she saw the listed capacity on the wall and knew it had been exceeded. At first I thought she was kidding but about 5 minutes later I saw a fire marshall walking through trying to count heads. <br /><br />
The matchup involving the highest seed team went on first in any instances where there was rain so that's why TCU/Cal and Virginia/Cal went on indoors while Ohio State/Texas & Georgia/Oklahoma had to wait with both of the latter ending up outdoors. <br /><br />I personally think the highest seeded team should have been given the "option" of either going on first or waiting to see if it cleared up – you would think they would have earned that right. <br /><br />As far as the final what it came down to was the unknown. All the guys/gals practicing for the individuals were pulled off the outdoor courts around 5pm due to lightning and every time another bolt was spotted the 30-minute waiting clock was reset. Virginia didn't actually get to the tennis center until after 5:30 because they got stuck in traffic for 30 minutes. <br /><br />Once it started pouring at 6:30 the committee immediately made the decision to go indoors because the forecast for the next 60-90 minutes looked iffy and then after a two to three hour dry window it looked iffy again. <br /><br />They were thinking if they waited it out it may have been 8:30 or later before the courts were dry then if started raining again shortly thereafter they would end up indoors anyways but now with a 9 to 10pm start time instead of the original 6pm. <br /><br />Of course by 7:30ish it had stopped raining and the sun was shining so in hindsight if they had waited they would have been able to go outdoors and play the match in its entirety. <br /><br />The real problem is the rule that states once you start a match indoors you can't go back outdoors. During the regular season it doesn't really matter but during the NCAAs there should be a provision in place that let's you go outside after the doubles point if the courts are playable. Maybe that's something the committee can look at in the off-season and get in place for next year.
Thai-Son is as fiery a competitor as they come – when he gets dialed in he's almost unbeatable. <br /><br />I had to check the time stamp on Bill's brackets to make sure he filled them out before the tournament – ridiculously good 🙂 <br /><br />My wife is very supportive and without that the site wouldn't be possible. I do have a three-year old at home so most of my work gets done between the hours of 9pm and 1am. Sleep gets put on the backburner a tad so its nice to get a little breather after the NCAAs.
If I may address each of your points:<br /><br />1. what athlete from India? I have heard Sweden but not India. And they lose Shane.<br />2. Oklahoma was a mismatches team this year. It's a wonder they made the final<br />3. Yes. I was disappointed that UCLA lost to Oklahoma as I think they would have beaten Virginia. <br />4. Thai Son is a mess<br />5. This is not true. Several American freshmen haved stepped up an been #1 in their freshman year. You just have to be a really special one. And I believe Ponwith is in that category. He will be a good #1 next year<br />6. Yes how do they indeed… that's all I will say.<br />7. Congrats<br />8. I wonder the same thing! Does Bobby have kids?? Because no way he could if he had any little ones at home haha.<br />9. Isn't it strange? Same thing is happening in the pros right now. ATP way more predictable than WTA when it used to be the opposite a few years ago as well. I wonder what is causing this
Well said! The decisions to move Virginia's semifinal and final match were born baffling and no explanation was given why they were made. I don't know if Boland strong armed someone to get them indoors or what but it was very odd. Like why did 30 minutes really matter that much to ruin the entire final atmosphere? In 2012 when the final was moved indoor its because there was literally no other choice. Yesterday, there were many other choices. Other head coaches were upset the match was moved indoor as well. Manny Diaz and Roditi both stated disagreement with the decision to go indoors. Because there is already the indoor championships in February. Every single thing should be done to keep the May final outdoor. That should be priority #1. Not the time.
Food for thought… The NCAA should be disappointed in how their NCAA committee made the decision to move the men's national championship indoors. That decision didn't seem to be in the best interest of the student-athletes, coaches, fans on-site, the sport of college tennis, the University of Tulsa, or the NCAA. <br />The NCAA mission/core values are to uphold integrity and sportsmanship; govern competition in a fair, safe, equitable manner; and enhancing a sense of community from intercollegiate athletics. <br />All of the student-athletes in yesterday's men's final match were not provided a fair opportunity of competition by the NCAA due to the decision of moving the match indoors. This tournament's purpose is stated as an outdoor event and should be preserved if at all possible. There is a reason why there is an Indoor National Championship tournament in February each year to determine the best team in the county indoors. Did the NCAA committee do their research as to the competitive advantages it may have to one team over another my moving indoors? This match was not on live television. Why is the main goal suddenly keeping the match time so important? As a college tennis fan, with a team not in the tournament, it was clear that should the match move indoor, the dynamics change so drastically it strips the oklahoma kids from a fair chance. <br />From a different perspective, this match indoors did not promote the sport of college tennis or enhance a sense of community. There were so many people packed into the indoor, it was virtually impossible for most people to even watch the match. Several fans had traveled just for this match and were unable to enjoy the competition, atmosphere, or experience. Then due to the over-crowded space, there were ticketed supporters, boosters, alumni and fans that were not permitted to even go inside. Hundreds of people were stuck outside with hopes of watching a final match. <br />Approximately 8pm, the courts were nearly dry from the rain, sun was shining, no further lightning within an 6 miles radius, and yet somehow the decision was made within 30min of the original start time without attempting to see if the weather would clear?! I would be willing to bet there have been previous years in which the matches were postponed for a few hours before a sudden decision that would cause so many problems. <br />The University of Tulsa doesn't real any benefits at this point from an indoor match that was poorly executed for assumed number of attendance. <br />The NCAA should be very upset and look into making sure this doesn't occur in the future. You cannot go back and give the right chance to the kids to find the best outdoor tennis team. <br />Lastly, John Roddick showed he is a class-act and runs a great program. He didn't take anything away from Virginia, nor did he exploit publicly that his odds of winning were significantly better outdoors. He took the loss and congratulated the other team. Not sure I could have done that in the same situation. Both teams deserved that championship and indoors Virginia was definitely the better team yesterday so congratulations to them. But I have to feel for oklahoma.
Top 3 should be TCU, UNC, and Cal. TCU returns everybody. UNC needs to replace Clark, but if Blumberg can come early, that'll help offset the loss. Cal loses Wikberg but returns everybody else. You could put UCLA with that group IF Mackie comes back.
Final thoughts.<br />1. The Wahoo's will essentially be the same team next year as they get an athlete from India who will likely play 1-3.<br />2. They were clearly superior on the backcourts and #3 yesterday and that was where Oklahoma was winning prior matches so they were doomed from the start. Indeed, any team that relies on 3,5, and 6 would have had very little chance to win. Moreover, you can't always rely on 1 and 2 doubles to win to get the doubles point and they had to because 3 was so ineffective. <br />3. UCLA would have been the best matchup because they could have won 1, 2, and 4. However, their inadequate doubles would have done them in.<br />4. The icing on the cake this year was making Kwiatkowski sportsman of the tournament. I mean player of the tournament.<br />5. While Georgia appears to have a strong recruiting class, one should never count on one of those players playing at number 1. It seems only foreign athletes can come in and immediately play #1. The exception was Rubin at Wake.<br />6. There is no team in college tennis that can take an injury to a top player and be a great team. The exception is UVA as they go 10 deep. Not sure how they do it with $50,000 tuition and 4 scholarships.<br />7. 'bill' is clearly the best predictor and wins the bracket pool going away.<br />8. Bobby thank you for your effort. How do you get away with it with your wife? <br />9. The women's tournament is now much more unpredictable than the men's. This has reversed from a few years ago when the men's was more unpredictable.
Bobby does a better job than the people who are getting paid to do it for ITA/NCAA and team twitters etc. However overall coverage has improved across the board on all those fronts.
Wow what great coverage all year, and the NCAA period was crazy and insanely good. I hope people and teams are helping this site by supporting you. I know this is a start up "business" and you have done incredible things with it in the last 12 months – including bringing the college tennis community and fans together. I really think you are growing the sport. You really make it fun (and easy) to follow all of college tennis! Now college tennis community, please support him by pressing that donate button on the left! And Bobby, get some sleep!
Not sure how it is not good for the sport being it really hasn't changed – let's go back 30 years to 1986 and the winners are Stanford-10 USC-9 Georgia-5 Virgina-3 Illinois/Baylor/Pepperdine/UCLA 1. <br /><br />Go back to 1960 (another 26 years!) and the only new team name added to those Champions above is Trinity in 1972. Sport has always been dominated by a very few.<br /><br />Not sure three wins earns the term dynasty. I reserve that for the USC and Stanford's of the tennis world – long term success and sustaining the winning with a changing team is a tennis dynasty. Virginia has not done that, it's a strong run for now, but not a dynasty.
The indoor/outdoor situation was not great – probably hurt the gate by at least 500 people and many that made it in couldn't see much – from a viewing standpoint the women's final was 10 times more enjoyable to watch because you could see it all play out without having to crane your neck and look around people. <br /><br />Virginia did get some breaks in the draw with TCU/Ohio State going before the quarters but with the way they played those three matches there wasn't anyone that was going to beat them – especially not indoors. <br /><br />
From a spectators standpoint playing indoors was definitely not an ideal situation. They had metal bleachers set up so if you were able to get a seat in one of them you were good but otherwise you were standing behind two or three people trying to see over their heads to get an idea what was happening on the court down below. The indoor center was split with three courts on each side of the plaza so it was fine for doubles but once singles started I had to do a lot of bouncing back and forth to keep tabs on everything.
Just reviewing your archives for the summary of the 2015 championship. So much consistency in the line-ups for both teams. Virginia had the exact same doubles pairings and only had to replace Mitchell Frank with Henrik Wiersholm in singles. Oklahoma was missing only two players from doubles (Dane Webb and Jose Salazar) and one player from singles (Dane Webb being replaced with Andre Biro).<br /><br />http://collegetennistoday.blogspot.com/2015/05/1-oklahoma-vs-3-virginia-2015-national.html<br />
Ponwith has less then zero chance of playing 1, Montgomery could beat him 0 and 0, look at some of ponwiths losses this year, he should be a good 3/4
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Also thanks for the great work Bobby
Apparently my luck is outstanding. I just knew UVA had the best team and basically just flipped a coin from there, next time I just hope my team makes it past the first time round. Also I love to be inventive with my bracket names.<br />Ps. Thai-Son is amazing don't throw dirt on him.
I like how every year recently everybody seems to not think much of my boys in Virginia but they always seem to win. Hmmm food for thought.
who's going to be the new Miami coach?? Hearing anything?
Bobby. How come nobody gives respect to the UNC Tar Heels?
good thing there was no fire. people would have died
There was one person that so irate with the situation that she called the fire marshall because she saw the listed capacity on the wall and knew it had been exceeded. At first I thought she was kidding but about 5 minutes later I saw a fire marshall walking through trying to count heads. <br /><br />
The matchup involving the highest seed team went on first in any instances where there was rain so that's why TCU/Cal and Virginia/Cal went on indoors while Ohio State/Texas & Georgia/Oklahoma had to wait with both of the latter ending up outdoors. <br /><br />I personally think the highest seeded team should have been given the "option" of either going on first or waiting to see if it cleared up – you would think they would have earned that right. <br /><br />As far as the final what it came down to was the unknown. All the guys/gals practicing for the individuals were pulled off the outdoor courts around 5pm due to lightning and every time another bolt was spotted the 30-minute waiting clock was reset. Virginia didn't actually get to the tennis center until after 5:30 because they got stuck in traffic for 30 minutes. <br /><br />Once it started pouring at 6:30 the committee immediately made the decision to go indoors because the forecast for the next 60-90 minutes looked iffy and then after a two to three hour dry window it looked iffy again. <br /><br />They were thinking if they waited it out it may have been 8:30 or later before the courts were dry then if started raining again shortly thereafter they would end up indoors anyways but now with a 9 to 10pm start time instead of the original 6pm. <br /><br />Of course by 7:30ish it had stopped raining and the sun was shining so in hindsight if they had waited they would have been able to go outdoors and play the match in its entirety. <br /><br />The real problem is the rule that states once you start a match indoors you can't go back outdoors. During the regular season it doesn't really matter but during the NCAAs there should be a provision in place that let's you go outside after the doubles point if the courts are playable. Maybe that's something the committee can look at in the off-season and get in place for next year.
Thai-Son is as fiery a competitor as they come – when he gets dialed in he's almost unbeatable. <br /><br />I had to check the time stamp on Bill's brackets to make sure he filled them out before the tournament – ridiculously good 🙂 <br /><br />My wife is very supportive and without that the site wouldn't be possible. I do have a three-year old at home so most of my work gets done between the hours of 9pm and 1am. Sleep gets put on the backburner a tad so its nice to get a little breather after the NCAAs.
If I may address each of your points:<br /><br />1. what athlete from India? I have heard Sweden but not India. And they lose Shane.<br />2. Oklahoma was a mismatches team this year. It's a wonder they made the final<br />3. Yes. I was disappointed that UCLA lost to Oklahoma as I think they would have beaten Virginia. <br />4. Thai Son is a mess<br />5. This is not true. Several American freshmen haved stepped up an been #1 in their freshman year. You just have to be a really special one. And I believe Ponwith is in that category. He will be a good #1 next year<br />6. Yes how do they indeed… that's all I will say.<br />7. Congrats<br />8. I wonder the same thing! Does Bobby have kids?? Because no way he could if he had any little ones at home haha.<br />9. Isn't it strange? Same thing is happening in the pros right now. ATP way more predictable than WTA when it used to be the opposite a few years ago as well. I wonder what is causing this
Well said! The decisions to move Virginia's semifinal and final match were born baffling and no explanation was given why they were made. I don't know if Boland strong armed someone to get them indoors or what but it was very odd. Like why did 30 minutes really matter that much to ruin the entire final atmosphere? In 2012 when the final was moved indoor its because there was literally no other choice. Yesterday, there were many other choices. Other head coaches were upset the match was moved indoor as well. Manny Diaz and Roditi both stated disagreement with the decision to go indoors. Because there is already the indoor championships in February. Every single thing should be done to keep the May final outdoor. That should be priority #1. Not the time.
Food for thought… The NCAA should be disappointed in how their NCAA committee made the decision to move the men's national championship indoors. That decision didn't seem to be in the best interest of the student-athletes, coaches, fans on-site, the sport of college tennis, the University of Tulsa, or the NCAA. <br />The NCAA mission/core values are to uphold integrity and sportsmanship; govern competition in a fair, safe, equitable manner; and enhancing a sense of community from intercollegiate athletics. <br />All of the student-athletes in yesterday's men's final match were not provided a fair opportunity of competition by the NCAA due to the decision of moving the match indoors. This tournament's purpose is stated as an outdoor event and should be preserved if at all possible. There is a reason why there is an Indoor National Championship tournament in February each year to determine the best team in the county indoors. Did the NCAA committee do their research as to the competitive advantages it may have to one team over another my moving indoors? This match was not on live television. Why is the main goal suddenly keeping the match time so important? As a college tennis fan, with a team not in the tournament, it was clear that should the match move indoor, the dynamics change so drastically it strips the oklahoma kids from a fair chance. <br />From a different perspective, this match indoors did not promote the sport of college tennis or enhance a sense of community. There were so many people packed into the indoor, it was virtually impossible for most people to even watch the match. Several fans had traveled just for this match and were unable to enjoy the competition, atmosphere, or experience. Then due to the over-crowded space, there were ticketed supporters, boosters, alumni and fans that were not permitted to even go inside. Hundreds of people were stuck outside with hopes of watching a final match. <br />Approximately 8pm, the courts were nearly dry from the rain, sun was shining, no further lightning within an 6 miles radius, and yet somehow the decision was made within 30min of the original start time without attempting to see if the weather would clear?! I would be willing to bet there have been previous years in which the matches were postponed for a few hours before a sudden decision that would cause so many problems. <br />The University of Tulsa doesn't real any benefits at this point from an indoor match that was poorly executed for assumed number of attendance. <br />The NCAA should be very upset and look into making sure this doesn't occur in the future. You cannot go back and give the right chance to the kids to find the best outdoor tennis team. <br />Lastly, John Roddick showed he is a class-act and runs a great program. He didn't take anything away from Virginia, nor did he exploit publicly that his odds of winning were significantly better outdoors. He took the loss and congratulated the other team. Not sure I could have done that in the same situation. Both teams deserved that championship and indoors Virginia was definitely the better team yesterday so congratulations to them. But I have to feel for oklahoma.
Top 3 should be TCU, UNC, and Cal. TCU returns everybody. UNC needs to replace Clark, but if Blumberg can come early, that'll help offset the loss. Cal loses Wikberg but returns everybody else. You could put UCLA with that group IF Mackie comes back.
Final thoughts.<br />1. The Wahoo's will essentially be the same team next year as they get an athlete from India who will likely play 1-3.<br />2. They were clearly superior on the backcourts and #3 yesterday and that was where Oklahoma was winning prior matches so they were doomed from the start. Indeed, any team that relies on 3,5, and 6 would have had very little chance to win. Moreover, you can't always rely on 1 and 2 doubles to win to get the doubles point and they had to because 3 was so ineffective. <br />3. UCLA would have been the best matchup because they could have won 1, 2, and 4. However, their inadequate doubles would have done them in.<br />4. The icing on the cake this year was making Kwiatkowski sportsman of the tournament. I mean player of the tournament.<br />5. While Georgia appears to have a strong recruiting class, one should never count on one of those players playing at number 1. It seems only foreign athletes can come in and immediately play #1. The exception was Rubin at Wake.<br />6. There is no team in college tennis that can take an injury to a top player and be a great team. The exception is UVA as they go 10 deep. Not sure how they do it with $50,000 tuition and 4 scholarships.<br />7. 'bill' is clearly the best predictor and wins the bracket pool going away.<br />8. Bobby thank you for your effort. How do you get away with it with your wife? <br />9. The women's tournament is now much more unpredictable than the men's. This has reversed from a few years ago when the men's was more unpredictable.
never too early to look ahead? who's gonna be a title contender next year? I say early top 5 is 1. TCU 2. Georgia 3. Virginia 4. USC 5. Wake Forest
Bobby does a better job than the people who are getting paid to do it for ITA/NCAA and team twitters etc. However overall coverage has improved across the board on all those fronts.
Wow what great coverage all year, and the NCAA period was crazy and insanely good. I hope people and teams are helping this site by supporting you. I know this is a start up "business" and you have done incredible things with it in the last 12 months – including bringing the college tennis community and fans together. I really think you are growing the sport. You really make it fun (and easy) to follow all of college tennis! Now college tennis community, please support him by pressing that donate button on the left! And Bobby, get some sleep!
Bobby, thanks much for all that you do for college tennis.<br /><br />Kent
Not sure how it is not good for the sport being it really hasn't changed – let's go back 30 years to 1986 and the winners are Stanford-10 USC-9 Georgia-5 Virgina-3 Illinois/Baylor/Pepperdine/UCLA 1. <br /><br />Go back to 1960 (another 26 years!) and the only new team name added to those Champions above is Trinity in 1972. Sport has always been dominated by a very few.<br /><br />Not sure three wins earns the term dynasty. I reserve that for the USC and Stanford's of the tennis world – long term success and sustaining the winning with a changing team is a tennis dynasty. Virginia has not done that, it's a strong run for now, but not a dynasty.
I know @ncaatennis on Twitter does – hadn't seen anywhere else yet –
Is there a link so you can see completed matches for the day?
The indoor/outdoor situation was not great – probably hurt the gate by at least 500 people and many that made it in couldn't see much – from a viewing standpoint the women's final was 10 times more enjoyable to watch because you could see it all play out without having to crane your neck and look around people. <br /><br />Virginia did get some breaks in the draw with TCU/Ohio State going before the quarters but with the way they played those three matches there wasn't anyone that was going to beat them – especially not indoors. <br /><br />