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Men's Tennis Prepares for Florida Futures Tournament
Eagles look forward to a challenging 2004 season

Tushar Garg and the men's tennis team look forward to an exciting spring season

Dec. 10, 2003

WASHINGTON - While most collegiate tennis teams this time of year are relaxing, the AU men’s tennis team is preparing for a trip to Tampa, Fla. where they will compete in a USTA Pro Circuit Tournament from Jan. 6-11.

Since the end of a tough fall season filled with injuries and adversity, the men have been putting in some serious overtime, with a practice schedule that has included 7 a.m. lifting and conditioning, pool workouts and individual on court training in sub-40 degree weather.

Head Coach Martin Blackman is a strong believer in winter tournaments. “The key to our success this year will be the work the men put in during the break,” Blackman said. “Excellence is always about what you do when no one is watching.”

The $10,000 Men’s Futures Hard Court Championship, to be played at the University of South Florida, will feature both professional and amateur players from all over the world. The Eagles will compete as amateurs, but will have an opportunity to gain a professional ATP ranking.

The Eagles will return from Florida ready to face their toughest spring schedule ever. The 2004 schedule will feature five nationally ranked teams including Miami, Virginia Tech, Florida Atlantic, UNC Greensboro and University of the Pacific.