Net News - March 17
3/17/2017 11:04:00 AM | Men's Tennis
Hello from Bama Tennis,
Spring Break is upon us and campus is a lot more quiet than usual. Most students, faculty and staff have fled campus for the week to relax and get their minds off of lectures, assignments and exams. The same noise, however, can still be heard at the Alabama Tennis Facility as plenty of shoes are still squeaking on court, balls are being struck back and forth, grunts and shouts of "Let's go Bama" can be heard and the team is preparing for another slate of conference tennis action. The team had a 'play day' of sorts during the middle of the week as we headed out to Gordo, Alabama and enjoyed an afternoon of paintball and skeet shooting. We also attended the men's basketball team's 1st round NIT game vs. Richmond and enjoyed a couple of team dinners. We have had a pair of tough weekends to start SEC play, but there is much more tennis to be played with more than half the season remaining.
It's great to be back at home after stops in Starkville and Auburn, though the temps have been a bit lower than usual for this time of year … had to break out the down jacket this week! We had our first couple of trainings indoors to avoid wet weather and very chilly days, while the latter part of the week has been spent outside. The matches at Mississippi State and Auburn were highlighted by sophomore Mazen Osama's 3-set win over #4 Nuno Borges of Hail State. This was Mazen's 8th dual match victory and 5th over a ranked opponent. He has been on a streak of defeating a player ranked in the Top-30, Top-20 and now, Top-10. Great to see him healthy and leading the Crimson Tide week after week in the top singles and doubles positions. Freshman Thibault Cancel recorded his 7th win in the No. 2 singles position in Starkville against a gritty opponent and fellow freshman Zhe Zhou, in Auburn, recorded his second consecutive 3-set victory. The rest of the team continues to improve and knows that the best performances of the year are on the horizon.
Friday Night Lights returns to T-Town as we host Texas A&M at 6 p.m. on March 17 and then welcome the Tigers of LSU on Sunday, March 19 at 1 p.m. Zhe is our Fathead Featured Player of the Week on Friday, while his roommate Edson Ortiz, will be featured on Sunday. If you are unable to attend this weekends contests don't forget to follow along with live stats and live video! We will celebrate Kids Day once again with free pizza and a bounce house on hand to entertain our younger tennis fans. In case you missed reading Zhe's Q&A, here's some insight to our guy from Tianjin, China …
Q: What was your first visit to campus like?
A:Â It was much better than what I thought it was going to be. The facilities and buildings were very nice.
Q: What surprised you most about Alabama?
A: How great the athletic department is.
Q: What is your favorite thing about your hometown?
A: Everything, because I grew up from there.
Q: What is your favorite restaurant in Tuscaloosa?
A:Â Newks.Â
Q: What is your favorite tennis memory?
A: When we won first match this semester. I won my first match in college tennis.
Q: Who inspired you most in tennis?
A: My parents, I would not have reached the achievements that I have without their support.
Q: When did playing tennis in college become a goal for you?
A: In 2015 it became a real goal for me.
Q: What song pumps you up to play?
A: EDM.
Q: What is your favorite movie made before you were born?
A: I don't like old movies. So I don't really watch those.
Q: What is your favorite movie?
A: A Chinese comedy called Qing Sheng. I just watch it few days ago and I could not stop laughing during the movie.
Q: What is your dream job?
A: I am not sure, but I want my dream job to make a lot money for sure.
Q: If you could live in a book, which book would you live in?
A: The Alchemist, I want to be the boy whose name is Santiago.
Q: What is your favorite hobby outside of tennis?
A: I like to do so many things, I never get bored.
Q: If you could meet any person in the world who would it be?
A: Roger Federer.
Q: If you were playing a pro circuit what grand slam would you want to win most?
A:Â Â US OPEN!
Q: What do you like to hear from fans when they are cheering for you?
A: Let's go Z!!!
Q: What are some goals you look to achieve this spring season?
A:Â Keep getting my body stronger and staying healthy.
Q: If you weren't playing tennis what sport would you play?
A: Basketball, really cool sport, and I want to get taller.
Q: Who would win an arm wrestling competition on the team?
A: Thibault.
Q: What is your favorite holiday?
A: As a tennis player we don't really have holiday. So my favorite holiday are the days that I can take a break.
Q: If you could give one message to your fans what would it be?
A: Roll Tide!
We look forward to seeing you this weekend.
Roll Tide,
George
Players Mentioned
