Net News, Volume 6
2/19/2025 12:48:00 PM | Men's Tennis
Hello Bama Tennis Fans,
The time has come when #ItJustMeansMore, and that's where we find ourselves this week as we start the conference season. The phrase, "It Just Means More," has taken on an iconic brand for the SEC since it was first released in 2016. The slogan represents more than just competition — it embodies the passion, expectations and sense of community that define the conference and its sports. It's the time of year that is very exciting and requires focus, clarity, grit and a sense of calm as the schedule is long and relentless. People have said our teams simply beat up each other week after week which might be true, but that's the fun and we've got our gloves on. Â
One major change this year is the addition of two more schools, Texas and Oklahoma, who both bring plenty of tradition and strength to our conference. As of the last national team rankings, Texas was No. 3 and Oklahoma No. 12. So, we have the Longhorns and Sooners to compete against along with the Aggies (Texas A&M), Bulldogs (Georgia & Mississippi State), Commodores (Vanderbilt), Gators (Florida), Gamecocks (South Carolina), Hogs/Razorbacks (Arkansas), Rebels (Ole Miss), Tigers (Auburn & LSU), Volunteers (Tennessee) and Wildcats (Kentucky). But remember, as former Alabama athletic director Mal Moore once said, "there is only one CRIMSON TIDE."
This weekend we hit the road and travel to Columbia, South Carolina, and Gainesville, Florida, for matches on Sat., Feb. 22 (vs. Gamecocks at 1 p.m. ET/12 p.m. CT) and Mon., Feb. 24 (vs. Gators at 12 p.m. ET/11 a.m. CT). Both programs are strong (not a shocker) and we've had very close matches with them over the last couple of years. Live stats and stream will be available so catch us online or on the road if you're able.
Last Friday on the Hallmark Day of Love, our squad faced Presbyterian College in our first home, outdoor night match. The Blue Hose competed their tails off as did our guys in both doubles and singles. It was important for our team to compete under the lights as we will have several more opportunities at home this season (Feb. 28 vs. Georgia, March 20 vs. Tennessee, April 3 vs. Auburn).
Our doubles pairs played aggressive and with good energy, swiftly clinching the opening point by dropping just three games. Roan (Jones) and Matias (Ponce De Leon) were first off with a 6-1 win at No. 3, while Damien (Nezar) and Andrii (Zimnokh) quickly followed with a 6-2 victory at No. 2. Filip (Planinsek) and Matic (Kriznik) were up 5-2 when their match was suspended.
In singles, we had challenging moments but were able to hold off Presbyterian from gaining full control. Each of our guys – Filip, Roan, Matias, Andrii, Matic and Zach (Foster) – picked up wins and the home team swept the slate. Matic earned his first career Bama singles victory while the guys continued to bring a spirited energy and lots of cheering support for their teammates from start to finish. Match Bama!
We all enjoyed a weekend off tennis and returned to the courts this past Monday. While the temperatures were cool, the sun was shining and we were able to train outdoors. Wednesday and Thursday may take us inside as Jack Frost is still lingering in our region before we fly out on Friday.
Mark your calendars for February 28 and March 2 as we host the Dawgs of Georgia and the Commodores of Vandy. We hope to keep playing outdoors but if the weather is below 50 degrees, or it's wet, we will move inside. Otherwise bring some blankets for Friday Night Lights and sunscreen for Sunday afternoons. Crimson Racket Club cookouts are on the horizon – March 22 and April 13. We will have other promotions taking place this spring, with one constant taking place each match day…CRIMSON TIDE TENNIS.
Roll Tide,
George
