Ohio State Tennis

[Gracelhink]

As always for Ohio State it'll come down to how well they adjust to outdoors late in the year. Can they beat an outdoor team like Texas, Cal, USC, UCLA, Florida, Georgia etc when it comes down to crunch time in the NCAAs this year?

I will also interested to see how the transition goes, in past years the first of season outdoor matches did not end well for OSU.
First major outdoor event in 2017 was at Florida in Feb. and the Buckeyes looked to be surprisingly sharp, however,
Next week Bucks travel to Texas for UT on March 15 and Texas A & M on the 19th.
By the time NCAA's come around OSU should have 2 months of outdoor play in the North to acclimate to the wind, sun, weather factors, though possibly not the heat.

 

[Nacho]

Well its been a good run, but OSU ran into a motivated Texas team yesterday. Gutsy comeback! Still, a lot of season left I don't see any other potential loses, especially in the B1G. But, like the Georgia match last year this was a good check on the things they need to work on: finishing matches and adjusting to playing outdoor conditions. They'll make it happen, but a great win for Texas and a great year for them so far

 

[chris-swede]

interesting game on sunday. Need that one.

 

[Nacho]

Womens team is now starting to roll through the B1G, but the mens team hit a road bump playing outside in Texas during Spring Break with close losses to Texas and Texas A&M. They'll learn from it, but a lot to work on with their outdoor play before NCAA's.

 

[chris-swede]

this is crap
Ohio State loses both matches in Texas and were in control of both..should ve won both easily....

 

[Nacho]

this is crap
Ohio State loses both matches in Texas and were in control of both..should ve won both easily....

Ha! Love it...It is crap, and they should have won both. Players have to learn to finish matches, and when they play so many and call it a day at 4-0, some players just never learnt to close it out. At least that my theory here, plus the outdoors seems to always bite them....

 

[Nostradamus]

Womens team is now starting to roll through the B1G, but the mens team hit a road bump playing outside in Texas during Spring Break with close losses to Texas and Texas A&M. They'll learn from it, but a lot to work on with their outdoor play before NCAA's.

I had no idea women's team was any good ? I thought NW always dominated the big 10 ?

 

[rastapasta]

Heard Hugo Di Feo is not opting to play next year, although he is planning on completing his degree. Considering Torpegaard's dominant play over the past two years, I wouldn't be surprised if he didn't either. If they both stayed and the addition of McNally, I was preemptively predicting OSU to be the team to beat next year. It will be interesting to see what happens to the team.

 

[optimaltennis]

Heard Hugo Di Feo is not opting to play next year, although he is planning on completing his degree. Considering Torpegaard's dominant play over the past two years, I wouldn't be surprised if he didn't either. If they both stayed and the addition of McNally, I was preemptively predicting OSU to be the team to beat next year. It will be interesting to see what happens to the team.

My understanding is that Di Feo only had two years of eligibility to begin with so he is out of eligibility. Torpegaard will be an interesting decision. He isn't as polished as McDonald and with players peaking later and later, it would make sense for him to stay and improve.

 

[Nacho]

My understanding is that Di Feo only had two years of eligibility to begin with so he is out of eligibility. Torpegaard will be an interesting decision. He isn't as polished as McDonald and with players peaking later and later, it would make sense for him to stay and improve.

Polleneen will graduate, Difeo is out of eligibility and played his last match Sunday (besides BIG tournament and NCAA's). Torpegaard will most likely stay at this point, so with McNally coming on this team will be top 5 again. The rest of the team is back, it will be solid.

 

[Nacho]

I had no idea women's team was any good ? I thought NW always dominated the big 10 ?

OSU won the B1G last year and will for sure this year....#3 team in the country right now

 

[jmnk]

I've just watched Ohio State team just beating up on Northwestern 6:1 (they decided to finish all the matches). Frankly - it wasn't that close , I suspect they made Kyle (the only one that lost) run laps after the match as punishment.
That team is just loaded. That JJ Wolf freshman - he looks like a player already. If he grows a bit he may be a pro one day. Once he got any shorter ball he would just never let the control of the point.
I was surprised by Torpegaard game - I would have expected more aggressive play but he just plays so smart and controlled, not giving out anything, just completely wore a pretty good Kirchheimer player 6:0 in the second.

 

[Gracelhink]

Polleneen will graduate, Difeo is out of eligibility and played his last match Sunday (besides BIG tournament and NCAA's). Torpegaard will most likely stay at this point, so with McNally coming on this team will be top 5 again. The rest of the team is back, it will be solid.

Any idea how and why DiFeo could only have 2 years of eligibility?
I noted he just turned 22, last week and would at max only be 4 years out of h.s.
I do recall when he enrolled he had to sit out a year and Tucker said because he played a couple too many circuit events the NCAA was going to ding him.

 

[Nacho]

Any idea how and why DiFeo could only have 2 years of eligibility?
I noted he just turned 22, last week and would at max only be 4 years out of h.s.
I do recall when he enrolled he had to sit out a year and Tucker said because he played a couple too many circuit events the NCAA was going to ding him.

Don't know the exact situation here, but I believe he had some futures tournaments/points under his belt before enrolling in OSU, and had to go through the NCAA eligibility committee to receive any. Typically these guys only get a year or two of it if they have ATP points, and I believe thats where he fell in. There are quite a few that do this, kinda like one and done.

 

[Nostradamus]

Don't know the exact situation here, but I believe he had some futures tournaments/points under his belt before enrolling in OSU, and had to go through the NCAA eligibility committee to receive any. Typically these guys only get a year or two of it if they have ATP points, and I believe thats where he fell in. There are quite a few that do this, kinda like one and done.

I really think Pros should be allowed to play in NCAA if they haven't in the past and is really attending college for legit reasons.

 

[Doubles]

I really think Pros should be allowed to play in NCAA if they haven't in the past and is really attending college for legit reasons.

While I actually somewhat agree with you here, the problem with that is there's little to no way of knowing whether or not they're actually taking school seriously. A guy competing for the top spot at a top ranked school in D1 probably isn't looking at using their degree for their primary source of income. At least not as a first resort.

 

[Nacho]

I really think Pros should be allowed to play in NCAA if they haven't in the past and is really attending college for legit reasons.

In seriousness (never know if you are serious are not) I am torn on this issue. Part of me thinks the college athlete should be strictly amateur in order to make sure there is a level playing field. I find that the internationals are the ones that get the most advantage out of the money/points rule because of their set up from HS to University.

But then there is part of me that would like to see US players be able to take advantage of this and play at the collegiate level, and not have the restrictions of losing eligibility so fast after HS. Seems like thats how it was handled with Mcenroe, Conners, and others way back when. Let's face it, no one makes any money on the tour unless they break in the top 200 consistently. They are basically all amateurs. And really its probably the top 50 that get most of the money, 200 might be generous on my part.

Would love to have seen a Tommy Paul or Taylor Fritz play college. But, if its not the NCAA rules its the No-Ad that would scare them away.

 

[Nostradamus]

In seriousness (never know if you are serious are not) I am torn on this issue. Part of me thinks the college athlete should be strictly amateur in order to make sure there is a level playing field. I find that the internationals are the ones that get the most advantage out of the money/points rule because of their set up from HS to University.

But then there is part of me that would like to see US players be able to take advantage of this and play at the collegiate level, and not have the restrictions of losing eligibility so fast after HS. Seems like thats how it was handled with Mcenroe, Conners, and others way back when. Let's face it, no one makes any money on the tour unless they break in the top 200 consistently. They are basically all amateurs. And really its probably the top 50 that get most of the money, 200 might be generous on my part.

Would love to have seen a Tommy Paul or Taylor Fritz play college. But, if its not the NCAA rules its the No-Ad that would scare them away.

Paul and Fritz way too good for college and their game would actually get worse by playing in NCAA D1. Challengers is right place for them right now. but I was talking about guys that stop playing the pro, like 26 year old that didn't work out in Pro ranks and decide to go back to college to get a Degree to make a living. I am hoping those guys would be able to get into college and play NCAA with scholarships.

 

[illinoisportsfan]

Paul and Fritz way too good for college and their game would actually get worse by playing in NCAA D1. Challengers is right place for them right now. but I was talking about guys that stop playing the pro, like 26 year old that didn't work out in Pro ranks and decide to go back to college to get a Degree to make a living. I am hoping those guys would be able to get into college and play NCAA with scholarships.

Nothing is stopping guys from going back to college to get their degrees. I don't think it's really much of an issue, since most top tennis players (at least in the US) come from wealthy families and won't have much problem paying for their college like everyone else.

 

[Nacho]

Paul and Fritz way too good for college and their game would actually get worse by playing in NCAA D1. Challengers is right place for them right now. but I was talking about guys that stop playing the pro, like 26 year old that didn't work out in Pro ranks and decide to go back to college to get a Degree to make a living. I am hoping those guys would be able to get into college and play NCAA with scholarships.

Not sure I like the idea of guys in their late 20's playing college tennis after 10 years on the tour. Doesn't happen in any sport that I know of unless a kid switches sports (plays baseball and then gets into football).

 

[Nacho]

Big weekend, congrats the the Buckeyes on both B1G wins in mens and womens. Now hopefully the outdoors aren't a factor in the big tournament!
I think both teams will do well, but the outside and slow courts at Georgia may get them....Wake and UVA look tough to beat, UGA has woken up, and UCLA and USC are always tough....and I try not to forget about TCU or Texas....Its going to be a great tournament!

 

[Nostradamus]

Not sure I like the idea of guys in their late 20's playing college tennis after 10 years on the tour. Doesn't happen in any sport that I know of unless a kid switches sports (plays baseball and then gets into football).

james blake should be allowed to go back to play for Harvard and get a degree at the same time

 

[chris-swede]

OSU will compete for a Final4 place, but not more. It is outdoors thats the Problem.

 

[Nacho]

james blake should be allowed to go back to play for Harvard and get a degree at the same time

Ha, now that would be interesting. Did he leave early and not finish his degree?

 

[Nacho]

OSU will compete for a Final4 place, but not more. It is outdoors thats the Problem.

I would think, they are talented enough to go all the way. But after their debacle in Texas I wouldn't take any matchup for granted once it gets to the final 16. Definitely feel they should be there on both sides.

 

[jaggy]

james blake should be allowed to go back to play for Harvard and get a degree at the same time

John McEnroe should do the same at that school he went to

 

[Gracelhink]

The outdoor disadvantage should not be as extreme as the early trip to Texas. Bucks have had enough matches outdoors to get acclimated.
When NCAA releases the draw tonight expect OSU to receive a most challenging draw esp. in the quarters and semis.
The top four conferences, (ACC, B12, B1G, and Pac12) tournament winners are all seeded in top 6.
If the NCAA fills the tournament draw acc. to ITA ranking, 3 of those tournament winners will be in an absolutely loaded bottom half of the draw including IMHO the 3 hottest teams right now, UVa, TCU, and OSU.
OSU looks to be #3 seed, if they advance to quarters would potentially face #6 seed TCU. The winner advances to potentially face #2 seed and probable favorite UVa.

 

[Nacho]

The outdoor disadvantage should not be as extreme as the early trip to Texas. Bucks have had enough matches outdoors to get acclimated.
When NCAA releases the draw tonight expect OSU to receive a most challenging draw esp. in the quarters and semis.
The top four conferences, (ACC, B12, B1G, and Pac12) tournament winners are all seeded in top 6.
If the NCAA fills the tournament draw acc. to ITA ranking, 3 of those tournament winners will be in an absolutely loaded bottom half of the draw including IMHO the 3 hottest teams right now, UVa, TCU, and OSU.
OSU looks to be #3 seed, if they advance to quarters would potentially face #6 seed TCU. The winner advances to potentially face #2 seed and probable favorite UVa.

Interesting....They definitely have been outside some, its just not their comfort zone. And the courts in Athens play slow. Pollenen and Difeo should do ok, Wolf and Joyce might Stuggle a little on slower courts. Will be interesting to see, could come down to the doubles points in those later matches. They definitely should be considered a favorite

 

[Nostradamus]

Ha, now that would be interesting. Did he leave early and not finish his degree?

Yes, he only spent 1 year at Harvard, I believe. he should go back and get a degree, he has full life ahead of him. and he should play tennis too and help Harvard do better in that crappy Ivy league

 

[Nostradamus]

John McEnroe should do the same at that school he went to

John has NO intention of going back to Stanford. He has his own academy in NY and has lots of money. He wants nothing to do with college again

 

[chris-swede]

very bad draw for them....

 

[Nacho]

Yes, he only spent 1 year at Harvard, I believe. he should go back and get a degree, he has full life ahead of him. and he should play tennis too and help Harvard do better in that crappy Ivy league

Not too crappy this year, both Columbia and Cornell have had good seasons....Even Dartmouth has been decent. Harvard has been crappy for sure

 

[Collegetennisrules]

Yes, he only spent 1 year at Harvard, I believe. he should go back and get a degree, he has full life ahead of him. and he should play tennis too and help Harvard do better in that crappy Ivy league

Again, where are the facts behind this statement, regarding the Ivy League?

 

[Gracelhink]

very bad draw for them....

Sorry to interrupt the IVY league conversation on the OSU forum,...
and I absolutely agree with you Chris, I hoped that Bucks could avoid TCU.
Two hot teams, tourney champs from the two premier conferences are UVA and TCU.
I believe either will win against the finalist from the top portion of the draw.
Buckeyes already have a h2h win against Wake.

 

[Gracelhink]

Bucks win a pair of 4-3 thrillers to advance to the semifinal vs. UVA on Monday.
In the quarterfinal, OSU senior Hugo DiFeo decided his college career needed to be extended winning the last 4 games of a 3rd set to clinch the 4th point.
In the showdown of the nation's top ranked players, #1 Cameron Norrie of TCU bested #2 Mikael Torpegaard in 3 sets.

 

[UhhCanJenGo]

OSU men's and women's squads both into the semis!

 

[Nacho]

Wow, two terrific matches yesterday...Feel bad for Seelig, he was in a tough spot and really had a great season. The matchups overall seemed to favor UVA, but they are the best team out there. I would expect them to take care of UNC.....Womens team had Stanford in their grasp, let it slip away. Its too bad....But, great season for both teams and they should also both do well in the tournament! Hopefully they can keep their core players for next year!

 

[jhmoss1812]

Great match between UVA and OSU yesterday. It looked bleak after OSU took the doubles point but UVA really battled in singles. Good luck to your players in the singles and doubles tourneys.

 

[jmnk]

Wow, two terrific matches yesterday...Feel bad for Seelig, he was in a tough spot and really had a great season. The matchups overall seemed to favor UVA, but they are the best team out there. I would expect them to take care of UNC.....Womens team had Stanford in their grasp, let it slip away. Its too bad....But, great season for both teams and they should also both do well in the tournament! Hopefully they can keep their core players for next year!

Umm, I wouldn't go as far as they had stanford in their grasp. At best it looked like they had a chance. Great match either way.

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[Nacho]

Umm, I wouldn't go as far as they had stanford in their grasp. At best it looked like they had a chance. Great match either way.

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awfully picky....must be a Stanford fan....Doubles point and a quick point on 1 I would say was within grasp, they only had to pull off two matches most of which were in the first set still or just transitioning to the second....Stanford battled, and did great, props to them. I expect them to beat Florida tonight.

 

[jmnk]

awfully picky....must be a Stanford fan....Doubles point and a quick point on 1 I would say was within grasp, they only had to pull off two matches most of which were in the first set still or just transitioning to the second....Stanford battled, and did great, props to them. I expect them to beat Florida tonight.

Stanford fan indeed. But it was pretty much given that you would get a point on #1 so stanford being down 0:2 was not that unexpected . I was fairly confident stanford would win #5 and #6 so it came down to three mid - spot matches. And these could go either way - which is why I'm saying it wasn't in anyone's grasp ever

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[Nacho]

Congrats to Florida and Virginia! Well played, both teams were outstanding!

Great tournament, please keep it in Athens!

 

[Nacho]

Congrats to the womens program and to the doubles champs Dilorenzo and Kowase! Great end to the week!

 

[Nacho]

Pretty excited to see OSU in the finals against Wake today! They played a tough match against Miss State, and then really gutted out that win yesterday against UCLA, much closer then the 4-1 score indicates. I think Wake has the advantage being at home, but it will be an interesting match!

 

[CHtennis]

Yeah, that doubles point was huge to win in 2 tiebreakers against UCLA, otherwise could have been very different. Should be a very even match today, but wake being at home kinda sucks for the national championship. Good luck Bucks!

 

[rooski]

Will the finals be streamed online today? If so please provide linkage . Thanks.

 

[MikeG]

Will the finals be streamed online today? If so please provide linkage . Thanks.

http://www.wakeforestsports.com/ncaatennis/#stats

 

[jaggy]

Another tough one, they played well. Tucker unlucky again.

 

[Nostradamus]

Another tough one, they played well. Tucker unlucky again.

Unlucky ?? luck had nothing to do with it. Tucker needs to re-evaluate what he is doing that just can't the team over the hump. He needs to ask himself, what is it that All the great legendary coaches have done that have won them so many championships ?

 

[chris-swede]

it was not unlucky
wake forest was too good with too many ATP Players. OSU had only one in Torpegaard.