Janecek looks to break out of slump at Rolex

Janecek looks to break out of slump at Rolex

By Mark Singerton

Robert Janecek is in a funk. After winning 12 consecutive dual
matches, the Bruin senior has lost two in a row, a phenomenon that
has not occurred since January 1993. But Janecek will have ample
opportunity to get on the right track today at the Rolex National
Intercollegiate Indoor Tennis Championships in Dallas, Texas. The
tournament is the third leg of the ITA Collegiate Grand Slam, and
runs through Sunday. Janecek will be the sole ambassador for the
UCLA men’s tennis team.

Janecek is the best player on the Bruin squad, which ranks
fourth in the country. He earned a spot in today’s tournament for
his semifinal appearance at the Rolex qualifying round last
November. Of 5,000 collegians who attempted to qualify, only an
elite field of 32 made the draw. Janecek is optimistic heading into
today’s play.

"This is a great chance for me to turn things around," Janecek
said. "I see myself in a bit of a slump right now, and hopefully
with all of the competition there, I’ll be able to do well."

UCLA head coach Billy Martin feels no immediate concern for
Janecek’s early season slide, and feels the UCLA star will
improve.

"I’m not really worried about (his play) right now," Martin
said. "He was a very busy guy this past year. He took a little bit
of time off from tennis to take summer school and he just has to
play a little catch-up."

Janecek’s teammate Eric Lin agrees. "Robert is a great player,"
Lin said. "He’s a great talent and I think his problem is mainly
mental right now. He just needs some more confidence out there on
the court, that’s all. He may not be as good as he was at this time
last year, but he knows he has time to improve."

Janecek is 1-2 in the early season. "In a sport like tennis, you
have to be able to get out on the court every day," Martin said.
"It requires so much practice. You just have to go out there and
keep hitting the ball."