The difficulties in doubles behind UCLA men’s tennis’s recent slump could return in matchup against Hawai’i
By Daily Bruin Staff
March 10, 2011 2:39 p.m.
After starting the year with eight straight wins and not dropping a point until its fourth match, the UCLA men’s tennis team’s flaws have become all-too glaring recently.
The No. 8 Bruins (9-3) have gone 1-3 after starting 8-0, and will look to snap a two-match losing streak when they play the Hawai’i Warriors (2-7) on Friday at the Los Angeles Tennis Center.
The main culprit during the losing streak has been doubles play. Giving away doubles points has put the Bruins in early holes lately and has played a major role in the team’s last two losses. UCLA was swept in doubles in its most recent match, a 5-2 loss to USC, and won only one doubles match in a 5-2 loss to California on Feb. 26.
Hawai’i is coming off of a 6-1 loss to No. 13 Pepperdine on Tuesday, and has lost six of its last eight matches. Senior Dennis Lajola, the Warriors’ No. 1 singles player, has lost his past two matches, and Hawai’i has also suffered its fair share of doubles trouble, losing all but one of its doubles matches in two straight losses.
If UCLA does not solve its doubles issues Friday, it has over a week to work on them. The Bruins take a lengthy break after Hawai’i and play next on March 22 against Loyola Marymount.
Kosakowski out
UCLA freshman Daniel Kosakowski was eliminated in qualifying play of the BNP Paribas Open held at Indian Wells Tennis Garden in Indian Wells, Calif. Kosakowski, who won a spot in qualifying play after winning the tournament’s prequalifying competition, lost 6-3, 6-2 to Tim Smyczek in the first round of play Tuesday.
Compiled by Vidur Malik, Bruin Sports senior staff.
