Men's Tennis Ranked No. 29
January 10, 2007 | Men's Tennis
Jan. 10, 2007
LOUISVILLE, Ky. - The University of Louisville men's tennis team enters the 2007 spring season ranked 29th in the Intercollegiate Tennis Association team rankings. The doubles team of Slavko Radman and Damar Johnson is No. 24 in the doubles rankings while Radman stands in at No. 71 singles.
The Cardinals are coming off of a successful 2006 season in which they posted a 19-8 record, won the BIG EAST Conference Championship, and earned their third consecutive NCAA tournament bid. In addition, U of L reached its highest-ever national ranking at No. 12 and finished the season at No. 29. Louisville returns four players from that team.
"This is a good point to start the team season," said U of L head coach Rex Ecarma. "With 70% of our line-up to replace, I did not think they would still rank us in the 20's. I believe this team has legitimate potential but they have to learn a lot in a hurry. Our schedule is brutal by design and we will play at least 11 teams that made it to last season's NCAA tournament including defending national champion in Pepperdine. People may think I am exposing this team to competition beyond their capabilities but I believe it will bring out their best tennis. I do not want to wait until their senior year to give them a schedule like this, I want to do it every year. That is how to build an elite program."
Radman, a senior from Split Croatia was the 2006 BIG EAST Most Outstanding Player of the Tournament, and represented U of L in the NCAA singles tournament. The two-time league tournament MVP posted a 17-13 overall record and went 13-9 in dual matches at the Cards' top seeded player. In the fall, Radman registered a 6-4 record and was 11th in the Midwest region.
Johnson, a senior from Steer Town, Jamaica and a three-time all-conference selection, teamed with Radman in the fall of 2006 and the duo advanced to the finals of the ITA Midwest Regional Championship. After posting a 9-3 record, Johnson and Radman were third in the Midwest Regional rankings.
"The national ranking committee recognized Slavko and Damar in ranking them at No. 24," said Ecarma. "They are our leaders and are not afraid to play anyone, anywhere. As the new starters grow, I believe we will surprise a lot of people."
The Cardinals will open the season January 14 at Northwestern at 1 p.m.
Players Mentioned
