Men’s tennis looks forward to capturing another A-10 title

Thailon Wilson, Contributing Writer

The VCU men’s tennis are coming off a strong 4-2 finish against Virginia Tech, the black and gold’s first victory against the Hokies since the 2012-2013 season according to VCU athletics. 

“We feel great. Being able to bounce back the next day after a physical battle against Georgia shows the toughness and resilience of our players,” head coach Anthony Rossi stated in an email.

Rossi stated the loss against No. 7 Georgia will be motivational for him and for the team throughout their matches for the rest of the spring season. Last season, the Rams won the Atlantic-10 championship for its fourth consecutive win, according to VCU athletics. 

“We won the doubles point and were up two sets on two courts against the No. 7 team in the country,” Rossi stated. “It proved to us that our team is going in the right direction and that we have the potential of doing something special.” 

The black and gold have a roster that includes three International Tennis Association, or ITA, ranked players. The ITA is the association which ranks all the top tennis players in each collegiate division. This includes graduate student Iñigo Torre Martin who is ranked No. 98 in singles, along with senior Charles Bertimon and junior Maxence Bertimon, who both are ranked No. 59 in doubles. 

Rossi believes it is important to stay grounded and make sure the players don’t get ahead of themselves. 

“We do not have definite goals or expectations. We just take it one match at a time. We are trying to be the best version of ourselves,” Rossi stated. 

Maxence Bertimon’s singles match helped to turn the tide for the black and gold. Maxence Bertimon stated this game was huge for him and the team. 

“Yes, I definitely think that this match was significant for me, and the whole team. It shows that support is crucial, and to keep fighting because one match can change the entire game,” Maxence Bertimon stated in an email. 

Maxence Bertimon stated he is excited to play doubles with his brother, Charles Bertimon, and he looks forward to the future matches alongside his brother.

“Playing doubles with my twin Charles is something I am truly appreciative of. I always thought that we had great potential together, and we have done well so far,” Maxence Bertimon stated. 

Iñigo Torre Martin stated in an email that the team has a lot of potential and that they will do well this season as long as they continue to maintain focus. 

“We are practicing very hard, almost as if we were professional tennis players. We need to get out there and be the best version of ourselves to win trophies,” Martin stated. 

Martin stated he has faith the season will go well. He, along with Rossi and Maxence, believe they will win another A-10 conference title this year – which would make five title seasons in a row.

“I think it is a must when you talk about VCU Tennis. Our name is associated with this title and it is our job to maintain it that way,” Rossi stated.

Bertimon believes that the A-10 conference title is the goal. However, the Rams are also looking to make a deep push into the national playoffs as well, according to Maxence Bertimon.

“The three goals for the season were to finish Top 20 in the country, win the A-10 championship and reach the final 16 in nationals,” Bertimon stated.

The Rams will have an away match against the Duke Blue Devils on Feb. 11 at 6 p.m, at the SHEFFIELD INDOOR TENNIS CENTER at Duke University.