No one considered Andrew Watson the best player on his own team, but the freshman tore through the USTA/ITA Ohio Valley Regional tennis championships last weekend, sealing the tournament title with a decisive 2-0 victory over the No. 9 player in the nation and etching his name in the record books.
Watson is the first player in the University of Memphis’ history to win the Ohio Valley Regional championship. In fact, no other player has even made the singles final since the program started in 1975.
Watson, an England native, said he was excited to get the win, but he already has his eyes on the National Indoor Intercollegiate Championships, which the win at Vanderbilt on Saturday qualified him for.
“It was definitely a big win,” Watson said. “Now, I’m glad to get back to work training. I didn’t really know what to expect (coming to the U.S.). It’s tougher and a lot of work.”
After playing a doubles match that morning, Watson jumped on Austin from the first serve, taking the first set 6-3.
Austin, a senior at Vanderbilt, challenged Watson in the second set. The Commodore leapt to a 3-2 lead, but Watson stormed back to force a tiebreak. He took the tiebreak, 7-4, notching his 10th win of the season and first tournament win.
With the win, Watson qualified for the National Indoor Intercollegiate Championships in Flushing, New York, Nov. 6-9. It will be played at the Billie Jean King Indoor Tennis Center – the U.S. Open venue. He will be in a 32-player draw with some of the nation’s best.
Memphis head coach Paul Goebel said he was surprised to see Watson play so well so soon.
“I didn’t expect him to win,” Goebel said laughingly. “He’s a very, very good player, and he works hard. It’s a nice reward for all of his hard work.”
Goebel added the Ohio Valley Regional is by far the Tigers’ toughest tournament thus far. It combines the best players from Tennessee, Kentucky and Indiana.
Senior Connor Glennon, the U of M’s top player, fell in the fourth round of the regional, and freshman Ryan Peniston made it to the quarterfinals before losing.
Glennon was the first Tiger to start the season in the ITA’s rankings. Currently, he sits at 38th in the country.
Watson, although he made it farther last weekend, said he still cannot beat Glennon in practice.
Goebel said the Tigers’ play this fall has been extremely encouraging. After losing six seniors from last year’s squad, it was comforting for Goebel to see the new guys step up.
Sophomore Louis Asser and Glennon are the only two Tigers left from last season, but Goebel said he is confident this new group will keep the program at a high level.
“Four years ago, we had a unique situation where we lost a bunch of guys and brought in a bunch of new freshmen,” Goebel said. “Those guys came together as a team and raised expectations. Honestly, I think these guys can be better.”
Memphis closes out its fall slate with the Indoor Championships and Commodore Scramble before opening the spring season in 2015.
