Alabama’s Men’s Tennis team has been training hard since its mediocre performance at the All-American Main Draw in Tulsa, Okla. The men will be traveling to compete in the USTA/ITA Southern Regional Championships in Auburn where they will compete against LSU, Auburn, Ole Miss, Mississippi State and Tulane among other schools.

Head Coach Bill Pate acknowledged that their performance at the All- American Main Draw was not their best performance, but also was not their worst.

Pate said that despite their performance at their last matches, he still believes they have a chance to do well.  Pate said he expects a lot from junior Jarryd Botha and senior Ricky Doverspike, but said they are very close to where they need to be.

“We’re still trying to figure out doubles combinations,” Pate said.

Pate said when competing in the Southern Regional Championship he will approach practice the same way he would for any other event.

“It may be a greater opportunity and have greater rewards, but we look for the same things as any other performance.”

Jarryd Botha said everything comes down to what they can do, not what their opponents do.

“You can only control what you control,” Botha said.

Botha is coming off a consolation finals defeat in the All-American Main Draw and has been training ever since.

“I’ve been focusing more on the mental part,” Botha said. “I’ve been more consistent as well.”

Botha said the team’s key strengths in upcoming matches include solid chemistry and good fitness.

“I think we have a very physical fit team,” Botha said.

Botha said he has high expectations for the Tide this weekend, adding that he would not rule out the possibilities of some upsets happening this weekend.

“We’ve been very close a number of times,” Botha said. “I think there will be upsets this weekend.”