To say the Arizona men's tennis team has a tough road ahead is an understatement. However, the Wildcats believe they are ready for the challenge as they face No. 19 USC and No. 2 UCLA at home to open the Pacific 10 Conference season.
"It's obviously a big challenge," said assistant coach Tad Berkowitz. "USC and UCLA are two of the top programs in the nation."
USC (3-1) has four ranked players, led by No. 35 Johan Berg, and returns nine letter-winners from last year.
"The guys this year have a little bit of confidence about them," Berkowitz said. "It seems like this year, there is a sense of belief."
"Everybody on the team thinks we can beat them," said junior Paul Warkentin. "At any position, everybody feels like they can win."
The Bruins (7-1), whose only loss came to Illinois in the Indoor Team Championships, have moved up four spots since opening the season as No. 6. They are led by No. 12 Tobias Clemens and No. 20 Chris Lam, who also make up the No. 23 doubles team. Clemens will likely be matched up against senior Whi Kim, who has faced Clemens twice in the past.
"He's solid," said Kim of Clemens. "I saw him in the summer, when I was in Europe. He doesn't give you much, so you have to go out and beat the guy. I have to stay positive and hopefully get on him early."
"Whi is going to go out there and play with nothing to lose," added Berkowitz. "I think he believes he can win. He has to serve well and come out firing."
The Wildcats have never beaten the Bruins and have just one win against USC.
"The records are deceiving because UCLA has always had great players in the past, like Arthur Ashe," Kim said. "I think everyone's vulnerable this year. I think we got better and a lot of teams didn't, and I think we have a good chance."
"The guys believe they can win, no matter who they step on the court against," added Berkowitz.