UA men's duo is partners on the court, family off
Whether they win or lose as a doubles team for the UA men's tennis program, Paul Warkentin and Daniel Andrus will still have family ties.
The pair is in-laws - Paul's brother is married to Daniel's sister.
Warkentin and Andrus were also roommates last year, and assistant coach Tad Berkowitz calls them brothers.
"Paul is the vocal leader of the team," Berkowitz said. "He gets loud and pretty fiery. Daniel is kind of the quiet guy. It's a good combination for them, playing together."
Warkentin, a communication junior, says he has the personality of Andre Agassi, while Andrus, a pre-business sophomore, is the Pete Sampras of the duo.
"He's a little more shy and mellow," Warkentin said. "I get him fired up. I've played with guys who are a little more fiery than me, and it's a bad combination. You need somebody who gets fired up and one person who keeps you grounded."
"It was interesting," said Andrus of the roommate experience. "Hanging out outside the court helps us on the court, as far as having confidence in each other."
Together, they've been a successful doubles combination, garnering a 6-4 record this season. They say their relationship off the court translates into chemistry on the court.
"We got along off the court so well that we feel comfortable playing together," Warkentin said.
On the court, they're different players.
"Daniel is explosive, one of the most powerful guys on our team," Berkowitz said. "And Paul is one of the best competitors."
"Our games complement each other very well," Warkentin said. "He's got a really, really big serve. He has a big game as far as volleys and ground strokes."
Warkentin has an extra year of experience, and likes to share his wisdom with the younger Andrus.
"I'm a little older and I've played college doubles a little longer, so I can just help him out a little with that," Warkentin said. "I think we both feed off each other, and really go on energy. It ends up working out well."
Warkentin said he likes knowing that Andrus, who he describes as his best friend, is always "up for anything." They go out together to the movies and hang out with the whole team.
"If you ever call him up for dinner, he'll always go grab it with you," Warkentin said.
Their friendship serves them well, but according to Andrus, it's their serves that win them matches.
"The key for us to do well is serving," Andrus said. "We come together with a lot of fire and intensity out there, and rattle our opponents a little."
Being a doubles combination for a part of last season as well, they have grown and learned a lot about each other. And as they take on the rest of the Pac-10 in doubles competition, they know they are linked in more ways than one.