Men’s Tennis | November 06, 2024
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LOS ANGELES – USC men’s tennis is gearing up for a thrilling weekend as they have two promising opportunities to advance athletes to the prestigious NCAA Individual Championships. Freshman sensation Niels Hoffmann is set to embark on his journey to the ITA Conference Master’s Championships in Rome, Georgia, while senior stalwarts Karl Lee and Peter Makk, alongside graduate student Tristan Bradley, are headed to the ITA West Sectional Championships in Malibu, California. Both esteemed tournaments are scheduled to unfold from Thursday, November 7 through Sunday, November 10.
Hoffmann will proudly represent USC and the Big Ten at the Conference Master’s Championships. Demonstrating the significance of this occasion, each conference selected only one singles player and one doubles team, making Hoffmann the sole representative for USC’s new conference. He enters the competition with the best record among his teammates, boasting an impressive 10-3 tally during the fall season.
As Hoffmann prepares to face off against Bellarmine’s Jack Batchelor, the Atlantic Sun Conference representative, in the round of 32, he is eager to prove himself against top-tier competition. Should he succeed, he will then challenge Notre Dame’s highly-ranked No. 13 Sebastian Dominko, representing the ACC, in the subsequent round.
Across the country, the Trojans head into the ITA West Sectional Championships with formidable participants including Makk and Lee competing in singles, while Lee pairs up with Bradley for doubles action. Makk, returning for his second event of the fall season after battling at the ITA All-American in late September, holds a 1-2 record in singles play, highlighted by a notable victory over No. 7-ranked Gavin Young. Lee enters the tournament with a 3-2 record this season, having recently competed at the ITA Southwest Regional.
Tomorrow marks the start of Makk and Lee’s quests; Makk’s match is scheduled for noon, paving the way for Lee’s match, which will commence an hour later at 1 p.m. Meanwhile, the dynamic duo of Lee and Bradley will take to the court at 10 a.m. for the doubles competition, looking to build on their 2-1 season record following a commendable quarterfinal run at the ITA Southwest Regional.
The 2024 ITA Conference Masters Championship will feature a singles draw of 32 and an identical draw for doubles. Notably, four semifinalists will earn coveted spots in the NCAA Singles Championship. In parallel, the 2024 ITA Sectional Championships will boast a singles draw of 32 players as well, with six singles athletes advancing to the NCAA Singles Championship, along with three doubles teams making their way to the NCAA Doubles Championship by way of sectional results.
For additional details, the draws for the ITA Conference Masters Championships can be accessed here. Fans can catch live tournament action streamed on Cracked Racquets and via PlaySight.
Similarly, the draws for the ITA West Sectional Championships are available here, with match coverage also provided on PlaySight.
**Interview with USC Men’s Tennis Head Coach, Billy Martin**
**Editor:** Thank you for joining us today, Coach Martin. Exciting times for USC men’s tennis as you prepare for the upcoming NCAA Individual Championships. Can you share your thoughts on this weekend’s opportunities for your athletes?
**Coach Martin:** Absolutely! We’re thrilled about the potential for our players this weekend. Niels Hoffmann, our freshman star, is heading to the ITA Conference Master’s Championships, and he’s already made a significant impact in his first season with us. It’s a prestigious event, and he’s a shining example of our team’s hard work and dedication.
**Editor:** Niels has had quite the record so far. What are your expectations for him as he competes against such tough opponents?
**Coach Martin:** Niels has shown exceptional talent and composure on the court. He enters the tournament with a strong 10-3 record this fall, and we fully believe he can hold his own against the best. Matches like the one against Notre Dame’s Sebastian Dominko are not just tests of skill; they’re opportunities to showcase USC’s talent on a national stage. We’re all excited to see how he performs.
**Editor:** And what about the ITA West Sectional Championships? You have senior players Karl Lee and Peter Makk, along with graduate student Tristan Bradley, heading there. What do you anticipate from them?
**Coach Martin:** Both Makk and Lee bring invaluable experience to the court. Makk, despite his recent record, proved he can take down high-ranked opponents, and with Lee’s return to form, we expect strong performances in both singles and doubles. Their ability to manage pressure and work together will be crucial at the Sectionals.
**Editor:** How important are events like these in the overall development of your players?
**Coach Martin:** These tournaments are crucial for our players’ development. They provide a platform to face strong competition and gain exposure at higher levels of play. Winning these matches is great, but the experience and the lessons learned pave the way for the future. It’s all about building character and resilience on and off the court.
**Editor:** what do you hope to see from your team this weekend overall?
**Coach Martin:** I hope to see our athletes compete with heart and determination. Regardless of the outcomes, I want them to learn from every match, support one another, and represent USC proudly. If they can channel their energies positively, I believe great things await us!
**Editor:** Thank you so much for your insights, Coach Martin. Best of luck to you and the team this weekend!
**Coach Martin:** Thank you! We appreciate your support!
