Allie Will, Alex Lacroix and Antoine Benneteau will have to compete not only with 32 of the nation's best players but also with an unfamiliar set of elements at the ITA National Intercollegiate Indoor Championships this weekend.
The second leg of the collegiate tennis grand slam, which will be held at Yale in New Haven, Conn., is the first tournament of the season that will be held entirely indoors.
Making the necessary adjustments can be tricky for some, but nothing a little extra practice time can't remedy.
"I have some issues with my eyesight," Will said. "I see the ball a little differently indoors. It's something I have to adjust to."
Will's coaches suggested she take a couple days off after her win in the ITA Southeast Regional finals Oct. 26, but Will, the tournament's No. 6 seed, chose to limit her rest to just a day to get as much indoor practice time as possible.
Typically, indoor courts play a great deal faster than outdoor, as players have an easier time lining up their shots without any wind interference.
"The biggest difference is you don't have to factor in any outdoor elements like wind, the sun, cold, or heat. It's more neutral than outdoor," men's assistant coach Jeremy Bayon said.
The change in arena has forced the players and coaches to make slight alterations to their original strategies.
"Indoor tennis is a lot faster and more powerful, so (Lacroix and Benneteau) just need to be aware and take the first strike often and be aggressive," men's coach Andy Jackson said.
In addition to a change in practice venue, the UF players took the trip up to New Haven a day early to get used to the unfamiliar environment.
"Alex and Antoine went up a little early and got to practice (Tuesday) night and practice (Wednesday) so they'll be perfectly acclimated," Bayon said.
Women's head coach Roland Thornqvist is equally confident in Will's ability to make the transition seamlessly.
"The lighting is great, and she hit the ball very, very well (Wednesday), so we're not worried at all about her getting acclimated," Thornqvist said.
