The score may not indicate it, but the No. 6 Gators men’s tennis team (21-4) was challenged in Sunday’s NCAA Tournament second round 4-0 victory over Auburn (12-13).
Florida dominated the doubles competition with 8-3 wins on court Nos. 1 and 2, but the Tigers did not roll over in singles.
Florida started strong in singles with freshman Sekou Bangoura Jr. defeating Oliver Strecker 6-2, 6-1 at court No. 5.
From the Tigers’ standpoint, the turning point came when senior Antoine Benneteau defeated Alex Stamchev 6-3, 6-2 on court No. 3.
“I think the swing match was on court three,” Auburn coach Eric Shore said. “Our guy had beaten him down here earlier in the year when we played them. He (Benneteau) played very well today and got on top of (Alex) Stamchev. … If we get back in that second set and split there, who knows what’s going to happen?”
After Benneteau’s win, sophomore Nassim Slilam clinched the victory for Florida with a 6-4, 6-3 win over Andy Mies on court No. 6.
Auburn led the three active matches at the time of victory on court Nos. 1, 2 and 4.
For the round of 16, the Gators travel to Athens, Ga., to face conference rival and tournament-host Georgia on Friday.
