Devvarman honors highlight big tennis weekend

Virginia’s trip to Illinois last January was one of its most electric of the season. Playing in front of a packed house, UVa staved off defeat at several junctures and wound up defeating the Illini.

Tonight, the schools square off again, and the atmosphere — with two-time NCAA champion Somdev Devvarman’s jersey being retired beforehand — figures to be just as electric.

“We’d love to pack the house,” said Virginia coach Brian Boland, whose squad went 32-1 en route to the NCAA Tournament semifinals last season. “It’s an opportunity for us to play in front of our great fans who have supported us year after year. We led the nation in attendance last year and would love to continue that momentum so they can continue to give us a great home-court advantage.”

In last year’s meeting, Illinois had a team match point against Virginia. The Cavaliers, however, prevailed, 4-3.

“We had a great match with them,” said Boland, whose team is ranked fifth (Illinois is No. 15). “We were able to come out on top in an incredibly difficult environment. They packed the house and we would certainly like to return the favor as they come into our home courts.”

Boland’s lineup will feature returning players Dom Inglot, Michael Shabaz, Sanam Singh and Houston Barrick, among others. Boland may also give a couple of his highly touted newcomers a shot against the Illini.

“We have more depth than ever,” Boland said. “We have a lot of options. I believe we’re playing at a high level already.”

Virginia defeated William & Mary 7-0 in its season opener on Tuesday.

“For our first team match, it was an outstanding performance,” Boland said. “I think we’re ahead of schedule for our fitness and everything else at this point.”

Of course, not having Devvarman — arguably the most dominant player in the history of college tennis — will be an adjustment. But at least Virginia will have his support from the stands this evening.

Devvarman, who has already risen to No. 155 in the latest world rankings, will receive a plaque during a pre-match ceremony. Then he will have a banner bearing his name hung at the Boar’s Head Sports Club.

“He’s so well-deserved of the honor, and I’m sure there will be an opportunity for fans to say hello and honor him for all his accomplishments,” Boland said. “I think it should be a wonderful evening.”