SAN FRANCISCO - The University of San Francisco men's tennis team is back in action this weekend for back-to-back matches against the University of Arizona and Grand Canyon University. The Dons will be on the road to face the Wildcats on Friday, January 31 followed by Antelopes on Saturday, February 1.

"The Dons are preparing for tough matches this weekend against Arizona and Grand Canyon," said head coach Pablo Pires de Almeida. "The team is gaining confidence and we are looking forward to continual improvement. We know that in order to have success on the road we need to be expecting tough conditions and thrive under those circumstances."

LAST TIME OUT
The Dons had a rough start last weekend against UC Davis when they dropped the doubles point. Phuc Huynh and Paul Giraud fell on their court 4-6, but Nitzan Ricklis and Ori Maior came back with a 6-3 win. The doubles point ultimately went to the Aggies when Mitch Johnson and Johan Garpered dropped their match 4-6.

UC Davis was up 2-0 at the start of singles when Johnson fell 2-6, 3-6, but Ricklis gave the Dons their first point of the day with a 7-6, 6-2 on his court. It all came down to Maior's match after the Dons and the Aggies were tied at 3-3, and Maior clinched the match with a 6-4, 2-6, 6-3 victory and the Dons defeated UC Davis 4-3.

LAST TIME OUT VS. ARIZONA
USF and Arizona last squared off in the 2017-2018 season where the Wildcats walked away with a 6-1 win. The doubles point went to the Dons to start the match with wins from former Dons Johan Joenhagen and Mert Zincirli (6-3) as well as former Don Ryan Marker and Giraud (7-6).

The Dons couldn't carry the momentum in singles, not putting up a single match win, leading to their 1-6 defeat.

Arizona is currently 5-1 in dual match play, having been handed its first loss of the season against TCU just last weekend (Jan. 26).

LAST TIME OUT VS. GRAND CANYON
It has been a few years since the Dons and the Lopes have battled it out on the court. The Dons started that matchup strong in the 2016-2017 season, snagging the doubles point.

GCU rallied back however by notching wins on four courts in singles, and ultimately defeated the Dons 4-2.

The Lopes are currently 0-2 in their season and are also coming off a loss from BYU at home.

UP NEXT
Friday's match is slated for 9:30 a.m. PT and Saturday's match is set for 11 a.m. PT. 

Make sure to follow the Dons on social media @usfdonstennis and @usfmenstennis for updates and more news.