The University of East London’s men’s and women’s tennis 1st teams get their seasons underway on Wednesday (13th October). For the first time in the UEL tennis program’s short history, both 1st teams will be competing in the top-flight of university tennis, in the BUCS National Division, alongside the other top five teams in the country. After the pandemic cancelled the BUCS team competition in 2020/21, UEL are raring to go as part of university tennis’ “Super Six”.
Both 1st teams won the league in 2019/20 and will be making the step up from the Premier South divisions. However, UEL know it will be a difficult task. “There’s a big difference in standard between National and Premier South divisions,” said Director of UEL Tennis, Richard Buscombe, when talking about the team’s ascent up the divisions. “In the National League you get some world ranked players in there, it’s a strong level.”
Back in the Big Time
The Men’s 1st team got promoted straight back into the top league after winning the BUCS Premier South division in 2019/20. They finished ahead of the Bath 2nd team to gain promotion by just one point. The squad will look to improve on their last campaign in the top-flight, after they were relegated in the 2018/2019 season, finishing bottom of the table only recording one win in ten games.
Their opening game of the season sees them welcome the Bath 1st team. It will be a tough first match, Bath finished third in the National Division last time the competition went ahead. A nationally recognised university tennis powerhouse, the Team Bath tennis program were awarded the University of the Year in the National 2020 LTA Tennis Awards.
UEL will look to make the most of their home advantage. The indoor courts at the Lee Valley Hockey and Tennis Centre in the Olympic Park, Stratford have a very quick surface. Bath may take some time getting used to the pace of the court, especially when compared to the slower surface they are used to training and playing on at the Bath Sports Training Village.
The Bath 1st team have had the better of East London in previous matches. Bath have won the last three meetings. The last time these two teams played was back in March 2019, where Bath cruised past UEL 8-0 in the quarterfinals of the BUCS Tennis Team Championship Cup.
Putting a Tough Year Behind Them
However, a lot has changed for both teams since they last met. As with every team, both sides will be short of practice as a squad, with the lack of access to facilities during the pandemic as well as the long absence of competitive games over the past 18 months.
“Last year, some of our international players were not even in the country, they spent the year studying at home” said Aleks Mitrovska. She is a former player and current assistant coach of the team, who spent six years playing for UEL before transitioning into her coaching role.
A Meteoric Rise
The Women’s 1st team will be facing a true baptism of fire in their debut game in the BUCS National League. Their week one opponents are the National League reigning champions, Loughborough.
Last season, UEL’s Women’s 1st team finished top of BUCS Premier South League with eight wins from 10 matches, ensuring promotion to the top division of women’s university tennis. This campaign topped an incredible rise as this was the team’s fifth promotion in six seasons.
An Underdog Story
Despite being the new team on the block in the National League, this astronomical climb in such a short space of time shows other teams need to show this East London side a lot of respect. Many of the sides in the topflight have their own tennis facilities on campus. However, UEL don’t and training takes place in various locations.
Looking ahead to what is to be expected this season, coach David Gaves, is confident East London will adapt well to life in the “Super Six”.
“Hopefully we will be able to maintain our place in the National League. We’ve got good strength in depth this year.”
DREAM TEAM 🎾👏@EastLDN_Sport | @UEL_News pic.twitter.com/aMSh4cezES
— East London Tennis (@EastLDN_Tennis) October 8, 2021
Upcoming Fixtures – Wednesday 13th October
Women’s 1st vs Loughborough 1st
Women’s 2nd vs London School of Economics 1st
Men’s 1st vs Bath 1st
Men’s 2nd vs London School of Economics 1st