Today, we are following up with our College Contenders series to see how the teams are doing at this point in the season. We will examine how each squad has fared so far and if they are still considered contenders for the postseason. Some teams have been extremely productive and are right where we thought they’d be, while others have dropped off to a degree. Let’s go ahead and revisit each team in further detail…

University of Virginia

(Final 2017 Ranking- #1, Current Ranking- Not Ranked)

The Cavaliers are experiencing, by their usual standard, an uncharacteristically poor season so far in 2018. After winning the National Championship less than a year ago, the Wahoos appear to be in a rebuilding mode. Does that sound odd or what? Legendary coach Brian Boland moved on after last season, and we mentioned previously that UVA was going to be very young after losing Thai-Son Kwiatkowski, JC Aragone, Luca Corinteli, Alex Ritschard, and Collin Altamirano. Henrik Wiersholm decided to redshirt this season so Carl Soderlund and Aswin Lizen are the only contributors remaining from last year’s squad.

Currently, the Cavaliers are not ranked in the top-50 of the Oracle/ITA team rankings. It feels strange to say the least. We’re talking about a dynasty that has won three straight National Championships coming into 2018. When I think of collegiate tennis powerhouses, UVA comes to mind right away. Their consistency at the top of the game has been unparalleled but are we now at the end of the dynasty? I hate to say it, but the answer is probably yes. This Virginia team is not a contender. They won’t even win the ACC, let alone contend for another National Title. The Hoos are young, and they have some talent, but when it’s all said and done, this will be one of the most disappointing seasons they’ve had since I can remember.

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