University of Tennessee Athletics
What's up with Davey Sandgren
May 24, 2010 | Men's Tennis
May 24, 2010
DREW RUTHERFORD
UTSports.com
The following is an interview between Drew Rutherford, UTsports.com, and Davey Sandgren, senior tennis player from Gallatin, Tenn.
Q: You are one-half of one of the best doubles pairings in America. Does that ever cross your mind?
A: It definitely gives me a lot of confidence going in knowing that we are one of the best teams. But I try not to think about it and just focus on each match. But it is there and it does help me to know that I can win. We were in the finals last year and there wasn't much to learn from that match. We played really well, but we lost. But we did everything right. So I think we'll come in this year and do the same thing we did last year.
Q: What is the difference between playing in a dual match and playing in the NCAA championships?
A: The obvious difference is that the scoring is different. In doubles we play the best two out of three sets to six. SO the match is longer and you have to change a couple tactics. But it's a tournament and the mentality is like it is in fall tennis. You have to work your way through each round and get off the court as fast as possible so you can rest. It is way different because in dual-matches you play one match and you're done and there is no rhythm.
Q: I want to know, with all the doubles success you've had this year, when people come to ask you about tennis, do they want to talk a lot about JP Smith, your doubles partner?
A: Yes, most of the time it's `What's it like playing with JP?' or `What's JP like off the court?'
Q: Well, I only want to talk about Davey. So tell me, what is it like playing with Davey Sandgren?
A: We both have really big serves. That is something I bring to the table--that's one of our strengths, we can hold serve until we get that break. My volleys and my movement have gotten way better since I've been here. I feel like I have developed into a good doubles player and we complement each other well.
Q: To be as successful as you guys are, there has to be a lot of chemistry. So how did that develop?
A: We've been really good friends and we've roomed together for two years and we've roomed together on the road for three years. We've gotten to know each other pretty well. We know each other's tendencies and it just works. It just works.
Q: Several of your teammates have told me that you are a big practical joker. Tell me about a good joke you've pulled on one of your teammates.
A: Well, this one time Matt Brewer left his car unlocked at the tennis center. We took everything out of it and told him somebody robbed his car. There wasn't much in there--just some hats and gear--but he was still pretty concerned. Then the coaches got on board with it and were steering it in a safe direction. Eventually we gave it back.
Q: This is my only JP Smith question, and only because I am curious. I've noticed he runs off the court between sets and someone told me that it's a superstition for him to use the bathroom between every set. Tell me the truth: what's going on there?
A: JP drinks more water than a fish. He always has a water bottle with him. When we go on trips, we get a 24-pack of water in our room and he finishes that off in two days. He just drinks a lot of water. He probably uses the bathroom four times during the night. It's ridiculous. I don't see how he gets any sleep. But it's his tradition that before matches and between sets he uses the restroom. I guess it's just a winning habit he's gotten into. Sometimes, if the bathroom is far away, he'll sprint. He'll find a way to make it to the bathroom. You know, that could be a potentially dangerous habit. I think there was one time he didn't make it back and got a point penalty. I guess if you got to go, you got to go.
Q: Your career at Tennessee is almost over. What have your four years at Tennessee meant to you?
I think I've added a lot of extra brothers to my family. I have been on four different teams and been teammates with a lot of different guys. I will always remember those guys and the times we had. I really like the progression that we've made as a team over the four years I've been here. We went from ranked in the 40s to being ranked No. 2 in the country. I like to think I was a part of that. Hopefully we can finish it off with a national championship for the first time in school history.
Players Mentioned
