Monday, 6/9/97 Eric Taino Men’s tennis
It’s really no surprise that Eric Taino had such a superb senior
year for the UCLA men’s tennis team: the 14-match winning streak,
the No. 10 ranking in the country. These numbers really aren’t that
shocking when you consider just how good Taino is. What is shocking
is that Taino even returned for a senior year so ripe with
achievement. He dominated the 1996 season – spent at the No. 3
position as a junior – so thoroughly that he entertained thoughts
of leaving school for the professional ranks. Taino made the choice
going into the final match of the season, as UCLA went after a
national championship to cap an undefeated year. When he lost the
match that pulled the championship out from under the Bruins, Taino
began to rethink his choice. Behind the urging of UCLA head coach
Billy Martin and Taino’s parents, he shifted gears and, instead of
seeking his fortune on the pro tour, returned for one last shot at
the NCAA title. "(Taino’s return) was so nice," Martin said. "To
have a No. 1 guy like that is such a great strength. It was crucial
to our bid." His senior season, which put him among the nation’s
best, was the ultimate culmination of an outstanding career. Coming
out of Jersey City, N.J., Taino made a big splash on the collegiate
scene, posting an 18-7 record at the No. 3 position his freshman
year. His sophomore year was more of the same, as he went 16-6 at
No. 2 singles and garnered All-American honors. While Taino had a
phenomenal senior year – posting a 28-7 overall record, garnering
All-American honors for the second time – the call of the ATP Tour,
which he had ignored for a year, was never far from his mind. As
soon as the 1997 campaign ended, Taino was packed and ready for his
move to the professional circuit. Along with his belongings come a
potent game built around a massive backhand and outstanding court
coverage. "He’s a well-conditioned athlete," Martin said. "He has
some guns to hurt players and he’ll get better and better where his
weaknesses are." With a series of satellite tournaments this summer
and a new career ahead of him, Taino is getting what he wanted two
years ago. by Mark Shapiro, Daily Bruin Staff Eric Taino