A year ago it just didn't seem possible. Sure the men's tennis team was young and full of potential, but following an embarrassing early round loss to Minnesota, the NCAA Tournament looked like it would be a "we were happy to be invited" affair.
But in what has been a season full of firsts, the No. 2 men's tennis team (25-4) is looking to add the most important first-its first national championship.
The Blue Devils took two big strides towards the title in their Clemson, S.C., regional, losing just one set on the way to a pair of shutout victories over Charleston Southern and ACC-foe Clemson.
Seeded No. 4 in the tournament, Duke had little problem with either team it faced, winning the doubles point in both matches and jumping out to early leads.
"We played well in doubles, probably the best all year," coach Jay Lapidus said. "We are a very deep team this year."
The Blue Devils have now won 18 straight matches. Only once in the past 12 matches has Duke's opponent notched more than one point, and thus far in the postseason Duke is a perfect 5-0, having lost just one point in the ACC Tournament.
Duke will square off against No. 13 Kentucky in the round of 16, providing a rematch between the two clubs who met in Lexington March 21, when the Blue Devils slipped by the Wildcats 4-3.
If the Blue Devils advance to the national quarterfinals, they will more than likely meet Mississippi, a team that is currently ranked No. 3 and is just a fraction of a percentage point behind the Blue Devils.
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