The Wisconsin men's tennis team has recently become a force to be reckoned with in Big Ten play. In achieving the program's highest ranking in 30 years, including recently knocking off rival Minnesota 5-2, one newly acquired Badger tennis star has been shining bright.
Moritz Baumann, the first-semester freshman from Inzlingen, Germany, has recently taken over the reigns as the team's No. 1 singles player. Leading the team with a 6-1 record in Big Ten play this season (13-4 overall), Baumann has been thoroughly enjoying his time in the spotlight.
"I like to play against the No. 1 players from across the country," Baumann said. "I play better against a No. 1 player than I would against a No. 3 player."
It has taken tremendous work ethic and unrivaled determination for Baumann to arrive in his current situation. Coming out of high school in Germany, Baumann was labeled as one of the top international recruits coming to the United States. After going on a lengthy tour of top tennis programs, Baumann chose to become a Badger for a variety of reasons.
"The first reason I decided to come here was the coaches, they have a lot of experience and also played professionally. Also, during my tour I got to know a lot of the players on the team, which was great," Baumann said.
Baumann's arrival in Madison for the spring tennis season made him the fourth Badger tennis player from outside the United States, along with junior Felipe Bellido (Lima, Peru), sophomore Gian Hodgson (Savaneta, Aruba) and Lachezar Kasarov (Burgas, Bulgaria). This international flair has not only been a calming influence for the German product, it has also helped him adapt to American culture.
"There was a lot of adaptation during the first month I was here, especially getting used to all the different foods," Baumann said. "I am settled in now. I am really enjoying myself."
The only difference for Baumann in terms of tennis has been the emphasis on the Badgers' doubles teams. In Germany, Baumann mainly focused his game on playing singles, and has learned a lot about playing in a pair since coming to Madison.
"Doubles is much bigger here than in Germany," Baumann said. "I've been learning how to play doubles, but my singles game has been able to stay the same."
To start the spring season, Baumann was slotted into the No. 2 singles spot. In a doubleheader against Butler and Northern Illinois at home, Baumann exploded onto the scene, beating Butler's Evan West 6-3, 6-1; then triumphing over NIU's Alex Friesen 6-2, 6-2.
Next in line for Baumann was a matchup on Super Bowl Sunday with the No. 10 team in the country, the Miami Hurricanes. The lefty stayed undefeated, dismantling the Hurricanes' Hector Nieto 6-4, 6-4. Baumann has carried his early momentum throughout the Big Ten season and attributes most of his — and his team's — success to hard work.
"We have been practicing every day and practicing hard," he said. "We're very motivated right now and have a big match coming up with Michigan State, along with having a chance to make the NCAA tournament."
In terms of his own work ethic, Baumann is trying to tighten up his game for the homestretch.
"I have been working a lot on my overall game and consistency, and I have also been focusing on strengthening my volleys."
Despite the successes of Baumann's transition and the rest of the tennis team, the lefty from sausage-loving Germany has yet to experience one aspect of Wisconsin life.
"I haven't tried the Wisconsin brat yet," Baumann laughed. "I'll have to try one pretty soon."