Junior improves all-around game

Having the ability to bounce back from adversity is critical in any sport, especially after an unsuccessful season. IU boasts one player in particular who has rebounded from having a poor season last year to being an important member in the IU men's tennis team.\nJunior Tom Bagnato, a 5-foot-10 inch native of Richmond Hills, N.Y., -- an area outside the New York City area -- has made strides in his game allowing him to improve on a 6-8 record last season to his current record of 11-9 for the 6-7 Hoosiers.\nThe improvement Bagnato has made has been dramatic, as consistency has played a major role in his improvement, IU head coach Ken Hydinger said. \n"Last year Tom was inconsistent in his practice, in his match approach and day-to-day approach. Everything about him was inconsistent," Hydinger said. "This year he is much more focused, practices have been better and level of play through matches is better."\nBeing able to play more within himself and not trying to play too big, Bagnato allowed himself to set up his shots, which has led to improvement with his serves and volleys.\nGetting more playing time has also helped with Bagnato's improvement, as he's playing in more matches this season than he did in all of last season.\nBagnato's approach method for his matches has also been a major reason for the improvement this season, he said. \n"I think taking my tennis more serious this year (is a reason for the improvement)," Bagnato said. "I have more of a desire to do better in tennis. Last year, I didn't have the anxiety to do well or have the focus to perform well."\nBagnato has played in many positions for IU this year -- playing mostly at the No. 4 singles spot for the Hoosiers.\nHaving Bagnato perform well at that spot for the Hoosiers has allowed them to put players a spot lower and take some of the pressure off of the No. 5 and No. 6 positions.\nThe improved play by Bagnato has also been important for IU due to injuries, associate head coach Matt Pledger said.\n"He's been a big asset for us, as he is one of the more talented players," Pledger said. "He can hit a winner anywhere on the court and is tough to beat. His impact on the team has helped us out a lot."\nGlimpses of Bagnato's stellar play could be seen last year as he defeated the No. 86 and No. 104 players in back-to-back weeks when he knocked off John Hoyes of Miami (Fla) 6-3,6-1 and Rahim Esmail of Kentucky 6-3, 4-3, respectively.\nWith more playing time and confidence, Bagnato is learning what shots he can and can't get away with, which has helped him to a record above .500. \nThe success of this season is something Bagnato is pleased with and feels is something that can be built on, he said.\n"I think I can be really successful. I'm playing consistent and my level of play has been good throughout the whole season," Bagnato said. "I'm looking forward to doing well the rest of the season and hopefully getting some big wins."\n-- Contact staff writer Dan Click at daaclick@indiana.edu.