Swedes play tennis, make connections
Utah State welcomed an international link between its tennis team and Sweden in 2004 that has helped define the face of USU tennis.
What started with a Swedish player from Boise State University continues today with several Swedes who bring high-quality tennis and a legacy of hard work ethic, head coach Chris Wright said.
“When I was first coaching, there was a player from Sweden that played for Boise State that said he would keep an eye out for good players coming up over there,” Wright said. “But I have also loved Bjorn Borg from my earlier years, so maybe some subliminal messages made me want Swedes.”
The chain started with Joans Tyden, and continued with Oscar Ericcson, Jakob Asplund, Fredrick Peterson and Marcus Fritz, in that order.
All five players hail from Sweden’s capital, Stockholm, where they played with and against each other. Tyden convinced Ericcson to play for USU, who in turn recruited Asplund. Ericcson knew Asplund from when the two played against each other in junior tournaments.
“(Asplund) and I played at the same club for four years, and we played against each other in a lot of tournaments,” Ericcson said. “We had some great battles over the years.”
Fast forward a few years – the three found themselves in Utah.
Transitioning from a region of more than 2 million residents to a city of almost 50,000 provided a culture shock for the young players.
Tyden specifically mentioned the hardships of moving from the large city of Stockholm to Logan.
“My first year was tough,” Tyden said. “Socially it was a big change for me moving from Stockholm – a big city, leaving all of my friends and family behind.”
Ericcson said coming into it he had no expectations for USU but did struggle with college tennis.
“I didn’t know too much about Utah or about college tennis,” he said. “I was surprised with the high level of tennis, and I struggled a bit during my first few matches.”
Asplund’s first year in Logan was fast paced and brought many new experiences.
“My first year was intense – with all of the tennis and school and everything – it just kind of happened in a blur,” Asplund said. “I didn’t have time to think or feel anything. I wish I would have slowed things down a bit to just take everything in.”
Before coming to Logan, he struggled to maintain his love for the game, but joining the USU team changed that.
“Tennis is Sweden was worthless to me. I was about to quit playing because I didn’t even like it anymore,” Asplund said. “At USU and in college, tennis is more of a team atmosphere. You face a real challenge on the court every time, but you work together as a team.”
After adjusting to the high altitude and the Cache Valley way of life, the Swedish players prospered alongside fellow Aggies, including current assistant coach Bryan Marchant.
“We like (the Swedish players) because they are super coachable, they have great attitudes and work hard,” Marchant said. “You never have problems when it comes to effort.”
The legacy continues today with freshman Marcus Fritz and sophomore Fredrick Peterson.
Tyden, now back in Sweden after four years as an Aggie, coached Fritz and is the reason for the talented player making the move to Logan.
Fritz started playing tennis at age five. After playing several sports, the freshman opted to give up the others in favor of tennis. Wright said he has been impressed by the young player.
“He is very intense,” Wright said. “His father and coaches told me that he is never going to break and he will work very hard.”
Tyden also commented on Fritz’s high level of game competitiveness.
“(Fritz’s) consistency from the baseline and his ability to come up with passing shots and lobs at the perfect moment are some of his best assets,” Tyden said. “The greatest ability that he has is his fighting spirit, (Fritz) will never give up and he will always do his best – he hates losing.”
As a freshman Fritz has fellow Swede Peterson to help ease the transition into USU life.
Peterson, also recruited by Tyden, is a sophomore majoring in Business Administration and is in his second year playing as an Aggie. Playing since age five, Peterson studied at the Bastad Gymnasium tennis academy. Wright said Peterson’s great attitude and hard work is an asset to the team.
“Peterson is very strong on both sides and is very coachable,” Wright said. “He is very hard working, a great student, and has a lot of game.”
Eight years have passed since the first Swedish player stepped onto USU’s tennis courts, and Asplund said he has loved his time at Utah State.
“I felt just about everything playing for USU tennis. Everything from pure joy and happiness to frustration and anger,” Asplund said. “It was an intense four years that I would not change for anything.”
– mega.bodi@aggiemail.usu.edu