The phrase, 'the best of the best,' is seldom accurate and commonly overused.
But in the case of the USTA/ITA Women's National Indoor Championships held this weekend at the Nielsen Tennis Stadium, there is no better way to describe the 16 teams from across the country that have collectively settled in Madison for a special weekend of women's tennis.
'It's a great opportunity for us because 16 of the best teams in the country are here and it's a great chance to play against players that we normally don't get to see,' UW junior Caitlin Burke said. 'It's great to be hosting this tournament.'
Burke's observation of this year's field may be an understatement. Each of the 15 teams visiting Madison are ranked in the top 25 of the latest Fila Collegiate Tennis Rankings and eight are ranked in the top 10, including No. 1 ranked Stanford, the tournaments defending champion.
'We love it here in Madison,' Stanford head coach Lele Forood said with a smile. 'This tournament allows us to play three or four matches against the top teams in the country, so we enjoy coming out here and competing.'
The defending national champions have captured the event's title a record eight times and draw attention and compliments alike wherever they travel. As teams moved in and out of the Nielsen Tennis Stadium Wednesday during individual practices, each stopped to take notice of the nations top ranked team, conveniently positioned at the center courts nearest the gallery.
'Oh there is always pressure [to repeat],' Forood said. 'But our players are ready for it.'
If any one of the Badgers is comfortable with the elite level of competition, it is Burke. Currently ranked No. 32 in the ITA singles rankings, Burke was a 2005 All-Big Ten selection and during her flawless prep career, in which she went 108-0 without dropping a set, Burke competed in some of the premier tournaments across the country.
'I saw her when she played Alice (Barnes) earlier this year,' Forood said. 'She's a solid player. She's a lefty and fun to watch play.'
Barnes, the Cardinal No. 1 seed and three-time All-American, defeated Burke 7-5, 6-3 at the ITA National Indoor Championships in November. Though the only possibility for a rematch between the two would take place in the championship Sunday, Burke is more concerned with winning matches, no matter the competition.
'There are so many good players here that you can't look at one or two girls that you want to go after,' Burke said. 'I'm looking to play well against solid competition and come away with some wins.'
Burke and the No. 52 Badgers (1-1, 0-0 Big Ten) will open competition against their biggest test of the young season in No. 9 Miami Hurricanes (1-0, 0-0) Thursday at 9 a.m.
Returning All-American Audrey Banada, who carries a No. 40 national ranking in singles and Northwestern transfer Audra Cohen, pace the Hurricanes. While playing for the Wildcats, Cohen earned All-American honors in both singles and doubles as she went 51-7 overall and finished the season ranked No. 3 nationally. She also captured 2005 ITA National Rookie of the Year honors after advancing to the finals of the NCAA championships.
'Miami is going to be a huge test right off the start,' Burke said.
The Hurricanes hold an 8-1 advantage in the all-time series against the Badgers.
Though the Badgers' chances of making a realistic run in the tournament are slim, assistant coach Erin Boisclair stressed how unique a tournament like this is.
'This weekend is as good as women's college tennis gets,' Boisclair said. 'With the talent that is here, we are just very happy to be hosting such a great event.'
