The Nordstrom Tennis Center will be bustling with activity this weekend as it hosts the Great Northwest Shootout, a round-robin tournament that promises exciting tennis from teams all over the nation. In addition to the University of Washington, men's tennis teams from Middle Tennessee State, the University of Louisville and Texas Tech will participate.

"We've got three big matches coming up," said coach Matt Anger. "It's a lot of tennis, but we're looking forward to it."

Facing three ranked opponents over three days will be an opportunity for the UW men to prove their endurance, both mentally and physically. Coming back strong from a 0-7 loss to Ohio State on the road two weeks ago, the UW defeated unranked Brigham Young University 5-2 on Tuesday. The real impact of the Ohio State match will show this weekend, however, as the UW — ranked No. 17 in the International Tennis Association's (ITA) latest rankings — plays No. 34 Middle Tennessee State, No. 42 Louisville and No. 56 Texas Tech.

"Hopefully we've learned from the Ohio State loss, but we won't really be able to tell until this weekend," Anger said. "After these matches, we'll know that much more about our team."

Middle Tennessee State, the highest-ranked team that the UW will face this weekend, will provide a unique matchup in its top two singles players and No. 1 doubles team, Andreas Siljestrom and Marco Born, who both measure up to the intimidating height of 6'9''. But it is Texas Tech that has the highest ranked singles player in Bojan Szumanski, No. 12 in the ITA rankings.

Having such high-caliber tennis in Seattle is a treat for tennis fans, as well as an opportunity for teams to get good competition.

"It's a really nice event, and we get a chance to play high-quality opponents," Anger said. "We have a good venue, and teams are always eager to come."

A total of six matches will be played from Friday to Sunday. The UW will face Middle Tennessee State on Friday at 4 p.m., Louisville on Saturday at 2 p.m. and Texas Tech on Sunday at 2 p.m.

Reach reporter Risa Pavia at sports@thedaily.washington.edu.