Michigan men's tennis coach Bruce Berque's description of freshman Andrew Mazlin's serve could be used as a microcosm of Mazlin's entire game.

"He's got an uncanny ability to hit his serve hard and make it look it effortless," Berque said.

In the fall season, Mazlin showed that uncanny ability by posting a team-best singles record and by tying for the team lead in doubles wins for an individual.

But to Berque's disappointment, that "effortless look" also comes through in much of Mazlin's play.

"He's not always real fiery - a little lackadaisical," Berque said.

Because of the limited play, Berque doesn't put much stock into fall records, but he said he is happy that Mazlin has continued the winning ways that led him to two high school singles championships in Florida.

Mazlin earned his 4-3 doubles record playing with junior Ryan Heller. Berque said he paired Mazlin and Heller because they're both good athletes who play power games. But he also wanted to pair Mazlin with one of the more competitive players on the team.

"(They're) a counterbalance of personalities," Berque said. "Ryan brings his intensity. Andrew doesn't. Ryan will help Andrew play with an amount of intensity he needs. Ryan having that intensity, and that passion, will hopefully rub off on Andrew. I think it's started to happen already."

Berque has seen Mazlin's approach improve over the season. The changes are most evident in how Mazlin does the small things.

"(You can see) the way people move their feet, how they start practice, the look in their eyes, how they make line calls and the way they communicate with their partner," Berque said. "Whatever the sport is, you can tell when someone is putting their heart on the court."

In the Wilson/ITA Midwest Regional Championships, Heller noticed that Mazlin did not play with his heart on the court in a match against Notre Dame's No. 74 Stephen Bass. After Mazlin won the first set, Bass rallied to win the final two.

"I remember it was really close, and he didn't really seem to let out too much emotion," Heller said. "He could have let out a 'come on' that would have intimidated the other player more . If he had more energy, I think Steve Bass would have been a little more intimidated."

The next day, Mazlin and Heller won a match against Western Michigan's top doubles team.

"(Heller) will be there to pump me up no matter what," Mazlin said. "If I get down on myself, he'll try to boost me up. If either of us hits a good shot, he'll scream to try to get us fired up. Me, I don't do all that. I'm quiet when I'm playing."

Heller said he doesn't believe Mazlin's quietness on the court translates into a bad attitude.

"He's a great kid off the court, respectful, polite," Heller said. "I got to know him real well (last summer). He's really helped me in my game, and hopefully I've helped his."