A spider’s web allows it to catch prey easily without wasting energy on the chase.
Boris “Spider” Arias uses a similar tactic on the tennis court. The LSU sophomore jumps to an early lead against his opponents, forcing them to make a comeback.
Perhaps Arias’ sneakily strong forehand and athleticism warranted the nickname from his Tiger teammates. Yet, the origin of the label remains a bit of an enigma.
“It came from a Spanish song,” said LSU junior Chris Simpson. “It’s very weird, but it just started the first week when he was here and it’s kind of caught on and never left him. He’s accepted it. He enjoys the name.”
Arias wasn’t sure where the name “Spider” came from but embraced the camaraderie it brought with his teammates. After the La Paz, Bolivia native played in his third Davis Cup International Competition for his home country on Jan. 31, he looked forward to returning to the Tigers.
Since 2011, Arias has been chosen to represent his country each year in doubles for the Davis Cup. He is 4-1 at the event, suffering his first loss on Feb. 2. Having become so accustomed to playing tennis in the states, a trip back to his homeland is always nostalgic for Arias.
“It’s something different to play for your country,” Arias said. “I feel really honored. It’s the best four of the country … It keeps you motivated to keep working, keep practicing hard.”
Every time he returns home, Arias plays soccer with his friends. Growing up in La Paz, soccer was Arias’ first love, as is evident in his pre-match warmups of hacky-sack with a tennis ball.
But when he was 6 years old, another sport caught his eye when he started watching his brother practice tennis. And from that point, the “Spider” was forever attached to a racket.
After a singles title at the 2011 Junior South American Championships and an invitation by Bolivia’s Davis Cup team, Arias’ opportunities began to multiply. A few college visits later, the South American settled on moving a little north to Baton Rouge.
“I didn’t know how it was, playing college tennis, but I had an idea,” Arias said. “Then I started talking with [LSU coaches] Jeff [Brown] and Danny [Bryan] about coming here. I really like it a lot, LSU.”
Since his arrival, Arias has continued to improve. This year, he leads the Tigers with a 6-1 singles record. Along with Simpson, the No. 60-ranked doubles duo are 6-1 thus far, which includes a victory against Liberty’s No. 26-ranked team of Shea Thomas and Jorge Azuero this weekend.
Simpson has seen his doubles partner grow exponentially in the last two seasons. Since his arrival last year, Arias has developed on and off the court Simpson said.
“You just see it, week in and week out, that he’s getting better and better,” Simpson said. “Stamina he’s just getting so much better now, his backhand is getting really good and his forehand is a massive weapon.”
When asked about a professional career in tennis, Arias modestly says there’s a “chance.”
For now, he continues to swing his racket and trick opponents with the spin of his strokes. And whether he’s representing Bolivia or LSU, the “Spider” said he’s proud to be a Tiger.
LSU sophomore tennis player Boris Arias prepares to hit the ball Sunday, Feb. 9, 2014 during the Tigers' 6-1 victory against Southern Miss in W.T. "Dub" Robinson Tennis Stadium.
