Section 1 Boys Tennis Tournament Highlights

Section 1 Boys Tennis Tournament Highlights

Alex Suhanitski’s Singles Victory

Horace Greeley’s Alex Suhanitski, a junior, won his first singles title at the Section 1 boys tennis tournament by defeating second-seeded Sam Saeed of Scarsdale in the final. This victory marks a significant improvement from his previous years, where he placed fourth as a freshman and third last year.

Suhanitski will now represent Section 1 at the state tournament alongside other top performers from around New York State. His goal is to advance further, aspiring to reach the U.S. Open someday.

Doubles Champions: Adam Fink and Henry Xue

In another notable achievement, Horace Greeley’s Adam Fink and Henry Xue won their first Section 1 doubles title together, despite having only teamed up a few weeks prior. They faced off against the No. 2 seeded duo of Michael Chen from Harrison and Ethan Lee from Mamaroneck in the final match on October 13 at Mahopac High School’s tennis courts.

  • Fink mentioned feeling nervous before the match but managed to stay focused by taking deep breaths and visualizing victory.
  • Xue noted that they practiced together for about three weeks before competing against each other in doubles matches during practice.

Their hard work paid off as they dominated their opponents with an impressive score of 6-0, 6-0 in just under an hour.

Teamwork and Strategy

  • Chen praised Fink and Xue’s teamwork, which allowed them to move fluidly without needing verbal communication.
  • Fink credited Xue for anticipating his shots based on the spin he applied, while Xue agreed, stating it was easy to work with Fink due to their mutual understanding.

Noelle Berman’s Singles Title

Noelle Berman from Franklin D. Roosevelt High School captured her second consecutive singles title after defeating Brianna DeSantis of Harrison in straight sets (6-3, 6-4).

  • Berman has been playing tennis since she was six years old and credits her father for teaching her the game.
  • This season has been particularly successful for her, as she has avoided injuries that plagued her last year.

Berman expressed gratitude for her parents’ support and will represent Section 1 again this fall.

Brianna DeSantis’ Performance

Brianna DeSantis finished as the runner-up after a close match. Her coach praised her versatility, stating, "She can do everything." DeSantis plans to continue playing tennis through college, although she has not yet received any scholarship offers.

Dean Giambrone and Jack Kowalski’s Doubles Championship

Dean Giambrone won his first-ever doubles championship alongside partner Jack Kowalski. Giambrone credits Kowalski for his significant improvement over time, while Kowalski believes Giambrone is one of the best players he has ever partnered with.

Both players plan to continue their tennis careers in college, with Kowalski hoping to receive offers soon.

Reflections from the Tournament

  • Michael Chen and Ethan Lee finished as runners-up, reflecting on their match against Giambrone and Kowalski, noting areas for improvement.
  • Adam Fink and Henry Xue, who recently teamed up, expressed their natural chemistry on the court, highlighting their understanding of each other’s strengths.

Conclusion

The Section 1 boys tennis tournament showcased remarkable talent and teamwork, with standout performances from Alex Suhanitski, Adam Fink, Henry Xue, Noelle Berman, and others. As they prepare for the state championships, these athletes aim to build on their successes and continue their journeys in tennis.

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