With many major events throughout December, the holiday season has, and always will, coincide with competition for junior tennis players. From the 28 ATA ZAT players in New Braunfels this past weekend, to the many Academy players entered in the upcoming USTA Super Nationals, while Josh Hagar travels to Mexico and Costa Rica for ITFs, the ATA athletes look to unwrap opportunities in tournaments near and far.

 

Blaine Kanak qualified for Champs this past weekend, by reaching the final round of the New Braunfels ZAT tournament. Blaine battled his way through three tough wins to reach the finals, taking down Luke Hudson 6-3, 7-6 in the semi’s.

 

 

 

“New champ player Blaine Kanak played with incredible determination all weekend,” Coach Notis said. “Blaine's 100+ ball rally late in the second set of his qualifying match is quickly becoming legendary.” 

 

Coach Notis and Coach Strecker coached the ATA players at the ZAT, and commented on what the saw, found below.

 

From Coach Notis : 

 

“Synclair played with courage, moving the ball around and going for her shots and as a result had her best result ever in a ZAT, making it to the finals. 

 

Marcus fought hard and made progress throughout the tournament eventually going down in the semi's of consolation. 

 

Brooks competed very hard in both of his matches, winning a really close first round but falling a little short in the second. 

 

 

 

Alex showed tremendous fight battling back from being down in his second round match to win the match in a tie break. 

 

Matthew Gavrilov, who lost in the consolation final, played with amazing determination all weekend.”

 

From Coach Strecker :

 

“I think Jordyn did well, she played her first 16's zat and won a round and lost 4-6, 2-6 to the number 1 seed. First round she had a rough start, but stayed composed and fought very hard coming back and winning the second set 64 and then 10-5 in the tie breaker. It was nice to see her fight her way through and figure out a way to win.

 

Haydn played well also. Made to the semis and lost to a kid that was pretty good, bigger and stronger. Haydn is 10 and is close to champing up. He works hard and competes extremely well.

 

I watched a bunch of JA players, Blaine and Andrew played against each other and it was probably one of the best matches I have seen in a ZAT 12's, very competitive. I am really excited about the future of ATA, lots of hard working players that will have a chance to be a force in Texas tennis.”

 

Eight Academy players will travel to the USTA SuperNationals events after Christmas, to compete against the best junior players from across the country.

 

Players earn entry to these events by excelling within their section or in national competition. The top 5 players in the Texas section automatically earn spots. After all 17 sections have been granted endorsement spots, the remainder of the draw is filled in based on national ranking.

 

ATA players who secured spots in SuperNats: Jake Berber, Payton Holden, Molly Fisher, Abigail Chiu, Hunter Goertz, Frankie Colunga, Brittany Brewster.

 

 

 

“ATA players competing in Winter nationals will be able to test their skill against the best players in their age group in the country” ATA CEO Jack Newman said. “ATA players should be ready to hold their own with this completion.”

 

While SuperNationals unfolds, Josh Hagar will be competing in International Tennis Federation tournaments in Mexico and Costa Rica.

 

On December 24th, Josh will begin Qualifying for the Mexico City Grade A ITF, a tournament similar to the Orange Bowl in terms or level, with main draw beginning on the 26th. From there, Josh, accompanied by Coach Jack Newman, will travel to Costa Rica where they will train for two days prior to the qualifying of the Costa Rica ITF.

 

“This is the top level of competition under the junior grand slams.  Players are typically ranked in the top 100-300 range on the ITF computer. Josh is currently ranked 429 so he will be in the qualifying of events of this level.”

 

Good luck and safe travels to all of the ATA junior athletes competing over this holiday season!