The Austin Tennis Academy junior athletes began the year with a bang at last weekend’s tournaments, bringing home three tournament titles, with 4 players qualifying up, and over 40 Academy players competing in one of the four events.

 

ATA CP student Abigail Chiu, 13, claimed the girl’s 16s singles and doubles crowns in San Antonio last weekend, accruing a record of 9-0 on the weekend. Abi, coming in as the number 2 seed, took down the top seeded Camila Wesbrooks in the finals 7-6(4), 6-3.

 

“Abigail continues to compete well, win matches and excel at tournaments,” Coach Doug Davis said. “Her unique game style creates many mistakes from her opponents and makes them use shots that they are uncomfortable using. Abigail double-winning the event creates excellent momentum for the ATA.”

 

 

 

ATA CP student Haydn Steffes went undefeated to qualify for Champs this past weekend at the Belton ZAT, winning both the semis and finals in a third set tiebreaker. Steffes beat Arcind Venkatesan in the semis 6-3, 6-7, 10-7, followed by Steven Tibbetts in the finals, 6-7, 6-1, 10-8.

 

“Synclair Larson and Haydn Steffes, two of ATA’s youngest competitors, impressed me at the ZAT,” Coach Newman said. “I can see them both growing into superchamp level players soon.”

 

 

 

Synclair Larson joined Haydn in Champs by winning three straight matches to reach the finals of her girl’s 12s draw. She defeated Brianna Wilbur in the semifinals 6-0, 6-1.

 

Jack Shiffman won four matches straight at the Mansfield Champ tournament to claim super champ status. He eliminated Andrew Sharng 3-6, 6-4, 6-3 to take the championship.

 

“Jack Schiffman worked hard in 2011 to earn superchamp level of competition for 2012,” Coach Newman said. “He has increased both his consistency and his weapons and will make an impact in supers quickly.”

 

Also competing in the Belton ZAT, Mitchell Johnson won two singles matches to reach the semifinals, and to qualify for the Champ division. In the quarters, he took down Zackary Curry 5-7, 6-3; 10-6.

 

“Mitchell Johnson was a semifinalist playing at about 50% of what he is capable of, he will superchamp up soon,” Coach Newman said.

 

 

 

Jordyn Kanak also reached the semis with two singles victories. She knocked out the number one seeded Molly Beach in the quarterfinals 6-0, 6-3.

 

“I was very impressed by Jordyn Kanak,” Coach Newman said.  “She was poised, bouncing in her circle and had a high level of intensity no matter what the score.”

 

While the ZAT players competed in Belton, Mansfield hosted a Major Zone for championship-qualified players.

 

Avery Shiffman reached the quarterfinals of her girl’s 12s draw by winning her first two singles matches. She took down Madison Ballow 6-3, 6-2, before going down in a battle to Casie Curry 4-6, 6-4, 4-6.

 

Courtney Schulte won three matches to make the semifinals of her girl’s 18s draw. She beat Amanda Richter 6-2, 6-2 to reach the final round.

 

The SuperChamp qualified players were split between San Antonio and Austin, with the 16s and 18s going south to San Antonio and the 12s and 14s staying home.

 

Spencer Chiu battled his way to the finals of his boy’s 16s B singles draw, while reaching the semifinals of the boy’s 16s A draw in doubles. Spencer secured his spot in the final round with a 7-5, 6-2 victory over the second seeded Jean Oyardo.

 

 

“Spencer fought from start to finish in every match this weekend,” Coach Collins said. “While the loss in the finals was tough, Spencer learned where he needs to improve to take some big steps forward.”

 

Charlie Shin reached the semi finals of the boy’s 18s A draw, with a clutch win over Mac Roy, 7-6(5) in the third set followed by a victory over Miguel Alda.

 

“Charlie had a good weekend because for the first time I saw him win tough matches playing the way we are working on,” Coach Strecker said. “He continued to play aggressively which is what we have been working on. He just went out and he played to win.”

 

 

 

“Payton continues to play great tennis,” Coach Kendall Brooks said. "He carried over the quality he was playing at winter nationals, cruised through his first matches and then pulled off a great 3 set victory to reach the semis.” 

 

Jake Berber rebounded after dropping his opening round match to win the next four and make the consolation finals. He eliminated Harrison Buford 6-2, 6-0 in the consolation semis. The final round was cancelled due to rain.

 

“Jake lost a tough first round match to a worthy opponent, then showed some very solid tennis to cruise to the backdraw finals that would have been played today," Coach Brooks said.  

 

 

 

Meghan O’Malley opened the tournament with a 6-1, 3-6, 6-1 win over Jennifer Mee. After dropping her second round singles match, O’Malley teamed up with partner, Reeves, to reach the doubles finals.

 

"Meghan won a close first round match after showing some resiliency and great execution of her game plan in the third set,” Coach Kendall said. “She then lost second round while fighting hard but definitely not playing her best tennis.”

 

Congratulations to all who competed this last weekend, and good luck to those in this coming weekends Excellence and Champ Major Zone tournaments! As always, follow the results on Twitter!