November 6, 2008
ATA Juniors Succeed at San Antonio ZAT
While some were competing across the country in Alabama, Austin Tennis Academy sent nine junior athletes and two coaches to San Antonio on Nov 1-2, to compete in the SATA Southwest ZAT and represent their Academy.
“We had a very strong showing at the ZAT this weekend,” coach Estevam Strecker said.
Coach Strecker and coach Brian Notis accompanied the team to San Antonio this past weekend.
In the girls’ 12s draw, Remi Immler lived up to her number two seeding by earning three wins on her way to the finals and qualifying to the Championship level. In the semifinals she faced Haarika Somarouthu, taking the match 6-3;6-4.
“Remi has improved a lot in the past few months and she is a very hard worker so she deserves to be a champ,” coach Strecker said.
After winning her opening match in the girls’ 12s red draw, Jacqueline Patterson fought for two straight wins in third set tie breakers to reach the finals. In the semifinals she faced the number two seed Allison Kyral, who she beat 6-1, 5-7, 12-10.
“Jacqueline Patterson was very impressive, losing on the final of main draw on her second ZAT ever,”coach Strecker said. “She will be a good tennis player in the future, but in a very short time she has made great progress since joining ATA.”
Smrithi Mahadevan defeated Haleigh Johnson 6-3, 6-4 in the girls’ 12s red draw to earn a shot at the number one seed and a spot in the quarter-finals.
In the boy’s 12s draw, Ankith Kandikonda played two tough matches earning valuable match experience at this level. After a first round loss, Zack Knezevich rebounded to win two matches and earn a spot in the consolation semifinals.
“Ankith has improved a great deal,” coach Strecker said.
Rahul Gorti, the number five seed, defeated Evangelos Laftis 6-2, 6-3 to reach the quarter-finals.
After dropping a close first round match in the girls 14s, Mikaela Pope bounced back to earn two tough wins. On her way to the consolation semifinals, she faced Erin Efting, winning 6-4, 6-1.
Competing in the boys’ 16s, Jaxon Immler won three matches on his way to the semifinals. He faced Taylor Delehanty in the quarter-finals who he beat 6-1, 6-2.
“I think Jaxon played the best tennis I have seen him play in a while,” coach Strecker said.
James Seward, in the boys’ 16s white draw, came in as the number five seed. James faced David Smith in his opening match, splitting the first two sets, 6-1, 4-6. James fought to take the third set tie breaker 10-8, and earn a spot in the quarter-finals.
The ATA community travels all over the country with junior athletes of all ages and skill levels. These sectional ZAT tournaments represent a stepping stone to the higher levels, and the consistent hard work and commitment to improve by each of these athletes has directly translated into on-court success.
Next up is the Spenco ATA Thanksgiving Open Nov 7-9.
Back to News Summary
+1 512.276.2271
+1 512.276.2272
