Upsets, arguments and all-around impressive tennis was showcased from Tuesday, July 27 to Friday, July 30 during the eighth annual North Shore Towers Junior Championships.
“It’s a great opportunity to show-off our country club and for the residents to watch some great match-ups,” said Annelies Karp, director of the USTA tournament and resident of North Shore Towers.
One of the most impressive performances of the day came from Finbar Talcott – an 11-year-old whose skill allowed him to move up to the 14-year-old division. Though considerably younger than the rest of the competition, Talcott fought with the heart of a lion and pumped his fist after winning points.
Talcott played a semi-final match-up against Joshua Doyle from Germany. Doyle won their match and eventually took down Jonathon Baker – fresh off a gold medal win for his Hudson Valley team in the Empire State Games – in the finals to win the 14-year-old division.
“I’m visiting New York this week so I figured I’d play a few tournaments. It’s pretty cool,” said Doyle, who will bring a trophy back to Germany.
Another entertaining match-up came in the 12-year-old final between first-seeded Daniel Rosenblatt and third-seeded Rajan Vohra, as they battled with their racquets and words on the court. Some close calls on the baselines prompted passionate verbal disputes as both competitors were not willing to give an inch to his opponent. In the end, and after some “McEnroe like” celebrations, Vohra was able to upset Rosenblatt in straight sets, 6-4; 7-6.
Other champions included seven-seed Stefan Ilic, who did not lose a set in the semi-finals or finals in the 18-year-old division; Alex Sacher in the 16-year-old division; first-seeded Emma Taylor and Samantha Tutleman, who won the 18 and 16-year-old girls divisions respectfully; and unseeded Alexa Graham, who won the 14-year-old girls division.
Playing without the humidity that plagued most of July, 132 competitors entered this year’s championship. Throughout the tournament, residents of North Shore Towers were able to relax courtside and watch the future stars of tennis.
“I don’t have a dog in the hunt, but it’s fun to watch,” said resident Fred Wittenstein.
