Personal Statement
January 2022 update.
Due to financial difficulties and all the covid mandates, restrictions and ever changing rules and regulations here in New York City (regarding tennis) within the last year. I have decided I will not play junior tournaments anymore. Instead, I will focus on USTA men's tournaments, local ITF tournaments, UTR tournaments and seasonal ITA events. I know this decision will effect my rankings. However moving in this direction, will allow me to compete against stronger competition, which in turn will better prepare me for collegiate tennis.
During November 2021, I competed in the UTR Pro Tennis Wildcard Tournament and lost in the second round. Ever since I was 12 years old, I competed in the annual USTA Men's open tournament and competed against collegiate division 1 players and players on the professional tour. Thus, I was friends with a large majority of the college players who qualified for the UTR Pro Tennis 25K Tournament main draw in December 2021. The minimum UTR to qualify for the tournament was 12.5 and featured top D1 players from schools such as Harvard, Princeton, Columbia, TCU, SMU, Baylor, Northwestern, Virgina Tech, CWRU, University of Michigan, Stetson University, Old Dominion University and St. John's University. Before, during and after the tournament, I either scrimmaged with, practiced with or warmed up players from each college listed above (videos will be posted). I also gained valuable information speaking to the players directly about what to expect as a college tennis player.
During the Summer of 2021, I played four ITA events:
1- JTCC- 1st round loss, withdrew from backdraw with injury.
2- Goucher College- 2nd round loss & backdraw loss in finals.
3- Radford University- 2nd round loss and backdraw loss in semi-finals.
4- Centercourt - Quarter Finals loss.
In the fall of 2021, I will be entering my Junior year at Frederick Douglas Academy (FDA) in Harlem, NYC. I'm a product of the New York Junior Tennis and Learning community base Tennis program and train at Cary Leeds Center for Tennis and Learning in the Bronx, NY.
I have been playing competitive tennis for about 3-4 years competing in USTA junior and men's tournaments. Towards the end of 2020, my final rankings in the Boy's 16s was top 30, Boy's 18s was top 100, and Men's was top 100. I participate in the Tournament Team program and the the CLC Academy group held by coach Jay Devashetty. In the academy, I train and hit with a few top ITF Junior players and I hit and professional players, Christina Mchale and Kristie Ahn. I have been praised by many professional tennis players and coaches such as Felix Auger Aliassime, John and Patrick McEnroe, Luke and Murphy Jenson, Christina Mchale and more about how I carry myself on court and the high intensity level challenge I bring to the court. I consider myself a very hard worker and a determined player on and off the court. I have been a practice partner for the 2018 and 2019 US Open Junior Championships Qualifications held at the Cary Leeds Tennis Center. During my time of being a practice partner, I have helped players win their qualification matches and earn a spot in the main draw and the players have gone in the deep in the tournament.
My goal in the year 2021 Tennis wise (Long Term Goal) is to be playing Top Tournaments such as Out of State Nationals and ITF Junior and Men's Tournaments. My goal this upcoming School year is to maintain my 90 average from the previous year and score a high grade on the SAT test. My immediate Tennis goal is to Increase my UTR to an 11 by the end of the summer after competing in a few high level tournaments. By the end of 2021, I am seeking to accomplish a UTR around 12 or above. I am extremely focused on educating and improving my game with the goals that I have stored in place!
