* Thorndike wins US Jr Nationals -UPDATED

The 2011 Junior Nationals turned out to be an all Aiken field. Four players participated  in an initial round robin format playing a ten game pro set against each-other in order to be seeded for the semis and finals in each of the age group categories. Unfortunately, one player, George Handy Jr.,   was delayed in returning from a college visit, so he missed the round robin, as a result he became the lowest seed in the 18 + Under and the 21 and Under divisions. Dana Kopald, Zach Harrington and Charles Bostwick all had close matches when they faced each other in the round robin phase.  It was nice to see the improvements that each of these players have made in their games over the past year.

Both finals between George Handy Jr. and Christian Thorndike were quite closely contested matches. Handy is a superior lawn tennis player, who has yet to master the floor game. Christian Thorndike, managed to stay on the serving side of the court for enough of the match where he won the majority of the points. This turned out to be critical for him, as Handy was getting better at reading the balls hit to the tambour and under the grill as the match progressed. Thorndike was able to lay down enough chases and then retain service when it counted. Both players have made tremendous improvements in their games over the past year. We look forward to seeing them play other juniors more often in the near future.

Results of the Round Robin.

 

C. Bostwick defeated Z. Harrington 10-9

C. Thorndike defeated D. Kopald 10-3

C. Thorndike defeated Z Harrington 10-3

D. Kopald 10-3 defeated C. Bostwick 10-8

C. Thorndike defeated C. Bostwick 10-3

Z.  Harrington defeated D. Kopald 10-7

15 and Under boys Champion

Charles Bostwick unopposed

18 and Under Girls Champion

Dana Kopald Unopposed

18 and Under Boys

Semi Handy def Bostwick 6/1 6/1

Semi Handy def Harrington 6/2 6/1

 

Final Thorndike def Handy 6/3 6/5

Open Division 21 and Under

Semi Thorndike def Kopald  6/2 6/0

Semi Handy def Harrington   6/0 6/0

Final Thorndike def Handy  6/4 6/1