The day before Bianca Andreescu brought back Canada’s first grand slam with a heroic US open win, Avery Park, junior, and Emil Kali, senior, brought back Shanghai American School Pudong’s first 1st place trophy of the year. Coming back from ISB’s 7-2 lead, they sealed the championship for the boys and runner up for the girls at the North South East Tennis Tournament at WAB.
Alongside their gripping conclusion to an excellent tournament for the SASPD tennis team, other wins and other accomplishments also defined the season. Boys No. 1 singles player Ludvig Denker, sophomore, and boys No. 2 singles player Jeffrey Liang, freshman, placed 2nd and 1st in their respective brackets.
All placing 2nd place were the girls doubles players Sherissa Wu, sophomore, and Cynthia Zhao, senior; girls No. 1 singles player Chloe Hui, sophomore; girls No. 2 player Paige Wu, sophomore; and boys doubles players Carson Qi, junior, and Alex Ji, junior.
With a few close losses to ISB but a slight head start on points from the previous day’s round robin (a competition in while all players meet all other contestants in turn), the mixed doubles final played by Park and Kali was the match that decided it all.
The pair fell behind early in the match after a series of unforced errors, and were down by five games. But as ISB struggled to close off the match, Avery and Emil worked as one, covering for each other on the baseline as the other volleyed well placed shots down the doubles alley and at amazing cross court angles. Their coordination and laser focus won them 5 consecutive match games, bringing the score to a tiebreak.
As ISB’s last shot on the match point of the tiebreak landed just wide of the doubles alley, the crowd erupted. It was a moment of celebration for SAS, a moment of high spirits, sweaty hugs, and pride from an endlessly supportive team.
Coming off the court, Avery Park gave her thoughts on the game.“I guess we kind of lost focus at first. And we really thought that we were going to lose. But focus was what really helped us win.”
With focus, dedication, and team spirit boosted by a grand victory, spirits are high for the upcoming APAC tournament.