Boys' Tennis News

by: Boys Tennis Contributor

At Wednesday’s WPIAL Championships, both senior standout Sri Thirumala and sophomore sensation Advaita Sircar competed extremely well.  While Thirumala fell to the #3 seed Ari Plutko of Upper St. Clair, Sircar, seeded #1 overall, advanced with a 10-1 victory over Franklin Regional’s Sanshiro Ogawa.

The quarterfinals proved to be more of the same for Sircar as he dismantled Upper St. Clair’s Shawn Khurana, 10-1.

The semifinal round featured a tension filled match between Sircar and Gateway’s #2 singles player, Zidaan Hassan. Sircar started off on fire winning the first set with ease, 6-0. Hassan broke quickly to start the second set and raced to a 4-1 lead. Sircar chipped away with a hold and break of his own to climb within a game. However, Hassan was able to break again and serve out the set, 6-3 setting up a winner take all third set.

After some needed nourishment, and with some superior coaching, Sircar was primed for the third set. He blasted his first few serves to open the scoring and quickly broke Hassan to go up 2-0. After yet another hold, Sircar found himself with a chance for the double break. An intense rally ensued, and Hassan approached the net with a drop volley. Sircar was ready for it this time and he drove a backhand passing shot past Hassan for a 4-0 lead. At this point, victory was all but secured as Sircar cruised, 6-1. The win guarantees him a spot in the WPIAL Final and in the PIAA Championships at Hershey. Congratulations, Advaita!

On Friday, Sircar will square off against Gateway’s #1 singles player, Adam Memije with the WPIAL title at stake. Match time is set for 10:30 AM at Bethel Park. Good Luck!

Tournament Summary

First Round
#1 Advaita Sircar (NA) def. Sanshiro Ogawa (FR) 10-1
#3 Ari Plutko def.  Sri Thirumala (NA) 10-0

Quarterfinals
#1 Advaita Sircar (NA) def. Shawn Khurana (USC) 10-1

Semifinals
#1 Advaita Sircar def. Zidaan Hassan (G) 6-0, 3-6, 6-1