Updated: Northporter Advances in West Side Tennis Champs

 John D'Allesandro of Northport has advanced to the quarter-finals at the West Side Tennis Championships Wednesday following his win over Dennis Tult, No. 10 seed, of Newburgh, NY, 6-3; 4-6; 6-1. 

He will play on Wednesday the winner of the match between Jonathan Paris of Cold Spring Harbor and Daniel Grunberger of Great Neck taking place Tuesday.

Original article: It’s typically hard to ask a teenager to draw from their experiences, but Northport’s John D’Alessandro did just that in his second round match at the West Side Tennis Championships Tuesday where he advanced to the quarter-finals.

Competing in the 16-and-under division at the West Side Tennis Club in Forest Hills, No. 8 seed D’Allesandro took control of the rallies from the very first point, reeling off the final two games as he advanced into the quarterfinals with a 6-2, 6-3 win Thomas Glading of Waccabuc.

“I just tried to make him play my game and draw him into making errors,” said D’Alessandro, who is currently a junior at Saint Anthony’s.

Utilizing heavy spins to change the direction of the ball, D’Alessandro raced through the first three games of the match before Glading began to get more settled in the baseline rallies.

Despite Glading’s improved form, the match was never in doubt. D’Alessandro never let his opponent take the lead during the match, wrapping up the contest in just over an hour with a forehand winner on his first match point.

Despite the convincing scoreline, D’Alessandro said he would have to improve his form for the later rounds.

“Everything, really,” said D’Alessandro, when asked what areas of his game he needed to work on. “I have to clean up my first serve percentage and just make less errors in general.”

Following his victory over Glading, D’Alessandro played his third-round match today at 1:00 pm against No. 10 seed Dennis Sult of Newburgh.

Tennis is serious business for this 16-year-old. In addition to training with several days a week at Robbie Wagner’s Tennis Academy in Glen Cove alongside some of the best junior players in the region, he also plays upwards of 25 USTA tournaments each year.

In addition, D’Alessandro also plays No. 1 singles on the Boys tennis team at St. Anthony’s, helping to lead them to a league championship this year.

“I just like being able to be part of a team,” said D’Alessandro. “It’s a more relaxing atmosphere than tournaments like these.”

To follow his progress throughout the tournament, visit the tournament drawsheet.