Menezes from Ross School clinches Suffolk boys tennis championship, secures spot in state championship

Ross School senior Eduardo Menezes is making waves in the high school tennis scene, with his recent victory at the Suffolk County Individual Championships solidifying his status as a top contender for a state singles championship.

Menezes, who hails from Florianopolis, Brazil, has been unstoppable in his first season of high school tennis, not dropping a single match. His latest triumph came in the championship match against Bryan Volk of Half Hollow Hills West, where he secured a 6-4, 6-2 victory at Smithtown East High School.

The talented senior, who is committed to playing Division I tennis at Texas-Rio Grande Valley, expressed his excitement about competing in high school tennis and the camaraderie with his teammates. Menezes’ dominant performance at the county championships has positioned him as a strong contender for the upcoming state individual championships.

Volk, despite putting up a tough fight, was unable to match Menezes’ skill and mental toughness on the court. Mount Sinai’s Juan Perez also secured a spot in the state tournament by defeating Ward Melville’s Robbie Monticciolo in the third-place match.

In the doubles category, the Commack team of James Yu and Eric Benderly emerged victorious in a thrilling final against Ward Melville’s top-seeded pair. Yu and Benderly showcased their resilience by staging a comeback from a 5-2 deficit in the second set, ultimately clinching the title.

With their impressive performance, Yu and Benderly, along with the Pennabadi brothers and the Ross School duo of Leonardo Carmo and Henry Tietz, have all qualified for the state tournament. Yu expressed confidence in their partnership, highlighting Benderly’s abilities as a tennis player and their potential for a deep run in the competition.