Commack’s Liao Repeats as Suffolk Singles Champion

May 24, 2022 | By Brian Coleman
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On match point of the 2022 Suffolk County Boys’ Singles Championship on Monday afternoon at Smithtown East High School, Commack sophomore Eddie Liao approached the service line as he aimed to seal his second straight county title.

The big-hitting Liao then dialed up one last ace and let off a big “Come on!”, pumping his fist in celebration. The point was the final one of a 6-1, 6-3 victory over Harborfields’ Christopher Qi as Liao defended his title from a year ago.

Click Here to see more photos from the 2022 Suffolk County Individual Championships

“It means a lot,” said Liao. “I really wanted to win this title again. I’ve always loved playing high school tennis, I love being out there with my friends and teammates. It’s great being able to come out here and compete.”

The county title was a rematch of last year’s final, and Liao was able to control the pace of play once again to come away victorious.

“It’s a battle every time I play against Christopher, he is a tough player to play against,” said Liao. “I just wanted to play the best I could, and do what I do best, which is hit big serves and big forehands, and just make sure I remained positive out there.”

Liao now sets his sights on a new goal, which is to win a New York State Public High School Athletic Association (NYSPHSAA) title. The tournament is set for Thursday, June 2 through Saturday, June 4 at the USTA Billie Jean King National Tennis Center in Flushing Meadows.

“Winning a state title is a dream,” he said. “I saw the high school players before me play at states, and it was always something I wanted to do myself. To be able to compete on the same courts where the U.S. Open is played is amazing, and I am looking forward to it.”

Commack head coach Jimmy Delevante added:

“Eddie is a very hard-working and dedicated tennis player. He had an outstanding year last season, and since then he has continued to improve tremendously,” he said. “He is fitter and serving bigger, and is just more confident and tougher. He sets the bar higher for himself each year and continues to surpass it. Our team is so proud of him and lucky to have him.”

In the third-place match, Ward Melville’s Harshith Pennabadi defeated Sam Lopez-Cardenas of Walt Whitman.

Click Here to see more photos from the 2022 Suffolk County Individual Championships


2022 Suffolk County Boys’ Singles Results

1) Eddie Liao – Commack

2) Christopher Qi – Harborfields

3) Harshith Pennabadi – Ward Melville

4) Sam Lopez-Cardenas – Walt Whitman


Harborfields’ Christopher Qi

 

Ward Melville’s Harshith Pennabadi

 

Walt Whitman’s Sam Lopez-Cardenas

 

 


Brian Coleman
Senior Editor, Long Island Tennis Magazine
Brian Coleman is the Senior Editor for Long Island Tennis Magazine. He may be reached at brianc@usptennis.com.
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