Boys tennis: Zhang leads Redwood into section quarterfinals

High school tennis agrees with Redwood High freshman Julian Zhang and the Giants are the direct beneficiaries.

Ranked No. 2 in Northern California and No. 22 in the nation for 14-and-under boys, Zhang led the fourth-seeded Giants over No. 13 Heritage of Brentwood 6-1 on Tuesday in the North Coast Section Division I first round.

The Giants get another home date on Thursday when they face No. 5 Foothill.

“It’s been really fun this year,” said Zhang. “I came in having high hopes and we’re meeting the expectations.”

Zhang polished off Heritage’s Arnav Yashlaha 6-2, 6-0 in the final match of the day to cap a dominating start to the NCS tournament. The Giants were ousted in the second round last season, but have refueled with Zhang and three other talented freshmen.

“I’m super excited about this team,” said Redwood coach Craig Flax. “The culture of this team has been really solid. It’s so fun.”

Besides Zhang, the Redwood Class of 2027 includes Alejandro Puentes, Cal Fazal and Will Greenwald.

“The four of us have known each other since we were 7,” said Zhang. “We always trained together. It’s really fun to see that we’ve come a long way. We often talk about the vision we have in four years — how strong we’re going to be. We’re all looking forward to it.”

Greenwald played No. 3 singles and was first off the court when he didn’t lose a game. Fazal and Chris Lee were finished soon after in No. 1 doubles, dropping just one game. Puentes has emerged as a doubles force for the Giants and teamed with Tug Ricordel in No. 2 doubles for a 6-2, 6-0 win.

“Alejandro probably has the best hands on the team,” said Flax. “His touch is absolutely amazing and his hand-eye coordination is elite.”

Flax is bringing out the best in the Giants, especially the freshmen, according to sports psychologist Jeff Greenwald, who is also Will’s dad. Jeff Greenwald is the author of The Best Tennis of Your Life and the mental toughness director for HRT, Marin’s elite junior development.

“Craig does a phenomenal job — he sees the big picture,” said Greenwald. “The life skills they learn — through Craig in particular — teaching them about teamwork and being positive, never giving up and playing for a team and not just for yourself.”

Greenwald says that high school tennis is great for elite junior players, giving them a break from the isolation of age-group tournaments.

“It’s really easy to do too much too soon — resulting in injuries or psychological burnout,” said Greenwald.

On Tuesday, Zhang used every shot in his repertoire because he says high school tennis gives him the freedom to relax. His drop shot was deadly and his serve-and-volley was indefensible.

“It allows you to work on things that you usually wouldn’t have the guts to do in regular matches,” said Zhang. “Since there’s less pressure, you’re free to work on things that aren’t in your game and you can make them your game in these matches.”

Zhang decided not to play in the MCAL singles tournament in favor of a junior tournament in Los Angeles that coincided with the NCS singles tournament. The LA event was rained out, making Zhang wonder if he made the right decision.

“Looking back on it now it kind of sucks,” Zhang said.

Marin’s top player says there’s a good bet he won’t make that same decision in the future. He simply likes high school tennis too much.