The Class 3A state singles tournament features a familiar cast of contenders.
Shorecrest junior Jonathan Tat is one of 10 returning players from last year’s bracket, including three-time champion Peter Kung of Lakeside.
“The draw looks pretty similar every year, except for when seniors graduate,” Tat said. “I had a good idea of who I’d go up against.”
Tat won one of three matches in 2004 and was ousted with a three-set consolation loss to Bryan Thorp of Kennedy — his first-round opponent this morning at the Nordstrom Tennis Center.
“I want to break the top five,” Tat said. “There’s always good players there, so I’ll just do my best and see how far I go.”
In the six months since he placed second at the Northwest District 3A tournament for the second straight year, Tat has been playing four to five times per week at indoor clubs.
“I’ve been working on my serve a lot over the break and being more aggressive,” said Tat, who qualified for state in doubles as a freshman.
His confidence has also improved.
“I’m not as nervous,” Tat said. “I’ve got the right mindset now that I’ve been (to state) a few times. If you go in there not sure of what you’re doing, you’re done.”
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