High school tennis: Highland's Elijah Hadler faces steep challenge at state tournament

MASON — Confidence and consistency, along with a wealth of tennis skills, have served Elijah Hadler well in his high school career. The Highland junior believes they are the key to his success and his ability to become the sixth singles player in Medina County history to qualify for state in back-to-back seasons. Hadler plans on utilizing both attributes to their fullest today, when he steps onto the court at the Lindner Family Tennis Center in Mason for the 102nd annual tournament. "Every match, I am confident that my level of play will remain consistent throughout the match, no matter how physically tasking it might be," the reigning Gazette MVP said. "So being able to push through long, tough matches is never something that worries me." The 16-player Division I competition begins at 9 a.m. at the longtime home of the Western & Southern Open ATP and WTA professional tournament. Hadler, who finished sixth at the Springside District, will challenge first-time qualifier Chad Miller of Cincinnati Sycamore in the opening round. The winner draws either Warren Harding senior Anthony Payiavlas or Perrysburg senior Mason Deal in the early afternoon. Cincinnati Sectional and Mason District champion Miller is considered one of the favorites to capture the state title, only dropping one set in winning all nine of his postseason matches. The right-hander did not lose a game in six of them. "The plan is for Elijah to play as aggressively as he can, as this is a state tournament match," Hornets coach Lisa Reynolds said. Miller has signed a national letter of intent to play NCAA D-I tennis at Northwestern University, but Hadler owns an edge in big-match experience, having advanced to the state quarterfinals in 2021. "I'm going into state this year exactly how I did last year: fully relaxed and giving it my all every point," said Hadler, who is 24-4 this season and 53-7 overall. "I don't think there is pressure at any time during the tennis season, so state is no different. "By playing smart and within yourself throughout the match, you have to be able to live with the result no matter the circumstances." Those circumstances could include a change of venue if the expected rain showers arrive in the morning. In that case, the D-I singles matches would be moved to the southeast, indoors at the Camargo Racquet Club with a noon start time. Barring an additional delay, track athlete Hadler should still be able to make it to the Findlay Regional in time to compete in the 3,200-meter run at 7:30 p.m. He has already been to Findlay once this week, running as part of Highland's 4x800 relay on Wednesday evening. Hadler has previously qualified for the state cross country meet and is seeking to do so in a third sport in his second varsity season. Contact Brian Dulik at brisports@hotmail.com. Follow him @BrianDulik on Twitter.