With all three of last year’s state qualifiers returning, the mighty OPRF Boys’ Tennis team has been dominating on the court and is not afraid to showcase their talent at the IHSA Class 2A Sectionals at OPRF on May 23 and 24.  

“I think this year’s team is the strongest we’ve been in a long time,” said senior Manu Rajagopal, who will compete at sectionals this year as the first singles player, where he also finished third last year. 

According to freshman Naveen Rajagobal, (Manu’s younger brother), who will be the second seed singles player for OPRF at sectionals, Head Coach John Morlidge will send the dynamic duo top seed returning doubles team of Alex Dolipschi and Eli Stein, who finished first at sectionals and ninth at state last year. The new doubles team of sophomore Nick Vizzone and freshman Alek Rekucki will also be attending sectionals as the second seed. 

Naveen Rajagopal is ready to make his mark in the future having lots of experience with tennis having played in tournaments all around the country. “He’s a super high-level player, especially for a freshman, and he always pushes others on the team to be better through his focus and strong mentality,” said Manu. 

The boys have wrapped up the season with a dual record of 10-2, having also succeeded in invitationals including the Pitchford tournament, where they finished eighth out of 32 top-tier teams on May 2-3 and the Naper Valley Invite where they placed 1st on May 9-10.

If the players succeed at their sectional, they will compete in the state tournament May 29, 30 and 31 at Palatine High School.