Mounties Sophomore Is A Top Essex County Tennis Prospect

Tennis is not only a physical, but a mental game. And a good example of that recently was the first singles match in the Group 4 North 1 battle between Montclair and Bergen Tech.

In the first set Mounties sophomore Jackson Claudio stumbled admittedly and lost 6-3 to Bergen Tech's Nicholas Rosasco, one of the top Bergen County players.

But with his back against the wall Claudio shot back by defeating Rosasco, 6-2. "He just started blowing up," said Claudio about Rosasco, who was definitely unnerved about the second set loss.

And with Rosasco off his game, Claudio took advantage of it and the Mounties sophomore was back on his game as he pressed the Bergen Tech tennis player.

Montclair's top tennis player would repeat his play in the third game with a 6-2 victory and take the match.

As a sophomore Claudio is one of the top tennis prospects in Essex County. He finished the dual match season with a 13-5 record with three of the losses coming to the top tennis player in Essex County in Livingston's Thomas Caputo.

Montclair head tennis coach Mark Janifer said that Claudio continues to work hard to be the top player in Essex County. "He has a great attitude and work ethic," said Janifer, who points to the win over the Bergen Tech player as one of his best this season. “He was very impressive in his win over the number one on Bergen Tech.”

Janifer added that he is very fast on the court and can always be counted on to give a great effort for every game, set and match. “I really like his consistency, quickness on the court and tenacity,” Janifer said.

While the dual meet season is over, Claudio still has work to do in the individual state tournament that starts June 4. "I think it will definitely be pretty challenging," Claudio said.

The Montclair sophomore said that he is not only a high school tennis player, but that he also teaches the sport at Bradford Bath and Tennis Club in Montclair and plays on the USTA circuit.

Claudio can attest to his 2011 season with improved workout in the off-season. "I have been trying to put more power into my game," said the Mounties sophomore, who is lifting more this season.

He added that he is also more aggressive this season. "I have been going to the net more," Claudio said.

During the high school season he is practicing at least six days out of the week to get better at his tennis game.