Sun Sentinel Palm Beach Edition
Kecmanovic set to defend boys’ 18 title
No. 1 seed feels pressure this year
Last year Miomir Kecmanovic was under a bit less pressure.
Although playing in the Metropolia Orange Bowl Tennis Championships is never a breeze, he felt more at ease then than he does entering this year’s event. After winning a year ago as the No. 9 seed, he now returns as the top-ranked player nationally in the boys’ 18s division.
“Last year, of course, I wasn’t the favorite to win,” Kecmanovic said. “This year, it’s different because I’m coming as the first seed, especially coming from winning so many matches.”
Kecmanovic, of Serbia, said avoiding overconfidence and handling the pressure are his toughest obstacles. The tournament runs Dec. 11 at Frank Veltri Center in Plantation.
“Everybody is playing good right now,” Kecmanovic said. “It just depends on the day. Anybody can beat anybody. Some of the other top players might not be coming. That’s a plus, but there are some other good players there.”
Among the American challegers are former boys’ 16s champion Sam Riffice, Gianni Ross, Trent Bryde, Oliver Crawford, Vasil Kirkov, Patrick Kypson and Sebastian Korda. Kecmanovic expects their presence to only increase motivation, especially considering he is chasing the goal of ending the season as the top-ranked player.
“It is pretty cool, but at the same time it’s kind of getting to my head,” Kecmanovic said. “I have to stop thinking about it just at least until the tournament finishes.”
On the girls’ side, Americans Amanda Anisimova (Hallandale Beach), Usue Arconada, Claire Liu and Olga Danilovic are among the contenders. They are all Cost: Info: trying to knock off top seed Anastasia Potapova, who won the Wimbledon girls’ title earlier this year.
Kecmanovic is attempting to become just the third boys’ player to win consecutive titles. The others were Billy Martin (1973-74) and Harold Solomon (1969-70).
“It’s different but at the same time, I also have a different goal now and that’s to finish No. 1,” Kecmanovic said. “That’s been motivating me the last two weeks. It’s not really about who I’m playing against.”
Coach Jose Lambert said that attitude is a result of Kecmanovic becoming a more mentally strong player. The training team at IMG Academy in Bradenton has spent the season helping him grow in that area. It led to Kecmanovic overtaking the top ranking after winning the event in Mexico last month.
“Being No. 1 is an amazing accomplishment,” Lambert said. “… He’s handled it very well. He had been No. 2 for a while. He’s winning matches obviously at a good clip but he’s not only winning but playing some dominant tennis.”
With the strong showing, Kecmanovic has all but decided to turn pro after the season. He felt like there was nothing left to accomplish at the juniors level and ready to move onto the next challenge.
“After these two weeks, I think we’re going to talk about it and plan for the future,” Kecmanovic said. “It’s definitely going to be a different story if I finish No. 1. I don’t think juniors are going to matter anymore. Even if I don’t finish one, I don’t think I’m going to play much.
“I think there’s nothing more here and I’ll just start playing some pro tournaments.”