Syosset Claims Third Straight New York State Title

Entering this season, the boys of the Syosset tennis team had one goal.

As the two-time defending New York State Public High School Athletic Association (NYSPHSAA) Division I Champions, winning the title for a third straight time was on everyone’s mind. 

At the USTA Billie Jean King National Tennis Center in June, the Braves accomplished their sought-after three-peat as it defeated Bethlehem 4-0 to win the state title (the final three flights were not finished when the overall team match had been clinched). 

“We all know how hard it is to accomplish this even one time, and each one of these is special in their own way,” said Syosset head coach Shai Fisher. “I think our team knew what was at stake, and they had an amazing opportunity in front of them. They take it seriously which makes it easy for me as a coach, I just try not to push them too hard and make sure they are in the right headspace.”

After edging Horace Greeley 4-3 in the regional final, Syosset advanced to the semifinals at the National Tennis Center where it defeated Washingtonville 7-0 to advance to the championship. 

It carried that momentum into its showdown with Bethlehem, and leaned on the depth of its roster as it picked up wins at second, third and fourth doubles. 

Veyd Trivedi & Shiv Chadha were 6-1, 6-3 winners at second doubles; Grayson Prince & Loui Peredo posted a 6-1, 6-0 victory at third doubles; and Leon Zhao & Anik Paul won 6-1, 6-3 at fourth doubles. 

Needing one more court to seal the state title, Syosset would get it from Aayan Mehta at third singles, who won 6-4, 6-2, clinching a win for his team for the fourth time this postseason.

A year ago, Mehta paired with Ryan Jiang and won at second doubles to clinch the state title, but did so on the singles court this time around.

“Winning the state title in doubles last year was an amazing experience, but doing it in singles this time around was definitely a different feeling,” he said. “In doubles, you always have your partner to lean on, and you celebrate those big moments together. But winning in singles felt more personal–it was really rewarding to know that all the hard work I’ve put in individually paid off. Both were special in their own ways, but this one felt like a big step for me as a player.

Syosset will now get ready for next spring and an opportunity to win a fourth straight State title, but will do so without its four graduating seniors, which includes Trivedi & Chadha, as well as first singles player Devan Melandro and Cooper Steinberger.

“We have four seniors, and they each have their own story,” said Fisher. “Devan, Veyd, Shiv and Cooper have all had so much success in our program, and the fact that they are able to play at this level says a lot about them and shows how committed they have been.”