Sraberg Prevails at SCTA Satellite

Juniors from the Palisades Tennis Center continue to impress at USTA events across the country, further proof that the public facility off Alma Real is home to many of the top players in California. Adam Sraberg joined the PTC’s long list of tournament winners last week when he prevailed in the boys’ 10-and-under age division at the year-end SCTA Satellite Masters at Home Depot Center in Carson. Sraberg was nothing short of flawless throughout the tournament, winning all five of his matches in straight sets and volleying like a young Pete Sampras. He began his remarkable run by beating Eric Han of Fullerton, 6-1, 6-4, in his first match. In the second round he beat Ivan Smith of Tulare, 6-2, 6-0 before making short work of Allen Sokolov of Woodland Hills, 6-0, 6-4, in the quarterfinals. In the semifinals, Sraberg beat Gavin Spencer of San Juan Capistrano, 6-2, 6-3, and in the finals he ousted David Howren of San Clemente, 6-0, 6-4. On his way to the title he won three sets at love-an almost unheard-of feat at the Masters because the competition is so tough. Sraberg trains regularly at the PTC and is one of the most popular kids there. “It was a great feeling to play on a court that many pros have played on as well as having my own chair umpire in the finals,” said Sraberg, a fifth-grade honors student at Carlthorp School in Santa Monica. In addition to tennis, Sraberg plays basketball year-round on two teams and is an all-star baseball player for the West Los Angeles Little League. Meanwhile, Cristobal Rivera has advanced to the finals of the Gene Jung Tournament in Orange County, one of the largest junior events of the season. Rivera survived six matches and will play Gage Brymer for the championship. Although he is only 15, Rivera is among the PTC’s most gifted young players. Rivera first outlasted Xavier Saavedra, 6-2, 3-6, 6-1, in the first round, then beat fellow PTC junior Blake Anthony, 6-3, 6-2, in the second round. In the third round he beat Adam Bagdy, 6-0, 6-2 and in the round of 16 he eliminated James Boyd, 4-6, 6-4, 6-3. In the quarterfinals, Rivera defeated Stefan Menichella and in the semifinals he made short work of Daymon Johnson, 6-1, 6-4. The final was rained out and will be made up at a later date. sports@palipost.com