One year after making New York tennis history as a New York State Champion, Pratik Nayak has once again proven why he is one of the most accomplished high school tennis players in the state.
This season, Pratik and his doubles partner, Chris Cho, battled their way through another outstanding campaign and finished as New York State Doubles Runner-Up. While they fell just short of the title, reaching the state final for a second consecutive year is an extraordinary accomplishment and a testament to their consistency, resilience, and dedication to the sport.
In high school tennis, it is often harder to stay at the top than it is to get there. Opponents improve, expectations grow, and every match comes with added pressure. Yet Pratik embraced that challenge and once again competed among the very best players in New York State.
At AK Tennis Academy, we could not be prouder of what Pratik has achieved throughout his high school career. His work ethic, professionalism, and commitment to continuous improvement have been evident from day one. He has represented himself, his family, and his school with tremendous class, and his success is the result of years of hard work both on and off the court.
We would also like to congratulate Chris Cho on an outstanding season. Together, Pratik and Chris formed one of the strongest doubles teams in the state, demonstrating exceptional teamwork, chemistry, and competitive spirit throughout the year.
The future is especially exciting because this partnership is not coming to an end. Both Pratik and Chris will continue their academic and athletic careers at the Stevens Institute of Technology, where they will compete for the Ducks over the next four years. Stevens has built one of the premier Division III tennis programs in the country, making it a fantastic next step for two players who have already accomplished so much at the high school level.
As one chapter closes, another begins. Pratik leaves behind a legacy that includes a New York State Championship and a New York State Runner-Up finish—an incredible record that few players can match. We are excited to watch both Pratik and Chris continue their journey at the collegiate level and cannot wait to see what they accomplish next.
Congratulations, Pratik and Chris. The best is yet to come.
