Gabriel Rapoport has had quite a high school career for the Malibu High boys tennis team, reaching three consecutive Tri-Valley League (TVL) singles championships and prevailing in the last two.
On top of all this, his greatest achievement came a couple months ago when he was accepted to play tennis for the University of Pennsylvania.
Rapoport’s dedication in the classroom and on the court paved the way to Pennsylvania.
“I’m very excited. It’s a great team, I love the coach and everything about it is perfect for me,” Rapoport said with a beaming smile. “It’s a great school, academically and for tennis. The Ivy League is incredible. I’ve always wanted to play Division-I tennis. It’s been my goal.”
Last week, the TVL season began for the boys tennis team. The Sharks took to the courts to battle with league-champion Oaks Christian behind their fearless leader and ultra-competitor, Rapoport.
Despite Malibu losing 13-5 in the match, Rapoport displayed the style of play he hopes will warrant him the chance to compete at UPenn in his freshman year.
Facing his off-court friend and on-court foe of four years, Kevin Bondar, Rapoport won 6-4 in his first singles competition of the afternoon. Rapoport took an early 3-0 lead and extended it to 5-2 before Bondar came back to cut the deficit to 5-4.
A point away from being tied 5-5, Rapoport won three straight points and closed the set with a forehand winner down the left side just outside of Bondar’s reach.
Since playing against each other for the TVL singles title in their freshman year in 2011, the two rivals have met eight times with Rapoport holding a 5-3 advantage.
“It was a good match. I got off to a good start,” Rapoport said. “Kevin is a fighter and he never gives up. It’s always a tough match. It would be awesome to start our high school careers playing in the finals and ending in the finals.”
That remains to be seen, as it’s still two months away. With Oak Park’s David Goulak in the mix, only two of the three stars will advance to the CIF Individuals in late May.
“[Gabriel] has a very deceptive game. He’s passive but he can be aggressive when he needs to be,” Bondar said after their match. “It forces me to take the ball early and to maximize my movement. It’s basically the only way I have a chance of beating him. I have to capitalize on my quickness because I’m not going to overpower him.”
Rapoport went on to defeat Oaks Christian’s Daniel Sutman, 6-1, and Myles Webb, 6-1.
“Gabe works on his game all year round,” Malibu coach Todd Montgomery said. “He’s disciplined with his school work and he’s disciplined with his tennis. He’s consistent in everything he does.”
Rapoport seeks to make the most of his final high school season.
“It’s an interesting feeling because I will definitely miss playing with the team,” he said. “To know that I am going on to college and play with another team is very exciting. It’s bittersweet and I hope to make the most of it. I will play the best that I can.”
Joining Rapoport at singles for Malibu is junior Dillon Orian and freshman Will Kish. Orian lost two of three sets (6-4, 2-6, 3-6) while Kish struggled in his three sets against the Lions.
“Dillon got a lot stronger over the summer and seems to be enjoying his tennis more than last year. Will has great form and great technique. He just needs more match play to be a force,” Montgomery said. “We have a very young team so we have a lot of building to do. A lot of the players don’t have match experience. We are just drilling and working hard every day.”
At doubles play Malibu brings back the duo of juniors Harrison White and Jesse Weinstein who won one set against OC (2-6, 6-1, 4-6).
“I’m looking forward to working with them for two more years,” said Montgomery.
Michael Jacobson, Jacob Droeger, Khoi Prakasim and Matt Morady will add to the depth at doubles for MHS while Jake Wesson, Alec Rascoe, Nino Millesi and Michael Burger will play singles.