Markowitz Captures New York One-On-One Doubles Title
Callum Markowitz, who will be playing for the University of Pennsylvania after transferring from Vanderbilt, captured the New York One-On-One Doubles title at the Chestnut Ridge Racquet Club in Mt. Kisco.
Markowitz defeated New Rochelle High School’s Alexander Suhanitski, the 2025 NYSPHSAA State Singles Champion who is heading to Notre Dame, 6-2 in the Open Division final. Coming in red-hot after winning the UTR Pro Event in Philadelphia, Markowitz won five sets to win the event.
The road to the finals was both difficult and challenging for Markowitz. During the tournament’s round robin phase, Markowitz beat Rye Brook’s Alexander Brzov, 6-5(8-6) and Alexander Suhanitsky, 6-5(7-4). Brzov, who reached #90 in the National Boys 18s tennis recruiting rankings, will be attending Division III powerhouse Amherst College in the fall.
In the semifinals, Suhanitsky defeated Columbia University’s Jordan Chang to reach the finals, while Markowitz beat University of West Florida’s Sebastian Rondon in his semifinal match.
“What a great event. The serve and volley while not nearly as prominent a tennis ploy anymore, is still an effective strategy in winning quick points and developing an all-around game. I always tried to get Callum to play the net more throughout his formative years and still rush the net when the opportunity arises even today as he plays Division 1 college tennis,” said Dan Markowitz, Callum’s father. “The One on One Doubles format is a great way to energize younger plays to add the serve and volley to their arsenal of shots and plays and it’s also an exciting and athletic style of play for fans viewing the matches as often both players rush the net with the added incentive that if they hit a clean volley or overhead winner, they win two points instead of one. Well done and it’s nice to see tennis played with new innovation.”
Callum said:
“I got better at serving and volleying. I got better at thinking outside the box a little bit more because you can’t play those points like regular tennis points. You have to use more feel; play more cat and mouse. It helps me get better at skills that are important, but you don’t think to use that often. As a high-level player, it’s important to do a lot different things on the court and find new and varied ways to win points.”
The tournament also hosted a Club Division that was won by R.D Ferman, a 6-3 winner over Patrick O’ Mara. The event featured $1,500 total in prize money, with $200 and $100 going to the winner and finalist, respectively, in the Club Division and $700 and $500 going to the winner and finalist, respectively in the Open Division.
“We’ve hosted Ed Krass three times now, and each time has been a blast! The one-on-one doubles event at Chestnut Ridge Racquet Club has grown stronger and more competitive, and this year, the live band added an extra layer of fun for everyone—on and off the court!” said Brad Breakstone, Director of Tennis at Chestnut Ridge Racquet Club. “It was a fantastic opportunity for some of our members to participate, and we had many others join us to enjoy the music and food. Our owner was there and mentioned that the band really brought a special energy to the club, making it a memorable experience for everyone!”
The next event is the International Tennis Hall of Fame One-On-One Doubles Club Championships, in Newport, RI, on Friday, July 24, followed by a live band and dinner party. This is a private event for members only.
“What makes the four hour event unique, besides all the Serve & Volley Tennis, is the addition of rock and blues music playing during the first two hours. Hudson Valley’s Slam Allen performed two very lively sets of his original rockin ‘blues and covers the crowd really enjoyed”, stated Ed Krass, Tournament Founder & Event Director.
Tournament sponsors in Mt. Kisco were Diadem Sports and the Pizza Girls NY of Mt. Kisco. On Saturday, September 26, the 2nd Annual New Jersey One-On-One Doubles Championships, will be held at the West Orange Tennis Club, with Mike Smookler, Tennis Director.
For more tournament information, visit www.oneononedoubles.com.
