Eastern Men’s Team Brings Home Sixth National Open Championship

September 25, 2017 | By New York Tennis Magazine Staff
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The New York Athletic Club (NYAC) Men’s National Team won the National Open Team Championships, which benefits the American Cancer Society, at the Darling Tennis Center in Las Vegas for the sixth time in eight tries.

Representing the USTA Eastern Section, the team from NYAC was captained by Jeffrey Appel and featured Michael Redlicki, Michael Shabaz, Connor Smith, Maciek Romanowicz, Yale Goldberg and Ryan Shane.

“Jeff loves tennis, and the fact that his team challenges for a National Title every year is indicative of that” Cedric Jones, Director of Athletics at New York Athletic Club said. “He is a great ambassador for tennis not only in New York, but also for the club.”

Appel’s squad defeated the team from Northern California representing the California Tennis Club which featured Andre Dome, Corey Pang, Nicholas Brunner, Matthew Berry and JT Sundling at the Darling Tennis Center in Las Vegas.

“The quality of the players Jeff brings elevates the competition” said Tournament Director Susan Johnson Maurer. “He puts a lot of work and effort into this tournament and is very supportive of charity events.”

Appel, a graduate of the University of Pennsylvania who is known as the “Mayor of New York Tennis”, has captained the team for the last eight seasons, and has forged relationships with a lot of the players that extends past the tennis court. He has helped more than 50 young professionals find careers after tennis.

“Jeffrey Appel is one of the best organizers, supporters and networkers the sport of tennis has,” said David Geatz, the Men’s Tennis Head Coach at the University of Pennsylvania. “He is the pied piper of tennis in New York City and has helped more former players jump start their careers than anyone I know. Jeff is a great ambassador of tennis and his success is a direct credit to his determination, hustle, love of the game and his willingness to help others.”

Jared Donaldson, currently ranked No. 58 in the world and is one of the United States’ top young players, is a friend of Appel’s and is not surprised at the success he has had in putting together winning tennis teams.

“I knew the title would go back to its rightful owner,” Donaldson said. “Jeff understands which players will work together in a team environment, which is why I believe he’s had so much success.”


New York Tennis Magazine Staff
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