Jacob Grinburg won in straight sets at second singles for Glen Rock, which swept Saddle River Day, 5-0, on Wednesday..
GLEN ROCK – Without much turnover amongst a tennis roster from year to year, Glen Rock head coach Bonnie Zimmermann knows just how rare it is to have what she has at the top of the lineup. This is now the third straight season in which steady players Andrew Eisenberg and Jacob Grinburg are at the top of the singles order.
Their consistency has helped the Panthers win each of the past two North 1, Group 1 state sectional titles. With one more go-round together and key pieces returning along with some promising freshmen, Glen Rock is thinking of a repeat as section champs and beyond.
The Panthers have worked hard in the off-season and are seeing it pay off in week one of the 2025 season. Four-time defending state sectional champ Glen Rock did not drop a set in a 5-0 win over Saddle River Day on Wednesday afternoon at Glen Rock High School.
“It’s great to coach such a hard-working, well-conditioned team,” said Zimmermann. “Between the experienced players we have and the freshman that have come in, we have a lot of depth for a Group 1 team. We come with the mindset of getting better every day. I don’t have to motivate them; they bring all of that motivation on their own. It’s so exciting to be a part of this.”
Grinburg was the first off the court. The junior was aggressive from the baseline and put points away with a variety of forehand winners in a 6-0, 6-1 win.
“Our guys this year, we want to start every match strong and set the tone,” said Grinburg. “After losing in the Group 1 semifinals the past two years, we’re really motivated to win our section and then go even further.”
In his first varsity match, Glen Rock freshman Aiden Chuo win in straight sets at third singles.
Freshman Aiden Chuo slid into the third singles slot and did not disappoint in his first varsity match. He kept the ball deep in and in play throughout his match to give Glen Rock a 2-0 lead. Minutes later, the victory was clinched with Felix Dyadyuk and Lukas Lee scoring a 6-0, 6-3 win at second doubles.
The most competitive match for Saddle River Day (0-1) came at first doubles. Cole Rosenberg and Michael Sneyers played well early and had a chance to serve for the first set. The Panthers’ duo of Leo Yoshimoto and Aarnav Dharia bore down to break back to 5-5. That started a run where they reeled off nine of the final 11 games in a 7-5, 6-2 win.
Eisenberg closed out the shutout by mixing up his game from drop shots to crisp volleys at the net in a 6-2, 6-1 win.
While winning league and section titles are always goals for Glen Rock (2-0), they are setting their sights on making runs at Bergen County Small School and Group 1 state titles as well. With a loaded roster and plenty of season ahead, the Panthers have their eye on the prize.
“We know what our goals are, but we still have to play at practice and in matches one point at a time,” added Grinburg. “Our team has experience, and we want to challenge ourselves in the big matches. We’re locked in and we’re ready to have another great season.”
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