Luke Martini, a Wallkill sophomore, filled in as a singles player last year during his first season on the boys’ tennis team.

This season he has been the second singles player. Last week, he played first singles at home against Highland and took a loss.

“It’s different. You really get a feel for competition. I like it now,” said Martini, of playing varsity singles. “I have been working harder to play.”

He takes lessons year-round after starting to play in sixth grade. He took a break in seventh grade and picked it up in the eighth grade. His brother, Jude, who graduated from Wallkill and played varsity tennis, said he helped his younger brother enjoy the game.

Playing second singles for Wallkill is Marco Martini, Luke Martini’s younger brother. The sibling rivalry that Jude and Luke have enjoyed is also taking place with the middle and youngest brothers.

“Now it’s the same for my younger brother,” said Martini. “He’s trying to beat me.”
As Martini tries to take command of his game, he’s come to understand his strengths and weaknesses.

“My forehand on good days,” he said, of one of his strengths.

One way to get the upper hand, literally, in a match is with a strong serve, and Martini said that’s part of his game that needs the extra work needed to improve his overall match play.

“It’s all technique,” he said. “After a game, I just grab a bunch of balls and keep serving them. I am still working on it. Hopefully, I’ll get it some day.”