To get some insight into Ivan Smith, consider that Xavier, his older brother, is his tennis coach.
Who listens to his older brother?
Ivan does because the 16-year-old junior-to-be at Hilltop High realizes that his 30-year-old sibling has played at the level he aspires to reach — very soon. In fact, Ivan says he can beat Xavier, a Central Section high school champion who was ranked in the NAIA top three at Fresno Pacific all three years after playing his freshman season at San Jose State University.
But Ivan realizes Xavier, who teaches tennis for a living, has studied the game and has plenty of experience to bring to the table. That, and Xavier knows Ivan as only a brother can.
In fact, this summer the two paired up to place second in the prestigious U.S. Open Hard Court Championship.
“When he was younger, he didn’t listen,” said Xavier, who rarely plays these days. “That was tough. Now that he’s getting older, there’s just a little ‘yes’ and a little ‘no.’ I have higher standards for him because I know what he can do. Maybe I’m a little too strict but it’s just because I care more and want him to succeed.”
Ivan has done that both on the high school and United States Tennis Association (USTA) level, compiling a 46-10 record in the past year.
After being ranked as high as No. 55 nationally in the rapidly changing Tennis Recruiting Network ratings, he is currently No. 73 for all high school juniors, earning the No. 15 position in the state and No.18 in the entire Southwest.
“Actually, I was No. 55 nationally two weeks ago, but then I entered a tournament in Irvine where I was seeded No. 1 and lost in the second round,” said the 5-foot-11, 170-pounder. “Rankings mean a lot to me so I didn’t even check the rankings after Irvine because I didn’t want to see how far I fell. I wasn’t feeling well, and I let it get to me.”
That was a Junior level tournament, but he also plays at the Senior level. And sometimes, like last week at the Balboa Tennis Club, he plays both concurrently — the Juniors during the week and the Seniors on weekends.
Two things. One, Ivan prefers playing to practicing and two, he would rather play doubles than singles because —well — it’s more fun.
“Normally, my doubles partner is Christopher Papa (Cypress High), but he’s been injured lately,” said Ivan, who with Papa is the No. 1-ranked doubles team nationally for high school juniors. So, in his place, he has played side-by-side with Metro Conference rival Matthew Lanahan (Otay Ranch) in addition to Xavier.
“You can’t really be friendly with opponents like Matthew when you’re playing singles but in doubles it’s all fun, He’s a really good player, and I like the competition.”
It’s a family thing. His two brothers and sisters all played tennis, earning college scholarships, which is his goal along with winning the section title after finishing second to Torrey Pines’ Nik Speshilov in May and bowing out to eventual champion Ryan Seggerman as a freshman.
He is the two-time Metro Conference champion, which he says means more than in some conferences because of the high level of competition.
About playing Seniors.
“You see more and different styles,” explains Ivan. “You never know what to expect anyway but the adults are more challenging than the Juniors. Remember, I’d rather play than practice so whatever level, I’m just trying to improve. This summer I’m working on my backhand and serve.”
Ivan and Xavier agree that his strength is a well-aimed forehand.
“Ivan has a chance to be very good,” believes Xavier. “He has supportive parents who will put him in the right position to be successful. He’s very smart, very tough and has naturally good court position. He hates losing but he learns. And when he wins 6-0, 6-0, he’s still trying new things and learning. He knows when to go for a shot and when it’s best not to. He’s a well-balanced player.”
Spoken like a proud brother.
Brand is a freelance writer.
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