Connor Griff ’25 follows through after hitting a forehand. Photo by Josh McKee.
On Saturday, April 16, Hamilton’s men’s tennis team lost narrowly to Trinity College, 5–4, at home. Connor Griff ’25, the best singles player on the squad, impressed with a straight-sets win over Trinity’s senior captain, Ross DeRose. Griff served very well, hitting the corners almost at will. Already making noise as a freshman, Griff ’25 has tons of potential for the next few years.
The Spectator
sat down with him to ask a few questions.
How would you describe the challenges of playing tennis to someone who is totally unfamiliar with the sport?
Tennis is a bit of a weird sport to play as a team, since it is so individual (a bit less so if you play doubles, where you have a partner). The individuality and loneliness of the sport is what makes it so challenging. If you are struggling, you don’t have anyone to rely on but yourself.
What is the team atmosphere like at Hamilton?
Although tennis is more of an individual sport, our team atmosphere is incredible. We are constantly pushing each other to get better every day, and during our matches, we are supporting one another.
There are a handful of extremely pressured moments in most tennis matches. How do you deal with those moments?
Having supportive teammates here at Hamilton has allowed me to remain calm during high-pressured situations in my matches.
What are the team’s goals for this season?
One big goal our team has this year is to qualify for the NESCAC tournament for the very first time in our school’s history.
You’re just in your first year at Hamilton, but you are already playing matches as the #1 singles player for the team. What do you hope to accomplish over the next few years?
I will keep pushing to improve each year, and I will continue to be a leader on the team. In the future, I hope to qualify for the NCAA Division III tournament and continue to improve with my teammates.
What’s your best on-court memory?
My best college on-court memory is making the final in my first collegiate tournament at the St. Lawrence Invitational in the fall.
What’s your worst on-court memory?
Losing 5–4 to Trinity was one of the worst on-court memories so far this season. Other than that, I have had so many great memories with my teammates thus far, and I can’t wait to make many more!
Lightning Round
Who is your favorite professional player?
Rafael Nadal.
What are your pre-match rituals?
Listening to music and stretching.
What’s your favorite team tradition?
Going to the lazy river after a big win.
Who do you think is the greatest player of all time?
Roger Federer.
Griff strikes the ball with his two-handed backhand. Photo by Josh McKee.