Drew Hager may be the defending Moose Jaw men's singles champion, but his doubles partner has designs on that crown.
Worse yet - he's from Yorkton.
Jordan Ponak defeated Ray Ritsco in straight sets (6-0, 6-1) to advance after the first day of the singles championship tournament.
"I feel pretty confident out there," said Ponak. "I've been playing quite a bit these past couple weeks with Drew. Feel pretty good out there."
After moving to Moose Jaw from Regina to attend classes at SIAST Palliser campus, Ponak rediscovered his love of tennis at the local club and picked up club pro Hager for a doubles partner.
"I haven't had a place to play at consistently in past years," said the 23-year-old. "This has been a really good place to come out every week and get good games in."
Ponak had played tennis growing up in Yorkton but it wasn't exactly at a competitive level.
"I was pretty big into (tennis) around 15, 16. Then it just kind of trailed off because there's nobody to play in the Yorkton area really. Just going out and messing around with buddies," he said.
A silver medal in mixed doubles at the Jeux du Canada Games at age 14 speaks volumes about Ponak's ability on the court. Now that he's found a place to hone his skills, his game has taken off.
"This is the first time I've played as much as I wanted," he said. "It's amazing how much practice will help you."
Moose Jaw city tennis championships underway
Moose Jaw city tennis championships underway
Ponak, Swanson among first round winners
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