Nationally Ranked Tennis Player Joins Local Prep Ranks

He’s 15, likes to hang out with friends, enjoys video games and music, and is likely to be the most dominant tennis player in the local high school ranks. 

Abe Hewko is here, and the Desert Valley League is about to be put on notice. 

Hewko is now at Palm Desert High after being home schooled since his family moved to the desert from Oregon three years ago. He said the move to public schooling has been eased because of his tennis game. 

“The transition has been easy,” the 6 foot 3 teen said. “ I already knew a lot of people from the tennis team, and my friends were already there.” 

Hewko received his CIF eligibility last week, and is now a full member of the Palm Desert boys tennis team. 

He is coming off a round of 16 loss in the Easter Bowl tennis tournament, one of the most prestigious on the junior circuit. It’s a tournament that has featured players like professional Andy Roddick. 

Hewko was seeded #10 in the Easter Bowl boys under-16 bracket, a testament to his on-court prowess. During his Easter Bowl loss Thursday, Abe was cheered on by a small contingent, including his coach, tennis legend Rosie Casals.  

Hewko took a tough loss on a final set tie-breaker to #3 seed Luca Corinteli from Alexandria, VA. Despite the loss, Hewko stayed upbeat about the experience. 

“I haven’t had much chance to play deep into tournaments,” he said.  “This makes me want to work at my game even more.” 

It also helped to play near home. Abe says one of the best parts was being able to relax at home and sleep in his own bed each night. 

If sleeping at home is the magic factor for Abe, then the rest of the DVL may have some sleepless nights ahead.