Ridge’s Ruderman Looks Ahead After State Tennis Tournament Exit

It didn't end the way he wanted too, but Basking Ridge junior Alex Ruderman can take solace in one thing.

His fourth-round appearance in the NJSIAA boys' tennis tournament was the farthest penetration the junior standout has had in three state tournament appearances.

Ruderman, who was seeded in the No. 5-8 range, lost to Ramapo's Jonathan Carcione 6-3, 6-1 on Sunday to end his run this year. Earlier in the day, Ruderman cruised past Pierce Cooper of Moorestown 6-1, 6-0 in third-round action. Carcione was seeded in the 9-16 range but anyone who's seen the player perform, there is no doubt his seeding is not indicative of his abilities.  

"I would've loved to get a little bit farther," said Ruderman. "[Jonathan] Carcione is a great player, so I knew it would've been a tough match to win.

"There are a ton of good kids playing tennis in New Jersey. When a good player like [Jon] Carcione is not in the top eight, it goes to show there's really tough competition."

Ruderman will be a senior next year and he's looking forward to coming back to the state tournament.

"All of the big tournaments -- especially the state tournament -- presents good competition for me," said Ruderman. "I'm happy I've made it farther this year than the last couple years.

"I'll be a senior next year and I'll hopefully get a good seeding and see how far I can make it."

In the meantime, between completing his junior year and starting as a senior in the fall, Ruderman will compete on the United States Tennis Association. Ruderman plays for the USTA at times during the season but it will be full-blown over the summer months. He plans to play in at least half dozen tournaments the next few months.

"I have a tournament in two weeks," said Ruderman. "I have to keep working hard and keep improving and see what happens."