In school’s first championship-round appearance in tennis, Dias proves triumphant

Senior Johann Dias made history as the second boy from Country Day to advance to the San Joaquin section semifinals. Then, with a 6-4, (2-6), 6-4 win against Dixon High School, Dias became the first SCDS tennis player to make it to the championship round.

And in the final round, May 12, Dias won, 6-2, (4-6), 6-0, against Amador High School.

“It felt relieving to win because I didn’t want to lose a match that I knew I should have won,” Dias said.

“After dropping the second set, I knew he had momentum, so I had to dig deep and come up with the win.”

“I was really happy that I won,” Dias said. “I dropped my racquet and looked at my dad on the bench and said ‘Did I just win this?’”

“Johann was able to adjust his game to the opponent,” coach Jamie Nelson said. “It might take a set for him to suss out the weaknesses of the other player, but when he found them, it was game, set and match.”

Nelson noted that Dias was seeded first and drew a bye. He won his first match, but rain cancelled the next day’s schedule. Thus Dias had to play two matches on the same day to win the title.

“Johann finished his high-school tennis career at the top of his game and at the top of his section,” Nelson said.

—By Ben Miner

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