The Observer, March 23, 2007
Volume XXXIX, Issue 21
Smetona brothers move to same side of net, play doubles at Case
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Brothers Joe and John Smetona are used to playing against each other. "When we were 12 or 13, we'd go against each other every day," said John, a freshman. What they're not as used to is playing on the same side of the net. This season, and probably next, they'll be doubles partners.
"We're getting better," said Joe, a junior. "We've been erratic so far, beating the best team we faced, but lost to two other teams we could have beaten." Earlier this week, they switched sides on the return. "Hopefully that will help out. The main thing now is to be more consistent and more mentally tough," said John.
Joe has ambitious goals for the season. "My goal is for the team to have a national ranking. Individually, I want to advance to regionals and make the NCAA tournament. We have a decent team, the best we've been in a long time."
"I'm not that familiar with everything right now," said John. "Right now I just want to play where I'm put and do the best I can."
Both Joe and John were top players on the University School tennis team, perennially one of the top teams in Ohio. Joe went to the state tournament three times in singles and John went to semis in doubles.
"It was fun going out and knowing that the team would win. We had good depth, which is uncommon for high school teams," said Joe.
"The main differences that I've seen so far are that we had higher expectations in high school and that collegiate teams have more depth than teams at the high school level," said John.
Joe began playing tennis because it was an individual sport that he could play all year.
"It's also nice because you only need one other person to play, and as time goes on, I've enjoyed the technical aspect of the sport more and more."
On the other hand, John was pushed into the game. "In the beginning, my dad made me do it. After a while I started liking tennis. I enjoy being on a team. The guys at Case are fun to be around."
Joe didn't give John much advice about playing tennis in college. "At every level, the main thing is to practice," said Joe.
The brothers have different playing styles. Joe is the more rational of the two. "He has a better serve and puts together shots better than I do. He has more touch," said John. "I take a more direct approach and just hit the ball. It's something I'm trying to move away from, it just takes a lot of work."
Both Smetonas admire Roger Federer. "He's the man. Every aspect of his game is well developed. There are no holes in his game," said Joe.
Right now, the two are looking forward to warmer weather. "We practice at Veale on the multipurpose courts. It's a fast surface, so it throws off your timing. It'll be nice when spring gets here."
