Holland Christian No. 1 doubles reaches rare milestone together, aiming for state title

West Ottawa boys tennis takes on Holland at home

HOLLAND - When Michael Gorno and Graham Tanis started playing doubles together as freshman, something clicked.

Their strengths matched, the personalities matched and it turned into a successful year.

The duo has been together all four tennis seasons, won a state championship and last week, passed 100 career doubles victories.

"It is a true testament to our success together over the years," Gorno said. "Playing together for four years and having the amount of success that we've had - two times in the state finals and winning a chip is not something a lot of people get to say. It is a blessing."

Reaching 100 victories is extremely difficult for any player because most players play about 30 matches or so a year.

"That is a pretty solid number. I have had a blast playing with Michael for four years," Tanis said. "We are good friends outside of tennis and it is a blessing to play with him."

But reaching 100 wins as doubles players is even more rare since players often move up to singles or lose partners to graduation.

The team has grown into one of the best doubles teams in the state regardless of division.

"Michael has a great forehand, has fun and makes me play better," Tanis said.

"Graham's biggest strength is definitely his serve. He gets double-digit aces just about every match," Gorno said.

"We found some raw success and then toned it down and got a championship at D4. Last year, moving to No. 1 doubles was a big challenge," Gorno said. "This year we are moving so fluidly. We are like one person on the doubles court."

As sophomores they were partners again, winning a Division 4 state championship.

When the Maroons moved back up to Division 3, the duo was again together at No. 1 doubles leading the team to the state tournament and reaching the finals once again.

"Coming up short last year at the state tournament was definitely a bummer," Gorno said. "But senior season, we are ready to compete hard."

"I really want to get back at it at the state tournament and try to catch a 'W' this year," Tanis said. "We will see where we end up - we are just going to keep playing hard."

Contact sports editor Dan D'Addona at Dan.D'Addona@hollandsentinel.com. Follow him on X, formerly known as Twitter @DanDAddona or Facebook @HollandSentinelSport s.