Every event needs a character to play the part of either a villain or in this case the athlete who stirs up the unexpected. For the Pascoes NZ Tennis Champs, Zach Whaanga is that character and is the only unseeded player to make the mens singles semifinals.
Whaanga, 20 has now beaten Aucklands Daniel Brown, fifth seed Marcus Daniell and now national junior finalist Finn Reynolds, all in straight sets. Whaanga frustrated Reynolds with a mixture of slice and power in the 7-5 6-3 victory.
The fact that Whaanga from the Wellington region who is at the University of Columbus in Georgia, USA on a tennis scholarship and doesnt have proper tennis gear and doesnt always look the part or hit the part is creating a bit of interest and a lot of pain for opponents.
"Ill have to buy a proper tennis t-shirt to wear on TV for the semis. I havent really got anything," said Whaanga who has worn a Columbus University t-shirt inside out with tape over the branding. "I just entered the tournament to play some doubles really with Olly (Olly Sadler the singles third seed) and Ive kept going. There wasnt any expectations. Ive played Finn Tearney once a few years ago and he drilled me. Ill go for shots and no doubt Ill also produce a few weird shots as well. Ill give it a go."
Whaanga plays top seed Finn Tearney in the semifinals at the ASB Tennis Arena on Friday after Tearney was made to work in his win over eighth seed Riki McLachlan of Queenstown in his quarter-final.
