c. Paul Campbell

PPA Profiles: Adam Borak

May 11, 2016

For Adam Borack, a high school senior and Park Slope native, tennis is a family affair. “My brother, Mikolaj, is three and a half years older than me, so when I got to be old enough to start trying sports, my parents signed him up for lessons at the Prospect Park Tennis Center,” Adam recalls. “They didn’t want to pay for a babysitter, I guess, so I was there from the time I was a toddler, always around the sport!”

This early exposure to the sport more than piqued young Adam’s interest in tennis. His present daily schedule underscores his passion for the game. “Most days, I go straight from school to practice, and don’t get home until 9 or 9:30 pm, but I don’t mind.”

Now one of the Brooklyn’s top junior players, Adam is clearly no longer just the little brother on the sidelines. He’s competed in international tournaments as far away as the Cayman Islands. At his most recent tournament, he was narrowly edged out in his opening match. “I’m still haunted by that match, and I honestly think I should have won it,” says Adam. “But outcomes aside, I’m friends with a lot of the other players I meet at these competitions.” 

And while his aspirations within the sport extend far beyond the reach of Brooklyn, and Adam has squared up against some of the top junior players from Brazil and Germany, he’s quick to credit his roots for his successes. “I wouldn’t be at this level without being treated so well at the Prospect Park Tennis Center.”

For Adam, who was introduced to tennis by way of his brother’s involvement, his decision to continue playing at the next level was only natural. This fall, Adam will enroll at Fordham University in the Bronx, where just like his older brother he will compete for the tennis team and study finance. The duo will first team up to defend their title at the Prospect Park Tennis Center Championship in the Men’s Doubles division.

Learn more about the junior development program at the Tennis Center.