Lenape's Kocovic set to play for N.J. tennis title

WEST WINDSOR, N.J. - The last match of Nikola Kocovic's career will be the most anticipated match of the high school tennis season.

Kocovic, the undefeated No. 2 seed from Lenape, will face undefeated No. 1 seed Michael Lippens of Shore Regional in the championship match of the state singles tournament at 3 p.m. Thursday at Mercer County Park.

"It's my last match for Lenape, so win or lose I want to have fun," said Kocovic, a senior who will attend the University of Pennsylvania.

Kocovic improved his record to 37-0 with a 6-4, 6-4 victory over Ramapo sophomore Jonathan Carcione in Wednesday's semifinals.

Kocovic trailed, 3-1, in the first set, but won nine of the next 10 games to seize command.

"He was playing really well the first couple of games," Kocovic said. "I just needed to settle down and play my game."

Lippens, a junior who has a 25-0 record, advanced with a 6-1, 6-4 victory over Livingston sophomore Thomas Caputo.

Kocovic said his only match against Lippens came about five or six years ago in a USTA event.

"A lot has changed," Kocovic said.

Kocovic is 70-1 in the last two seasons. He has a 126-8 career mark.

"What better way to finish his career than in the state final?" Lenape coach Tony Guerrera said.