Alex Sarkissian - Outstanding Athletic Achievement

Welcome to the world of Alex Sarkissian. Welcome to the world of professional tennis where the top ranked players in the world make millions of dollars winning tournaments and endorsing clothing and gear with a support group taking care of most of their needs.

Welcome to the world of Alex Sarkissian. Welcome to the world of the greatest player in the history of Glendale College Men’s Tennis, a player who is currently ranked No. 328 in the world with none of the frills of the top players on the tour but has no less love for the game than he did as a young boy taking group lessons in Glendale.

In a recent meeting near the courts at GCC, Sarkissian talked about his love for the college and what kinds of challenges he faces on the pro tour. “It always feels like home when I come down here to practice when I‘m on a tour break. The No. 1 court near the bleachers has been very good for me, a place where I had success and where the team did well,’’ he said. “The tour is a challenge but I love the game and I’ll continue to work to get better and do what it takes to stay healthy and play well. I owe a lot a to my family for their love and support for me being on tour and this is indeed a blessing’’

Rewinding back to 2011 as a tennis player at GCC, Sarkissian had the kind of year for the Vaqueros that can’t be duplicated because of a new post-season format. In singles, he had a 35-0 record and won the Western State Conference, regional and state championships as well as the prestigious Ojai Invitational title. He also won the Ojai title in doubles that year with Trevor Campbell, a rare feat of winning two titles in the same year.

The whirlwind year of 2011 culminated with his being named ITA Community College National Player of the Year at a ceremony that coincided with the U.S. Open in New York