Meet Aaron, one of Drew’s original tennis buddies from Robbie Wagner, a great competitor on the court, and a great all around kid.
“Dear Drew,
As I sit down to write this letter, a flood of memories rushes in, each one a testament to the incredible journey we’ve shared as friends and competitors. From the very first moment I met you, I knew there was something special about you. Sure, you were undeniably amazing at tennis. And yes, you were, without a doubt, the loudest little kid I had ever met. But what stood out the most, what left an indelible mark on my heart, was your unwavering passion and relentless pursuit of success.
From that initial encounter at eight years old to our final match when you were in eighth grade, so much had changed. Well, everything except for one crucial detail: I still had no chance of ever beating you. Your talent was truly exceptional, something that no one else possessed. And no matter how much I teased you about your size, your character and your game spoke volumes. People refer to you as “Hollywood,” and it wasn’t just because of your flashy style; it was because watching you play was like watching a movie unfold on the court. Your precision with every shot, your ability to read the game, it was all truly mesmerizing.
One cherished memory I hold dear is the time we spent at Robbie’s, pushing each other to excel during those drills. Yes, we would often clash and compete fiercely, but the moments when we set aside the rivalry and celebrated each other’s successes were nothing short of amazing. Whether it be Davis Cup or Rotators, you would always be my first choice.
If I had to pick a favorite memory, it would definitely be our Counties doubles match. Every point we fought for felt like the last point, and, just like so many times before, you emerged victorious. But it wasn’t about winning or losing; it was about the camaraderie, the sheer joy of playing against you. Your character was something I admired greatly. We may go days, weeks, or even months without talking, but you never failed to check in on me, offer advice on my matches, and reach out just to see how I was doing.
Our last match together, the one that marked the end of an era, is etched into my heart forever. We finished our match, met at the net, exchanged smiles, and shared our final hug. At that moment, nothing else in the world mattered. It was just you and me, doing what we loved most – playing tennis. I would give anything to hold onto that moment forever. As I embark on new chapters in my life, I can’t help but hope to be just like you. Your influence, your unwavering support, and your remarkable character have left an indelible mark on my life. I will carry your lessons, your spirit, and your friendship with me always. I promise to make you proud, Drew, for all that you’ve done for me. I love you always, little man. DHass on top.
Love,
Aaron Raja”
