Ann Arbor Greenhills senior and Michigan University commit Mert Oral concluded an illustrious prep career winning his fourth individual Michigan High School Athletic Association Division 3 boys tennis championship at the Midland Tennis Center on Saturday, Oct. 16.

    Oral won the past three Division 3 No. 1 singles championships and won the Division 4 No. 3 singles title as a freshman.

   He became the ninth high school player in Michigan history to win at least three No. 1 singles titles and also became the 11th player ever to win four singles championships.

   Oral defeated Bloomfield Hills Cranbrook Kingswood’s Owen DeMuth, 7-5, 5-3 (retire), in the championship final.

   DeMuth’s left leg began cramping in the second set – limiting his mobility. He retired trailing 5-3.

   “I’ve played him three times this year and won all three,’’ Oral told reporters. “I don’t know if there’s an advantage there. We know each other, and we’re going out there to do our best.’’

   “It’s kind of surreal right now. Heading into this year, I definitely felt the pressure after winning the last two state titles. I couldn’t take a match or a practice off because I knew I was a target. I tried to stay focused and not think about the undefeated season and defending what I had done the last two years. I had seen everyone so many times, and I knew everyone was gunning for me.

   Oral also beat DeMuth (6-0, 6-1) for the 2020 No. 1 singles championship. The No. 1 singles were the only individual championships contested last season due to COVID-driven finals format changes.

   Oral helped lead Greenhills to a third place team finish in Division 3 behind Detroit Country Day and champion Bloomfield Hills Cranbrook Kingswood.

   Greenhills and Oral won the Division 3 team championship in 2019 and the Division 4 championship in 2018. Greenhills was runner up in Division 3 in 2020.

   “I’ll always remember my teammates. I can’t believe it’s over,” said Oral. “More than success on the court, (I’ll cherish) the relationships and memories with my teammates and coaches.’’