The late actor and comedian Robin Williams observed, “tennis is like chess at 90 miles an hour.”

Parkland boys tennis player Dan Zolotarev has his own ideas on tennis, a sport where thinking a few moves ahead is almost a requirement.

“Tennis is like chess on feet,” said Parkland’s Dan Zolotarev. “I like the individual aspect of tennis. It’s all on you.”

Even doing everything right technically and mentally, a tennis player still has to physically hit the shot.

During his match against Southern Lehigh’s Spencer Goodman in the District 11 Class 3A Singles semifinals last Wednesday at Parkland High School, Zolotarev utilized his full repertoire - mentally and physically - to win an entertaining and competitive match, 6-3, 6-4.

“I’ve been working this year on finishing points more quickly,” he said. “I’ve been working to make my game smooth.”

The Parkland junior used combinations such as serve and volley, drops shots and lobs to keep Goodman off-balance to gradually take control. In a tight contest, Zolotarev was able to think two or even three shots ahead to win the point.

“Danny has developed a good all-around game,” said Parkland coach Michael Hingston. “He has improved his volley this year and is willing to go to the net.”

Zolotarev began the tournament downing Liberty’s Roman Farhad, 7-6 (9-7), 6-1 in the first round last Monday. Later that day, he came from behind in the quarterfinals to beat Emmaus’ Quinn Erk, 3-6, 6-4, 10-7.

After defeating Goodman, Zolotarev’s tank was on empty as he lost to Freedom’s Noah Potts in the title match, 6-3,6-0.

The match didn’t start as a blowout. After the first set was tied at 2-2, Zolotarev lost four of the set’s final five games. Potts completely dominated the second set.

The Parkland junior would like to play tennis collegiately, but doesn’t know where that will be. That’s for another day. For now, he’s looking forward to helping the Trojans win the District 11 team championship, which got underway this week.