Ashland’s Freeman a premier tennis talent

Freeman has spent the last 1 years playing in tournaments all over the country, all year round.

After his freshman year at Ashland High, when he tore through Tri Valley League opponents, he left halfway through his sophomore year to compete in tournaments, missing his entire junior year, although he’ll return to Ashland for his senior year in the fall.

While he played his way up the tennis ranks, Freeman took online courses to keep up with classroom obligations.

“Most of the elite players get their education online,” said Ashland coach Mike Roman, 36, in his sixth year at the school At times it’s been a hectic life for the teenager whose been working out at the Natick Tennis Club before heading off this week to another summer of tournaments.

For Max to rise in the ranks, it was going to take plenty of long hours to get tournament tough and a high ranking.

“When he started playing in USTA tournaments I knew he was going to be a very good New England player,” said Woody.

He estimates he’s played in 30 tournaments since he felt Ashland High.

Freeman will look at SEC, ACC and Ivy League schools to advance his tennis career.

It’s a lot for lifetime tennis lover Woody Freeman to keep up with, practicing with the kids, chasing them to tournaments.