Warren's Bogatov returns to action

The road to the IHSA state tennis singles title still goes through Warren senior Denis Bogatov, the defending state champion.

Bogatov, who has not played since withdrawing from his quarterfinal match at the Pitchford 32 on May 2, will play for Warren on Friday and Saturday at the Lakes tennis sectional. Bogatov, a Michigan State recruit, has been battling a lower-back injury. Prior to practicing with the team Monday, Bogatov said he had gone about three weeks without hitting a shot.

Although he will be work through the rust at sectionals, he is a prohibitive favorite to advance. Since he's played less than 15 matches, he anticipates being a 5-8 seed at the state tournament.

Prior to his injury, Bogatov was playing the best tennis of his life. Bogatov, the No. 5 seed, won the prestigious Interscholastic West tournament in California in late April.

Bogatov said the injury has not changed his goals.

"If I played how I did in California, I think I have a pretty good shot to win state," he said. "It's going to take a lot of work over the next week and a half, though, to get to the level I was at."