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US OPEN FLORIDA & THE FINALS
It was a proud year for the Sunshine State at the US Open. Three of the four finalists at the American Grand Slam reside in Florida.
Aryna Sabalenka, the Miami-based resident from Belarus, took out Boca Raton-based Jessica Pegula 7-5, 7-5 in the women’s final. Taylor Fritz, who has a residence in Miami, fell to Italy’s Jannik Sinner 6-3, 6-4, 7-5 in the men’s singles final in Flushing Meadows.
“I feel like American fans have been wanting a men's champion for a long time, and I don't know, I'm pretty upset with how I played,” Fritz said to reporters after the match. “I feel like I almost let a lot of people down.”
American fans were hoping to witness the first American man to capture a home Slam since Andy Roddick did it back in 2003. It turns out Roddick called Florida home as both a junior and pro player as well.
On the women’s side, Sabalenka said, “I don't know how to describe that [championship] feeling. You're crying, you're laughing, you feel all these emotions at the same time. That's the best feeling.”
In turn, Pegula sounded melancholy, albeit constructive, after such a tight match in New York. She explained, “If I can't take confidence from this, there's got to be something wrong.”
USPTA rebrands to RSPA
The United States Professional Tennis Association (USPTA) – the leading trade organization for tennis professionals since 1927, recently announced that it has rebranded to the Racquet Sports Professionals Association (RSPA). This change positions the RSPA to elevate and support a broad spectrum of careers across the entire racquet sports industry.
As the RSPA, the organization continues to expand its teaching certification programs to train professionals in numerous racquet sports including tennis, pickleball, padel, squash and platform tennis. In addition to certification programs, the RSPA will offer a full spectrum of career advancement support for all racquet sports professionals, both on and off the court.
“The change from USPTA to RSPA is about staying on the cutting edge of our industry and leading change by providing the highest level of value possible to our members,” said RSPA CEO Brian Dillman. “Our racquet sports are dynamic—constantly growing and adapting—and as our industry moves forward, we are doing the same. The decision to rebrand and realign our values was fueled by our members. We listened closely to feedback, and the consensus was clear: we needed to expand our support to all racquet sports, both on and off the court.”
RSPA members now have access to certifications in five different racquet sports under one unified association. All USPTA memberships are now considered RSPA memberships, and members certified in any racquet sport can get certified in another by attending one of the RSPA’s nationally available workshops. Teaching professionals who want to get certified by the RSPA for the first time can join the association through any of RSPA’s available racquet sport certification programs: tennis, pickleball, padel, platform and squash.
The orgaanization is also rolling out future-focused, personalized training programs that blend on-court expertise with off- court skills like business management and leadership, personal development and more.
“We’re elevating the prestige of a racquet sports career with advanced personal and professional development. We know that racquet sports are made up of many different people who contribute to a community to enjoy, teach, watch, support and advance the sports we love,” said Dillman. “There is a wide world of opportunities for anyone who is passionate to help grow the racquet sports industry, and the RSPA, like a true ally, empowers our professionals by helping them reach their full potential—both on and off the court.”
Photo: Chris Robert / Unsplash
Photos by Todd Pechter
DELRAY BEACH OPEN FINALISTS
FRITZ AND PAUL BACK TO BATTLE FOR HISTORY
Can you say three-peat?
That’s what two-time defending champion Taylor Fritz will attempt at the 2025 Delray Beach Open, Feb. 7-16, as the ATP tournament has announced the return of the world Top 10 player. Last February, the American became just the second player to win back-toback DBO titles in the 32 years of the tournament. Nobody has won it three times, much less three times in a row.
Fritz would join an elite list of players who have won a tournament three years in a row. In the Open Era of professional tennis that started in 1968, 33 men have accomplished the feat at least once including legends Roger Federer, Rafael Nadal, Novak Djokovic, Andre Agassi, Pete Sampras, Jimmy Connors, John McEnroe and Bjorn Borg. Fritz would be the first American born after 1990 to three-peat.
After defending his title in Delray Beach and winning in Eastbourne, Fritz’s successful year continued in September when he reached his first Grand Slam final at the US Open, becoming the first American man to reach the final there since Andy Roddick in 2006. Fritz is in good position to qualify for the year-end ATP Finals and will represent the United States at the Davis Cup Finals and the United Cup.
Also returning to the tournament in 2025 is Palm Beach County resident Tommy Paul. The runner-up to his good friend Fritz in 2024, he will try to go one step further in February. Paul won three titles this year and reached the Wimbledon quarterfinals. He briefly overtook Fritz twice this year as the No. 1 American and has equaled his career-high ranking of world No. 12. The two teamed up to win the doubles Olympic bronze medal in Paris this year, and Paul will join Fritz on the US team at the Davis Cup Finals.
“We are ecstatic to have both of our 2024 finalists back for 2025, and can’t wait to see if Taylor can pull off the three-peat for the first time in tournament history,” said Adam Baron, executive director of the Delray Beach Open. “We are proud to carry on the tradition of giving our fans a closeup view of Grand Slam finalists and their amazing games, and to offer an opportunity for Americans to play in front of their home fans. There is a resurgence of men’s U.S. tennis with
five Americans ranked in the world’s Top 25, and the DBO is one of just eight ATP tournaments in the country to see them.”
Off the court there is always something for everybody at the Delray Beach Open. It’s a 10-day party on Atlantic Avenue in the height of the winter season in sunny South Florida.
“The Delray Beach Open will once again offer our fans the tennis, the parties, the food and the entertainment they have come to know and love,” said Baron. “We are excited to once again host the Delray Beach Open Food & Wine Series, which sold out last year. New to the list of food events for 2025 are the Grand Tasting and Valentine’s & Volleys
events to go along with the ever-popular Ladies Day Luncheons; Burgers, Bourbon & Brew; Tacos, Tequila & Tennis and crowd favorite Game, Set, Pour. Also, the Championship Weekend Brunches are a can’t miss.”
The party will begin with a Legends event opening weekend, Feb. 7-9, featuring 16time Grand Slam and six-time DBO winners Bob and Mike Bryan, French Open champions Luke and Murphy Jensen, and former DBO singles champions Tommy Haas, Jack Sock and Xavier Malisse. The qualifying rounds for the ATP 250 event will run Feb. 8-9, and singles and doubles main draw action starts Monday, Feb. 10 with the finals on Sunday, Feb. 16.
The Delray Beach stop on the global ATP Tour annually plays in front of more than 60,000 fans and reaches television audiences in over 100 countries.
Some of the world’s best players launched their careers at the Delray Beach Open. Delray Beach champions include former US Open winners Marin Cilic and Juan Martin del Potro, Grand Slam finalist Kevin Anderson, and multiple Grand Slam doubles titlist Jack Sock. Other competitors over the tournament’s 32 years of ATP tennis include a roster of Hall of Famers and fan favorites such as Andre Agassi, Andy Roddick, Lleyton Hewitt, Tommy Haas, Patrick Rafter, Jim Courier, Michael Chang, Ivan Lendl, Mats Wilander and Jimmy Connors.
Individual session and series packages are available now at DelrayBeachOpen.com . A variety of up-close, unique seating experiences including On Court Best Seats in the House, shaded Veranda seats, courtside box and reserved seats are available.
Don’t miss the party!
18th Annual "Little Mo" Internationals Coming to Palm Beach Gardens
The Maureen Connolly Brinker Tennis Foundation (MCB) is presenting the 18th Annual "Little Mo" Internationals tournament in Florida on December 6-11. The “Little Mo” Internationals (ages 8-16) will be played at the Palm Beach Garden Tennis Center in Palm Beach Gardens, FL. Players can learn more at mcbtennis.org.
Approximately 700 players from over 60 different countries and territories worldwide will be featured in this international tournament. With so many talented players from around the world, it should prove to be a fantastic week filled with new friendships, great sportsmanship, and competitive tennis.
Over the years, many famous tennis names have participated in the "Little Mo" tournaments including Andy Roddick, Coco Gauff, Taylor Fritz, Tommy Paul, Belinda Bencic, Madison Keys, Leylah Fernandez, Dominic Thiem, Emma Raducanu, Sebastian Korda, Christopher Eubanks, Jenson Brooksby, Brandon Nakashima, Vasek Pospisil, Borna Coric, Mackie McDonald, Denis Kudla, Ryan Harrison, Taylor Townsend, Donald Young, Steve Johnson, Sofia Kenin, CiCi Bellis, and Ana Konjuh among many others.
MCB has promoted the development of junior tennis for over 55 years and continues to benefit countless numbers of young players worldwide.
The "Little Mo" tournaments are hosted by MCB in memory of its tennis champion namesake, Maureen "Little Mo" Connolly Brinker. Born in San Diego, Maureen became the first woman to achieve the Grand Slam of tennis in 1953 by winning all four major championships (Australian, French, Wimbledon, and US Open) in the same year. She was well known for her powerful groundstrokes from the baseline, which earned her the famous nickname "Little Mo" - a comparison to the explosive firepower of the battleship USS Missouri, also known as "Big Mo".
Only five players in the history of tennis have won the calendar Grand Slam, and Maureen is still the only American woman and the youngest at age 18 to have accomplished this magnificent feat. She won an amazing nine consecutive championship titles (three US, three Wimbledon, two French, one Australian) - undefeated in 50 matches.
Unfortunately, her spectacular career would be short-lived due to a horseback riding accident in 1954. While she could no longer compete at an elite level, Maureen's legacy as a legendary tennis star would continue through the Maureen Connolly Brinker Tennis Foundation (MCB). Founded in 1968 with her dear friend Nancy Jeffett, MCB's mission would be the promotion and support of junior tennis development worldwide. That same year, she was inducted into the prestigious International Tennis Hall of Fame in Newport, Rhode Island. Sadly, Maureen lost her valiant battle with cancer the following year and passed away at the young age of 34.
Although her tennis career only spanned three years, many premier sportswriters consider Maureen Connolly to be the finest of all female players for her achievements on and off the court. In 2019, she was honored by the United States Postal Service with her very own "Little Mo" Commemorative Forever Stamp.
Maureen Connolly was known for her outstanding victories, but more importantly for her exemplary sportsmanship and kindness on and off the court. In turn, it is the misTsion of MCB to provide a special and meaningful experience at their events while also inspiring outstanding attributes at a young age such as fair play, good character, integrity, sportsmanship, kindness, giving back, and an attitude of gratitude.
To honor the legacy, the "Little Mo" offers special "Mo" Coins to players who display good sportsmanship and who are respectful and kind to others. The referee, officials, and tournament staff will have the colorful "Mo" Coins in their pockets to give to players during the event. All players will be able to trade in their coins for prizes. Sportsmanship and Kindness Awards will also be given to four deserving players selected by the officials during the tournament.
For more information about the “Little Mo”, please visit the website at: www.mcbtennis.org and click on “Tournaments”.
Photos: Delray Beach Open/Andrew Patron
VELTRI RACQUET CENTER RECOGNIZED AS WINNER OF USTA'S OUTSTANDING FACILITY AWARDS PROGRAM
Veltri Racquet Center is one of 41 winners in the USTA’s annual Outstanding Facility Awards program, which recognizes excellence in the construction and/ or renovation of tennis facilities throughout the country.
Veltri Racquet Center's Supervisor of Racquet Sports, Dan Debruyne, received the Outstanding Tennis Facility Award at the US Open which recently took place in New York at the Arthur Ashe Stadium.
Facilities were judged on the following criteria: overall layout and adaptation to site; excellence of court surface and lights; ease of maintenance; accommodations for players, spectators and press/officials; aesthetics; graphics (including the use of signs and landscaping); amenities such as casual seating for spectators, food services and social areas; and the facilities’ participation in grassroots tennis programs.
Nominated facilities were voted on in the following categories: Public Courts that are either small tennis centers with 2-11 courts or large tennis centers with 12 or more courts; Private Facilities that offer both USTA and public programming designed to help grow tennis (small: 2-11 courts; large: 12 or more courts); and Educational Institutions such as colleges, universities, public and private grade schools, middle schools, or high schools.
Veltri Racquet Center won under the public courts - large tennis center category. It's a prestigious honor for the facility which is home to the Orange Bowl, National Clay Courts (Girls 14s event), and many other wellknown tennis events.
PLAY AT VELTRI.
There is something for everyone at the Veltri Racquet Center.
You will find many clinics, teams, programs, and social events for players of every level. League Memberships Available!
You will also find a variety of programs and lessons for children as well. Be part of a community that loves to stay active with a racket in their hand.
For more information call 954-513-3540, visit www.plantation.org or scan the QR code.
Photo: Courtesy of City of Plantation Parks and Recreationaa
TEAM RIGGS
A Family Legacy Thriving at Lauderdale Tennis Club
By Jessica Bergen
We had the opportunity to sit down with father and son duo; Larry and Danny Riggs. Both have benefitted from an illustrious tennis career which translates into a special atmosphere at Team Riggs, a full-time tennis program for elite players at the Lauderdale Tennis Club in Ft. Lauderdale.
Larry, his wife Jeannie, and son Danny continue to uphold the family legacy of their father and grandfather; Bobby Riggs. Florida Tennis had a chance to hit with some of the players and we’ll just say that they were tough competition.
Team Riggs embodies the ‘old-school’ approach to player development; with a keen focus on tournament play. Athletes travel nearly every weekend for tournaments; which is a fundamental principle of Team Riggs’ coaching philosophy.
With intense hours on-court, targeted practice sessions, and regimented fitness workouts, Team Riggs fosters an environment of camaraderie and competitiveness among each of the players. They track each of the player’s metrics (boasting impressive UTR improvements), including reps in the gym, sprints on-court, and even mile time. This calculated approach equips the coaching staff with the data they need to track each athlete’s progress.
Larry’s career began with winning both Chicago and California High School State Championships. He went on to compete at the University of Texas and then transferred to Pepperdine. As Pepperdine's No. 1 player, Larry faced many legends of the game, including Arthur Ashe who played for UCLA at the time.
The longer we sat with Larry, the more we were impressed with his career milestones. “It was the best match I played in my entire life,” Larry explained as he informed us of his win over Tom Gorman, who was once ranked No. 4 in the world.
Larry went on to coach for five years at his alma mater, Pepperdine. He elaborated on the importance of curiosity during the early stages of his career. He learned from some of the world’s most elite players throughout his early years including Jimmy Connors, Arthur Ashe, Dennis Ralston, and Kenny Rosewall.
We asked Larry about his father's role in the famed Battle of the Sexes tennis match with Billie Jean King. It turns out, back in 1973, Bobby Riggs was "looking for something to do" according to Larry.
Although Bobby was far from his physical peak at this time, he took the Battle of the Sexes match seriously. Soon, he started getting in shape. “He never ran a day in his life,” Larry said, up until the match was officially being scheduled. But when the match was booked, Bobby dusted off his racquets, rolled up his sleeves, and began training in earnest.
Despite the hype surrounding the match, Larry harbored doubts about his father's ability to keep up. One day, Larry confronted Bobby with his concerns to which he replied, “Larry, I am a Wimbledon Champion. Are you?” The legacy of Bobby lives on at Team Riggs to this day.
For junior players seeking high-performance coaching with some of the most knowledgeable and experienced coaches in the game, look no further than Team Riggs. Stop by Lauderdale Tennis Club at any time and you’ll find them hard at work! You can reach Larry Riggs to learn more at: 954-529-8442.
Stay tuned for Part 2 of Florida Tennis’ visit to Team Riggs featuring Larry's son Danny Riggs. Coming soon!
AXIS TENNIS A UNIQUE APPROACH TO PLAYER DEVELOPMENT
By Jessica Bergen
Located in Delray Beach, Axis Tennis is known for producing a number of Florida's most elite athletes through its holistic approach to player development. The academy’s unique model integrates top-tier coaching, rigorous academic support, and individualized college recruitment guidance; providing young athletes with a clear roadmap to excel both on the court and in the classroom.
Shariq Khan and Chris Begg, founders of Axis Tennis, are veterans with a wealth of experience at the highest levels of the sport. Having worked with top-tier players, including at the renowned Rafael Nadal Academy, they have crafted the optimal pathway that combines academic and athletic success. We had the opportunity to tour the facility and speak with Shariq who offered insight into their unique program structure.
"Our coaches set high standards, fostering a sense of discipline and dedication in all areas of training" Shariq emphasized. This became evident as we observed players executing a coach-led drill beneath the intense Florida sun.
Prestigious universities, including Ivy League schools, have utilized Axis Tennis as a direct feeder program over the years. With an extensive network of college coaches and a customized training approach, Axis Tennis has placed its players into the country's top collegiate programs, including Harvard, Stanford, and Duke.
"These players demonstrate exceptional discipline, resilience, and time management, balancing rigorous training schedules with academic excellence," says Shariq. "Their commitment to both pursuits makes them stand out as strong recruits for top universities."
Not only does Axis connect players with college coaches, but they diligently support them throughout the entire college recruitment process. Axis has a team of tutors who understand the challenges faced by competitive
tennis players. The academy provides personalized guidance on UTR requirements, how to build standout academic and athletic resumes, as well as how to get noticed by college coaches. Remarkably, players from around the world reach out for guidance on the college recruitment process, whether or not they train at Axis Tennis. Their multifaceted support system and process ensures players are well-equipped to make informed decisions about their futures.
A full-time student-athlete's day at Axis certainly prepares them for the intensity of college and professional tennis. "Each day is structured to balance intense tennis training, physical development, and academic achievement," Shariq explained. Athletes are expected to commit to all areas of their game day in and day out. This includes individualized sessions focusing on technical skills and footwork, mental conditioning, strength and conditioning sessions complemented with intense on-court training, regular physiotherapy, as well as academic tutoring and SAT/ACT support. This comprehensive approach equips athletes to showcase the time management skills and dedication required to compete at the highest levels of the sport.
Prospective athletes are invited to learn more about Axis Tennis, an exclusive and highly selective academy, by visiting www.axistennis.com or contacting Vanda, Academy Coordinator, at vanda@axistennis.net. Axis Tennis offers personalized evaluation sessions, allowing prospects to experience the academy’s world-class coaching firsthand. These sessions enable the coaching staff to assess each athlete's potential while discussing their goals and ambitions. Athletes will also have the opportunity to meet the distinguished coaching team, tour the state-of-the-art facilities, and learn more about the comprehensive academic and athletic support provided to help them reach their highest potential.
Photos courtesy of Axis Tennis
Palm Beach Gardens Tennis Center
Palm Beach Gardens, Florida 2024 “Little Mo” Internationals
December 6-11, 2024
Registration is Open
Register: www.mcbtennis.org
Info: (214) 754-7065
Contact: carol@mcbtennis.org
Open to all players worldwide (Girls and Boys ages 8-16)
“Little Mo” Divisions: ages 8-12 (Green Dot: ages 8, 9, 10) (Yellow Ball: ages 8-12)
“Big Mo” Divisions: ages 13-16 (Yellow Ball only)
Draws limited to 32 in each age division (entries on a first-come, first-served basis)
Singles / Doubles / Mixed Doubles
Players play their own birth year
Opening Ceremony with Player Parade of Nations
Player Clinic and Player Party
Yellow Ball and Green Dot Ball results count for UTR Ratings
Join us for a fun family vacation and competitive matches!
Sea World
Disney World
The Breakers
Florida Beaches
Epcot
Please join us to celebrate 63 years of hosting the top junior players from around the world. The Junior Orange Bowl International Tennis Championships returns for its 63rd year, showcasing the most talented 12U and 14-and-under tennis players worldwide. This globally-recognized event brings together close to 800 of the top-ranked junior players representing 76 countries.
Match Locations:
• Salvadore Park (G14)
• Kerdyk Biltmore Tennis Center (B14)
• Crandon Park Tennis Center (B12 & G12) FINALS
• B14, B12, G12—December 19
@ Kerdyk Biltmore Tennis Center
• G14—December 18
@ Salvadore Park Tennis Center Free to the Public to
www.juniororangebowl.org/tennis
TENNIS CHAMPIONSHIPS
players will also enjoy a full-blown player party with DJ, pizza truck, and a lot of fun activities throughout the event will make this an unforgettable experience,” said Cathy Nordlund, Tournament Coordinator.
This elevated experience is made possible through the wholehearted support of our sponsors, who share our vision of enhancing the tournament experience for young athletes.
Business Partnerships
The 2024 JOB Tournament is poised to position this competition for years to come as an ideal platform for brands to connect with their respective target markets. By reaching out to youth players, coaches and parents, sponsors can effectively leverage the values of sports, active lifestyle, sportsmanship, and respect. This tournament transcends mere sporting competition; it's an opportunity for brands to engage with a passionate and diverse audience.
"We're thrilled to partner with brands that are deeply committed to making a positive impact in the lives of these young athletes by making this event memorable and unique and to revamp the sponsorship platform and improve the tournament experience for all the stakeholders”, noted Michael Wiesenfeld of the JOB Tennis Committee. "It's not just about financial support; it's about actively contributing to the experience though unique on-site activations and nurturing a sense of community", added Wiesenfeld.
Wilson will bring star players and their activation truck among other fun activities. Swingvision will record and stream most matches and provide postmatch in-depth analytics.t
The 63rd Junior Orange Bowl International Tennis Championships is coming and promises to be a landmark event that combines athletic excellence, an enriched player experience, and meaningful business collaboration. Save the date: December 10th to 19th, 2024 and join us at one of the three sites (B14) at Biltmore Tennis Center and (G14) Salvador Park in Coral Gables; (B/G U12) at Crandon Park, Key Biscayne) as we celebrate the future stars of tennis.
For sponsorship opportunities, media inquiries, or further information, please contact: Michael Wiesenfeld, Sponsorship Chair; Michael@charityguys. co. And, for tournament related inquiries, please contact: Robert Gomez, Tournament Director, tennis@jrorangebowl.org. For General Information: visit website: juniororangebowl.org/tennis.
Autograph Corner Andre Agassi
DROP SHOTS
Andre Agassi stepped out of a white Lamborghini, lowered his sunglasses and said “Image is everything.” That 1989 Canon EOS Rebel camera ad launched Andre Agassi from tennis star to global superstar. Ironically, the iconic phrase values flash over substance which is inconsistent with Agassi’s intense work ethic which propelled him to become one of the greatest tennis players in history. He embraced the process and the challenges over the course of his Hall of Fame tennis career and developed into one of the hardest working players and most analytical and thoughtful tennis minds ever.
Agassi won 8 major singles titles and the career grand slam, all 4 major singles titles, and the career golden slam by winning the Olympic Gold medal in men’s singles. He also owns the career super slam with his win in the ATP Tour Finals in 1999.
Legendary tennis player, Steffi Graf, Agassi’s wife, owner of 22 major women's singles titles, won the golden slam in 1988. The trophy case in their home must take up an entire wing. Agassi was ranked as high as #1 in 1995 and again in 1999. He helped the U.S. to Davis Cup wins in 1992, 1995 and 1999.
In his candid autobiography, Open, Agassi shared his highs and lows including returning to play at the Challenger level to regain his form and restore his ranking. Amongst his post tennis endeavors, Agassi, is a motivational speaker. He inspired USTA members at the 2024 Annual Meeting in Orlando. Agassi stressed the importance of hard work and perseverance as the most important tools of a tennis player versus sheer athletic ability.
Agassi is sought after by many professional players to consult from his home base in Las Vegas. Agassi remains an important voice in the tennis world. He played an exhibition match at the 2024 U.S. Open during Fan Week and is set to become the captain of the World Team at the 2025 Laver Cup in San Fransisco. He is passionate when it comes to paying it forward as well. The Andre Agassi Foundation for Education established in 1994 has raised $180 million dollars to further its mission of providing educational opportunities and resources to an otherwise underserved population. Andre Agassi, Hall of Fame great on and off the tennis court.
Adam Ross is a contributing writer for Florida Tennis. He is a volunteer for the USTA Florida and the Vice-President of the Tennis Collectors of America/TCA. He welcomes your questions and comments at robinadam@comcast.net. Photo of Tennis Magazine with autograph is courtesy of the Adam Ross collection.
Join tennis legend and two-time Grand Slam Champion Sergi Bruguera for an exclusive corporate doubles event at Caribe Hilton, San Juan,1 C. San GerÓnimo, San Juan, Puerto Rico 00901. To learn more and reserve your spot at this event or for sponsorship opportunities, please call 757-897-4584 or email gmrproductions27@gmail.com.
World-renowned tennis coach Patrick Mouratoglou and The Ritz-Carlton Naples, Tiburón joined forces this summer to open the first Mouratoglou Tennis Center in Florida. It will feature a diverse array of programs including tennis camps, a kids’ program, private and group lessons, as well as exclusive offerings for Ritz-Carlton guests and members such as a leagues and round robin tournaments.
Mark your calendar! DETA International Tournaments, a series of two-day junior tennis tournaments featuring world class competition are coming to David Ensignia Tennis Academy at the Continental Tennis Center, 10001 SW 82nd Ave., Miami, FL 33156. Six different tournaments run from December 7th – 18th. To learn more, visit davidensigniatennis.com.
Be sure to check out GAME CHANGERS: How the Greatest Players, Matches, and Controversies Transformed Tennis, by multi-award-winning journalist Paul Fein — it can be purchased directly from the author by sending a check or bank money for $41 ($34.95 + $6.05 for Media Mail) to Paul Fein, 39 Beekman Drive, Agawam, MA 01001-2608, or ordered from Amazon.
Save the date! The “Little Mo” East Internationals (ages 8-16) is scheduled for December 6-11, 2024 at the Palm Beach Garden Tennis Center in Palm Beach Gardens, FL. Register for the event at mcbtennis.com.
Congrats to the team at Biohackers World Conference & Expo which has a fantastic turnout on October 26-27, 2024! Attendees dove into the world of biohacking with an incredible lineup of over 30 visionary experts and wellness pioneers. Learn more at biohackers.world.
It’s official! The USTA National Campus in Lake Nona, Florida will host the 2027 NCAA DI Men’s and Women’s Tennis Singles and Doubles Championships and
the 2028 NCAA DI Men’s and Women’s Tennis Championships. In addition, the USTA National Campus has also committed to host the 2025 NCAA DI Men’s and Women’s Tennis Singles and Doubles Championships next fall.
Congratulations to the Delray Beach Youth Tennis Foundation for hosting their 3rd annual "Center Court Under the Stars" event fundraiser at the Tennis Stadium in Delray Beach, FL, on October 24, 2024. Former pro Kevin Anderson participated in a fun-to-watch Pro-Am during a fantastic event for a good cause.
Be sure to check out the memorial display celebrating legendary tennis coach Nick Bollettieri at the SRQ Airport. It is prominently located next to the escalators in the first floor baggage area entrance. It displays a timeline and memorabilia of Bollettieri’s life and accomplishments.
The Polo Club of Boca Raton is hosting the MNO Tennis Series W50 from November 18 to 24. One of only three W50 tournaments organized in the US, the tournament is set to feature 32 professional tennis players, ranked between 200-300 in the world, and will be streamed live on the ITF website.
Boca Raton resident Jessica Pegula is confirmed to play in the 2025 Credit One Charleston Open. The World No. 3 will compete in the main draw of the WTA 500 Tournament of the Year (in 2022 and 2023) returning March 29 - April 6 to Credit One Stadium on Daniel Island in Charleston, South Carolina.
Only four miles away from the USTA National Campus, Orlando Southeast Nona's newest dual-brand concept from Hilton marries the hospitality strengths of the Hampton Inn and Home2 Suites into one perfect location. And they recently added a shuttle to the USTA National Campus.
Miami recently hosted America's top junior players, all competing for a spot in January's Les Petits As Le Mondial Wilson in Tarbes, France. The tournament took place at Tropical Park in Doral (run by Canas Racket). Congrats to the winners who were awarded a plane ticket to France: Daniel Gardality, Symantec Thuta, Anthony Kirchner, Tristan Acenzo, Emery Combs, Pandey Tanvi, Daniela Del Mastro, and Alilison Wang.
College Tennis Exposure Camp to be held December 7-8 at Beerman Tennis Center Lakeland
Coach Ed Krass’ 36th Annual College Tennis Exposure Camp is set for December 7-8, 2024 at the Beerman Family Tennis Complex in Lakeland, Florida. Directed by former Harvard, Clemson and WTT Tennis Coach Ed Krass, players will receive instruction and training from head college coaches representing NCAA Division I, II, III and NAIA programs.
The coaching staff for the clinic will include head tennis coaches from Appalachian State University, Boston College, Colgate University, University of Delaware, Embry-Riddle University, Florida Gulf Coast University, Florida Southern College, Gardner-Webb University, Mercer University, Methodist University (NC), Rollins College, Savannah College of Art & Design, Southeastern University, University of Tampa, Temple University, U.S. Military Academy/ARMY, Warner University and University of West Florida.
Open to ages 14-18, instructional drills and matchplay competition will be conducted in the same style and intensity as a college team practice. Players will have the opportunity to sample various coaching styles and to receive on-court coaching during their matchplay competitions. Under the skillful eyes of top college coaches, players showcase their singles, doubles and one-
on-one doubles skills and receive specific feedback on their game.
"Our camp is a great training, networking and recruiting platform for today’s junior players interested in playing college tennis," said Coach Ed Krass, the Camp’s Director. “With a Head College Coach interacting with players on each court, the camp has served as a successful springboard for thousands of college-bound student athletes.”
The camp includes 10 hours of on-court, collegiate style drills and matchplay competition. The schedule on Saturday, December 7, features head college coaches conducting live-ball, competitive drills in an instructional format. The following day, players will receive on-court coaching during competitive matchplay. Lunches will be provided for students. After the lunch break, roundtable discussions with the head college coaches will offer motivation and education about college tennis preparation and the recruiting process.
The Beerman Family Tennis Center is located at 1000 E Edgewood Drive, Lakeland, FL 33803. For more information about the College Tennis Exposure Camp, call (813) 684-9031, or visit the web site: https://collegetennis.com.
Photo courtesy of Ed Krass
YTF Hosts Three Collegiate Events
The Youth Tennis Foundation of Florida (YTF) hosted three collegiate events this Fall, as it has for several years now. Two of the events were Bedford Cup tournaments for all D-1 college teams in the state.
The first tournament was the Women’s event, which had some weather problems. The event was scheduled to take place at Florida Gulf Coast but a hurricane forced a postponement. The tournament was rescheduled to take place at the University of Miami a few weeks later. After a full day of play on Friday, rains caused the entire tournament to be canceled for this year, unfortunately.
The second event was the men’s tournament which was held at the University of Florida complex over the weekend of October 25-27. Every D-1 team
in the state participated. Fortunately, sunshine and blue skies were present for all three days. This event began in 2011 and has been held every year since then at various locations ever since, except for a Covid year.
The third event was the YTF “Small College Championships.” Tournament Director Andrew Dickens, head men’s and women’s coach for Southeastern University, reports that it was best year ever. It is in its sixth year.
The tournament was held at the Dave Beerman Tennis Center in Lakeland. This Eve is sponsored and funded, in part, by the YTF. It involves D-2 schools; NAIA schools and a Junior College team from St. Petersburg College. Over 100 players from a dozen colleges competed.
Photos courtesy of YTF. Saint Leo Theo Renoux won Red draw / Florida southerns Hunter Nussbaum was the runner up.
A New Chapter
PRESIDENT’S MESSAGE
By Chuck Gill
I am extremely excited to begin my term as USTA Florida President! My background in tennis shapes my views and perspectives on the sport. But it’s my relationships with many of you that have shaped my leadership and what I value most.
I first learned to play tennis at public parks. My first competitive tennis experience was in high school. I later played local tournaments at a Community Tennis Association and eventually was fortunate enough to play college tennis at the NAIA level. My first job out of school was teaching tennis and I’ve been in the business ever since.
My current role is Director of Tennis for the Village of Wellington. Previously, I was the Director of Sports for the Club at Ibis for 25 years. I have been a section volunteer for more than 15 years and have served the USTA in a number of roles. I was also UPSTA (now RSPA) Division and National President. At my core I am a TENNIS person. Much of my life has been dedicated to growing the sport of tennis.
As I start my term as USTA Florida President I would describe myself as an “optimistic-realist”.
I’m optimistic because Florida has many strengths. Florida is a great place to compete. We have an abundance of leagues, terrific public tennis centers, and an unrivaled population of active players in both public and private spaces. Our section has a rich history of innovation. Our volunteer board members, talented staff, and providers aren’t afraid to try new things, learn from them, and try more new things. We always look to move the ball forward.
At the same time, I’m realistic about the challenges that face Florida tennis in 2025 and beyond. We need more and better tennis courts. We desperately need more coaches. We need more entry level “beginner friendly” programs for everyone from juniors to seniors.
Tennis is a great sport for fun, physical and mental fitness and competitive play. Tennis continues to be central to the racquet sports community, and we must promote it more.
USTA Florida’s strategic plan has been in place for more than 8 years now. We’ve made great progress, and it continues to serve us well. While our strategy is not going to change, it’s important that we look for new ways to deliver on it in the current market.
NOVEMBER-DECEMBER
Bring in new players – We need to get as many people to start “trying tennis” as we can and move them to become frequent tennis players. We need more diverse (young, old, various backgrounds and experience levels) coaches with a passion for bringing tennis to new players. This includes reaching out to underserved populations to introduce tennis and make it low-cost.
Create more play opportunities (social and competitive) – We need to find ways to move the “once a month” player to a “once a week” player and that means offering new and different ways to play.
Help facilities upgrade/add courts – We should be an expert resource to assist and consult on how to fund, build and operate public tennis centers. Our tennis management team consists of some of the most experienced and savvy tennis operators in Florida. We need every city to know what we offer and take advantage of it.
On behalf of the 2025-2026 Board of Directors, we are excited to serve the Florida section and look forward to seeing many of you across the state as we continue our advocacy in the year ahead.
If you have any questions about the content from USTA Florida in this magazine, please contact the Marketing Director, Amy Abi-Nader (abinader@ustaflorida.com). To view the rest of the USTA Florida staff and find out who to reach out to regarding any programming questions, visit, ustaflorida.com/staff
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TO VIEW STAFF PAGE
USTA Florida President, Chuck Gill
USTA FLORIDA
Expands Tennis on Campus Efforts
The 2024-2025 Tennis on Campus season is in full swing, and USTA Florida is eager to watch the program flourish. Despite the season being delayed until October due to hurricanes Helene & Milton, the energy remains high. With over 15 schools across Florida actively participating, this is set to be one of the best Tennis on Campus seasons yet.
Tennis on Campus is collegiate club tennis, where school’s club teams in the state work with their USTA Section to play organized and competitive matches against one another. Many of the participating club teams host events throughout the season, creating exciting opportunities for competition and engagement. These tournaments are hosted monthly, sometimes more frequently, with points being earned each time.
As teams compete in various events, those accumulating the most points will earn the chance to represent USTA Florida at the prestigious Tennis on Campus National Championships. Additionally, USTA Florida will host the Tennis on Campus Sectional Championship at the USTA National Campus in Lake Nona on February 22 and 23. The winning team from the Sectional will receive an automatic bid to Nationals, further raising the stakes for this key competition.
USTA Florida’s involvement in this season is particularly focused on growth and expanding opportunities for players. One of the significant goals for 2024-2025 was securing an extra bid to the National Championships, a goal that has been achieved, meaning USTA Florida will now have 3 TOC teams at Nationals.
The organization is also investing more in its teams, allocating additional budget space to support teams attending sectionals and working on expanding the number of teams. There’s a focus on mentorship as well, with experienced team presidents offering guidance to help new clubs join the Tennis on Campus program.
USTA Florida is committed to creating pathways for passionate players to continue their involvement in tennis beyond campus competitions. For more information on how you can get involved in Tennis on Campus, whether seeing if there’s a club at your school, looking to start the team yourself, or want to follow your favorite school, visit ustaflorida.com/toc.
MEET THE 2025-2026
USTA Florida Board of Directors
At the 2024 USTA Florida Annual Meeting, the organization welcomed a new Board of Directo’s for 2025-2026. Chuck Gill takes over as President, with Phil Girardi, the immediate Past-President, moving into a delegate role. Let’s get to know the 2025-2026 Board of Directors, which welcomes five new women to the board.
CHUCK GILL, PRESIDENT
Chuck Gill was born in Richmond, Virginia, but moved quite often, finding himself in Tennessee, Puerto Rico, and Vermont. Chuck first got involved with tennis when he was 16, stringing rackets and helping run lessons for junior players. He has worked in tennis ever since and currently is the Director of Tennis at Wellington Tennis Center. He got involved as a volunteer by joining different boards and national committees. He joined the USTA Florida Board as a Director at Large because he loves the people on the board and being a part of helping to grow tennis.
Chuck will step into the role of President. He is a past president of USPTA Florida, USPTA and will continue to serve as Chair of USTA Florida’s Tennis Management Advisory Team. In his free time, Chuck loves to golf and read books. Chuck has been serving on the Board of Directors for more than 5 years!
MARCELO GOUTS, PRESIDENT-ELECT
Marcelo has been volunteering with USTA Florida for 30 years and has had many roles within the tennis community. He has been managing public tennis parks in Orange County and currently is the Director of Tennis at Lake Cane. He will serve as a President-Elect in 2025-2026 and has previously served as a Director, Treasurer, and Secretary on the USTA Florida Section Board of Directors.
He likes to serve on the board because he can share his 30 years of experience in the industry with other members and staff who love to promote and support the game of tennis. In 2024, he won the Merit Award for his dedication to tennis and growing the game across all levels.
Marcelo was instrumental in the organization’s Hispanic Outreach Initiative (Tenis Para Todos) and is a vocal advocate for growing tennis in public parks. In his free time, Marcelo loves to travel around the world.
PHIL GIRARDI, DELEGATE
Phil has been involved with tennis for the greater portion of his life and has been volunteering with USTA Florida for over 20 years. He served as President on the board during the 20232024 USTA Florida Board of Directors President, replacing Dana
Andrews. He likes to serve on the board because it’s a fantastic visionary group for tennis and he feels everyone should play tennis and get the benefit from the sport.
He will serve as the section Delegate this term. He also is the Director of Tennis at Treasure Bay and head coach for St. Petersburg College. He is certified by the Professional Tennis Registry (PTR) and the United States Professional Tennis Association (USPTA) and has a passion for Junior Team Tennis and collegiate programs and play.
JANE WAHL, SECRETARY
Jane Wahl joins the board for the first time. She is a native of Jacksonville, who learned to play tennis after college. She didn’t really consider herself a tennis player until someone invited her to join a team in 2005, and she has been enjoying the sport ever since. Jane earned a Bachelor of Science degree in Mathematics from the University of Florida. She worked with State Farm Insurance Companies for 37 years, in a variety of roles. She earned her CPCU designation during that time and was President and Chair of the CPCU Society Leadership Council, an international insurance organization. In addition to other Insurance and Quality designations, she is an ASQ Six Sigma Black Belt.
A member of the first USTA Florida Leadership Academy, Jane has volunteered as part of the USTA Florida Leagues Committee for four years. She appreciates the sportsmanship element of tennis as much as the game itself. She is a volunteer instructor with a Lifelong Learning group, and an avid Gator fan.
LEZITA DAVIS, TREASURER
Lezita Davis is also joining the board for her first time and will serve as Treasurer. She was also born in Jacksonville and has been an avid tennis player and fan for most of her adult life. As a director of operations and process management, Lezita has delivered meaningful results throughout her career. She received her Bachelor of Science and master’s in business administration from Jacksonville University.
Lezita’s passion for community collaboration aligns with her love for tennis. She has served on various boards and local committees including past Board Chair for the MaliVai Washington Youth Foundation; past flight coordinator for the Jacksonville Working Women Tennis League Board and an Adult League tennis captain for multiple teams. As a new USTA Board
member, Lezita is looking forward to making a positive impact on growing the game of tennis. In her free time, she enjoys playing league tennis, spending time with her family, and traveling the world.
TRISHNA PATEL, DIRECTOR AT LARGE
Trishna Patel joins the USTA Florida Board of Directors as a Director at Large. She is an USPTA Certified Tennis Professional, USTA Net Generation verified coach, and a Certified Cardio Tennis™ instructor. Utilizing over 30 years of personal experience and knowledge of the game, she shares her love of tennis by inspiring and coaching young athletes.
Trishna’s tennis journey began with a wooden racquet on the community courts in Mumbai, India where she discovered her love for the game almost instantaneously. Trishna’s tennis game grew to match her desire to play competitive tennis around the world. Coach Trishna trained at IMG Tennis Academy in Bradenton, Florida throughout high school, where she traveled to compete in tournaments earning national and international rankings. With the commitment and support of family and friends, Trishna was able to travel for national and international tournaments earning rankings in both circuits.
Coach Trishna is a former NCAA Division I singles and doubles player for Brown University and led her team to the IVY Championship, a title that was only previously won once in the school’s history. In 2022 she was inducted into Brown Athletic Hall of Fame and holds the record for most singles and doubles wins in a single season.
In 2023 she was awarded USPTA Florida Region 4 Pro of the Year. Since 2022, Trishna has been the head Boys & Girls tennis coach for Seabreeze High School in Daytona Beach where she runs a no-cut high school program with the help of parent volunteers. In 2024, the City of Ormond Beach awarded Trishna the bid to manage and operate its 8-clay court Here, Trishna along with her talented and frstaff, serve the local and tourist communities by offering PROGRAMS for ALL AGES in an engaging and fun environment.
MEIKA ASHBY, DIRECTOR AT LARGE
Joining as a Director at Large is Meika Ashby, a seasoned tennis professional with over 8 years of experience as an RSPA (formerly USPTA) professional. She played Division 1 college tennis at Western Michigan University, where she honed her competitive skills and developed a deeper love and connection for the sport. Currently, Meika serves as the Assistant Director of Racquet Sports at The Oaks at Boca Raton, overseeing the tennis and pickleball programs. In this role, she focuses on growing participation, enhancing player development, and creating vibrant, engaging experiences for the community’s racquet sports enthusiasts. In addition to her professional achievements, Meika has a long history of volunteering and serving in key leadership roles within the tennis community. She has actively contributed to USTA Florida as a member of the Awards Committee, recognizing
excellence and achievement in tennis across the state. While in college, Meika served as a USTA Umpire, gaining unique insights into the rules and officiating side of the game. Her leadership extends to her work with RSPA Florida, where she has served on the nominating committee and chaired the committee, playing a pivotal role in shaping the future of the organization.
Meika’s dedication to tennis goes beyond just her professional duties. She is passionate about giving back to tennis and ensuring its growth for future generations. Whether through her volunteer efforts or her work at The Oaks, she continuously strives to inspire others and create opportunities for players of all levels to enjoy the game. Meika’s commitment to fostering a love for tennis and her proactive involvement in the industry reflect her unwavering belief in the power of sport to bring communities together.
TRACY SINGIAN, DIRECTOR AT LARGE
Another Director at Large joining the board is Tracy Almeda-Singian. She is a global marketing professional that has worked for iconic brands like Wilson Sporting Goods, Red Bull, Citi, St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital, and the NBA New Orleans Pelicans.
She has won an Emmy Award, two Comms Art awards, and has raised over half a million dollars for local charitable organizations in Brevard County. Tracy also has a deep background in tennis.
As a former WTA Tour player, Tracy is passionate about giving back to the sport that provided her with the opportunities of a lifetime.
ADAM ROSS, DIRECTOR AT LARGE
Finally, staying on the USTA Florida Board of Directors is Adam Ross. Originally from Nyack, New York, Adam grew up over in Long Island, where he first started to enjoy tennis at the age of 13. He loved to spend time with his family and even made some trips to the U.S. Open. He graduated from the University of Miami School of Law with a Juris Doctor and was also admitted to the Florida Bar.
Adam, who first joined the Board as a Director at Large in 2019 and served as Secretary in 2021-2022 and Treasurer in the 2023-2024 term, will continue helping the game of tennis grow in his role a Director. Currently, he is an attorney based in Parkland, an avid tennis fan and player, and has served for a number of years on various section committees. He likes to serve on the board because he loves collaborating with USTA Florida members to ensure that tennis is promoted to all throughout the state.
In his free time, Adam loves to play tennis, read about tennis history, and watch tennis, whether in person or on TV. He also has a tennis memorabilia collection and is the Vice-President of The Tennis Collectors of America. They love to study and preserve tennis history. You can also find Adam traveling with his wife, Robin and going to as many Major events with her as possible.
To learn more about the USTA Florida Board of Directors, visit ustaflorida.com/board
CELEBRATING MALIVAI WASHINGTON & EMPOWERING THE
First Florida HBCU, Edward Waters University
USTA FLORIDA HOSTED TWO EVENTS IN JACKSONVILLE, WHERE THE ORGANIZATION WELCOMED MALIVAI WASHINGTON INTO THE HALL OF FAME AND AWARDED ITS FIRST-EVER HBCU TENNIS PROGRAM GRANT TO EDWARD WATERS UNIVERSITY (EWU), MARKING A SIGNIFICANT MILESTONE IN USTA FLORIDA’S HISTORY.
MaliVai Washington Hall of Fame and Foundation Recognition
Held at the MaliVai Washington Youth Foundation (MWYF), this milestone event highlighted the impact Mal and his foundation have made in the Jacksonville community through their work empowering youth through tennis and education.
The MWYF has created tremendous opportunity for youth, using tennis as a vehicle for academic success and life skills development. In recognition of its extraordinary contributions, USTA Florida honored the foundation at this event, and the celebration included remarks from MaliVai Washington himself, reflecting on his journey from a Wimbledon finalist to a community leader.
For his work in tennis both on and off the courts, USTA Florida inducted him into the Hall of Fame, which came as a surprise to Mal. “I am truly surprised, I was not expecting this,” he said. “Everything we’ve done at the foundation is to show the kids their full potential. I get a lot of recognition, my name is on the signage, but every single one of you who have volunteered, donated, or encouraged a kid, are part of this success story.”
Mal gave his thoughts on the foundation’s impact on more than just those in the program. “I think there’s the ability to have exponential growth. We are impacting over 250 kids right now in our after-
school program,” he said. “But when they grow up and start their own families, you realize you’re having an impact beyond those individuals. The exponential impact that our students will have on their kids and their families, to me, is pretty special.”
Some of the foundation’s current kids came up to the podium, praising Mal for impacting their lives. “I would like to thank Mr. Mal because he’s helped me educationally, and on the tennis court, he’s the reason I’m playing tennis today,” Kam said, the MWYF 2024 Student-Athlete of the year.
Thanks to attendees at the October
7 event, a generous donation has been made to the MaliVai Washington Youth Foundation, further strengthening its programs and outreach. This contribution underscores the shared vision of USTA Florida and the MWYF to create opportunities and make a lasting impact in the community.
USTA Florida Awards HBCU Grant to Edward Waters University
Held at the Edward Waters University Tennis Complex, this event signified the official launch of USTA Florida’s HBCU Tennis Program Grant, which aims to provide critical funding to HBCU institutions in Florida.
The grant, worth $100,000 will help EWU, the first Historically Black College in the state, further develop its tennis program, which played in its inaugural tennis season in the beginning of 2024.
Laura Bowen, Executive Director of USTA Florida, highlighted the significance of the grant and USTA Florida’s commitment to HBCUs and the Black tennis community. “This grant is more than just money,” she said. “Today marks an important shift in USTA Florida’s history of service to our state and to the beautiful sport of tennis.”
This grant is designed for immediate impact. EWU can apply the funds toward various needs, including court improvements, tennis equipment, scholarships for Florida students, and additional coach education. Bowen emphasized that this flexibility was shaped by conversations with Dr. Ivana Rich, Associate Vice President and Director of Athletics at EWU, and other HBCU leaders in Florida.
Dr. Rich shared her vision for the growth of the university’s tennis program and the opportunities it will create for student-athletes. “We are deeply grateful to USTA Florida for awarding Edward Waters University this HBCU College Tennis Program Grant,” she said. “It represents a significant step forward for our newly established women’s tennis program and reinforces our commitment to providing quality athletic opportunities for our student-athletes. This support will enable us to enhance our tennis offerings, provide an exceptional experience for our student-athletes and engage more of our community in the sport of tennis.”
The team is looking forward to putting the grant to use and Head Coach Marc Atkinson is excited to see the impact of the grant. “This HBCU Tennis grant will have a transformative effect on
our tennis program and the student-athletes it serves,” he said. “With this grant, we will be able to purchase new equipment and training tools for our players, offer additional scholarships to attract talented student-athletes, and enhance our travel budget to compete in more tournaments.”
Many of the players expressed their thanks to USTA Florida and are ready to get to work as the 2025 season approaches. “These improvements will not only benefit our current tennis players but will also help us attract and develop future talent, elevating the entire program to new heights,” Coach Atkinson added.
Bowen closed out the event restating USTA Florida’s commitment to growing HBCUs and supporting EWU in any way possible. “This grant comes with a promise that we will continue to be your partner in growing this program for as long as it is in existence. We will stay connected with you, and together, we will develop more ways to support Edward Waters tennis.”
As the year closes out, the 75th Anniversary is still going. Stay updated by visiting www.ustaflorida.com/75th .
Rick Maccis Next Potential i
STAR
By Will Turvey
It’s early morning in Boca Raton. It’s late at night in Boca Raton. It’s the weekend in Boca Raton. While others of her age may be enjoying playing with friends, going to the beach, or watching shows on their tablets, 8-year-old Vlada Hranchar finds joy in another activity. Tennis. Honestly, what else would it be?
Rick Macci tosses a ball, one after another, and Hranchar, with a racket that is almost bigger than she is, sends the fuzzy yellow sphere across the net with surprising speed, spin, and depth that other players of her age, let alone older players that she battles against, can rarely achieve. Hranchar attacks each ball with more effort and precision than the last. Incontestable dedication. Unwavering concentration. This is the story of Vlada Hranchar, a tennis prodigy with promise like few others.
There are so many academies in Florida training so many promising youngsters. Why does Hranchar stand out among the lot? First of all, she has incredible perseverance. She grew up in Ukraine, and now she’s in Florida. We all know why that is. But after the war completely uprooted her family, Florida wasn’t the first place they turned. Instead, chilly Vermont was the spot that the family landed, but soon they learned that the state wasn’t the best place to foster Hranchar’s career. Florida called. “It’s warm,” says the prodigy with a huge smile.
Hranchar idolizes Iga Swiatek and Jannik Sinner, but takes huge inspiration from her own parents. Her mom, a track and field star, and her dad, a hockey player, both competed in college. Athleticism clearly runs in the family. And the most impressive thing of all? Rick Macci, legendary coach of the Williams sisters, offered young Hranchar a scholarship, something he hasn’t done since he coached Venus and Serena. Macci said, “It took me an hour with Venus and Serena. But she went right in and started playing competitive points. I saw speed. I saw quickness. I saw agility. I saw determination. I saw a love for competition. She kind of knew the geometry of the court. Instinctively she had all the time in the world. People didn't understand when I saw that. I've only seen that and a few other players my whole life. That was another genetic quality that she had. And she had such discipline to be there every single point. A lot of these qualities, you can get as you develop, you know, you can get that as you develop. But she had a lot of things naturally.” But what makes Hranchar so good? What about her game specifically sends her home with trophies?
She has a unique game for an American junior. When asked what her favorite shots are, she replied that she loves the backhand, serves, and volleys. While taking a walk around a Florida academy, you usually see players with ferocious baseline games, particularly on the forehand side. But Hranchar finds it more effective to approach on her backhand side, and finish the point at the net, something that takes opponents by surprise. And she has other qualities, which, Macci said, typically develop as a player continues their journey. She
developed these qualities—some of them physical, like quickness and agility, while others mental, like discipline and a love for the game—at a surprisingly young age. All qualities needed for a player to reach their potential. Many a player’s talent has been sacrificed because the player put other things first, for good reasons or bad. But since Hranchar has been able to develop in this way at such a fast rate, she is steps ahead of her opponents.
Another important balance a player needs to have is that with their parents. We all know “tennis parents.” Too often we see parents putting too much pressure on their children to succeed in the game, when half the time the kids themselves aren’t even enjoying it out there. But Hranchar’s relationship with her mom is not like this at all, as the balance that the duo has been able to strike is truly exceptional. Her mom, Maryna, has found the sweet spot, the happy place where her daughter enjoys what she’s doing while still able to be a kid. A major passion of Vlada’s and Maryna’s is an Instagram account where Vlada, sometimes joined by her mom, does jaw-dropping workouts. They show the strength and inspiration the youngster gets from her mother, who found the same joy in track and field. The message to take away is that it’s all there for her. She has the right people around her, and there are no limits.
The "Little Mo" Champ
Vlada won the first leg of the “Little Mo” Slam in Colorado Springs, CO in July and the second leg in West Orange, NJ in August and is going for the third and final leg in Palm Beach Gardens, FL from December 6-11. If she wins the Girls 8 division, she will take home the 6’ trophy — the tallest trophy in junior tennis! Carol Weyman, Executive Vice President and Founder of the “Road to the Little Mo Nationals“ and “Little Mo” Internationals told Florida Tennis, “We were thrilled to meet Vlada for the first time at the ‘Little Mo’ East Regionals in Palm Beach Gardens, Florida in April. Her parents contacted me about three years ago when she was 5 years old about her eligibility to play ‘Little Mo’ and we have been waiting for her to turn 8 so she could play. And play she did! She not only won the Girls 8 title but she won without losing a game!”
Photos courtesy of Rick Macci and Maryna Hrancher
In a move that's sending shockwaves across the college sports landscape, the NCAA has officially decided to end the National Letter of Intent (NLI) program—a fixture in college athletics since 1964. For nearly six decades, the NLI has served as a binding agreement, effectively locking athletes into commitments with their chosen schools. However, with this decision, the NCAA opens a new chapter in college recruiting, moving from a traditional commitment model to one anchored in financial aid agreements, with the potential for revenue-sharing components.
Why This Matters
For those familiar with the college sports recruiting process, the NLI was the go-to contract, marking a defining moment for student-athletes as they committed to their future schools. The elimination of the NLI isn’t just a formality; it’s a profound shift. This change mirrors the broader evolution in college sports, where the financial stakes are higher than ever. Recent adjustments in NCAA regulations have already allowed student-athletes to earn money through name, image, and likeness (NIL) deals, sparking what many see as the beginning of a new era in college athletics.
Now, projections suggest that top athletes may earn upwards of $20 million annually through these new financial structures starting next fall, with potential revenue-sharing models that could mirror professional sports. With the NCAA’s move to do away with the NLI, we are likely on the brink of even more sweeping changes, and stakeholders—from athletes and coaches to parents and athletic programs—are watching closely to see how this evolves.
A New Reality for Transfer Athletes
Another crucial aspect of this shift is the new rules governing transfer athletes. For years, athletes transferring to other schools had significant flexibility within the recruiting process. However, under the latest adjustments, once transfer athletes sign a written offer of athletic aid from a school, the lines are drawn: other schools are no longer allowed to approach them. This new structure introduces a degree of finality into the recruiting process, potentially reducing the once-fluid transfer dynamics that have been a hallmark of college sports.
The Road Ahead: Potential Scenarios in College Recruiting
The NCAA’s recent decision opens the door to several possible scenarios that could reshape college sports as we know it:
AND COLLEGES?
A NEW ERA IN COLLEGE RECRUITING: THE END OF THE NLI WHAT’S NEXT FOR STUDENT-ATHLETES
By Thomas Anderson, USP
Greater Financial Incentives and Athlete Autonomy: With the dismantling of the NLI, athletes now have the opportunity to negotiate agreements beyond just educational perks, factoring in direct financial gain. This new approach could cultivate a landscape where athletes are not only choosing programs for their athletic prestige but also for potential revenue-sharing benefits that boost their overall college experience.
Creative Commitment Contracts from Universities: In response to rising transfer rates, smaller programs that struggle with athlete retention may consider inventive agreements, offering multiyear or even four-year commitments to retain athletes. This could give both athletes and universities more stability while allowing smaller programs to build stronger, more cohesive teams over time.
Enhanced Scholarship Conditions and Clauses: With this shift, universities are likely to introduce detailed clauses within scholarship agreements that safeguard their interests. Such clauses may include performance expectations, compliance with team rules, and conditions for scholarship retention, giving schools more control over athlete behavior and commitment.
Changing Recruiting Timelines and Strategies: Traditionally, the NLI helped synchronize recruiting efforts and streamline timelines. Now, without a standard national agreement, we may see a more varied, flexible recruiting calendar. This change could significantly impact high-profile sports like football, which has historically followed a strict recruiting schedule, prompting both athletes and coaches to rethink their approaches.
What’s Next for College Sports?
With the NLI gone, the future of college recruiting is likely to be full of new opportunities and challenges. Financial aid agreements linked to revenuesharing could mean more significant earnings for athletes, while the stricter rules surrounding transfers may stabilize team rosters. At the same time, evolving dynamics between student-athletes and institutions could redefine what it means to compete in college athletics.
It’s an exciting yet uncertain time, and we may soon witness a whole new era where college athletes are not only students and players but also financial stakeholders. This shift has the potential to attract more elite talent, creating an even more competitive and financially driven college sports environment.
In this new world of college sports, recruiting just got a lot more interesting—and perhaps, more complex than ever before.
PEMF The New Pulse for Tennis
By Ian Pyka
Tennis can certainly be a demanding sport, requiring a unique combination of power, agility, endurance, and precision. It places immense stress on muscles, tendons, ligaments and joints. This can lead to fatigue, soreness, and sometimes injuries. For professional and amateur tennis players alike, recovery is key to maintaining peak performance and avoiding unwanted trauma.
One recovery method that is gaining attention is Pulsed Electromagnetic Field (PEMF) therapy. This is a non-invasive, non-pharmaceutical method used by athletes to speed recovery, reduce pain, and improve overall performance.
The electromagnetic fields generated by PEMF devices help enhance
blood circulation, reduce inflammation, promote cellular repair, and stimulate healing. PEMF works at the cellular level, improving the ability of cells to repair and regenerate, which makes it particularly beneficial for athletes dealing with muscle fatigue, joint stress, and injuries.
The human body is composed of approximately 37 trillion cells. Each of these cells contains a cell membrane, which carries an electrical charge. Imagine each cell as a battery, which keeps our bodies charged and running well. If the cell loses its charge over time due to negative influences such as stress, aging or toxins, the cell ceases to function optimally.
PEMF therapy uses electromagnetic waves to recharge cells and tissues, thereby restoring normal function to that specific cell. The benefits are far reaching and can include:
• Increased blood flow
• Detoxification, hydration, nutrition, and oxygenation up to 200%
• Increased immune system function by 60%.
• Improving PH acidity.
• Decreased acute and chronic inflammation
• Increased antioxidant behavior by 1,000%
• Decreased pain
• Increased bone density
Many top athletes, including tennis players, have incorporated PEMF therapy into their recovery routines. One well-known example is Novak Djokovic, who has spoken about the role of PEMF in helping him recover faster from the physical demands of tennis. Other athletes use PEMF to manage chronic conditions or injuries, such as tennis elbow, which can be debilitating if not treated properly.
Although PEMF is a fantastic mode of non-invasive therapy for recovery, it is just one of many tools for your recovery “tool box”. At Boca Cryo (Boca Raton, Florida), we have experienced great outcomes using PEMF with our clients. We have also found that combining PEMF with Whole Body Cryotherapy, EWOT (Exercise with Oxygen Therapy), and Red Light Therapy, just supercharged that recovery process exponentially!
It’s important to consult a healthcare provider or sports therapist before incorporating PEMF into your recovery routine. They can recommend the appropriate frequency, intensity, and duration of sessions based on your specific needs and physical condition.
Whether used to manage injuries, reduce muscle fatigue, or enhance performance, PEMF therapy is proving to be a game-changer in the world of sports recovery. By integrating PEMF therapy into your recovery routine, you can stay at the top of your game and reduce the risk of injury, ensuring a long and successful tennis career.
Win Free Admission to the USP College Tennis Showcase
Attention:
High School Tennis Players
Florida Tennis is excited to bring you an incredible opportunity in partnership with University Sports Program (USP). We’re giving away *two free admissions*—one for a boy and one for a girl—to the highly anticipated USP College Tennis Showcase, valued at $650 each!
The showcase will be held at Emilio Sanchez Academy in Naples, FL, on December 4-5, 2024, with participation from over 100 college coaches. This is your chance to get in front of coaches, show your talent, and make your dream of playing college tennis a reality!
This contest is open to all high school junior tennis players. Share your unique tennis story and show us how you stay resilient on the court. It’s time to inspire and motivate others with your passion for the sport!
How to Enter:
Follow @my.usp and @fltennis on Instagram.
Create a Reel answering this question: How do you bounce back from a tough situation in a match? Be creative! Whether you’re sitting in front of the camera, on a walk, or playing on the court, we want to see how you express yourself.
Tag @my.usp and @fltennis in your Reel to officially enter.
Photo: Cottonbro Studio / Unsplash
Boca Cryo is a wellness company which offers healing and recovery through state of the art technologies, all non-invasive and drug-free. We offer 7 different therapies in our center.
Our flagship service is WHOLE BODY CRYOTHERAPY, which treats inflammation, pain, stiffness, sleep disorders and helps performance improvement. Three minutes of sub-zero temperatures (-160 F) using safe, cold air in a “true” whole body chamber, leaves you with a rush of endorphins and other pain modulators. This short stay in the cold also boosts your metabolism while strengthening your immune system! Our specialized chamber is equipped with speakers which play your favorite tunes while moving freely about. Unlike our competitors, we DO NOT use liquid nitrogen.
We also offer LOCALIZED CRYOTHERAPY for those specific areas of pain and inflammation. This can be administered a La Carte or in conjunction with WBC.
BOCA CRYO FACIAL is another popular therapy. If you are looking for less wrinkles and puffiness, and want tight skin and a younger look, this is for you! This 10 minute therapy, in conjunction with WBC, is shown to increase collagen production. As one of the most abundant proteins in the body, collagen helps make the skin look younger and fuller without injections and expensive creams.
MAGNETHERAPY is yet another treatment offered, using a state-of-the-art device called the Magnesphere. This is a low level magnetic resonance device which helps relax the body by balancing your Heart Rate Variability or HRV. Our Autonomic Nervous System is divided into Sympathetic (fight or flight) and Parasympathetic (rest and digest) systems. By bringing these two systems into balance, the body begins to heal itself! All of our clients, who have used this device, relax so much that they fall asleep during the session.
Our COMPRESSION THERAPY focuses on the lower body. This pneumatic system, developed by a physician for circulation-challenged patients, inflates sleeves covering your legs. Systematically, the compression helps eliminate the by-products of exercise and aids in venous return to the heart. Athletes and weekend warriors, as well as people with circulatory insufficiencies, can benefit from this therapy.
Our SALT THERAPY is a form of therapy which entails relaxing in a room infused with medical-grade salt crystals that are inhaled and help with respiratory issues ranging from asthma, COPD and sinusitis, to mention a few. Salt therapy is a tremendous therapy and healer for skin disorders such as acne and psoriasis.
Our newest technology from Prague, Czech Republic, is called EMSCULPT. It is the first FDA approved device to increase muscle by 16% and decrease fat by 19% on average. In the world of aesthetics, this is rapidly becoming very popular in our center.
190 Glades Rd, Suite C, Boca Raton, FL 33432 www.bocacryo.com ~ 561-717-4402 ~ Email: ian@bocacryo.com
Ian Pyka received his Bachelor’s degree in Kinesiological Sciences at the University of Maryland and completed his Master’s degree in Exercise Physiology at the University of Tennessee. His first job was at the University of Massachusetts, as their first Head Strength and Conditioning Coach. Four years later, he accepted the same position at Tulane University. He later accepted the position of Head Strength and Conditioning Coach for the New England Patriots. In 1994, he managed a preventive medicine center in Scottsdale, Arizona, working with a retired population, establishing diet and exercise regimes to improve quality of life and longevity. Then in 1998, he was hired by the Florida Panthers to be their Head Strength and Conditioning Coach. In 2002, he started Power Play Fitness, a company which focuses on the sports specific and comprehensive training of athletes as well as any motivated individuals interested in improving their overall fitness and health. He presently teaches Kinesiology, Biomechanics and Advanced Strength and Conditioning Methods, in the Exercise Science Department at Florida Atlantic University in Boca Raton. He is certified as a strength and conditioning specialist with the National Strength and Conditioning Association.
Ian was also a three time All-American (Track &Field) while at Maryland and earned an alternate spot on the 1980 US Olympic Track and Field Team.
"THE MOST UNDERUSED WEAPON IN TENNIS? THE UNDERHAND SERVE."
GINO FAVA
WATCH MY YOUTUBE VIDEO FOR AN EXCLUSIVE LESSON ON HOW TO IMPROVE YOUR GAME
FLASHBACK: FLORIDA TENNIS TEACHING PRO RESCUES RENOWNED INTERNATIONAL TENNIS HALL OF FAME DURING FIRE
By Dave “Koz” Kozlowski
On a lovely June 5, 1998 summer morning John Mellekas became an international sports museum and complex hero. Without a second thought, Mellekas volunteered to lead the way. He escorted the firemen to the third floor of the iconic steeple of The International Tennis Hall of Fame. It was a heroic act by veteran tennis teaching professional and grass/clay court expert, Mellekas.
This memorable undertaking was strongly appreciated and admired by management, fellow staff members and his family. “It was a very brave undertaking by Uncle John. We were all so proud of him. Any potential fear of entering the burning building was overridden by guts to help save the museum” shared nephew Jon Jones.
Mellekas has been an accomplished athlete all his life, starting as a little league baseball standout in Rhode Island. He then discovered his adoration for the life-time sport of tennis rapidly, becoming a tennis champion in the Ocean State. While attending the University of Rhode Island, John discovered an added side of his cherished game. This college kid linked in with the tennis maintenance staff of the grass and clay courts at the celebrated International Tennis Hall of Fame. After graduation, he was recruited by the world renowned tennis organization. Quickly, he became skilled in the grass and clay court business and developed the competency to become supervisor of the department working there for twenty-five years.
Mellekas is a member of Racquet Sports Professional Association (RSPA), formally United States Professional Tennis Association (USPTA). He has shared his acumen at the Meadows Country Club, The Lake Club and the Lakewood Ranch National Golf Club.
The non-profit Newport, Rhode Island complex and museum includes thirteen grass courts and an indoor tennis complex.
Koz: John, when did you know where the fire started?
Mellekas: I had just finished working on the courts. I was looking around and then I saw the building next to the Museum. The flames were being gusted over to the third floor of the Museum. There were fireman all over the place. They were in need of having someone to guide them to where the fire was located. Four or five fireman and I arrived on the second floor. There was a small entrance door with winding stairs to the next floor. The door was not very visible. The firemen said that they wouldn’t have found it. There was a fire blazing above us with smoke bellowing all around. It was like a cloud. It was about six feet above floor level. I had to duck my head to pass through. We pulled the hoses to the side porch and then to the third hall. I stayed there with them to see if I could help any more.
The International Tennis Hall of Fame, accredited by the American Alliance of Museums is a Smithsonian Affiliate and was recognized by the International Tennis Federation in 1986. The museum recounts the chronicles of the sport of tennis from the 12th century through the current day. The museum's 13,000 square feet contains 30,000 objects, including modern and historic tennis equipment, artifacts from Hall of Famers and other significant figures, trophies, textiles and clothing, and furnishings. It retains 5,000 books, 3,000 audio-visual materials, one million plus photographic images, and a comprehensive collection of magazines, programs, periodicals, blueprints and archival materials.
The first Saturday following the Wimbledon Finals is the International Tennis Hall of Famers Induction. It includes: Recent Players, Contributors and Wheelchair Players. The weekend celebration also includes the ATP INFOSYS Hall of Fame semifinals and finals. Looking ahead, the 2025 Hall of Famers will include the Bryan Brothers (Bob and Mike), Maria Sharapova, and Daniel Nestor.
Koz: John, how much personal emotion was involved with this crusade?
Mellekas: I didn’t think about the emotion. I just thought about how much that we could save. At that point the damage was water damage. It was an old building; the rafters were dry and fire spread fast. Finally it got so bad. The firemen told me that I didn’t have on the correct apparatus and for my safety, it was time to leave.
Koz: John, not everyone could do what you did in helping with the fire. How good of a feeling was that for you?
Mellekas: I never looked at it as being dangerous. I just felt good that I was there to help save a part of the museum. I worked for Hall of Fame. It was my life. I feel that it was part of my job.
Koz: On a lighter note, maintaining the grass courts is a science. It is an art. But how much pressure could a conscientious person as you feel the week that the International Hall of Fame Pro Tournament was in town?
Mellekas: We all had strong pride. We wanted the grass courts to be at their best. But I must tell you, it was worth all the efforts, when John McEnroe personally came up to me and said “these are the best playing grass courts on which I have ever played.” I can remember it.
Koz: John, the tennis industry and world are happy to have you in our game.
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