Pickleball • Padel
FEBRUARY 13 - 22, 2026
WHERE CHAMPIONS PLAY...
TOMMY PAUL
TAYLOR FRITZ
CASPER RUUD
THE DELRAY BEACH OPEN FOOD & WINE SERIES SERVES UP A WINNING LINEUP OF TASTINGS, LUNCHEONS, AND CULINARY EXPERIENCES SHOWCASING THE VERY BEST FLAVORS OF SOUTH FLORIDA.
SCAN TO JOIN THE PARTY!
AND FANS PARTY!
SCHEDULE / MATCH TIMES / PLAYER / TICKET PRICES SUBJECT TO CHANGE. TICKETS ARE NOT ELIGIBLE FOR REFUNDS OR EXCHANGES.
PROFESSIONALS ASSOCIATION RA CQUE T SPOR TS
THE HIRE STANDARD
FOR PROFESSIONALS. BY THE ORIGINALS.
We built this profession nearly a century ago—and we’re leading it again. Others certify. We professionalize. At the RSPA, getting certified isn’t the
end of your journey—it’s the start of your career. With mentorship, tools, and community, we help you turn your passion into your profession.
California
2026 “Little Mo” Internationals
Barnes Tennis Center
Balboa Tennis Club
San Diego, California
February 6-11, 2026
Registration Open
Register: www mcbtennis org Info: (214) 754-7065
Contact: carol@mcbtennis.org
Open to players worldwide (Girls and Boys ages 8-14)
“Little Mo” Divisions: ages 8-12 (Green Dot: ages 8, 9, 10) (Yellow Ball: ages 8-12)
Acceptance list based on verified UTR ratings
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 the 1st leg of the “Little Mo” Slam and try to win the tallest trophy in junior tennis - 6 feet tall!
Hotel del Coronado
Legoland
Sea World
California Beaches
San Diego Zoo
CARLOS ALCARAZ, JOÃO FONSECA, AMANDA ANISIMOVA, AND JESSICA PEGULA
TAKE THE FIELD AT LOANDEPOT PARK
FOR MIAMI INVITATIONAL TENNIS EVENT
Unified Events and loanDepot park announced a first-of-its-kind tennis event featuring Carlos Alcaraz, João Fonseca, Amanda Anisimova, and Jessica Pegula. The Miami Invitational is set for December 8, 2025, at 7 p.m. (doors at 5:30 p.m.) at loanDepot park, home of the Miami Marlins (Major League Baseball), marking the first tennis event in the ballpark’s history.
The event will feature two singles matches, each best-of-three sets with a 10-point tiebreaker for the third set. The evening will kick off with a marquee matchup between 2025 US Open and Wimbledon finalist Anisimova and 2021 US Open Champion Raducanu, followed by a clash between six-time Major Champion, including the 2025 US Open, Alcaraz and 19-year-old sensation Fonseca, the current No. 1 singles player from Brazil.
“Unified Events is excited to grow the game of tennis by bringing this exciting exhibition to Miami. To feature two of the brightest women’s stars in Anisimova and Pegula alongside the first ever meeting between Alcaraz and Fonseca should prove to be an electric night for tennis fans,” said Molly Pendleton, SVP, Unified Events.
“Bringing four of the top talents in the sport of tennis in Carlos Alcaraz, João Fonseca, Amanda Anisimova, and Jessica Pegula to loanDepot park for this first-ever event places South Florida at the center court of the global sports stage,” said Miami Marlins President of Business Caroline O’Connor. “By hosting this premier exhibition, we reinforce our standing as the ultimate destination
for the most prestigious events in sports and entertainment, and we’re honored to showcase our ability to deliver world-class experiences for all major events at our one-of-a-kind venue.”
Giovanni Lapentti, former professional tennis player and co-organizer of the event, said, “Bringing together Carlos Alcaraz, João Fonseca, Amanda Anisimova, and Jessica Pegula for one unforgettable night in Miami is a dream come true for all tennis fans. After months of dedication to make this possible, we couldn’t be more excited to see it all come to life.”
“I love playing in Miami—the fans always bring incredible energy. I’m thrilled to take the court for this first-ever event at loanDepot park, with João, Amanda, and Jessica,” said Alcaraz.
“Sharing the court with Carlos, Amanda, and Jessica at loanDepot park will be epic. Miami’s fans, especially the Brazilian community, will make this night truly special,” said Fonseca.
“Playing in my hometown at loanDepot park with these stars is going to be incredible. Miami always delivers the biggest events, and I can’t wait for December!” said Anisimova.
Photo credits: © Rolex/Jon Buckle
Exclusive Interview with Delray Beach Open's Ivan and Adam Baron
Standing on Stadium Court at the Delray Beach Tennis Center, DJ Mad Linx caught up with brothers Ivan and Adam Baron, the family behind one of Florida’s most iconic tennis events — the Delray Beach Open. What began as a small ATP 250 tournament on red clay in Coral Springs has evolved into a cornerstone of American tennis and one of the most beloved stops on the ATP Tour.
The tournament’s story began in 1993 with the America’s Red Clay Championships in Coral Springs. At that time, the Barons were living and breathing tennis as juniors — and, in Ivan’s case, already competing on the professional tour. “When the event became an ATP 250, we were still playing every day,” Ivan recalled. “Our lives revolved around tennis — school, practice, tournaments. That was all we knew.”
When the tournament later moved from Coral Springs to Delray Beach, it underwent a transformation that went beyond location. The switch from clay to hard courts aligned perfectly with the American style of play and gave players another reason to come to South Florida. “Players love it here,” Ivan said. “The weather, the atmosphere — it’s casual and close to the beach. It’s the kind of place where everyone feels comfortable.”
What sets the Delray Beach Open apart is not only its history but also its community-driven spirit. The Barons grew up in a tennis family, and that same energy now drives the event. “It’s a family event,” Adam explained. “Our staff, our volunteers, our vendors — they’re all like family. Many have been with us for over 20 years and plan their vacations around this week.”
The brothers estimate that around 500 people and vendors come together each year to make the 10-day event possible. “There’s no soft opening,” Ivan said. “Friday night hits and we’re ready to go. Everyone looks forward to it all year long.”
Over the years, the Barons have made sure that the Delray Beach Open offers more than world-class tennis. The tournament has become a festival-style experience, featuring live music, local food, and a relaxed, beachside atmosphere. “Come for the tennis, stay for the parties,” Adam said with a smile. “We have the Food & Wine Series, DJs spinning on-site, great food, drinks, and an energy that makes it fun for everyone — families, kids, and adults. You can walk downtown, enjoy the restaurants, and you don’t need to drive anywhere.”
The Barons’ impact on tennis in South Florida extends beyond the ATP event. Throughout the year, they organize junior and national-level tournaments, helping develop the next generation of players. “We see about 2,500 juniors annually,” Adam explained. “They play, visit local businesses, and many end up moving here to train. It’s great to see the pipeline of players who start here and later compete at the Open.”
Ivan added that the family’s focus remains on accessibility and inspiration. “We want people to leave the event wanting to play tennis. That’s how you grow the game — by giving them an experience that stays with them.”
One of the most recognizable sights during the Delray Beach Open is the BMW displayed on Stadium Court — a rare feature in professional tennis. “BMW is our official auto sponsor,” Ivan said.
“We believe we’re the only tournament in the world with a car on the court. Fans love it, and it’s a great activation for the brand.”
Sponsors like BMW, Baptist Health, and Emirates have remained loyal to the event for years. “We treat our sponsors like family,” Ivan explained. “That’s why they keep coming back. It’s not just about exposure — they want to be here, meet people, and enjoy the atmosphere.”
As the 2026 Delray Beach Open approaches, the Barons are preparing for another standout year. The tournament will feature Taylor Fritz, Casper Ruud, and other top players, along with returning favorites like the Food & Wine Series, live entertainment, and record-breaking crowds.
“We love what we do,” Ivan said. “Delray Beach may be a small city, but we want to give fans and sponsors a world-class experience that feels personal. Every year, we aim to make it even better.”
The Delray Beach Open returns this February with major stars like Taylor Fritz, Casper Ruud, and Tommy Paul already committed to play the ATP 250. More players will be announced soon. Also, the DBO’s Legends event will feature Bob and Mike Bryan, Luke and Murphy Jensen, Tommy Haas, JanMichael Gambill, Jesse Levine, and Ryan Harrison.
Tickets are already on sale and selling fast. Visit delraybeachopen.com for more information and to secure your seats at one of the most unique and community-driven tournaments on the ATP Tour.
Photos: Delray Beach Open
GABY PAZ SHINES ON AND OFF THE COURT WITH SOFIBELLA
By Osvaldo Godoy
For for former WTA tennis pro, Gaby Paz, the courts are her canvas — where style, comfort, and passion blend together. As a popular coach, social media influencer, and partner with apparel brand Sofibella, Paz has quickly become a leading voice at the intersection of tennis culture and fashion-forward style.
“I started posting a few tips on social media here and there,” Paz recalled. “People — even my own students — started asking for more. They’d send messages saying, ‘You helped fix my forehand!’ That kind of feedback really motivates me to keep going.”
Before she became one of Miami’s most recognizable tennis figures, Paz had a successful career as a junior and WTA player, reaching a ranking within the world’s top 250 players. After years of training and competing at the highest levels, the transition to coaching wasn’t immediate.
“When I stopped playing, I didn’t plan to coach,” Paz admitted. “It was a tough experience to stop competing — I didn’t even want to pick up a racket for a while. But someone asked me to help a player, and I realized how much I loved seeing their improvement. Helping others grow gave me that same sense of purpose I had as a player.”
Now, more than a decade into her coaching career, Paz combines her professional experience with a player’s perspective.
“I think it’s valuable for players that I understand both sides,” she said. “Sometimes when you’re only a coach, you don’t fully get what they’re going through. I can say, ‘I’ve been there — it takes time.’ That connection builds trust.”
Paz’s social media presence — especially on Instagram (@gabypaztennis ) — blends tennis education with authenticity. Her posts reach over 100,000 followers who turn to her for quick technical tips, motivation, and a dose of South Florida sunshine.
“It’s been about three or four years that I’ve been doing it consistently,” she explained. “It wasn’t planned, but it’s grown naturally. I enjoy the interaction — it feels like a community. There’s so much more information available now than when I played. Social media allows coaches and players to share
knowledge globally — and that’s powerful.”
One of Gaby’s longest and most meaningful partnerships has been with Sofibella, the Miami-based performance apparel brand known for its elegant, breathable designs.
“I’ve been with Sofibella for around 12 years,” Paz said with a smile. “When I stopped playing, I met Franco, the owner, and immediately loved the brand. We’ve had a close, family-like relationship ever since.”
“I live in tennis clothes all day,” she said. “The fabrics are super lightweight, waterproof, and they protect me from the sun. That’s why I often wear long sleeves — they keep me cool while protecting my skin. It’s hard to find that balance, but Sofibella really nails it.”
Paz also stays closely connected with the brand’s creative process, often sharing her feedback on new releases.
“They’re always creating new collections and colorways,” she said. “Sometimes I’ll tell them, ‘This one’s amazing — I love these colors.’ They do a great job keeping the styles fresh and seasonal.”
Whether online or on court in Hollywood, Florida, Gaby’s mission is consistent: help others play better and feel better. She works with juniors, adults, and competitive players — focusing on technique, mindset, and enjoyment.
“Tennis teaches you discipline and goal-setting,” Paz said. “When I see my students working toward something — even small improvements — that’s the best reward.”
“I just love sharing ideas and helping people with their tennis,” she said. “If my experience can make someone’s game better or make them fall in love with tennis a little more, that’s everything.”
You can follow Gaby Paz on Instagram, YouTube, and TikTok. And be sure to check out her stylish gear from Sofibella — a tennis and activewear brand recognized for innovative fabrics, UPF 50 sun protection, and modern performance-driven designs. Sofibella combines fashion and function to help top athletes, like Gaby Paz, feel confident, cool, and comfortable on and off the court.
Photo credit: Isabella Forcella
Legendary Coach Nick Saviano on Building Tennis Champions—and Better People
By Osvaldo Godoy
Nick Saviano has worn nearly every hat tennis can offer: elite junior, NCAA champion, ATP pro, USTA national coach, academy director, and mentor to Grand Slam winners and world top-tens. Sitting down at Saviano High Performance Tennis in Davie, Florida, he reflected on five decades in the game and the principles that continue to guide his work with the next generation.
Saviano didn’t pick up a racquet until age 12 but he climbed quickly. “I started playing full-time at 14, got my first ranking in Northern California… became one of the top collegiate prospects,” he recalled. A full scholarship to Stanford followed, where he was a two-time All-American and NCAA champion on a powerhouse roster that included John Whitlinger, Sandy and Gene Mayer, and Patrick DuPré.
During college Saviano sampled the pro tour, rising inside the top 150 before turning professional after his sophomore year. His peak ATP ranking was No. 48. “I was a very good pro—I was not great—but I was on court with greatness,” he said, citing regular practices with John McEnroe and Jimmy Connors. The tour in the pre-cell-phone era was isolating. “When you were gone, you were gone,” he said. He retired on February 10, 1984—the day his daughter was born—still ranked No. 75.
A call from the USTA, recognizing his remarkable success just four years after retiring, drew Saviano into a junior training camp. His first hitting partners? “Michael Chang… Jim Courier… David Wheaton… and in the afternoon, Andre Agassi.” The experience accelerated a coaching career that quickly intersected with a golden era of American men’s tennis. By 1988 he was one of the USTA’s first national coaches, later serving as Director of Men’s Player Development and then Director of High Performance Coaching Education, where he oversaw sports science and helped formalize national coaching structures.
Saviano emphasizes that great players emerge from a network, not a single guru. “It’s ludicrous for any coach to take credit for developing a player,” he said. “So many other key people are involved… parents, physical trainers, multiple coaches.”
will be great, but you can give every kid the opportunity to be great if they choose and have the courage to go for their dreams.”
Though his work at the USTA began on the men’s side, Saviano’s work soon transitioned to women’s tennis as well. At the request of Stefano Capriati, he helped a young Jennifer Capriati. Later, Monica Seles sought Saviano’s input on her serve. After launching his own academy in South Florida, he worked with a remarkable group of young women who made a global impact — including Sloane Stephens, Monica Puig, Laura Robson, Eugenie Bouchard, Mallory Burdette, and Samantha Crawford, among others.
“I got Sloane at 11… Monica Puig at 7½… Laura Robson came at 12 and won Eddie Herr and made the Orange Bowl semis,” he recalled. Bouchard rose to the WTA top-5 and a Wimbledon final; Puig captured Olympic gold; Stephens won the US Open. More recently, Saviano contributed at key moments with Amanda Anisimova — having been part of her developmental team since she was 11 and working closely with her parents — and with Coco Gauff, between ages 13 and 15, when he collaborated with Corey, her father, and the team. Of Gauff, he said, “I knew—this one’s really special… very disciplined, very respectful.”
If there’s a theme to Saviano’s approach, it’s the marriage of fundamental skills with character development — and a philosophy of relentless growth. “Working with young people is a sacred trust,” he said. “I need to do what’s in the best interest of the child… I wake up every morning and I never accept the level of my knowledge.”
He organizes development in layers: first, foundational life principles (work ethic, discipline, perseverance, joy for learning); next, rock-solid tennis fundamentals in technique, tactics, and competition; and finally, “high-performance principles” that allow individual creativity to flourish. “A lot of people make mistakes trying to teach too much [nuance] before they have a rock-solid foundation.”
Saviano’s philosophy still emphasizes the role of parents and home environment. “Many of the great ingredients are established at a very young age,” he noted. “It can start at two years old—encouraging perseverance, instilling joy in learning. The subtleties matter.”
Those values must meet a training environment that’s both demanding and liberating: structured fundamentals that “allow creative brilliance to come through,” without prematurely capping a player’s ceiling. “You don’t know who
Saviano also recounted a brief, targeted stint with Elina Svitolina: “We tweaked some things—mindset, forehand, patterns. Ten days later, she won the WTA year-end championships.” True to form, he added, “I’m not taking credit for that… I just hope a few things resonated.”
Saviano’s 2002 book Maximum Tennis distilled fundamentals; his new book is currently in the works and it aims even wider. “There are fundamental principles of life success—and fundamental principles of technique, strategy, tactics, training,” he said. “From there, high-performance principles allow creative genius to come out.” The through line: embed life skills into daily tennis habits so the lessons “carry more weight and significance” for players and parents alike.
“The game is to be enjoyed,” Saviano said. “Joy and passion are number one.” From there, embrace that “life is not easy” and neither is tennis — focus on what you can control and commit to “relentless growth.”
For competitors, he offered a practical north star: “Make your number one goal when you’re competing to be the best you can be. Your opponent can never stop you from that pursuit. They may win the match—but they can’t keep you from getting better.”
For parents, he added, “Enjoy the process. The more you enjoy it, the more your child will enjoy it—and the harder they’ll work. That starts a great cycle.”
Saviano’s academy in Davie, Florida, is an extension of his philosophy. “Most of the kids are not going to become top world-class players,” he said. “You’ve got to make their time with you a positive contributor in their tennis and in their life.”
The academy has achieved tremendous success, both in player development and in helping athletes earn spots at top collegiate tennis programs. Saviano remains a constant presence on court—passionate, engaged, and fully invested in each athlete’s growth.
For more information, visit savianotennis.com or look up Saviano High Performance Tennis, Davie, Florida.
Photos courtesy of Saviano High Performance Tennis
RACQUET REVIEW HEAD SPEED LEGEND PRO 2026 EXPERT INSIGHTS FROM KYLE LACROIX
Florida Tennis Magazine partnered with Tennis Plaza to test the new Head Speed Legend Pro 2026, the latest evolution of one of the sport’s most recognizable racquet lines. RSPA Master Professional Kyle LaCroix, widely regarded as one of the top teaching professionals in the country, joined DJ Mad Linx to offer an expert evaluation of how the racquet performs across different areas of the game.
LaCroix noted that his first impression was the surprising level of control the frame delivered. “I was initially surprised by actually how much control I received, especially at the net. This thing is like a hot knife through butter,” he said. Despite expecting a powerful racquet that might be difficult to keep steady, he found the opposite to be true: “I was surprised at how many balls I was actually able to keep in—probably the most I’ve ever been able to keep in.”
Throughout the hitting session, the Speed Legend Pro demonstrated a strong balance of power and feel. LaCroix highlighted the racquet’s performance on serve, explaining, “It gave me some solid pop on the serve,” while also praising its touch and responsiveness close to the net: “It gave me good feel on volleys.” From the baseline, he reported no issues generating depth or maintaining consistency, adding, “I didn’t really have any issues with any of the shots or any of the ways that I played.”
Although LaCroix typically uses a heavily customized 405-gram racquet,
he found the Speed Legend Pro impressive in its stock configuration. He mentioned that he would personally add lead tape and increase the grip size to match his own preferences, but emphasized, “Aside from that, stock, I was so surprised with it—very, very pleased.”
When asked what type of player would benefit most from this model, LaCroix described it as an excellent choice for all-around competitors who rely on versatility. “This is a great racquet for an all-around player. It really benefited me in every single aspect,” he noted. The updated cosmetics also earned praise. “I love the all-black cosmetics. It’s a sharp look—you can’t beat it,” he said. DJ Mad Linx agreed, pointing out the gold accents and Djokovic emblem, describing the design as a premier option for advanced players who appreciate a clean, modern aesthetic.
The Head Speed Legend Pro 2026 aims to refine the Speed identity with enhanced aerodynamics, improved energy transfer, and a cleaner, more stable response on contact. Based on LaCroix’s feedback, the racquet offers a strong mix of controlled power, feel, and maneuverability suited for aggressive allcourt athletes.
Players interested in trying the racquet can demo or purchase the new Speed Legend Pro, along with the complete 2026 Speed lineup, at Tennis Plaza locations across Florida or online at Tennis Plaza.
JunioR Orange BowL Tennis Unveils Bold New Vision for 2025
The Junior Orange Bowl (JOB) Tennis Committee is proud to announce a renewed vision for its world-renowned tournament, building on more than six decades of tradition. Introduced in 2023, this vision focuses on elevating the competition, enriching the player experience, and strengthening community connections. The 2025 edition will bring these principles to life like never before.
The 2025 Junior Orange Bowl will raise the bar for competitive junior tennis, ensuring that only the best players take the court. This unwavering commitment to quality will deliver a level of play more intense than ever. We want these young athletes to feel like they're competing at the highest level of tennis,” said Robert Gomez, the tournament's new director.
As part of this vision, the organization is committed to making the Junior Orange Bowl the most elite U12 and U14 international tennis tournament in the world. To support that goal, the qualifying draw size will be reduced to 96 players in 2025 and to 64 in 2026, aligning with the highest standards of international junior competition. The Main Draw will also be capped at 64 players, creating a more exclusive, high-stakes environment for top-performing young athletes.
From the moment players arrive, they will enjoy the professionalism and excitement of a top-
tier event. Each match will be recorded, post-match analytics will be provided through SwingVision's AI software, and line-calling will be introduced from the semifinals onward. Players will also participate in post-match interviews with our tournament's social media partner, Tennis Legend.
Our new initiatives ensure that they not only compete but also savor every moment—on and off the court—as if they were at a mini US Open,” said longtime tournament coordinator Cathy Nordlund. This year's setup includes a lively player party with a DJ, pizza truck, and fun activations throughout the week to make this an unforgettable experience.”
The Junior Orange Bowl's growth is made possible through the dedication of sponsors who share its mission. We're thrilled to partner with brands that are deeply committed to making a positive impact in the lives of these young athletes,” said Michael Wiesenfeld, who joined the committee in 2023 to reimagine the sponsorship platform. It s not just about financial support; it's about bringing unique on-site activations and building a strong sense of community.”
This renewed vision has attracted the attention of top-tier brands eager to align themselves with the unique values the Junior Orange Bowl conveys. For instance, ICL Academy has signed a three-year Presenting Sponsorship starting in 2026
and the world-renowned Mouratoglou Academy has signed a three-year Gold-level sponsorship deal, becoming the Official Practice Court Sponsor from 2025 to 2027. This exciting partnership is poised to elevate both the player experience and the tournament's global exposure, marking a significant milestone in the event's ongoing transformation.
With this new energy and strategic support, the 2025 Junior Orange Bowl promises to honor its legacy while creating new milestones in junior tennis.
Founded in 1961, the Junior Orange Bowl International Tennis Championship is one of the most prestigious junior tournaments in the world, showcasing top-ranked players ages 12 and 14 from more than 76 countries. The event has been a launching pad for future tennis stars and continues to celebrate sportsmanship, excellence, and global friendship.
Photo credit: Junior Orange Bowl
INTERNATIONAL TENNIS CHAMPIONSHIP
Please join us to celebrate 64 years of hosting the top junior players from around the world.
12 & under and 14 & under Girls and Boys
December 9-17, 2025
Free to the Public to Watch Match Locations:
• Salvadore Park (G14)
• Kerdyk Biltmore Tennis Center (B14)
Revised 4.28.2020
The Junior Orange Bowl International Tennis Championships returns for its 64th year, showcasing the most talented 12U and 14-andunder tennis players worldwide. This globallyrecognized event brings together close to 700 of the top-ranked junior players representing 76 countries.
• Crandon Park Tennis Center (B12 & G12)
FINALS
• B14, B12, G12—December 19
• G14—December 18
@ Salvadore Park Tennis Center
@ Kerdyk Biltmore Tennis Center
December 9–17, 2025
Mastering the Approach Lessons from Coach Casey Curtis
By Osvaldo Godoy
At Curtis Tennis Academy, every session is designed to fine-tune the details that separate good players from great ones. Head Coach Casey Curtis, known for his methodical and disciplined approach to player development, brings decades of experience coaching at the highest levels — including years working with elite juniors and ATP professionals.
During a recent on-court session at the academy, Curtis focused on one of the most overlooked aspects of the modern game: the approach shot.
“Remember,” he told his players, “this is the approach shot, not the winner shot.” His message was simple but crucial — consistency, shape, and depth matter more than raw power when transitioning to the net.
Curtis emphasized that players often make the mistake of “beating the hell out of the ball” when approaching, only to miss or lose position. Instead, he guided his students to maintain 70–80% control on their approach, hitting with shape, topspin, and depth to set up the volley or overhead.
“You’re still putting shape on the ball — not quite as high as from the baseline, but with good spin and depth,” Curtis said. “And make sure you’re closing in quickly — that first and second step after the approach need to be boom, boom right away.”
Throughout the drill, Curtis pushed his players to accelerate forward
decisively and avoid unnecessary body rotation that could cost them time at the net. “Some of you are bringing that right hip all the way around, and then you have to square up again,” he noted. “Hit your approach so you can still run straight right after. Otherwise, you end up too far back for the volley.”
As the session continued, the coach corrected footwork and positioning, reminding his players to “land correctly” and “move through” their shots — not to stand still. Whether it was forehand or backhand approaches, Curtis reinforced the same principles: balance, depth, and precision.
“Pay attention to your depth,” he repeated. “It’s extremely important on your approach."
The atmosphere was focused yet encouraging — the kind of environment that defines Curtis Tennis Academy. Every correction, every repetition builds toward a larger goal: mastering the art of controlled aggression.
In a tennis world often obsessed with power and highlight-reel winners, Curtis’ philosophy stands out as a reminder that strategy and structure win matches. His players leave each session sharper, more disciplined, and more aware of the little things that make a big difference on the court.
To learn more, schedule a visit, or watch instructional videos, visit www. curtistennis.com or follow @CurtisTennis on Instagram.
Sunrise Tennis Club Building Champions, Shaping Character
In South Florida, Sunrise Tennis Club has built an exceptional high performance program. It's built a community. It's the place to be in South Florida. The players who train there continue to chase their dreams while learning to lead, connect, and grow together. On any given day, you can feel the mix of focus and friendship across the courts. The program’s success comes from that balance. A balance that is credited to their team, including Keith Axelrod, Director of Tennis; Luis Soto, Head of High Performance; and the dedicated staff who make it all possible.
For Ahniya Vustsina, who recently committed to play for the University of Louisville, Sunrise has been the perfect place to grow. “I really think the coaches here push us every single day... it’s amazing,” she said. Ahniya joined the program just over a year ago and immediately felt the competitive spark. “The fact that we have a lot of good kids playing here, training at a high level, for sure makes you want to become better and be better.”
Shravani Chennamsetty, who’s heading to the University of Illinois, says Sunrise gives its players a sense of unity that’s hard to find elsewhere. “The coaches, all the players, we all push each other very, very much. We [all] travel together for tournaments,” she said. She joined in ninth grade and has witnessed the group evolve quickly. “It’s nice that we’re able to grow and have some progress — all collectively. We've learned so much about empathy, hard work, discipline, responsibility,” she said. “It helps you become a more wellrounded player.”
Paul Bower, who started training at Sunrise when he was twelve, has seen that steady improvement pay off. Earlier this year he finished as a finalist at the 2025 Bobby Curtis Doubles Junior State Championships, one of Florida’s toughest junior events. “The coaches have been so helpful and so positive,” he said. “Even when I’m in a low part of my tennis, they’re always encouraging me to play better and improve every part of my game.” What keeps him coming back
is the atmosphere. “Everyone’s my friend here, even the coaches. I wouldn’t want to play anywhere else.”
Thinking back to his first days, he laughed. “When I first came here, I was the youngest and probably the worst. Everyone was better than me, so they really pushed me. I was able to play with players much better and much older than me, so that helped me improve and grow.”
Julio Troncoso spent four years at the club and sees it as the center of his tennis journey. “It’s friendly. It’s competitive. Everybody pushes you to be better,” he said. “The people here are so friendly, it feels like family.”
Julio's older brother, Luis, is the head of High Performance at Sunrise Tennis Club. He played college tennis. Already, Sunrise has helped Julio take similar steps toward that goal. He explained, “I come every day [to Sunrise Tennis Club] — I train every day. Whenever I wake up, I just try to be better every single day.”
Sunrise Tennis Club's results reflect its approach. Players regularly earn college scholarships, reach advanced rounds at key torunaments, and build habits that last beyond competition. Sunrise’s environment encourages consistency, effort, and belief.
With Vustsina and Chennamsetty joining college programs, Bower achieving state-level success, and players like Troncoso expanding their university connections, Sunrise Tennis Club continues to open doors for the next generation of Florida talent. It remains a place where commitment leads to growth — and where every step forward begins with the same goal: keep getting better.
Top Left: Julio Troncoso
Top Right: Ahniya Vustsina Bottom Left: Paul Bower
Bottom Right: Shravani Chennamsetty
Photos Courtesy of Sunrise Tennis Club
By Carlos Onate, USP
It was the start of day one of the USP Showcase. My colleague Oscar and I were checking in coaches at the event tent when a coach from a very strong program approached us.
“Do you know what court Sebastian is on?” he asked.
We looked at each other.
Sebastian?
We double-checked the name, email, profile, and everything else. The player he was asking about wasn’t even close to that school’s usual recruiting level. No big ranking. No standout results. Not especially tall or physically imposing.
But the coach had his name right. He wanted that Sebastian.
We didn’t think much of it until a second coach asked the exact same thing.
Then a third.
Then a fourth.
By the time the fifth coach walked up asking for Sebastian, we were certain something unusual was going on.
The Reason Behind the Buzz
We finally started asking the coaches, “Why are you all asking about Sebastian? What caught your attention?”
All of them gave variations of the same answer:
“He reached out before the Showcase.”
“He wrote one of the most thoughtful emails I’ve ever received.”
“He stood out because he showed genuine interest.”
“He communicated like a mature, respectful young man.”
This was the moment we realized something powerful: Sebastian wasn’t the best player at the Showcase, but he was the best communicator.
And in college recruiting, that matters far more than players realize.
What Happened Next
Throughout the event, coaches continuously approached us asking what court Sebastian was on. They wanted to watch him play, shake his hand, talk to him again.
At the end of the Showcase, as we said goodbye to dozens of coaches, many of them thanked us for the event and specifically mentioned him:
“Really impressive kid.”
“His attitude stood out.”
“He’s someone I want on my team.”
By the end of the weekend, Sebastian had drawn more coach attention than any of the top-ranked players at the event.
Not because of his tennis.
Because of his character, communication, approach, and effort.
The Lesson: Off the Court > On the Court
At a Showcase, what players do off the court often matters more than their tennis. Unlike regular tournaments, where players can’t approach coaches, the Showcase allows real interaction: introductions, conversations, questions, and genuine connections. Many coaches make decisions based more on a player’s attitude, communication, and maturity than on their forehand.
To stand out, players should:
Reach out before the event with a thoughtful email showing genuine interest.
Introduce themselves confidently at the Expo with eye contact, a firm handshake, and meaningful questions.
Ask deeper questions that show purpose and curiosity.
Maintain strong body language, because coaches watch everything. Follow up afterward with a professional, appreciative message.
The key lesson:
You don’t need to be the strongest player to be the most recruitable—just someone who knows how to communicate, connect, and carry yourself well.
At the USP College Tennis Showcase, players have a unique chance to show coaches who they are, and often, the off-court moments are what truly make the difference.
COLLEGE TENNIS
Tennis Management Experts
By: Jaret Kappelman
Public tennis centers are the heart of community tennis in Florida. They serve players of all ages, backgrounds, and skill levels. But sustaining these centers takes more than courts and equipment, it takes leadership.
That’s why USTA Florida created the Public Tennis Park Fellowship. This two-year, paid program is designed to train the next generation of tennis directors who will lead public facilities with vision, skill, and purpose.
“The USTA Florida Public Tennis Park Fellowship was created to strengthen and sustain public tennis centers across the state,” John Sanders, USTA Florida Director of Tennis Management said.
Through years of managing park facilities, USTA Florida’s Tennis Management department has seen firsthand what works, and what’s missing. Many parks struggle to find leaders who understand both the sport and the business of community recreation. “Through our experience managing park facilities within the department, we’ve gained a deep understanding of both their strengths and the challenges they face, particularly the need for highly skilled and visionary tennis directors,” Sanders added.
Fellows will rotate through USTA Florida-managed sites, learn how to run public centers, build partnerships with cities,
If you have any questions about the content from USTA Florida in this magazine, please contact the Marketing & Communications Coordinator, Jaret Kappelman (kappelman@ 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.
NOVEMBER-DECEMBER
and deliver programs that meet local needs. They’ll gain expertise in nonprofit management, marketing, human resources, and financial planning. On-court development is built into every phase of the program.
Lori Burdell, USTA Florida’s Training and Quality Assurance Manager, will lead the fellowship. “There is a need to go even further by training and developing passionate tennis minded individuals to run our Florida tennis parks and recreation locations,” she said. “There are many tennis parks that need assistance with managing their facilities and at USTA Florida we have the tools and proven success to help those parks thrive.”
In year two, the focus shifts to business operations and strategic planning. Fellows will earn a Level 2 teaching certification and gain experience in adaptive, wheelchair, adult, and junior programming. Advocacy training and site evaluations will prepare them to lead with confidence.
“This Fellowship aims to train and equip the next generation of leaders to deliver exceptional service, innovative programming, and strong community engagement in the public park space. In doing so, we advance USTA Florida’s mission to expand play opportunities and ensure that high-quality, affordable tennis is accessible to everyone.”
Learn more or by visiting ustaflorida.com/fellowship.
TENNIS ACROSS FLORIDA: Snapshot of Courts, Programs & Access
By: Jaret Kappelman
As tennis continues to grow in Florida, the landscape of tennis courts and programming across the state is more active than ever. The USTA Florida section stands at the heart of that growth, working to grow access and community at every level. Below is a breakdown of where courts are located, what types are available, and how USTA Florida’s core programs operate within this expansive infrastructure.
THE INFRASTRUCTURE OF PLAY
According to data sourced from USTA, Florida currently boasts 6,039 open facilities across the state. Within those facilities:
• 19,157 courts in total, 121 are indoor and 19,098 outdoor.
• Surfaces break down to approximately 10,345 hard courts and 9,993 clay courts. Grass is a very small minority, with just 16 courts.
• Additionally, 2,905 facilities offer lighted courts (supporting 11,543 courts) and 1,468 sites include pickleball courts (4,962 pickleball courts).
This robust infrastructure provides a solid foundation for adult leagues, youth competition, academies and community play alike.
WHERE THE COURTS ARE AND WHO MANAGES THEM
Breaking down by facility type reveals interesting insights into accessibility and usage:
• Public parks hold about 18% of all courts (3,445 courts across 1,087 park facilities).
• Athletic/commercial clubs also hold 18% (3,445 courts across 1,087 such clubs).
• Condominiums/apartments account for 17% (3,205 courts across 1,881 facilities).
• Schools contribute another 15% (2,937 courts across 621 school facilities).
• HOAs (9%); community/recreation centers (8%); country clubs (8%); hotels/resorts (3%); colleges/universities (3%); private residences, corporations, and military bases each make up 1% or less.
This mix shows that while private facilities remain highly represented (clubs, HOAs, commercial venues), public parks and schools still account for large segments of the court base, key for broad access.
REGIONAL & COUNTY DISTRIBUTION
Geographically, courts are spread across Florida’s regions, with the top five counties by court count being:
• Palm Beach – 663 courts
• Broward – 509 courts
• Lee – 392 courts
• Collier – 319 courts
• Orange – 297 courts This concentration in
populous, high-growth counties underscores both the demand for tennis and the role of infrastructure in supporting it.
WHERE USTA FLORIDA PROGRAMS PLAY OUT
USTA Florida’s core programs, adult leagues, tournaments and the Junior Team Tennis (JTT) program, operate across this infrastructure. Here’s how they break down in 2025:
• Adult Leagues: 53% of facilities are private; 33% public; ~6% unspecified; 4% college/university; 3% semi-private; 2% school.
• Tournaments: 59% private; 37% public; 4% school; 1% college/ university.
• JTT: 47% private (198 facilities); 32% public (136 facilities); 2% semiprivate (7 facilities); 1% college/university (3 facilities); 18% unspecified/no facility association (78).
These numbers highlight the significant role private facilities play in competition and league play, but also the important contribution of public venues in ensuring access and growth.
THE ACADEMY LANDSCAPE
Beyond sanctioned programs, Florida is home to a vibrant academy ecosystem. Based on in-house research:
• 115 academies identified; 25 operate at multiple locations; 7 own their own dedicated facility.
• Palm Beach leads all counties with 29 academies; Miami-Dade has 23; Broward 13; Orange 10; Hillsborough 5.
• Academies are 53% in private; 35% in public; 10% in schools; 1% in college/university settings.
This demonstrates growing pathways for junior players, training environments and talent development across the state.
PUTTING IT ALL TOGETHER: WHAT IT MEANS FOR FLORIDA TENNIS
The scale and diversity of tennis infrastructure in Florida creates both opportunity and responsibility. With nearly 20,000 courts spread across public parks, clubs, schools, HOAs and more, the ability to meet rising demand, as leagues, academies and tournaments grow, is critical. USTA Florida’s role in coordinating, partnering and advocating for broad access when court infrastructure is ready to support it.
For players, coaches and organizations, one takeaway is clear: Location and facility type matter. Whether you’re a junior in JTT, an adult league player or a tournament organizer, knowing whether a venue is public, private, school-based or has lights/indoor capacity can influence scheduling, accessibility and program growth.
Summit: Big Bold Moves
By: Jaret Kappelman
The 2025 USTA Florida Tennis Summit brought together leaders, coaches, volunteers, and providers from across the state for a weekend of forward-thinking conversations and powerful collaboration. Designed to challenge perspectives and inspire innovation, the Summit highlighted Florida’s role as a driving force in shaping the future of tennis.
At the heart of the event was a clear theme, “Florida Tennis: Big, Bold Moves.” From the opening discussions to the closing reflections, participants were encouraged to think beyond traditional boundaries and envision how new ideas, partnerships, and technologies can elevate the game for players of all ages and backgrounds.
Bold Moves and Shared Vision
The Big Bold Moves discussions set the tone for the Summit, inspiring attendees to reimagine the future of tennis in Florida through innovation, collaboration, and community impact.
With these bold moves in place, this allowed for collaboration through breakout sessions, which provided attendees with opportunities to explore key areas of focus for Florida tennis. Topics included:
• Volunteer Aces & Advocacy
• Why Best in Class Public Parks Matter
• State of Florida Tennis & Utilizing Data to Grow
• Group Play to Grow the Game
• Tech Insights in Business, Coaching & Communications
• Volunteer Leadership Pathways
• Infrastructure Improvements & USTA Coaching
• Power of Data & Insights to Empower Advocacy
These sessions created spaces for discussion and collaboration among volunteers, coaches, providers, and organizational leaders. Participants shared ideas, best practices, and strategies to strengthen the game across public, private, and community-based settings.
Collaboration emerged as a central theme throughout the Summit. Attendees connected with peers from different regions and organizations, exchanging insights on volunteer engagement, facility improvements, coaching, technology, and data-driven approaches. The interactive sessions encouraged dialogue and problem-solving, ensuring that all voices, from grassroots volunteers to industry leaders, contributed to the conversation.
The Big Bold Moves discussions emphasized the importance of working together to grow tennis in Florida. By focusing on advocacy, infrastructure, technology, and leadership pathways, participants left with concrete ideas to support programs, enhance facilities, and strengthen the statewide tennis community.
The 2025 USTA Florida Tennis Summit was more than a gathering; it was a collective movement toward a stronger, more connected future for the sport. By focusing on bold ideas, collaboration, and inclusion, USTA Florida continues to lead the way in ensuring tennis remains a game for everyone, today and for generations to come. To learn more about USTA Florida and the future of Florida Tennis, visit ustaflorida.com/advocacy
USTA FLORIDA TENNIS
FAMU
&
BETHUNE-COOKMAN
IMPRESS AT HBCU National Tennis Championship
By: Jaret Kappelman
The 2025 HBCU National Tennis Championships took place September 18 through 21 at the South Fulton Tennis Center in Georgia, bringing together student-athletes from Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCU) across the country.
The event continues to serve as a key opportunity for HBCU tennis programs to compete in the fall, build team chemistry, and crown national champions in both singles and doubles play.
Open to all HBCU institutions, the championship welcomed 12 HBCUs, featuring 22 men’s and women’s programs and nearly 200 players. The tournament format allows for individual and team competition, giving players a chance to test their skills and prepare for the upcoming spring season.
Florida was well represented in the women’s draw, with Florida A&M finishing in 5th place and Bethune-Cookman University placing 9th. Both teams showed strong effort and promise, especially with younger players gaining valuable match experience.
Bethune-Cookman Head Coach, Chris Wollett shared his thoughts on the team’s performance in an article on the team’s
website. “I was really proud of how the Wildcats competed this weekend,” he said. “It was good to see the freshmen compete, and it was nice for them to have a couple wins in their first college tournament. I’m excited to watch them develop as we get closer to the spring season.”
Beyond the competition, the HBCU Nationals also mark the unofficial start of the fall season for many programs. With this event behind them, the Florida HBCUs will now return to Florida and prepare for upcoming tournaments at Stetson University, ITA Regionals, and other collegiate events throughout the fall.
The HBCU National Tennis Championships continue to be a vital part of the HBCU tennis calendar, offering a platform for student-athletes to compete, connect, and represent their schools with pride. For Florida’s HBCU programs, the event was a strong start to the season and a valuable experience for players and coaches alike.
Looking to learn more about HBCUs and USTA Florida’s missions to amplify the Black tennis community? Visit ustaflorida. com/amplify.
Adult Tennis Represented Across the County
By: Jaret Kappelman
The 2025 USTA Adult League National Championships took place throughout October and November with hundreds of athletes from across the country gathering to compete in this prominent event.
USTA Florida was well represented at the Championships, with more than 35 teams earning bids across three divisions. Teams will compete in men’s, women’s, and mixed matches, showcasing the depth and strength of Florida’s adult league tennis.
Let’s take a look at the teams that represented the Sunshine State!
Florida has a strong track record at Nationals. In 2024, three teams claimed national titles:
• Adult 18 & Over 3.5 Women – Broward County
• Adult 18 & Over 4.5 Men – Hillsborough County
• Adult 40 & Over 4.0 Men – Hillsborough County
Three additional teams finished as runners-up:
• Adult 18 & Over 2.5 Women – Miami-Dade County
• Adult 40 & Over 4.0 Women – Miami-Dade County
• Mixed 18 & Over 9.0 – Pinellas County
Six other Florida teams placed third or fourth, further highlighting the state’s competitive edge.
As the 2025 Nationals take place, Florida teams are battling some of the best from across the country. With a strong history and deep talent pool, USTA Florida is once again positioned to make a major impact on the national stage.
If you missed out on competing in the 2025 Adult League season, don’t worry, the 2026 season is right around the corner and you can sign up. Learn more by finding your Local Adult Play Coordinator in your area.
FLORIDA’S
RISING
STARS: Junior Tennis Successes of 2025
By: Osvaldo Godoy
Florida continues to shine as one of the premier hubs for junior tennis talent in the United States. Throughout 2025, several young players who live or train in the Sunshine State made headlines with their impressive performances on national and international stages. From hard-fought USTA championships to ATP breakthroughs, these athletes have shown that Florida remains a breeding ground for the next generation of tennis excellence.
BOCA-BASED DARWIN BLANCH DOMINATES “NATS AT THE ZOO”
Arguably the brightest star among Florida’s juniors this year is Darwin Blanch. The Boca Raton native has had a breakthrough 2025, culminating in a big win at the USTA Boys’ 18s National Championship at Kalamazoo, defeating Jack Satterfield 6-3, 4-6, 6-4, 6-4 in the final, and earning a main-draw wildcard to the US Open.
Blanch’s path to that title was impressive: he beat Satterfield in a match that was the only one delayed by rain during the tournament. Earlier rounds saw him dispatch other highly ranked juniors, including Ronit Karki in the quarters and Jack Kennedy in the semis.
Blanch also notched his first ATP-level match win this year, defeating Borna Ćorić in Winston-Salem. His training journey has been global: after training in Florida and at the USTA National Campus, he currently spends time at Juan Carlos Ferrero’s tennis academy in Spain.
What makes Blanch stand out is not just results, but consistency under pressure. Legendary coach Rick Macci, who began working with him from a young age, has described his mental fortitude and “muscle memory” as key strengths.
TAMPA’S JACK SATTERFIELD SHOWS PROMISE
J ack Satterfield, a Tampa-based talent, has been a consistent presence on the junior circuit, and 2025 was no exception. He was a finalist in the USTA Boys’ 18s National Championship, falling to Blanch in a hard-fought four sets in Kalamazoo.
Along the way, Satterfield defeated strong opponents, most notably Benjamin Willwerth in the quarters, and showed resilience even in longer matches. His game has matured to where he can mix power and consistency, and he remains someone to watch as he transitions to higher-level junior and pro events.
GRAND SLAM BIGWIGS:
FLORIDA’S BENJAMIN WILLWERTH AND RONIT KARKI
Rounding out this list of Florida hopefuls are two young standouts who’ve had some impressive success at junior Grand Slams this year. Benjamin Willwerth from Jupiter made a deep run in January at the Australian Open junior championships to the boys’ final. Meanwhile Ronit Karki, who trains at Gooding Todero Academy in Orlando made the Wimbledon final this year.
This group of Florida junior boys continues to take on top-tier national and international competition demonstrating that the Sunshine State’s best are not only pushing local rivals, but holding their own against the world’s best.
PATRICK GLOVER CONNECTS LOCAL TENNIS ROOTS WITH LION ORDER GOLD’S MISSION
At the Delray Beach Tennis Center, home of the Delray Beach Open, Florida Tennis Magazine editor Matt Pressman spoke with Patrick Glover, co-owner of Lion Order Gold, about his long-standing ties to the South Florida tennis community. From early connections with the Gauff and Williams families to his company’s involvement in local tournaments, Glover’s story shows how tennis, business, and community development intersect in Delray Beach.
Glover was born and raised in Delray Beach. His mother introduced him to gold and silver at a young age by visiting thrift shops around Palm Beach County. “My mom would go to thrift shops and find real gold and silver pieces for less than a dollar,” he said. “She taught me how to clean them and test which ones were real. That’s where my understanding of value began.”
Encouraged by local mentors, Glover earned scholarships to attend Lynn University, where he completed both undergraduate and graduate degrees. “That scholarship changed my life,” he said. “It gave me the tools to open a refinery account and start learning how the gold business really works.”
He credits faith and persistence for keeping him focused on long-term goals: “Even through hardships, I was guided by faith. That’s what kept me steady and focused on building something meaningful for my community.”
While attending Carver Middle School, Glover participated in the Communities in Schools program. Yvonne Odom, grandmother of professional tennis player Coco Gauff, was one of his mentors and helped him apply for scholarships. “She filled out the entire process for me and said, ‘Don’t let me down,’” Glover recalled. “She was one of the people who believed in me early on. Whenever I see her now, I make sure to give her flowers.”
Glover’s family also has a long-standing connection to Richard Williams, father of Serena and Venus Williams. When the Williams family trained in Delray Beach, their RV was often parked near Glover’s family home. “He gave me so much business knowledge at a young age — not just about tennis but about life, real estate, and entrepreneurship,” Glover said.
Glover now applies those lessons through his annual Health and Wealth Symposium at Pompey Park, supported by the University of Miami Sylvester Comprehensive Cancer Center and Palm Beach County officials.
The event provides free health and financial resources for residents. “I pride myself on coming back to my community and bringing resources that create tangible change,” he said.
Glover co-founded Lion Order Gold with Rohan Marley, son of Bob Marley. The company manufactures gold and silver coins and bars, including a Transaction Management Coin that links tangible metals with blockchain technology.
Lion Order Gold has participated in several tennis-related events, including the MNO Tennis Pro Tournament at the Boca Raton Polo Club, where a one-ounce silver coin was used for the official coin toss. The company also exhibits at events at the Delray Beach Tennis Center, introducing players and spectators to gold and silver investing.
“We wanted to bring something new to tennis — real value, real metal,” Glover explained. “When players do a coin toss with a real silver coin, it symbolizes that the sport and investment can share the same foundation of authenticity.”
Based in Delray Beach, Glover continues to combine business, faith, and community service. “Do business with people who want to do business with you,” he said. “That’s how you reach real success — by working with those who believe in the mission.”
Through Lion Order Gold’s growing presence at tennis events, Glover hopes to expand access to financial literacy and tangible investment opportunities across South Florida.
For more, visit LionOrderGold.com or follow @LionOrderGold on Instagram.
SUNCOURT SPORTS USHERS IN A NEW ERA OF TENNIS AND COMMUNITY
By Dave Kozlowski
Tennis' enthusiastic, cause-driven Larry Greenspon is using his involvement with the success record of the Isarel Tennis and Education Center as a model for SunCourt Sports. The former International Chairperson Greenspon wants all kids to experience the respect of everyone and sharing fellowship with others. Greenspon has expressed that he believes that through the game of tennis, lives can be changed in positive ways. “Tennis teaches children to be tolerant of all people. We can do it at SunCourt, too."
There appears to be excitement for The Larry Greenspon Sports Complex, which will be the home of SunCourt Sports, a premier tennis, pickleball, and fitness complex. Also involved with the SunCourt sporting complex is Southwest Florida notable, Ron Shugar, who is making his contribution to the aquatics program.
The SunCourt Sports supporters have expressed boundless joy in having long-time tennis-contributor, Paul Lederman, as its Director. For the 62-yearold Southern Californian, this will be his third “start-up” tennis facility. His long-term success at The Vinoy Hotel, recognized home of the WTA in Saint Petersburg, established training opportunities with Chris Evert, Pam Shriver, Gabriela Sabatini, Mary Pierce, Jennifer Capriati, Virgina Wade, Evonne Gollgagong, Dannielle Collins, Wendy Turnbull, and Vitas Gerulaitis. When she was young, Collins and Lederman would train for two plus hours and then shop at the Nike Outlet. She would touch and sample all of the merchandise and exit with one wristband.
Lederman was introduced to the game by his 14-year-old brother Ron who was five years older. Big brother would hit balls with baby brother on the driveway at the house. Soon Paul received one of the greatest tennis opportunities that everyone would cherish. He was enrolled at Ceasar Palace in Huntington Beach, California where the one of the game’s best legends was coaching. Richard Alonso “Pancho” Gonzales exposed the young inspiring tennis “want to be” with a no nonsense approach to the game. Meeting anyone for the first time, Pancho might look at you and then say “wrong shoes, wrong racquet." Tomorrow we will make sure that you have the correct racquet and shoes.” Pancho did things unconventionally. He cut off a half inch of his racquet grip. He believed that it was necessary to have contraction for better control and then extend as striking the ball. The two-time US Open champion
was known as the “elegant power server”. The American-Mexican legend was winning so many matches in short times, that some of the professional tennis executives explored moving the service line back three feet to neutralize his serve.
Another golden tennis opportunity for Paul Lederman was meeting Bobby Riggs, former world number one ranked singles player, and two-time US Open Champion. Lederman was invited to join one of strongest senior men’s groups in the United States. The consortium, which included USTA Golden Ball Champions, would gather on a regular basis for scheduled match play at the Lindborg Racquet Club in Huntington Beach. The group included Riggs. In 1973 entertaining tennis-promoter Riggs at age 54 challenged the world number one ranked Billie Jean King to a Battle of the Sexes. The match was played in Houston at the Astrodome. It drew a record worldwide TV viewership of 90 million. The record still stands! Here is one of Paul’s early harmless encounters with the renown Riggs. Bobby was still playing on an expired-time court. Paul was signed up to have the court. Riggs said to Lederman if you want the court let’s play a challenge match with a wager for it. So, they did. Riggs and Lederman were able to continue their amiable companionship.
While doing his professional club management, Paul found time to work on his own playing game and time to work on and oversee the court maintenance. Twice his club receive the National Court of the Year Award. Also, Paul was able to earn the number one singles ranking in the Men’s 20 year & over and the 25 year & over ranking in the USTA Florida ranking.
It has been more than a three-decade friendship with Paul and this tennis pro – tennis media guy. Together we hosted the 2001 USTA Women’s Challenger. IMG called me and asked would we grant 14-year-old Maria Sharapova her first “Wild Card” into a professional tournament. History continued as coaching geniuses Nick Bollettiri and Robert Landsdorp were in stands scouting Sharapova. We launched Maria’s career! Our 2001 tournament included additional historic teenager 1999 Wimbledon Semifinalists: Alex Stevenson and Mirjana Luccic. And the closing match saw our singles champion Virgina Ruana Pasquel win the crown and just over a year later become the number one ranked doubles player in the world. Paul and I will be working on following the growth at SunCourt Sports.
Photo credit: Mauricio Paiz
DROP SHOTS
Delray Beach Open Legends Event: The Bryan Brothers will headline the Delray Beach Open FAN FEST from Feb. 13–15, joined by Luke and Murphy Jensen, Tommy Haas, Jan-Michael Gambill, Jesse Levine, and Ryan Harrison. The ATP 250 main draw follows from Feb. 16–22, featuring Taylor Fritz, Casper Ruud, and Tommy Paul.
Battle of the Sexes: TLive is bringing World No. 1 Aryna Sabalenka and tennis showman Nick Kyrgios to Dubai’s Coca-Cola Arena on 28 December 2025 for a one-night exhibition showdown inspired by the iconic 1973 matchup. The event marks TLive’s Middle East debut and promises a high-energy mix of elite tennis and entertainment.
RacquetX: A world-class festival and celebration of all racquet sports. Uniting the community, the industry, as well as racquet sport enthusiasts throughout the world. Tickets go on sale soon. Don’t miss out on the biggest Racquet convention of the year March 13th-15th, 2026 at the Broward County Convention Center in Fort Lauderdale.
USA Juniors Complete Historic Sweep: Team USA dominated in Santiago, winning both the Billie Jean King Cup Junior Finals and Davis Cup Junior Finals to complete back-to-back sweeps of the world’s top 16-and-under events. The girls defeated France and claimed their fourth straight title, while the boys topped Japan to repeat as champions—without either team dropping a point all week.
Serena & Nadal Highlight American Business Forum: The two-day American Business Forum in Miami brought together major figures from sports, business and politics, with Serena Williams and Rafael Nadal sharing insights on leadership, resilience and innovation. The inaugural U.S. edition drew 40,000 attendees and millions online, uniting global leaders around the 2025 theme, “The world meets in America.”
Junior Orange Bowl: The Junior Orange Bowl Tennis Committee has announced major enhancements for 2025, aiming to elevate the U12 and U14 event into the world’s premier junior competition. With smaller qualifying draws, added technology like SwingVision analytics and line-calling, plus new
Autograph Corner
Björn Borg was cool on the tennis court with a nickname to match: IceBorg, and a man of few words. His greatest rival, John McEnroe, was as fiery between the lines as any player and is a man of many words; some Florida Tennis can't print and a few that are better left to the imagination. McEnroe has told his story over the years via interviews and books. Now it’s Borg’s turn to follow the literary road and tell his story in his new book, Björn Borg: Heartbeats-A Memoir.
Borg was the first tennis player that attained rock star status. After winning 11 Major Singles Titles including 6 at the French Open and 5 consecutive Wimbledon titles, he was on top of the tennis world. Shockingly, after his loss
player experiences and expanded sponsor partnerships, the tournament is set to deliver its most competitive and professional edition yet while honoring more than 60 years of tradition.
VibroStretching: In an exclusive interview, StretchOn Space founder Hanna Turchak explains how vibrostretching — a biomechanical vibration method rooted in the Nazarov Olympic technique — helps tennis players recover faster, boost mobility, and improve on-court performance. Now established in Boca Raton as the first U.S. vibrostretching studio, StretchOn Space is rapidly expanding as athletes of all levels experience quicker recovery, greater flexibility, and smoother, more efficient movement.
2025 USTA Florida Tennis Summit: Held November 14–16 in Orlando, brought together coaches, providers, volunteers, and community leaders for a weekend of collaboration and innovation. Centered on the theme Big Bold Moves, the event featured expert speakers, breakout sessions, and statewide networking aimed at strengthening Florida’s tennis ecosystem and inspiring new ideas to grow the game.
Hit with a Legend: 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. Plans are also in-place for an event in Miami. To learn more and reserve your spot at this event or for sponsorship opportunities, please call 757-897-4584 or email gmrproductions27@ gmail.com.
Little Mo: Save the date! The “Little Mo” Internationals (ages 8-16) are scheduled for San Diego, California: February 6-11. Register for the event at mcbtennis.com .
Baugh Tennis: The 2025-2026 FACA Tennis Coaches Clinic in Orlando will bring coaches together for a hands-on day of learning, collaboration, and practical training. Attendees will rotate through interactive stations focused on practice design, strength and conditioning, injury prevention, and match-day management. The clinic is designed to give every coach clear, usable ideas they can take back to their teams immediately.
to McEnroe in the 1981 U.S. Open Final, he skipped the trophy ceremony and media interviews got into a waiting vehicle and drove away from tennis for good at the age of 25.
Borg’s retirement rocked the tennis world. The void was huge; in fact, John McEnroe, in particular, missed the rivalry tremendously. Rivals thrive on competition and improve their games to keep pace with their greatest on court adversaries. Chrissie Evert and Martina Navratilova were intense rivals on the court and that drove them to take all measures to get the winning edge in the matchup.
There has been much speculation about the reasons for Borg’s early retirement but no concrete answers from Borg, until now. And how did Borg’s early retirement impact his life and future? The short answer is that Borg navigated a rocky post retirement life which included an ill fated attempt to return to the Tour. The long answer is much more complicated and interesting.
Borg also takes us through some aspects of his personal life including his relationship with his two sons, sports agent Robin Borg and professional tennis player, Leo Borg. He is also candid about his mental and physical health struggles.
And just like Martina and Chrissie’s relationship went full circle from fierce rivals to great friends, the same evolved between Borg and McEnroe. Two players with opposite personalities that played unforgettable matches against each other including an epic 1980 Wimbledon Final featuring a stunning 4th set, 18-16, tiebreaker won by McEnroe. Borg ultimately prevailed in the 5th set by a score of 8-6. This is widely considered one of the greatest matches in tennis history.
Borg and McEnroe formed an unbreakable personal bond. Tennis fans were lucky to see Borg and Johnny Mac together again; this time as coaches of opposing teams at the Laver Cup until 2024. The friendship, camaraderie, and respect these two Hall of Fame greats displayed during those events was a treat to behold.
Borg’s life story is unique and remarkable which makes his memoir a must read for any tennis fan.
Nominations/Applications now being accepted for the following:
John Van Ryn Awards
Kelley Awards
Special Projects
Jack Blair Awards
Please visit our website for details: YTF-FL.ORG
The Youth Tennis Foundation of Florida, Inc.
Serving Florida Tennis since 1962
A 501[c][3] organization
"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
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.
By Ian Pyka
THE MIND-BODY CONNECTION AND TENNIS
Tennis is often described as “a game played from the neck up,” and for good reason. While technical skill and physical conditioning are essential, the sport places an extraordinary demand on mental clarity, emotional control, and body awareness. The strongest players learn to align these elements seamlessly—a true mind-body connection that elevates performance, consistency, and resilience.
Mental Focus Drives Physical Precision
Every stroke in tennis happens in milliseconds: tracking the ball, positioning the body, adjusting the racquet face, and executing the shot. When the mind is scattered—thinking about mistakes, external pressure, or future points—the body falls out of rhythm. A centered mind allows the body to move fluidly and efficiently, improving timing, footwork, and shot accuracy. The best players maintain narrow focus: one ball, one shot, one moment.
Emotional
Control Shapes Match Momentum
Unlike team sports, tennis offers no breaks for coaching or substitution during most levels of competition. Athletes must manage stress, frustration, and adrenaline in real time. Emotional spikes lead to tight muscles, rushed decisions, and erratic footwork. Players who master emotional regulation—through breath control, reset routines, and positive selftalk—maintain relaxed power and tactical clarity, especially under pressure.
Body
Awareness
Enhances Technique and Longevity
Tennis demands a high degree of kinesthetic awareness: knowing where the body is in space and how each segment contributes to a stroke. A stable core keeps the body aligned on big forehands. Loose shoulders and wrist mobility improve racquet-head speed. Fluid lower-body movement allows effortless change of direction. Awareness reduces inefficiencies and helps prevent injuries, especially in the spine, knees, and shoulders.
The Power of Breath and Rhythm
Breath links the mind and body. Proper breathing regulates heart rate, reduces muscle tension, and stabilizes movement patterns. Elite players use rhythmic breathing on every stroke, exhaling through contact to stay relaxed and explosive. Controlled breath also enhances mental focus, helping players reset between points.
Developing Mental Resilience Through Play
Every match is a psychological test. Momentum swings, long rallies, tough calls, and unpredictable opponents create constant mental challenges. Tennis players develop resilience by embracing adversity—staying engaged, adaptable, and solution-oriented rather than reactive.
Where the Mind Leads, the Body Follows
The mind-body connection is the foundation of tennis excellence. When the mind is calm, confident, and deliberate, the body responds with smooth footwork, precise timing, and efficient power. Training both together—through mindfulness, controlled breathing, visualization, and intentional movement—creates a complete player capable of performing at their best under any circumstance.
Summary
The mind-body connection is central to great tennis, influencing how athletes move, focus, and respond under pressure. Mental clarity enhances physical precision, emotional control stabilizes performance, and strong body awareness reduces injury risk. At Boca Cryo™, we support this connection through a fully non-pharmaceutical approach—using therapies like Whole-Body Cryotherapy, Red Light Therapy, PEMF, Breathwork Integration, and recovery-focused modalities that calm the nervous system, enhance mental resilience, and restore physical balance. By aligning natural recovery with mental performance, Boca Cryo™ helps tennis players stay focused, energized, and fully connected—both on and off the court.
by
Photo
James Lewis on Unsplash
