January - February 2024
In Loving Memory of
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JANUARY - FEBRUARY 2024 THIS ISSUE IS DEDICATED IN LOVING MEMORY TO FLORIDA TENNIS FOUNDER JIM MARTZ PUBLISHER, EXECUTIVE EDITOR Matt Pressman CREATIVE DIRECTOR Kevin Connaughton CONTRIBUTING WRITERS Dr. Richard Cohen, Deborah Hobbs, Dave Kozlowski, Cameron Mofid, Todd Pechter, Adam Ross, Phil Secada CONTRIBUTING PHOTOGRAPHERS Fred & Susan Mullane (CameraworksUSA), Pat Parsons, Christine Pechter, Art Seitz OFFICE Florida Racquet Sports LLC 4800 N. Federal Highway, Suite B200 Boca Raton, FL 33431 ADVERTISING info@floridatennis.com SUBSCRIPTIONS 1 Year $17, 2 Years $30 in the U.S. Elsewhere: $40; per year. WEBSITE floridatennis.com FACEBOOK facebook.com/floridatennismagazine INSTAGRAM instagram.com/fltennis COVER PHOTO FLORIDA TENNIS The Voice of Tennis in Florida since 1992
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In Loving Memory of
floridatennis.com
Jim Martz
It is with very heavy hearts that the team at Florida Tennis announces that legendary sports journalist and founder and editor of Florida Tennis, Jim Martz, passed away on December 30th at the age of 80 after a stroke while hospitalized for recent heart issues. Those of us who worked closely with Jim will never forget and will always cherish our time spent with him and the many lessons that we learned as he mentored us over the course of his decades long career. Many people in the Florida tennis community and beyond were lucky enough to get to know Jim over the years and share with us in the grief over his passing. Jim was extremely close with his family and we want to acknowledge their loss and let them know that our thoughts and prayers are with them at this very difficult time. A hero of our sport, Billie Jean King, encapsulates the feelings of so many who have reached out to offer their condolences. King posted on Twitter, “Saddened to hear about the passing of Jim Martz, South Florida sportswriter, who loved our sport and dedicated his life to telling our stories. Sending love and prayers to his family and friends.” Another giant in the world of tennis, Chris Evert, had this to add via Twitter, “Jim was kind, knowledgeable, and passionate about tennis. He will be dearly missed.” Dade City native and tennis legend Jim Courier said, “Jim Martz was one of the good guys in the tennis media center. He was sharp, honest, fair, and always approachable. His bylines and good vibes will be dearly missed.” One of Jim’s closest friends in the tennis world was legendary coach Rick Macci. Jim was author of Rick’s book “Macci Magic: Extracting the
Best from Yourself and Others” and Rick is a frequent contributor to Florida Tennis. To lift our spirits, Macci sent the following note: “MAKE NO DEBATE, JIM CARRIED THE TENNIS FREIGHT IN THIS STATE, WAS MY BEST MATE, BETTER THAN GREAT, NEVER LATE WITH ANY DATE. ALWAYS A BRIGHT LIGHT, NEVER DIM, THIS ONE-OF-A-KIND FLORIDA JIM. LOVE YOU BUDDY. TOGETHER WE MADE MACCI MAGIC.” Jim also happened to be the editor of CaneSport Magazine. Gary Ferman, the Publisher and Founder, wrote in CaneSport, “Jim was pure of soul, honest and kind. Words can not express how much he will be missed and the indelible impact he made on many lives. I certainly will miss him.” Sports columnist Greg Cote wrote a touching tribute to Jim in the Miami Herald. Reflecting on the man who hired him, Greg recalls, “… that man changed my life. Fifty-plus years later my Herald career continues because somebody gave me a chance. Fate doesn’t just happen. One man steered mine.” Greg describes, “lifelong gratitude… to the man who gifted me my career and future.” So many of us echo these sentiments. In remembrance of Jim, Love Serving Autism has set up the Jim Martz Memorial Scholarship Fund. We’ve included more information from the program’s director, Lisa Pugliese-LaCroix, later in this issue. Jim, you will be missed. On behalf of everyone in the Florida Tennis community, rest in peace. This issue is dedicated in loving memory to you. To read the many tributes to Jim that have flooded in since his passing, please check out our Facebook page.
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Top: All-time great Chris Evert and Jim Martz Left: Tennis legenad Jim Courier and Jim Martz Right: Jim Martz and legendary coach Rick Macci
In his own words: Jim Martz In memory of Jim, we’d like to republish an excerpt from one of his articles that provides some background on the breadth and depth of his amazing career and life.
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floridatennis.com
By Jim Martz One day early in my career as a sportswriter at the Miami Herald, the amazing breadth of the job became clear. In the morning I attended a press conference for legendary comedian Bob Hope, who was the honorary chairman of the upcoming PGA Championships in Palm Beach Gardens. That night I covered a high school district track meet. I’ve been blessed. Over the years I wrote about football, basketball, baseball, soccer, hockey, tennis, golf, boxing, swimming and diving, stock car racing, drag racing, horse racing, dog racing, and jai-alai. I interviewed two Presidents of the United States (Ford and the first Bush), Muhammad Ali, Pele, Don Shula, Jack Nicklaus, Ted Williams, George Steinbrenner, O.J. Simpson, Elton John, Tony Bennett, and the BeeGees at their home on Star Island. I played tennis with Governor/Senator Bob Graham at his private court and at posh Fisher Island, and hit briefly with Billie Jean King and Gabriella Sabatini on Flagler Street in front of the MiamiDade County Courthouse, where a judge came out with racquet and wearing his robe and joined us. And when I wanted to write about what it’s like for an average public park player to play against a pro trying to play his best, the former number one and mercurial Ilie Nastase obliged as a way to promote his upcoming invitational in North Miami Beach. I quickly learned that in one rally he could reach more shots and do more things with the ball than we mortals could do if we combined all the best shots in our lives into one point. I covered more than a dozen college football national championship games, including the five won by the Miami Hurricanes; as well as Florida and Florida State football, two Super Bowls, several College World Series and all four Hurricanes teams that won national titles, MLB Spring Training, Miami Toros and Fort Lauderdale Strikers soccer, and countless high school and small college sports events. And one Florida State High School Basketball Championships. That was in Jacksonville and I was covering West Palm Beach Twin Lakes, which won its semifinal against Winter Haven in a national record seven overtimes. This was long before cell phones and laptops. Around the third overtime I was on deadline and knew editors in Miami would be saying “has anyone heard from Martz?” I dashed to a hallway, found the lone pay phone, begged to go to the front of the line and alerted the copy desk to what was unfolding. They said call back as soon as the game ends and dictate a story off the top of my head. Twin Lakes won and I had the lead story in the Palm Beach edition the next morning. A year later when I became the Herald’s Broward County (Fort Lauderdale) sports editor, it dawned on me that I better learn about tennis. Quickly.
Holiday Park, where head pro Jimmy Evert was teaching his daughter Chris and four siblings, was just a few blocks away. I realized there would be a day when the tennis beat writer, based in Miami, would be off and I’d have to interview Jimmy or Chris about a breaking story. Growing up in the Midwest, I barely knew a baseball from a tennis ball. I had played hit-andgiggle tennis with my dad a few times. The first time I watched anyone play was at Alma College in Michigan, two weekend hackers. I thought the guy running all around the court was winning, but he was losing because his opponent was forcing him to chase shots. First time I saw a professional match, ironically, involved the top two players in the world, Stan Smith and Arthur Ashe. They played an exhibition in Des Moines, where I was a rookie copy editor at the Register, and I went only because there’s little to do in Iowa in the winter and this was a big deal. The first time I covered a tennis match was with the Herald at the West Palm Beach Open. I had no clue about the convoluted tennis scoring system, so I figured I’d report the final score and use a lot of quotes. Frank Froehling III won, and midway through the match a woman who was cheering for his opponent clapped occasionally when Froehling double faulted or hit into the net. In those days her clapping after an error was against tennis etiquette. Horrors. She was sitting near me and at one changeover Froehling came by and chastised/embarrassed her in front of the crowd. I thought, what a snooty sport. My first tennis lesson occurred in West Palm Beach at Howard Park, where Oscar Wegner was the new pro and was seeking publicity for his programs. That was my one and done experience on a court until I figured I need to become immersed in this sport that was on the verge of a world wide boom. So I signed up for three lessons from Jimmy Evert. He charged his regular rate, $5.00 per lesson. “Racquet back ... eyes on the ball .... that’s it,” he said over and over. No wonder all five of his children became pro tour players who never missed a groundstroke. I did, often, as I began playing with fellow Herald writers and read about the sport in magazines - World Tennis, Tennis, and Tennis Week. I enjoyed hitting the fuzzy yellow balls but still preferred golf, and I hoped some day to get the golf beat. A year later the executive sports editor, Ed Storin, said he wanted me to take over the beats that Bill Sheldon had - Florida State football (they were 0-11 that year), soccer and tennis. Sheldon was leaving the paper to be the Toros’ media director. Colleagues had told me that when you’re offered a promotion, don’t turn it down or you won’t be asked again. So that’s how I fell into the tennis beat. I was blessed. Not only was I working at the Taj Mahal of newspaper offices, the Herald building overlooking Biscayne Bay in downtown Miami, but I was covering a sport that was exploding at the amateur and pro level. Courts couldn’t be built fast enough to accommodate the players. Men’s and women’s pro tournaments were popping up all over Florida.
Connors, Borg, McEnroe, Evert and Navratilova were emerging as superstars. And the world’s leading international junior tournament, the Orange Bowl, was attracting the future stars every December at Miami Beach’s Flamingo Park. I got to know the founder, Eddie Herr, well. He’d also created the national team events, the Sunshine Cup for boys and Continental Players Cup for girls, held right after the Orange Bowl at Flamingo Park. Thus I was able to see the future of tennis emerge into stardom - McEnroe, Lendl, Courier, Sabatini,, Fernandez, the Spadeas (Vince and Luanne), Kournikova, Federer, Roddick, Edberg, Wilander, Mandlikova, Noah, Becker, Graf, Seles, Capriati, etc. My 18 years as the Herald’s tennis writer coincided with the 18 years Ashe was the director of tennis at Doral Resort near Miami. What an honor to know and write about one of the most admirable figures in the history of sports. In 1990 at the U.S. Open, he was writing columns for the Washington Post and was seated right behind me in the press box at Armstrong Stadium. I mentioned to him privately I was considering leaving the Herald and starting a tennis magazine that would focus on Florida. Arthur encouraged me to take a leap of faith, I did and started Florida Tennis from scratch in 1992. After 21 years of seeing a paycheck in my office mail box every Thursday, suddenly there were no paychecks. My income would materialize when I sold an ad and the advertiser paid for it. And I’d never sold an ad in my life. There already was a tennis publication in the state, printed on newsprint because the cost of glossy paper in those days was prohibitive. It was the official publication of the USTA in Florida and was mailed four times a year to members. When their one-year contract was up for renewal, I put in a bid and suggested six issues annually. But I hadn’t published my first issue, and a USTA official said they wanted to see what I’d produce and urged me to bid the next year, and I did. I had 15 consecutive one-year contracts and Florida Tennis went on to win the USTA’s National Media Excellence Award. Over the years some of the leading teaching pros in the world wrote columns for us - Vic Braden, Nick Bollettieri, Rick Macci. We were there when Butch Buchholz’s dream of a fifth Grand Slam became reality as the Lipton Championships at the site of a former garbage dump on Key Biscayne. We were there when Rick Macci brought Venus, Serena and the entire Williams family from Compton, California, to Grenelefe Resort near Orlando and coached the girls during their formative years. And we were there while Florida emerged as America’s Most Important Tennis State, headquarters for the ATP, WTA, USPTA and most recently the USTA’s amazing 100-court National Campus.
Top row (from left to right): Interviewing Martina Navratilova at North Miami Beach; With former USTA presidents J. Howard “Bumpy” Frazer and Franklin Johnson; With Mary Joe Fernandez Middle row (from left to right): With Arthur Ashe in Miami; The first issue of Florida Tennis, featuring Mary Joe Fernandez on the cover, was published in March 1992; With Eddie Herr, founder of the Orange Bowl International Tennis Championships Bottom row: Top left: With Andre Agassi and Gardnar Mulloy at Agassi book signing in Coral Gables Bottom left: With George H.W. Bush at the White House when he was vice president Far right: With Butch Buchholz at the Miami Open
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Photos: Jim Martz
The Jim Martz Memorial Scholarship Fund By Lisa Pugliese-LaCroix
The first time I met Jim Martz, there was a special quality about him that caught my attention. Even though I played Florida junior and collegiate tennis, it wasn’t until my involvement with Love Serving Autism that I truly had the opportunity to spend quality time with him. Back in January 2017, I reached out to Jim, sharing a few photos from our inaugural tennis program in South Florida. His immediate response, offering to publish those photos in Florida Tennis Magazine, spoke volumes about his dedication. He even mentioned his plans to participate in the Dan Marino Walk for Autism, showing his genuine commitment to both the special needs community and the vision of my nonprofit. As our communications continued over the next year, Jim opened up about his passion for visiting Ohio to spend time with his nephew AJ, who is on the autism spectrum. They both shared a fascination for attending railfanning events, immersing themselves in observing, photographing, and learning about trains and railroads. Jim regularly kept me updated on AJ’s milestones, from speaking at his school during Autism Awareness Month to becoming
a self-taught guitarist, garnering hundreds of thousands of views on YouTube. Jim was overflowing with excitement about attending AJ’s high school graduation ceremony in May 2023. Our annual rendezvous at the Delray Beach Open, where we hosted the Love Serving Autism adaptive tennis clinic every February, became a tradition we both cherished. Jim adored being on the court with the kids, engaging with families, and showcasing the clinic in Florida Tennis Magazine. His pride in supporting Love Serving Autism and organizations that championed inclusion in tennis and local communities was always notable. To honor Jim’s unwavering commitment to celebrating neurodiversity, we established the Jim Martz Memorial Scholarship Fund at Love Serving Autism. This fund is aimed at providing tennis lessons for youth and adults with autism and developmental challenges, a tribute that truly embodies Jim’s values and spirit. For more information or to contribute to the Jim Martz Memorial Scholarship Fund, please visit: loveservingautism.org. Lisa Pugliese-LaCroix CEO & Director of Programs and Clinical Services with Jim Martz.
The Multifaceted Life of Jim Martz
floridatennis.com
By Matt Pressman
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Jim and Sue with their father when they were children. Photo: Sue Schmidt.
Jim Martz, the late founder and editor of Florida Tennis magazine, led a remarkable life outside of the tennis world. My conversation with his sister, Sue Schmidt, offers a heartfelt glimpse into the multifaceted life Jim led, revealing interests that extended far beyond his legendary career in sports journalism. Sue emphasized Jim’s deep involvement with the Big Brother mentor program. Sue, an ordained minister, recommended the program to Jim. Sue explained, “You are assigned a young man that needs a father figure in his life. Once he was assigned a little brother he would take him to ballgames that this kid probably would never have had a chance to go to before. And the bond that he was able to create with these young fellas just by caring about them, was immense.” Like Sue, Jim’s faith was a core element of his identity, influencing how he lived his life. Sue shares, “Both of us grew up in a Christian home. The church was like our second home.” Jim eventually became a volunteer elder at his church. Sue said, “It’s made a big difference in who he is and how he conducts himself in business and with other people.” Looking back to childhood, Sue told me, “He had a paper route and loved to deliv-
er the paper... he liked having that job.” Who knew that someday he’d become a sports writer for the Miami Herald? Sue fondly remembers, “He loved sports from day one. He played baseball as a boy.” And, being from Indiana, “We had to love basketball... We all love basketball.” However, his career path wasn’t obvious in college. “It was a fraternity brother that needed him to step in [to cover a sporting event]... He wrote the story up and he got accolades. And he was so surprised,” Sue recalls. This unexpected event sparked the beginning of Jim’s career in journalism. Over the years, Sue and Jim formed a strong bond as they grew older. She explained, “We really respected each other and I remember telling him how much I thought about him and the work he did with helping so many people. And he said, ‘well, I always think that about you... We were really lucky.’” Florida Tennis readers will always remember Jim Martz. But Sue Schmidt provides a different lens into Jim’s life. He was a man of faith and a devoted brother. His life’s work extended far beyond Florida’s tennis courts and into the hearts of those he touched through his writing, his mentoring, his faith, and the profound difference he made in our community.
Remembering My Friend, Jim By Cameron Mofid
While I was achieving, and even surpassing many of my professional goals, my personal life was a mess. I moved from San Diego to Naples in part because of tennis, but primarily because of my deteriorating mental health. I struggle with Obsessive Compulsive Disorder, which causes an individual’s unwanted thoughts, or obsessions, to lead to repetitive behaviors, or compulsions, to a degree where the individual is significantly impaired. As my OCD spun out of control, my mother agreed that sending me to a tennis academy across the country would potentially help improve my mental state. While my mental health did eventually improve, my OCD drove me to break all contact with my friends and family in California after I arrived in Florida. Jim and Adam didn’t know this at the time, but they were the closest thing I had to family. A few months before I was to start my freshman year at the University of Miami, I decided to take a gap year to pursue my nonprofit, which would soon become a partner of the Nick Kyrgios Foundation, and to continue interning for Florida Tennis. I remember how scared I was in the days and weeks after making my decision to put college on hold. In early June 2018, I moved out of the dorms from my tennis academy in Naples. I found a cheap room on Airbnb in Broward County. For a month, I lived in the in the back room of a man’s house in a not-so-nice neighborhood in Fort Lauderdale. One day, after playing some tennis together, Adam dropped me off at my Airbnb. He wasn’t very comfortable with me staying there, and offered for me to stay with him and his wife before I left on my next trip. He also generously allowed me to use his storage facility for my personal items and for the memorabilia that my nonprofit collected. I left to the the Hall of Fame Open in Newport in mid July. There was a surgery that I had planned to get upon my return from the Northeast. I wanted to fix a breathing problem in my nose, which would require me being cared for during the weeks after the procedure. As I said, Jim and Adam were two of the closest people in my life, and so naturally, they were the ones that I first thought of reaching out to. Given that Adam is a full-time mediator, it made sense for me to stay with Jim. Our friendship spanned far beyond our roles at Florida Tennis.
On the day of my surgery, Jim and I woke up early in the morning and drove from Pembroke Pines to South Miami, as I was the first operation on the surgeon’s schedule. When we arrived, the staff was thrilled to meet the great Jim Martz. It turns out that they had been reading his articles for decades, back when he was writing at the Miami Herald. This wasn’t a surprise to me, as Jim’s articles were read for decades by people all over South Florida, and often all over the world. For the weeks after my surgery, Jim drove me back and fourth for my follow up appointments, helped me ice my wounds, and even changed my bandages. We’d sit in his living room and watch
hours of Tennis Channel. I watched as he assembled an edition of Florida Tennis, which was an extremely complicated multi-step process that could be compared to that of a difficult puzzle. Every morning, I’d watch Jim, who was then in his mid-70s, workout on his patio with a series of dynamic exercises. We shared stories. We’d go for lunch together. On one particularly memorable afternoon, we took the late Bobby Curtis out for ice cream on his birthday. Lots of laughs were shared that day. The following month, Jim helped me find and move into an apartment in Boca Raton. In early February, I had never heard of the name Jim Martz. Just a few months later, I was living with him. I learned a lot from Jim, and I’d like to think that he learned a lot from me too. Looking back, Jim, Adam, and I shared a unique friendship, and it’s something that I’ll cherish for the rest of my life. A student in his adolescence, a mediator in his 50s, and a publisher in his 70s. We were generations apart. It turns out that age really is often just a number. Our bond is proof of that. I started at the University of Miami a year later. I stayed active with Florida Tennis, continuing to update the website and publishing the magazine online. Mental health awareness became a passion of mine, and Jim gave me the opportunity to launch a series in the magazine. We called it “Love All: Inspiring Mental Health Through Tennis,” where we published memoirs from the tennis community about their experience with mental health. Shortly after World Mental Health Day in 2021, I published my mental health memoir in the magazine. It meant the world to me to share something so personal in a magazine that had been such a major part of my life. Earlier this year, at the Miami Open, I was lucky to run into Matt Pressman, the now publisher and executive editor of Florida Tennis. Jim called me a few months ago to talk about the details of the sale of the magazine, and what he had planned for the next chapter of his life. He was thrilled that the magazine was in good hands and for the book projects he had on the horizon. That man never wanted to stop writing. Writing lit his soul on fire, and he wanted to keep the flame alive until the very end. I didn’t know that call would be the last time I spoke to him. A few hours after Jim’s passing, Adam called me. I didn’t immediately process the news. It wasn’t until I woke up in the middle of the night, that it hit me. My long time friend and mentor Jim Martz was no longer with us. I started crying. Reflecting on our many memories, I sent Jim’s phone a text, thanking him for all that he did for me and those around him. I wish that I could look him in the eyes and give him the same firm handshake that he gave me the day we first met. It’s only now that I realize the scope of how much Jim did for me, and how lucky I was to have such a loving friend and mentor. He treated me like family in every sense of the word. When I met Jim, I was a depressed 17-year-old. Now, I’m 23. I graduated as valedictorian from my MBA class from the University of Miami. I’ve given a TEDx Talk and been featured on The Today Show. I’ve been to over 150 countries on my mission to visit every country in the world. All of those accomplishments are in part a result of the love and kindness that Jim showed me at a time when I needed it the most. Jim, thanks for all the kindness, stories, and memories. Thanks for looking out for me when it felt like no one else was. I’ll miss you so much. In fact, I already do. Rest in peace my dear friend. Love, Cameron
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I’ll never forget the day that I became part of the Florida Tennis family. I was an intern in the credentials office during the 2018 Delray Beach Open. Adam Ross, a contributing writer and long-time friend of Florida Tennis, walked into the office to pickup his credential. We struck up a conversation. Adam told me a bit about the magazine, and I told him a bit about my background and internship at the tournament. In the first few minutes of our conversation, it was clear to the both of us that we had a shared love of tennis, and could potentially work together in some way. Adam explained to me that Florida Tennis was looking for a tech-savvy intern to bring the magazine into the 21st century. He asked me to meet a man by the name of Jim Martz. I remember the first time I met Jim. Adam introduced us by the USTA booth next to the courts at the tournament. Jim, as he often was throughout the years that I knew him, was holding some copies of Florida Tennis in his hands. He looked at me in the eyes and gave me a nice firm handshake, which was something I wasn’t used to as a then 17 year old. Our first encounter was brief, but we arranged another meeting to talk more in depth about the magazine and how I could help. During our second meeting, Jim told me that he wanted to start an Instagram for the magazine. My response was that he’d need a new phone, given that he was one of the few people I’d met in that decade that still used a flip phone. To this day, I have no idea how he ran such a successful operation with that damn flip phone and the landline at his home. Jim promised he’d get an iPhone, and I told him that when my internship was over in Delray Beach, I’d develop a website for the magazine and start writing some articles as well. After returning to Naples, where I was a senior at the Academia Sánchez-Casal, I spent weeks running the newly-formed Instagram, writing some fun articles, and revitalizing a website that looked like it was from pre-historic times. Often, my school tasks were put aside, not because I didn’t want to do them, but because I was so enthralled with my work at Florida Tennis. Jim and I would spend hours on the phone with each other. Quickly, we formed a friendship that grew beyond our fanatical love of tennis. I never once considered him my boss. He was my mentor and one of my best friends. By the time I started my internship in the media office at the Miami Open, Jim had his brand new iPhone, and it was there that I showed him how to start posting on Instagram, along with some other important knowledge that came with having a smart phone. We had some great talks while I was on break during my internship, and Jim made every effort he could to introduce me to as many writers as possible. Jim was loved by everyone in that media office. He had this naive, midwestern charm to him that made it virtually impossible not to like him. In the six years that I knew him, I can’t recall anyone saying anything negative about him, or Jim saying a single negative word about anyone else. That’s just the type of person he was. In a world that’s grown increasingly devoid of empathy and kindness, I now recognize how rare that was. After the Miami Open, Jim arranged a writing opportunity for me at some of the spring ATP tournaments in Europe. He and Adam also helped me promote Legends United, a platform that I founded to raise money for a variety of charities through tennis memorabilia. We had made great progress with Florida Tennis. The Instagram was steadily growing its following, and the website and blog were functioning well.
Recollections of My Friend and Mentor, Jim Martz
By Adam Ross
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floridatennis.com
It is very hard to put into words what Jim Martz meant to me. I met him about 15 years ago but we became closest over the past 4 years. Upon reflection, that coincides with the passing of my father. I had a very close relationship with my father. We spoke every day. As I continue to process Jim’s passing I realize that after my father passed away, I would speak with Jim pretty much every day. Very often I would call him after work, invariably around dinner time, and our conversation would begin in a pretty ordinary way. Hey Jim, what are you having for dinner? The answer was never chicken or turkey or fish. He kept himself on a strict and healthy diet. Very often the answer was a veggie burger. Jim was a leading expert on tennis in Florida and on the Miami Hurricanes. He may also have been the worlds’ foremost authority on veggie burgers. I found myself ordering them when we covered the Miami Open and had lunch together. Jim was an extraordinarily slow eater. He knew it is was healthier to eat slowly but he also saw meals as a chance to talk and to indulge his curious nature. He was a journalist and possessed what seemed to be a never ending curiosity. Each meal was peppered with questions from Jim. He was just so interested in others. I would try to turn the tables to learn from him as much as possible. I love tennis and I love the Canes. How lucky to be able to ask him questions about these subjects amongst others. Many Florida Tennis readers are familiar with the late, great Florida legend, Bobby Curtis. Bobby was all about paying it forward, like Jim, and spent his life helping junior tennis players and those in need. Jim was incredibly close with Bobby and I became close to Bobby as well and we enjoyed going out to lunch with Bobby at Jack’s Hollywood Diner which was located very close to where Bobby lived, Buckingham Place, not to be confused with the palace. Bobby was rail thin and could eat a ton and never put on a pound. He was also one of the fastest eaters on the planet. Jim would be starting on his salad while Bobby was finishing his hamburger and ready for dessert. You could actually see Bobby getting concerned as he finished his pie and Jim was just starting on his veggie burger. Dinner was served at Buckingham Place at 5PM and being late for that next meal was simply not an option. Listening to Bobby and Jim talk was a history lesson covering all topics and I learned a lot from those meals and enjoyed them very much. One of Jim’s favorite spots was the iconic Jaxson’s Ice Cream, his happy place, and Jim enjoyed a milkshake from Doc’s when he was covering the Delray Beach Open. He loved his popcorn when he watched Rachel Maddow on MSNBC. If you discussed politics with Jim, a subject that he would not discuss at Martz family reunions in Ohio, you would know that he was a liberal. He was a just and decent person and believed in fundamental freedoms for all.
My fondest memories of Jim are my talks with him, whether over the phone or breaking bread with him, or when he was showing me the ropes at the Delray Beach Open or the Miami Open. He talked lovingly of his family, especially his sister, Pastor Sue Schmidt. I have met her and spent time with her since Jim’s passing and she is just exactly what one would expect, a kind and thoughtful person, just like Jim. I hope Sue is prepared for me to call her every day. Jim shared many warm stories with me about his family. He was so very proud of them and they loved him very much. He particularly enjoyed spending Christmas with the family and the reunions. Jim spent 31 years focusing on his other love, Florida Tennis magazine. We discussed many times what would happen to Jim’s “baby” when he was no longer the publisher of the magazine. One year ago, a wonderful individual, Matt Pressman, approached Jim about purchasing the magazine and the rest was history. Matt bought Florida Tennis and Jim stayed on as the editor and served as Matt’s mentor. More importantly, Matt became a trusted friend and confidante and has helped to navigate Jim’s passing. There are so many more things I would like to share but I will conclude with a few more thoughts. Jim was in great health in the last year of his life. He walked every day, did yoga, and stayed remarkably active. He truly enjoyed the last year of his life. He was writing prolifically for Florida Tennis and CaneSport, working on books, and he enjoyed covering Canes games. He attended the Delray Beach Open, the Miami Open, the Little Mo, the Junior Orange Bowl, the Orange Bowl, the Billie Jean King Cup, the ATA Awards and the US Open. He was seemingly everywhere all the time. It was great to see Chrissie Evert give Jim a warm hug and Billie Jean King and Martina Navratilova casually chat with Jim at these events. Watching Jim interact with other great tennis journalists was also memorable. He also spent tremendous quality time with his family. He enjoyed meals and holiday dinners with friends and family and his “little brothers” from the Big Brothers program. Unfortunately, he was taken from all of us much too soon when he suffered a stroke during a recent hospital stay. Jim did not suffer. He spent his final moments with his sister. I will miss Jim every day as will his family and friends and all those that he mentored throughout his life. Jim will live on in our hearts and through his journalistic contributions, but mostly through the lives he touched and improved. Thank you to all of the Florida Tennis family for the outpouring of love and support and to those of you throughout the tennis world and beyond that continue to celebrate the wonderful life of the legendary Jim Martz. If the measure of a person is how they positively impacted others, Jim was a giant.
Top Photo: Jim Martz and Adam Ross Right Photo: Jim Martz, Adam Ross, and Bobby Curtis Left Photo: Jim Martz and Bobby Curtis
2024 USTA Florida Section News PRESIDENT’S MESSAGE
HOW A SHARED PASSION IS DIFFERENT FOR EVERYONE By: Phil Girardi The first year of my term as president saw a lot of work being done by the volunteers and the staff here at USTA Florida. I cannot say enough about my team and the team leaders of this organization. Together, we have made great strides in the areas of coaching, infrastructure, advocacy, and working on how our volunteer structure needs to evolve with the current times. If I had a dollar for every time the word “advocacy” was said, I could retire. I want to share something that I’ve learned this first year. I’ve seen it throughout my tennis and volunteer career, but it didn’t hit home until recently. The game of tennis is fundamentally the same for all of us but how we SEE tennis is unique to everyone. Players, coaches, providers and volunteers of all levels see tennis differently. For myself, tennis started as being an outlet to get exercise, blow some steam off, and compete. It then took on another meaning when I started teaching and coaching. I now make my living with tennis and feel I can help change lives by taking people through the process. I also try my best to help other players by volunteering. That’s how I see tennis through my eyes. In a competitive player’s eyes, their needs are far different than a social player’s. Their needs are centered on finding the right playing opportunities; tournaments and practice matches that fit their needs and schedules. Not only do they need to play, but they need to train. Decisions on coaching are being made constantly, not only by the player, but also sometimes by the parents. One of the biggest challenges for these players is how to balance tennis with school, family, and their social life. Courts are needed to hold the events along with tournament directors, league coordinators, captains, and officials to run the competition. Casual or social players have a lot of the same needs, they just see things differently. These players want to know if they can find the courts needed to play. Playing is more of a fun competition that’s done for exercise, fresh air, friendship, and their health. Coaches are still needed to learn skills and to keep their players healthy and safe. A lot of times volunteers step up to keep play organized and engaging. What is tennis like through YOUR eyes? What are your needs in tennis and are they being met?
JANUARY-FEBRUARY At USTA Florida three key areas in our strategic plan are Tennis Management, Coaching, and Volunteer Structure. These are areas that all of us need no matter what eyes we see tennis through. I am happy to say that we’ve made progress in all areas this year. The facilities management team made strides in understanding the needs of public tennis facilities and working on keeping tennis infrastructure USTA Florida President, that can support our Phil Girardi players. In coaching, we have trained over 200 grassroots coaches, we are also working closely with our partners PTR and USPTA Florida in replenishing and developing our coaching structure. Finally, on the Volunteer Structure side we are set to start rolling out a new program with a huge emphasis on advocacy (yes, I said it again) in 2024. There is even more to come. I will spend my second and last year as president working hard with the volunteers and staff to make the Florida Section the best it can be. I challenge you all to do your best in tennis, have fun and be nice to each other. Especially those who see tennis differently than you.
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If you have any questions about the content from USTA Florida in this magazine, please contact the Marketing Director, Amy Barnhart (barnhart@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.
75TH ANNIVERSARY:
USTA Florida Reveals Yearlong Celebration
Established in 1949, USTA Florida celebrates 75 years as an organization in 2024. USTA Florida is thrilled to announce details on how the Florida tennis community can celebrate the building blocks of the sport in the state, the progress that has been made up until today, and the great strides the community can make in the future to continue to build upon the Section’s impressive legacy. “The 75th anniversary celebration is a time for us all to get together to commemorate the great history of this organization,” said Phil Girardi, USTA Florida Board President. “This isn’t just a celebration about our past, but looking forward to the next 75 years.” USTA Florida recognizes that there are many locations where tennis has thrived over the past 75 years. To honor those locations and the countless number of them around the state, the organization has compiled a list of iconic tennis parks, locations, and venues across the state that have been crucial in growing Florida tennis. “As a section, we need to remember who we are, where we came from, and
honor our past,” Girardi added. These locations are viewable virtually or visitors can traverse the state and stop by each location along the Florida Tennis Trail, gathering insight into the sport’s rich influence on the state at each stop. If a location is missing on the list that has impacted the tennis community in a positive way, those can be submitted for addition to the Trail. By filling out this form, all submissions have a chance to be added to the historic tennis trail map. To add to the year of celebration, USTA Florida will be holding in-person events to honor a few of the Florida Tennis Trail locations that have been vital to the success of grassroots tennis in the state. More details on those events will come in 2024. To bring the party to everyone across the state, providers and organizers can receive and utilize USTA Florida’s 75th Anniversary Event Kit. The Event Kit includes: Mesh Fence Banner, Event Towel, Stickers, Voucher for USTA Florida Swag, Florida Tennis Trail poster, USTA Florida Partner information and special offers. Virtual tools such as Celebration Event Ideas, Save the Date Templates, Press Release Templates, Marketing Best Practices, Celebration Spotify Playlist, and more. Event Kits will be available for up to 500 organizations. Interested in hosting a 75th Anniversary Celebration event? Sign up now to receive an Event Kit. Public
Parks/Municipalities, Schools (Elementary through College), private tennis clubs/ resorts, and non-for-profit organizations such as NJTLs, are eligible to sign up to receive these Event Kits as of today. The first boxes will be shipped in 2024. USTA Florida is also hosting four separate major in-person celebrations across the state and throughout the year. Those events will be hosted in Jacksonville, Miami, Orlando, and Tallahassee with the dates to come in 2024. “From our providers to our players to our volunteers, the people are what make Florida tennis so special, so vibrant, so amazing. We want to share in the celebration with all of you.” said Laura Bowen, USTA Florida Executive Director. An online store has been set up to purchase special edition merchandise for the Florida tennis community to represent the impact of Florida tennis and honor the 75th anniversary. Purchase t-shirts, polos, hats, backpacks, and much more, all branded with the special edition 75th logo. “We should celebrate 75 years to honor those leaders of the past, to celebrate the staff and volunteers that we have now, and to encourage those to have a heart for service to be with us in the future,” said Dana Andrews, former USTA Florida Board President and current Delegate. This is more than just a celebration of the history of USTA Florida and the community, it’s all about advocacy for the sport in the state. The organization is determined to fuel the future of Florida tennis through each component of this celebration. To help make a change in the future of tennis, the USTA Florida Foundation is launching “$75K for 75 years of Florida Tennis” campaign, beginning on January 1, 2024. Every donation will help make the next 75 years even better. For more information, visit ustafloridafoundation.com. Stay updated on everything related to the 75th Anniversary of Florida tennis by subscribing to the exclusive newsletter. The organization will be sending updates for the in-person celebrations, historic recognition events, and more. Also, visit the 75th Anniversary hub, which will feature any updates (ustaflorida.com/75th-anniversary).
YEAR IN REVIEW:
Tennis Serves All As we bid farewell to 2023, it’s time to reflect on the remarkable strides made by USTA Florida, a year defined by inclusivity, innovation, and commitment to the community. From empowering women in tennis across the state to embracing innovation for the sport, the organization has is proud of the progress tennis in Florida has seen in the last year. Let’s dive into the highlights that have shaped this extraordinary year.
EMPOWERING WOMEN IN TENNIS: FOUR ALL-GIRLS TENNIS CAMPS, RESEARCH, & BEYOND
All Women Training
USTA Florida is dedicated to empowering Women in Tennis. Throughout the year, the organization hosted four All-Girls Tennis Camps, creating a supportive environment for female players to hone their skills. These camps not only created a sense of sisterhood but also laid the foundation for a more inclusive and diverse tennis community. Across the four camps, there were a total of 131 girls participating in the camps, ranging from 6 to 18 years old, and of all skill levels. They took place at Delray Beach, during the Billie Jean King Qualifier, at the University of North Florida, IMG Academy, and the USTA National Campus.
Furthermore, USTA Florida collaborated with Clarity Writing and Research to dive into the present landscape of women and girls in tennis. The objective was to explore methods through which USTA Florida’s Women in Tennis initiative could propel gender equity in the sport. Clarity conducted contextual research, examined existing data from both internal and external sources, and assembled a collection of best practices and promising approaches for advancing equity. “Women represent roughly 51 percent of the Florida population. In 2022 they accounted for 39 percent of its tennis players, a decrease from 41 percent in 2020,”
the report said. “The USTA Florida Women in Tennis initiative’s mission is to increase women and girls’ participation as players, coaches, and industry leaders in Florida tennis. Their vision is to advance gender equity in tennis by being a model DEI organization that builds women and girls’ skill and will to participate in tennis and creates opportunities for them to participate in all roles in the tennis ecosystem.” USTA Florida’s Women Speaker training, All-Women Coaching Trainings, and the all-girls camps have made a significant impact in 2023. Growth is happening in the right direction, and the organization is thrilled to see that trend continue in 2024.
INNOVATIVE TECH ON THE COURTS: USTA FLORIDA’S EXCITING PARTNERSHIP WITH SWINGVISION
All Girls Camp
Embracing the future of tennis, USTA Florida signed a groundbreaking partnership with SwingVision, bringing cutting-edge technology to the courts. This collaboration will not only elevate the playing experience, but also shows USTA Florida’s commitment to innovation in the tennis world. SwingVision uses artificial intelligence to analyze your video in real-time on just a single smartphone. Built by A.I. experts from Tesla and Apple and backed by investors Andy Roddick and James Blake, SwingVision is a great way to track, review and improve your game. This technology will allow you to track your shot placement & ball speed, watch a 2-hour match in 30 minutes, create highlights of your best points, and even challenge line calls with an Apple watch, just like the pros! Head of Pro Player Relations at SwingVision, George Opelka, is ecstatic to partner with the section and help spur innovation
in the way players and coaches can improve their tennis game. “Tennis is ready for innovation, and we need to modernize in order to grow the sport,” he said. “SwingVision works with matches, drills, and even hitting targets with the ball machine. When you’re done – Swingvision makes it easy to cast and watch your session on your TV and even share the condensed match with your coach!” USTA Florida members can get a special discount on the SwingVision Pro Yearly & SwingStick bundle that includes unlimited shot tracking, video analysis & cloud storage for life! With every purchase, SwingVision will make a donation to the USTA Florida Foundation.
WHEELCHAIR PLAY EXPANSION: USTA FLORIDA JOINS FORCES WITH BROOKS REHAB AND LOVE TO ROLL To help create more inclusivity in the sport, USTA Florida joined hands with Brooks Rehab, launched its Love to Roll program, and more to expand wheelchair tennis opportunities. During National Tennis month, USTA Florida’s community department hosted its first ever Tennis For All day, with Brooks Rehab. There over 30 athletes, all of varied physical and cognitive disabilities, were introduced to the game of tennis. USTA Florida plans to host more Tennis For All events at Brooks Rehab facility locations around the state in 2024. USTA Florida has hosted a handful of Love to Roll classes, teaching people the basics of wheelchair tennis from volleying to serving. Additionally, USTA Florida hosted the Roller Classic in December, seeing
more than 15 wheelchair tennis players coming out for a day of competitive fun. The collaboration with Brooks Rehab and USTA Florida’s continued drive to grow wheelchair tennis goes beyond the boundaries of the tennis court. The organization is determined to break down barriers for wheelchair players and create a platform for them to showcase their talent. USTA Florida also launched a brandnew Community Coach Wheelchair training in 2023. Lori Burdell, the project team lead started to bring wheelchairs to the other Community Coach trainings, and it quickly became a hot topic. “Participants were more excited about getting in a chair and trying to hit a ball. I noticed that once they got in the chair across the board, everyone said how humbling the experience was to play tennis in a wheelchair,” Burdell said. The program has hosted six specific wheelchair trainings, with over 45 participants learning the fundamentals of wheelchair tennis and drills to improve players’ skills when they are coaching them.
LOVE TO COMPETE: OPENING DOORS FOR NEW ADULT PLAYERS In a bid to encourage more adults to embrace the thrill of tennis, USTA Florida introduced the Love to Compete program. This program aims to provide entry-level tournament opportunities for new adult players, fostering a sense of accomplishment and camaraderie on the court. Love to Compete serves as a bridge, inviting players to take their love for tennis to the next level. By creating a supportive environment for entry-level tournaments,
Wheelchair Tennis
USTA Florida is not only improving the playing experience but also strengthening the tennis community by welcoming newcomers with open arms.
AMPLIFY PLAN EXPANSION: ENGAGING HBCUS, COACHES, AND COMMUNITY PARTNERS In 2023, USTA Florida amplified its efforts to engage with Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs), coaches, and new community partners through an expanded AMPLIFY plan. Amplify is USTA Florida’s long-term initiative to engage and amplify Black voices throughout the Florida tennis community. Through open discussion and outreach, this initiative seeks to advance racial equality in tennis. The expanded AMPLIFY plan reflects USTA Florida’s commitment to creating a more equitable and accessible tennis environment. In a commitment to push technology and to support HBCUs, USTA Florida sponsored Edward Waters University, in Jacksonville, giving the brand-new tennis program access to SwingVision. All in all, USTA Florida’s 2023 journey has been marked by a commitment to inclusivity, innovation, and community engagement. From empowering women and expanding wheelchair play to embracing technological advancements and fostering a love for competition, USTA Florida’s impact on the tennis landscape goes beyond the court. As we look forward to the coming year, the organization’s unwavering dedication to the sport promises even greater strides and exciting possibilities for tennis enthusiasts across Florida.
YEAR IN REVIEW:
It Takes a Community It’s time to reflect on the Florida tennis community and the achievements of our numerous volunteers. From an expanded volunteer structure and advocacy initiatives to local awards and volunteer recognition, USTA Florida is grateful for everyone who dedicates their time to help grow grassroots tennis. The organization’s success rests on the integrated efforts of volunteers, staff, providers, and all individuals within our ecosystem.
EXPANDED VOLUNTEER STRUCTURE: A THREEFOLD APPROACH One of the cornerstones of USTA Florida’s success throughout its history lies in its volunteers. Without the help of countless volunteers across the state, Florida tennis wouldn’t be what it has become. As we move into 2024, the organization is happy to reveal an expansion of its volunteer structure. USTA Florida identified three pivotal pillars: Leadership, Growth, and Intro to Volunteering, to strengthen and diversify the volunteer community. Under the Leadership pillar, USTA Florida will lean on the Section and Foundation boards, committees, and advisory teams. This pillar is focused on having these volunteer leaders working together to identify opportunities and listen to the volunteers. The next pillar, growth, revolves around the Leadership Academy, Volunteer Development, Recruitment, Engagement, and Regional Advocacy. Here, USTA Florida is committed to creating the next generation of volunteers. Guiding them through programs like the Leadership academy, helping volunteers establish goals, and advocating for the sport across the states. Finally, the intro pillar will focus on our already existing local volunteers and Volunteer Aces. While expanding the volunteer pool is important, it is also essential that current volunteers continue to thrive in the environment. USTA Florida is committed to making
every volunteer feel empowered and encouraged to continue giving back to the sport. This threefold approach will ensure that volunteers can contribute in ways that align with their interests and expertise. USTA Florida’s commitment to a diverse
and inclusive volunteer structure will be vital going into 2024 and beyond.
ADVOCACY PROGRAM: A POWERFUL VOICE FOR TENNIS ENTHUSIASTS In 2023, USTA Florida continued to solidify its commitment to advocacy with the introduction of a comprehensive Advocacy Program. A brand-new, fourphase, Advocacy Program was launched earlier in 2023, and will be carried out through 2024. The first
LOCAL AWARD WINNERS Brock Sakey
David Ensignia
three phases saw a research team come together to study other organizations to gather best practice and learnings. This work was reviewed by and incorporated into the larger Volunteer System and Structure Project. Then, six Volunteer Advocacy Professionals were asked to participate in a Program Development Project to develop roles, confirm core issues and messages, and develop regional advocacy plans. Finally, the last step is to introduce and implement the program, which is coming in 2024. In 2023, USTA Florida emerged as a leading advocate for all tennis-related causes, and that passion is set to continue throughout 2024.
LOCAL AWARD WINNERS: CELEBRATING EXCELLENCE IN VOLUNTEERISM Throughout 2023, USTA Florida recognized shining stars in the community for Summer/Fall and Winter/Spring Local Awards. Local Award Winners were recognized for their exemplary contributions and dedication to the sport in their communities, whether it be in leadership, community engagement, and much more. Awards were given for the following: Champion of Tennis, Jimmy Gnatt Memorial, Exceptional Player, and Outstanding Tournament Director. Champion of Tennis Central Winner – George Henry, Palm Coast Tennis Center Champion of Tennis Southeast Winner –
Kara Borromeo, Coral Reef Park Champion of Tennis North & Outstanding Tournament Director Winner – Brock Sakey, Roger Scott Tennis Center Champion of Tennis Southwest Winner – Alex Bogdanovic, Westchase Swim & Tennis Center Jimmy Gnatt Memorial North Winner – John Ambersley, Roger Scott Tennis Center Exceptional Player Winner – Andrew and Thomas Lake, Davie, Fla. Exceptional Player Winner – Connor Molina, Fort Myers, Fla. Exceptional Player Winner – Jan Negron, Orlando, Fla. Exceptional Player Winner – Betty Wachob, Panama City, Fla. Outstanding Tournament Director Winner – David Ensignia, Continental Tennis Center Outstanding Tournament Director Winner – Alejandro Perez, Lake Cane Tennis Center Outstanding Tournament Director Winner – Paula Scheb, Bonita Bay Club Through an expanded volunteer structure, advocacy initiatives, volunteer and local award recognition, USTA Florida has built a thriving tennis community. As we look back at 2023 and to the coming year, the organization remains devoted in its commitment to celebrating the contributions of its volunteers, ensuring that the spirit of tennis continues to flourish on and off the courts.
Connor Molina
DELRAY BEACH OPEN PREVIEW
Great tennis and a good time are what fans have come to expect at the Delray Beach Open, and there will be even more at the 32nd installment of the award winning tournament next Feb. 9-18, 2024. The ATP 250 tournament will feature the top two Americans who are also ranked among the world’s Top 15 pro players. The ATP Champions Tour will showcase fan-favorite legends, and attendees will find an elevated experience with an additional 21,000 square feet of hospitality space that allows for more seating in off-court areas, more VIP events and more food options. On the court, reigning Delray Beach Open champion and world Top 10 player Taylor Fritz will return to defend his 2023 title. South Florida resident Tommy Paul, ranked among the world’s Top 15, will be there to challenge him. After becoming the first player ranked in the world’s Top 10 to win the Delray Beach Open, Fritz moved up to No. 5 in the world. He has since won another title, reached five semifinals and made the US Open quarterfinals. This year, Paul reached the Australian Open semifinals, two finals and notched a win over No. 1 Carlos Alcaraz. Fritz is scheduled to play February 14th at 8pm. Meanwhile, Paul is scheduled to play February 15th at 8pm. The 10-day combined event will begin with an ATP Legends event opening weekend Feb. 9-11 featuring Bob and Mike Bryan, the most successful doubles team in the history of the sport. Joining them will be 2006 Delray Beach Open champion Tommy Haas, who reached the No. 2 world ranking. Singles and doubles main draw action for the ATP 250 event starts Monday, Feb. 12 and concludes with the finals on Sunday, Feb. 18. More information on the schedule and players has been released as well. A few others at the ATP Legends event are confirmed including the Jensen Brothers, Sam Querrey, Jesse Levine, and Ivo Karlovic. More announcements are coming soon, and the full field will be announced shortly. While Veranda series tickets have already sold out, a variety of other series packages are still available including on-court “Best Seats in the House” (limited quantity), courtside box seats and reserved seats. Week-long series packages start at $750 and include parking and exclusive amenities, making them one of the best deals around. Finals Weekender tickets for the last five sessions start at $350, and tickets can be shared with clients and family throughout the week. Single session tickets are on sale, as well. The tournament boasts something for everyone, like USTA Florida Kids Day, Pride Night, Senior Day specials and group discounts, to name a few. Visit the new-look website at DelrayBeachOpen.com or call 561-330-6000 for information on tickets, parties, special events and group rates.
Mark your calendar
What’s new?
Womens Tennis Challange: On Saturday, Feb. 10, former Wimbledon finalist and world No. 5 Eugenie Bouchard (Canada) and reigning junior Wimbledon champion Clervie Ngounoue (USA) will face off. Special Events: In addition to the popular Ladies Day Luncheons, Game, Set, Pour, and Tacos, Tequila & Tennis events that sell out every year, the tournament has added Burgers, Bourbon and Brew and Championship Weekend Brunches to its extensive list of on-site 2024 special events. Both are expected to sell out early. Expanded Hospitality Area with More Seating: With an additional 21,000 square feet of hospitality space onsite, the 2024 Delray Beach Open will offer guests more space to walk around, hang out and sit down to enjoy the tournament’s tasty offerings while watching a live feed of the action on oversized LED video screens. Expanded Food and Beverage Offerings: In addition to the usual fan favorites, Guaca Go, Proper Ice Cream, That’s Amore Pizza, Subculture Coffee, and Mark’s Bistro, new for 2024 are: A Kitchen Empanadas, Healthy Happy Truck (smoothies and more), and The Knosh, featuring big mouth sandwiches deli style. The tournament will also have a new look Wine & Bubbly Lounge for guests. The ‘24 Stoli Slice: The official beverage of the 2024 Delray Beach Open will have a new look and taste this year! The ’24 Stoli Slice features Stoli vodka, delicious strawberry lemonade, and a splash of club soda. Hydration Station: The tournament will feature a water hydration station provided by the Delray Beach Open’s Official Hydration Partner, waterdrop®. Fans can bring their own reusable water bottle to fill or opt to purchase an official 2024 Delray Beach Open/waterdrop water bottle on site. Upgraded Facilities: Upgraded guest bathrooms and VIP lounge, upscale stadium club seating, and an expanded player’s lounge are just some of the 2024 enhancements to the Delray Beach Open. On Court Innovation: The Delray Beach Open will feature LED signage boards on all four sides of Stadium Court for a better fan experience and on-court entertainment, in addition to newinnovative on-court hydration benches for the players by waterdrop®
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About the inaugural Burgers, Bourbon and Brew on Wednesday, February 14, 2024: Special event held on Valentine’s Evening! Guests can sample the best burgers South Florida has to offer while enjoying beer, wine, and bourbon cocktails from Redwood Empire Whiskey. At the end of the night, attendees will vote for the best burger in town. Tickets include access to the evening’s second round matches at Stadium Court. VIP access opens at 6 p.m. and the event runs from 6:30 to 8 p.m. Tickets range from $95 to $115 per person. About Championship Weekend Brunches on Saturday, Feb. 17 and Sunday, Feb. 18, 2024: Guests will enjoy an upscale brunch complete with an omelet station, waffle iron, charcuterie table, raw bar, caviar, sushi, gourmet salad bar, and more – available both Saturday and Sunday of Championship Weekend from 11 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. Tickets also include bottomless Bloody Mary’s and Mimosas. Guests must have a stadium court ticket to enter the grounds and early registration is encouraged as space is limited. Event tickets are $150pp++ per brunch (+ must purchase a Stadium Court ticket – additional cost), $55pp++ for kids 11 and under.
Photo: Andrew Patron / Delray Beach Open
Photo: Andrew Patron / Delray Beach Open
TOMMY PAUL AT THE DELRAY BEACH OPEN
As the Delray Beach Open draws near, local fans will be pulling for Tommy Paul. The 26-year-old American tennis star resides in Boca Raton and recently committed to play the 2024 Delray Beach Open. For Paul, this isn’t just another tournament; it’s a homecoming. “We’ve literally watched Tommy grow up,” said Delray Beach Open Tournament Director Mark Baron. “We run the USTA Boys Clay Court National Championships, and he won the 16s and 18s in 2013 and 2014. He first played in the ATP 250 qualifying in 2016 ranked No. 249. Fast forward to this year, it will be his fifth time in the main draw and he’s ranked 13th in the world. We are so
Autograph Corner
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Tommy Paul
proud to have played a small role in his journey.” In 2022, Paul reached the semifinal, his best finish, at the Delray Beach Open. Later that year he scored some big wins over world No. 3 Alexander Zverev, world No. 4 Carlos Alcaraz, and Grand Slam winners Rafael Nadal, Stan Wawrinka, and Marin Cilic. At the beginning of 2023, Paul reached his first Grand Slam semifinal at the Australian Open notching another win over former world No. 1 Carlos Alcaraz. By October, Paul had achieved a career high No. 12 world ranking. Only one American player, Taylor Fritz, is currently ranked ahead of him. Fritz also happens to be last year’s Delray Beach Open champion. And he’s back again this year. Fritz and Paul have been friends since their days playing junior tennis. Fritz is currently scheduled to play his first Delray Beach Open match on February 14th at 8pm. Paul is scheduled the following night at 8pm. After Fritz won Indian Wells in 2022, Paul got pumped up about repping the next crop of American tennis hopefuls. “You see Fritz win a Masters 1000, and I think all of us we’re all happy for him, but we’re all like, ‘OK, he did it. We can do that,” he told the New York Times. It turns out Paul is at home playing tennis in Florida. At one point, he was roommates with fellow American player Reilly Opelka in Boca Raton. The two also lived at the USTA National Campus in Orlando training alongside Taylor Fritz and Frances Tiafoe. “It’s great that three of my really close friends all ended up making it to where we’re at now together,” Fritz told Town & Country about their squad. Looking at past champions in Delray Beach reveals something intriguing. Opelka (2020), Tiafoe (2018), and Fritz (2023) have all won the Delray Beach Open... Could Tommy Paul be next?
Tommy Paul was born in New Jersey and raised in North Carolina. He is twenty-six years old and started playing tennis at the age of 7. He trained on clay courts and competed in the juniors against fellow Americans and friends Taylor Fritz, Reilly Opelka and Frances Tiafoe. Paul beat Fritz to win the 2015 French Open boys’ singles title. He turned pro that same year and became known as one of the hardest workers on the ATP Tour. His first ATP tour title was at the Stockholm Open in 2021. In 2022 he defeated #2 Rafa Nadal in the second round of the Rolex Paris Masters. Representing the U.S. in the Davis Cup that same year he prevailed in his match over Nicolas Mejia helping the U.S. to a 4-0 win over Columbia. His breakthrough at a major was reaching the semifinals at the 2023 Australian Open with a win over American Ben Shelton. Paul became the first American male player to reach that milestone since Andy Roddick in 2009. At the 2023 National Bank Open, Paul beat #1 Carlos Alcaraz in the quarterfinals. This was Paul’s second career victory over Alcaraz. Tommy Paul is currently ranked
#13. He has been coached by American Brad Stine since 2020. When not playing tennis, Paul enjoys spending time with his girlfriend, social media influencer, Paige Lorenze, and helping his mother and stepfather on the family farm in South Jersey. Paul’s stock is rising and 2024 promises to be a great year. You can watch him compete in Florida at the 2024 Delray Beach Open which runs from 2/9/24-2/18/24 and the Miami Open from 3/17/24-3/31/24.
Adam Ross is a contributing writer for Florida Tennis and a volunteer for the USTA Florida. He is also the VicePresident of the Tennis Collectors of America/TCA. He welcomes your comments at robinadam@comcast.net. Autograph courtesy of Adam Ross.
Mardy Fish inducted into USTA Florida Hall of Fame and courts named in his honor Courts where pro tennis player Mardy Fish learned the sport were dedicated in his name at Riverside Racquet Complex, a USTA Florida managed facility, in Vero Beach. “USTA Florida is honored to kick off its 75th year anniversary and first in-person Tennis Trail event honoring Mardy Fish with a court dedication at Riverside Park in his hometown of Vero Beach,” said Dana Andrews, USTA Florida Past President. “Mardy has provided several thousands of underserved children in Vero fitness and nutritional programs to help them live healthy and productive lives. In addition, his documentary, Break Point, helped remove the stigma of mental health struggles to not only his local community but the world. As an organization we are humbled to have an opportunity to honor Mardy Fish and
his family in this way,” Andrews added. Fish, a former top 10 pro, Olympic Silver Medalist, and former U.S. Davis Cup Captain, has had a major impact on the Vero Beach community. In 2007, he launched the Mardy Fish Children’s Foundation to provide underserved children with the opportunity to participate in safe fitness, nutritional, and enrichment programs to prepare them for healthy, productive and successful lives. To honor his achievements both on and off the court, Courts 4 and 5 at Riverside Racquet Complex are now dedicated in his name. Fish told the crowd, “This is where I have all of my memories of playing junior tennis.” Over 150 guests attended the event as Fish was also inducted into the USTA Florida Hall of Fame.
DROP SHOTS
Congrats to Credit One Charleston Open! The largest women’s-only tennis tournament in North America on the Hologic WTA Tour was recently named “WTA 500 Tournament of the Year” for the second year in a row. Current player commitments include Jessica Pegula, Ons Jabeur, Maria Sakkari, Madison Keys, and Sloane Stephens. For more information on the Credit One Charleston Open, visit creditonecharlestonopen. com or call 843-856-7900.
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The USPTA recently announced the appointment of Brian Dillman as its new CEO. Dillman will replace John Embree, who announced last April his intention to retire from the USPTA after being at the helm of the association for 11 years. From age 12, Dillman has been involved in tennis. He began as a nationally ranked junior from Texas, played for the University of Illinois and has been a USPTA certified professional since 1990. Dillman previously worked at Wilson Sporting Goods and also served as volunteer on the USTA Chicago Board of Directors and as the Chicago District president. Save the date! The “Little Mo” East Regionals (ages 8-12) will take place April 27-29, 2024 and the “Little Mo” Internationals (ages 8-16) are scheduled for December 6-11, 2024 at the Palm Beach Gardens Tennis Center in Palm Beach Gardens, FL. Register at mcbtennis.com. The One-On-One Doubles Rock N’ Roll Tournament Event, with $4500 in prize money, is headed to Jacksonville, FL to celebrate UNF Athletics
Mardy Fish in front of the USTA Florida signage that will hang on the courts dedicated to his name. Photo: USTA Florida
40th Alumni Anniversary on Saturday, March 23rd. The event day will kick off with a 10:00am Alumni & Friends One-On-One Doubles Prize Money Tournament for both men and women. Learn more at oneononedoubles.com. The much-anticipated new book from legendary tennis coach Rick Macci and Dr. Nivedita Uberoi Jerath “Billion Dollar Mind - A Practical Guide for Mental Strength in the Game of Life” is now available. This game-changing book uncovers the science behind the world’s most dominant tennis players in order to transform your mindset. Macci and Jerath use inspiring stories, neurosciencebacked data, and mental exercises to help you become the best version of yourself. Congratulations to the 2023 winners of the 62nd Annual Junior Orange Bowl International Championships: Girls’ U14 - Jana Kovackova (CZE), Girls’ U12 - Daniel Baranes (ISR), Boys’ U14 - Andrew Johnson (USA), and Boys’ U12 - Jan Junseo (KOR). A new event, RacquetX, will be taking over the Miami Beach Convention Center on March 24-26. The conference and event will be a global first encouraging ideas and collaboration between industry professionals in tennis, pickleball, padel and beyond. RacquetX recently announced the support of the USTA for its debut festival as well. To learn more, visit racquetx.com. More than 350 top players ages 10 to 17 competed in December at DETA International Tour-
naments, a series of six tournaments which help junior players improve their world ranking, presented by David Ensignia Tennis Academy. “The tournaments get players one step closer to their dream of playing professionally or to a spot on a college team,” said founder and namesake David Ensignia. Carla Erskine, esquire, philanthropist, and Miss Florida (2019), also happens to be a proud ambassador of Cruise Control Gear. A competitive USTA junior player, Carla went on to graduate from Villanova University with the company’s cofounder Candice Kolins, having served as the captain of the Division 1 tennis team.
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WHAT CAN WE EXPECT FROM THE 2024 MIAMI OPEN? The 2024 Miami Open presented by Itaú promises to be a vibrant fusion of top-tier tennis and the rich cultural tapestry that Miami is known for. As preparations for the March 17 – 31 event are in full swing, the buzz around the tournament is palpable. With a legacy of reigning champions like 2023’s winners, Petra Kvitova and Daniil Medvedev, the competition is expected to be fierce. The 2023 edition of the Miami Open not only celebrated new champions but also set a new attendance record, with over 387,000 spectators and a staggering 303.6 million global viewers tuning in. James Blake, a ten-time ATP Tour winner, will return as the Tournament Director for the sixth time, with Josh Ripple, SVP of Tennis Events at IMG, overseeing the operations. The organizers are dedicated to creating an immersive experience that goes beyond the tennis court. The Stadium Court within the Hard Rock Stadium is a unique feature, being the only stadium court set within an NFL venue. Its infrastructure saw significant enhancements in 2023, including more green spaces for fans to relax and soak up the atmosphere of Miami. A focus on culinary excellence will continue with an expanded selection of international cuisine. The 2024 event aims to raise the bar even higher, with plans to include offerings from American Social, Fuku Chicken, Julia and Henry’s Bodega, Editor Pizza, Edgewater Grill, and Ella’s Oysters. Adding to the cultural blend is the inclusion of wheelchair tennis, marking the first time a 1000 level tournament on the ATP or WTA has featured such an event. Details are expected to be announced soon, signifying another landmark moment for inclusivity on the tour.
The Miami Open Unites initiative, returning for its fourth year, highlights the tournament’s commitment to social responsibility. This program involves players, staff, and volunteers in various philanthropic activities across MiamiDade County. Music and art will play a significant role in the 2024 Miami Open, with performances by local DJs, world renowned artists, and a closing party concert that promises to be memorable. The tournament will continue to showcase local art, adding to the festival-like ambiance. Celebrity sightings have become a hallmark of the Miami Open, with stars like Jamie Foxx, Jimmy Butler, and Jon Bon Jovi among the visitors in 2023. The upcoming tournament is already generating interest from high-profile figures, reinforcing its status as a marquee event. With ticket prices starting at just $15 for ground passes, the Miami Open is making world-class tennis accessible to a broad audience. The draw is set to begin with the WTA Qualifying rounds on March 17-18 and will continue through to the Main Draws concluding on March 31. As new partnerships form and existing ones renew, the Miami Open is shaping up to be a tournament that will not only display exceptional tennis but also encapsulate the essence of Miami’s lively spirit. Fans can expect a tennis experience like no other, where the sport meets play in a city that thrives on energy and diversity. For more information visit the Miami Open official website and purchase tickets at miamiopen.com.
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What You May See is Different Than RICK MACCI
Rick Macci says
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Leylah Fernandez It’s unfortunate when a lot of people say what happened to that person? Like Emma Raducanu, like Reilly Opelka, and like Leylah Fernandez. They get injured. When you get injured, just like Sofia Kenin a little bitt, then you disappear. People say what happened? Leylah is not going anywhere. I love the compactness in her game. She has the type of game that can hurt you. She takes the ball early, understands the geometry of the court. Cuts the court. She really changed her game as a junior. I love that she takes the ball off the bounce. Now the problem is, you’ve got to have a lot of confidence to play like that. So her game is built on that. As time goes on and she gets back in the mix, she has enough firepower, she can hurt you. She’s not hitting high over the net with topspin off the back foot. So she’s on her way back. She’ll win multiple Grand Slams, I have no doubt. Permanent fixture in the top 10. She’s coming back. But because of injuries you lose confidence, it takes awhile to come back. But there are no holes in her game. It’s just that you lose a little confidence. It will come back. I believe in this young lady. The best is yet to come for Leylah Fernandez.
Aryna Sabalenka First off, I love her game because she has courage. And when you have the Big C and you’re not afraid to hit the ball, that goes a long way with Rick Macci. That’s the way I teach people to play, you know, Venus, Serena, Capriati, Kenin, Pierce, Sharapova. Hit the ball on the rise, clean, attack. I love her game and she’s not afraid to pull the trigger. Now if she’s in a bad mood she might miss, but it doesn’t matter. She takes the ball early, she has firepower. Listen, when you’re number 2 in the world and you start serving underhand, or you’re serving 20 double faults, that doesn’t happen to a pro athlete. It’s like 10 interceptions, like 10 air balls, like shooting a puck over the net 10 times. That just doesn’t happen to that extreme. So for her to come back it shows you her mind is very strong but can also work against her. Definitely going to be one of the best players in the world for a long time. I love her game, and she can hurt you on any surface.
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You know, she’s great for tennis. She doesn’t have the ATP forehand or backhand but she has compact strokes, she hugs the baseline, she understands the geometry of the court like Martina Hingis but with more firepower. She kind of Hingis on steroids a little bit, you know. She takes the ball early, she cuts the court. I love her style of play. I love her focus and mindset. She’s not going anywhere. I think a lot of players can look at her growing up, And that’s kind of the blueprint to stay close to the baseline and you deal the cards because if you’re not dealing the cards your opponent will. And there’s so much firepower out there now. That’s why she’s not going anywhere. She’s going to be a staple for a long time. Her game matches up against anybody on any surface. I think you can hurt her a little more on grass because you can impose power on her. But on clay she’s definitely a wizard.
“
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Iga Swiatek
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Rick Macci Tennis & Fitness Center South County Regional Park 19760 Striker Circle, Boca Raton, FL 33498 Puhan * Rick Macci Tennis Academy * Fila * Gatorade * Palm Beach County Parks & Recreation
LESSON WITH A LEGEND EMILIO SANCHEZ
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By Matt Pressman
On a recent trip to Naples, tennis legend Emilio Sanchez agreed to give me a lesson at his Florida-based academy. Needless to say, I was thrilled to be coached by someone many consider the “godfather” of the Spanish style so popular at tennis academies today all around the globe. Sanchez was an ATP former world doubles No. 1 with five Grand Slam titles. In singles, he was ATP world No. 7, winning 15 titles including the coveted Italian Open. Sanchez had career wins over the likes of Boris Becker, Ivan Lendl, Stefan Edberg, and Mats Wilander. At this stage of his career, however, Sanchez is mostly known for his elite tennis coaching abilities. His tennis academies around the globe have drawn stars like Andy Murray, Grigor Dmitrov, and Maria Sakkari. How could I get on the court with someone like Sanchez? On behalf of Florida Tennis, I was visiting the Emilio Sanchez Academy in Naples. It took place during a trip to the USP College Tennis Showcase and we got a chance to meet. He’s someone I’ve looked up to since I was just a young kid learning the game. Before we hit any balls, Sanchez sat down for an exclusive interview with Florida Tennis. He provided a deep dive into what makes the Spanish style of tennis training so unique. He also described its differences with the American approach. “Spanish players have their own different technical style, but they all move very similarly,” Sanchez remarked. He emphasized the importance of footwork. According to Sanchez, footwork sets the Spanish approach apart, making it more about how players move on court rather than specific shots they play. Reflecting on his professional career, Sanchez recalled a time when American players dominated the top ranks. “In my time when I started to play on the tour, there were 45 American players in the top 100,” he shared, emphasizing the dominance of the American contingent. However, he pointed out that European players, particularly the Spanish, started adopting a heavier emphasis on movement and footwork. “In the 80s and the 90s in Europe, people started to play much more tennis in the clubs, and they started to create academies,” Sanchez explained. This shift paved the way for a new generation of players who moved differently. Sanchez acknowledged the technical prowess of American players but emphasized the Spanish focus on movement as a game-changer. “You see them move on the court, and you’re going to realize that the way they move gives them more opportunities,” Sanchez asserted. This emphasis on movement and footwork not only became a hallmark of the Spanish style but also a key factor in the success of their players. During my particular lesson, Emilio ran tough drills that focused on movement and footwork. Within five minutes I felt like someone punched me in the stomach — I was gasping for air. American players don’t move with the unique patterns Sanchez teaches, and I was out of breath quickly. I had an epiphany: training this way would rapidly improve my fitness and on-court agility.
Off court, Sanchez and his team at the academy are committed to developing players by building the physical and mental pillars necessary for success in professional tennis. “So we build the footwork to be able to build physicality and mental strength too,” he explained. Footwork, according to Sanchez, is intricately connected to the mental side of the game. He stressed that being physically strong allows players to endure long matches. “Footwork is attached to the mental side. If you’re strong physically and can last three hours, you’re mentally stronger automatically,” he asserts. In the competitive world of tennis, where every edge matters, the Spanish approach appears to produce results. The footwork, speed, and stamina of Spanish players is admired around the world. After my lesson with Sanchez, I was a believer. The endurance it takes to adopt this style would surely get results — fast. Sanchez’s academy in Naples offers personalized attention to players, ensuring that they not only develop their skills but also receive the care and support necessary for their journey in the sport. As Sanchez continues to shape the next generation of tennis players in the heart of Florida, his style of training stands out as a testament to the importance of footwork, physicality, and mental resilience in achieving success on the global stage. In a sport where every step matters, the Emilio Sanchez Academy is leaving an indelible mark on the future of tennis.
Photo: Emilio Sanchez Academy
Viktoria Belinsky’s Blueprint for Tennis Greatness
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Viktoria Milvidskaia Belinsky, a former WTA tour professional tennis player and registered WTA tour coach, recently launched Tennis ProWay. This innovative boutique style pro player development program is focused on individualized tailored training of carefully selected young players. Focusing on organizing a team of top professionals around her players just like she did with pro players on tour, Viktoria sets her junior students on a path to become the next generation of tennis professionals. Her coaching philosophy is a direct product of her experiences. “I’ve had the same incredible coaches throughout my professional player career. Same coaches, same method, same input,” she explains. This continuity and consistency in coaching are what she strives to replicate with her own coaching methods nurturing holistic development of a tennis player. Viktoria’s story began in an unlikely setting for a tennis prodigy. “I was the first one in my family to be in sports,” Belinsky recalls. “Tennis was not that popular in the Soviet Union, where I grew up.” Her early initiation into the sport, at six years old, was serendipitous, stemming from her mother’s acquaintance with one of the best coaches in the USSR at the time. This fortuitous beginning set her on a path to an eminent playing and coaching career. Belinsky’s pro career allowed her to win ITF tournaments in singles and doubles, and play all four Grand Slams. Her careerhigh WTA rankings were 168 in singles and 145 in doubles. However, a knee injury unfortunately ended her time on tour. Belinsky worked at the Russian NTV PLUS Tennis Channel, where she had her own program, devoted to the exploration of different coaching philosophies. She had inter-
viewed Nick Bollettieri, Robert Lansdorp, and Carlos Rodrigues among others. “I learned a lot from them and got really inspired to become a professional tennis coach myself,” recalls Viktoria. Having experienced helping her former coaches in Russia to work with younger players including Anna Kournikova after her injury forced Belinsky to retire, Viktoria had a taste of working with young promising talents. She decided to explore the path of being a professional tennis coach by joining the USTA Player Development program in New York, then moving to having her own junior tennis academy in Florida and furthermore becoming a private tennis coach on WTA tour. Throughout her coaching career, Belinsky worked with prominent names in professional tennis, such as Elena Bovina, a former top 20 WTA player, Galina Voskoboeva, a former top 40 WTA player, and Alexei Popyrin, a current top 40 ATP player. Her recent collaboration with Jeļena Ostapenko, French Open Champion and top 10 WTA player, during the Miami Open in 2023, showcases her ability to connect and effectively work with highprofile athletes. Her latest venture, Tennis ProWay, is located at the Lauderdale Tennis Club in Fort Lauderdale, in partnership with Director of Tennis Tangerine Manning. With Tennis Proway, Belinsky brought her comprehensive experience to working with aspiring junior tennis players. She explains, “I don’t want to be traveling on tour anymore and work with one player… I want to start working with a very small group of select junior players and their parents who are willing to learn and commit to moving through that difficult path of professional tennis training,” explains Viktoria,
signaling a shift in focus towards nurturing young talents. “Tennis ProWay is not just about practice and private lessons; it is about creating a friendly competition environment tailored to the personal and professional development of young, aspiring athletes,” explains Belinsky. One significant aspect of her coaching philosophy hinges on the necessity of early development of proper fundamentals. “It is very important to have proper fundamentals from a very early age... It becomes really hard to fix it when they’re 15 or 16,” Belinsky advises, emphasizing the importance of a strong foundation in the formative years of a tennis player. Tennis ProWay, according to the founder Viktoria Belinsky, differs from traditional tennis academies. “The idea is to have a team of high-level professionals working with a small group of players, just like the pro players do,” she says, highlighting the personalized nature of her program. This approach is reflective of her belief in focused, continuous, individualized training, essential to the holistic development of a tennis player. Viktoria Belinsky’s journey from a young tennis prodigy in the Soviet Union to a world class tennis coach is a fascinating journey. Her coaching approach, deeply rooted in her experiences as a professional player and a professional tour coach offers a unique and effective model in the world of professional tennis coaching. With Tennis ProWay, Belinsky is set to influence the next generation of tennis champions. If you’re interested in learning more about Viktoria Belinsky and Tennis ProWay, you can reach out by email at Viktoria@tennisproway.com or via tennis_proway on Instagram.
USP College Tennis Showcase Recap
By Matt Pressman
As the sun beamed down on courts at the Emilio Sanchez Tennis Academy, players from across the globe gathered for a two-day event, the USP College Tennis Showcase, that not only demonstrated their tennis prowess but also provided a unique opportunity to connect with college coaches. Thomas Anderson, President of USP, emphasized the growing need for such an event as junior players look to demonstrate their talent in front of college coaches. “Players and families are recognizing the value of showcasing skills beyond rankings. The team environment adds a new dimension to the experience,” Thomas remarked. Glenn Marshall, coach of the University of Connecticut’s women’s tennis program, is a believer. According to Marshall, “Thomas and his entire staff have created one of the top college tennis exposure showcases in the country. They have built the respect of [so many] colleges and universities who attend every year to recruit top junior tennis players from around the world.” Young high school hopefuls were grouped into teams to mirror the college tennis format. COO of USP Carlos Onate explains, “The team format was a gamechanger for the showcase. It’s now the identity of the event—teams competing and gaining the college experience right here,” explained Carlos. Onate explained that the USP showcase continues to garner attention with
over 100 college coaches involved with the event. Lisa Ryerson, a parent attending with her son Tristan, expressed her admiration for the event. “The team environment is my favorite. It elevates the experience,” she said. Lisa shared how the showcase provides a unique opportunity for faceto-face interactions with college coaches. After the event, Ryerson had campus trips lined up with her son, Tristan, to visit Marquette, St. Joseph’s, and Drexel. Tristan echoed the sentiment of many participants. “Being with the team is the best part. Celebrating, playing together, it’s an overall great experience,” he shared. Lisa Ryerson adds, “It’s the best thing for kids, parents, and coaches. It’s purely awesome.” And, witnessing the smiles on the faces of young players like Tristan as they compete with passion and camaraderie, it’s evident that the USP College Tennis Showcase is a vital chapter in the evolving junior tennis journey. Leaving behind echoes of cheers, the legacy of the USP College Tennis Showcase leaves an impression. It’s a celebration of tennis, a bridge to college opportunities, and a testament to the unwavering spirit of the tennis community.
Private Club, College Share Love of Tennis at Bonita Bay Club/ FGCU Collegiate Open
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By Dave “Koz” Kozlowski
It was certainly a tennis win-win-win situation for college coaches, student-athlete tennis players and club member fans. The Bonita Bay Club located in Bonita Springs is a little esoteric gem in Southwest Florida. Supervised by 30-year Bonita Bay Director of Sports, Paula Scheb, USPTA Master Professional, the award-winning organization has one of the most progressive and active private tennis programs in the country. The membership and its staff along with host school Florida Gulf Coast University knows all the spot-on ingredients for presenting a prize-winning trier one event. Nestled into its 240 acres of pristine landscape are 18 championship Har-Tru tennis courts, including a stadium court and program supporting 25 men’s and women’s league tennis teams with a state-of-the-art PlaySight video analysis. Other amenities include croquet, pickleball and golf available on five world-class courses, including three classic Arthur Hills designed courses and Tom Fazio’s Cypress and Sabal courses all within an Audubon Cooperative Sanctuary setting. Plus there’s a 20,000-square-feet Fitness and Lifestyle center along with its 9,000-square feet resort-style Spa and Salon. The “wow factor” was in non-stop mode as coaches and players from Notre Dame, Purdue, Memphis, Virginia Tech, and Wichita State arrived marveling at all the personal touches. There was an assembly of school banners and signage of each university. With smiling meet-and-greet welcomes, unequivocally the feeling of being embraced was established. The attitude was gratitude, mutual gratefulness, that is. Club members and staff thanked the coaches and their players for coming and staying at their homes. Coaches and players were saying “No, No, thank you so very much for inviting us to come to play and to stay with you at your home.” Yes, that is right. All the players from the eight teams were housed, fed, and entertained by the host families. Dinner and gatherings along with sight-seeing and visits to the beach added to these players’ special weekend encounter. There was always a mutual high energy from the players and from the members as both groups welcomed getting acquainted. The members wanted to pick up the youthful positive outlook of the college student-athletes. The players wanted the priceless experience of the success-secret and the refined and polished conduct that was prevalent in Bonita Bay Club membership. Tennis is a global sport. College tennis is international. There was a warm welcome at the club to further explore today’s young perception of the world. The international players savored their time sharing the backgrounds of their heritage. Eleven-year seasoned Women’s FGCU Head Coach Courtney Vernon has amassed an ASUN conference record of 51-14 along with three conference championship titles. The former number one University of South Florida player was once again eager to have her two seniors, three juniors, one sophomore, three freshmen and one Graduate student experience some clay court college team match play. New FGCU Men’s Head Coach Davidson Kozlowski just joined the Green and Blue Eagles in July. After a Kozlowski 11-year run at Drake University, the Bulldogs reached a D-I school history high ranking of No.16. Now the former number one Florida State University singles player was eager to
guide his one senior and eight freshman squad to new and exciting ventures on and off the court as well in the classroom of life. In general, tennis, except for the US Open, has been a somewhat subdued spectator sport. College tennis is not spectator subdued. College tennis welcomes strong spectator support. Club members got into it wearing the school shirts and caps of the participating teams. The Bonita Bay Club is proud to contribute an FGCU scholarship to the women’s team. Even the scholarship contributors cheered their adopted visiting guest team this weekend. The quality of the play was inspiring. Many of the members and new college tennis fans were saying “these players are as good as pros.” And the members’ perception of several of the college players was not exaggerated. Many have the stroke production look. It is just a matter of more mental strength and self-esteem being acquired in time. Bottom line: The members loved what they were seeing and making new tennis acquaintances.
In this tennis journalist’s evaluation, team tennis can add another dimension to the sport. I was privileged to cover the Centennial Davis Cup with Australia verses United States in 1999 at the Longwood Cricket Club in Boston with all living Davis Cuppers in attendance invited by the USTA, and The 2003 Fed Cup semifinals at the Olympic Stadium in Moscow with France, Belgium, Russian and United States captained by Billie Jean King, along with a double-digits worth of NCAA National Championships. The just mentioned team tennis are as good as it gets. However, in a slightly scaled down rank, The Bonita Bay Club FGCU Collegiate Open was almost as exciting and perhaps even more fun! Six schools and eight teams participated: Purdue, Memphis, Notre Dame, FGCU, Wichita State, and Virginia Tech had men’s teams and Purdue and FCGU also brought women’s teams. Results Women Matches won: Purdue 3, Memphis 2. Men Matches won: Purdue andVirginia Tech tied with 2 matches each, FGCU and Wichita State tied with 1 match each. * Paula Scheb, Bonita Bay Club Director of Sports: We are thrilled to be hosting this event.
Six years ago, when we talked about doing this with FGCU there was such a strong feeling from the membership. Without the members’ support, it could not happen. They support it financially and passionately. Everyone has such a good feeling about hosting this. The tournament brings our membership closer. There is such positive energy and vitality. * C J Weber, Bonita Bay Club Director of Instruction: As the former head coach of FGCU men’s team, I was able to witness first-hand how the visiting coaches appreciated and valued this tournament’s impact on their player’s college memory bank. The visiting coaches and players love this tournament. * Debba Pearce, Bonita Bay Club player housing: We have such a wonderful time housing and getting to know the players. They make you feel young and who does not want to be around the youth? * Courtney Vermon, FGCU Women’s Head Tennis Coach: It is rewarding to feel how committed the club membership is to their college tournament. It is a creative format to have the men and women’s teams competing here together in this first-class venue. It bonds our FGCU program. They make it first rate all the way and it is in our backyard. Teams are begging to be invited back ! * Davidson Kozlowski, FGCU Men’s Head Tennis Coach: The overall experience for the players here is better than most conference championships. I have played in the SEC, ACC and coached in The Summit League, Missouri Valley Conference, and Conference USA. This event tops them all; it is fantastic. It means so much to have people care and our players are getting housed. It is a strong mentoring experience. Thank you to the Bonita Bay Club members. * Laura Glitz, Purdue Women’s Head Coach: The FGCU Bonita Bay Club Collegiate Open is hands down my team’s favorite tournament of the year! The people that run the tournament as well as the people who volunteer to house the players and the friendships are fantastic. * Alison Sliverio, Notre Dame Women’s Head Coach: The hospitality and impeccable facility created an unforgettable experience for our players and coaches. Connecting with our housing families, Notre Dame Alumni and competing in front of enthusiastic spectators was terrific! * Jim Thompson, Virginia Tech Men’s Head Coach: This awesome event which allows our players a great experience at a first class club makes players feel special. The flags, the awesome housing, the attention to all the little details makes it special. It is a terrific way to finish the fall season with great competition. * Matic Spec, Purdue Assistant Men’s Tennis Coach: The matches, combined with the social aspect of living with host families, was a great experience. We felt very welcome. * Hayden Perez, Memphis Head Men’s Coach: Very excited to be a part of the FGCU Bonita Bay Club Collegiate aOpen for the second straight year. Everyone is welcoming and the hospitality is amazing. The people make the event what it is, period. Top Photo: Dave Kozlowski and Bonita Bay Club Director of Sports, Paula Scheb. Bottom Photo: Dave Kozlowski interviews FCGU men’s coach Davidson Kozlowski.
TJ PURA’S TENNIS JOURNEY FROM PLAYER TO COACH By Matt Pressman
TJ Pura’s journey from young tennis prodigy to budding college coach is a story of passion, dedication, and deep love for the game. He picked up a racquet at 6 years old and grabbed hold of a game that grew into his lifelong passion. Early on, at 12 years old, he appeared in the ESPN documentary 50,000 Balls. The film captured the essence of junior tennis which TJ describes as “a gladiator sport” showcasing its profound impact on young athletes. TJ recalls, “It was a passion project that my dad took up, having been very closely invested in the junior tennis community.” The film, a brainchild of his father and completed by his mother after TJ’s father passed away, holds a special place in his heart. “It’s really cool. I get a little choked up talking about it,” he admits. TJ’s skills sharpened as he advanced during his junior playing days. “I worked really hard in high school to get ranked as high as three in the country,” he shares. His hard work paid off and led him to Duke. There, he achieved a remarkable undefeated streak in ACC matches. After some prodding, he acknowledges, “I set the single-season program record for most consecutive ACC wins.” Post-college, TJ’s journey took an exciting turn as he spent time in Florida at the USTA National Tennis Center. It was a period of intense training and personal growth. “I ended up moving down to Orlando to train,” he recalls, a move that brought him into close contact with tennis star Tommy Paul with whom he would form a profound bond. Injuries cut short TJ’s efforts to play pro tennis. But his alliance with Tommy Paul turned into a coaching relationship on the ATP tour. In a unique coaching capacity with Tommy Paul, TJ explains, “It focused mostly on the mental side and protocols that boost performance... sleep hygiene,
flexibility, neuro-motor control and how our brains and our bodies work together. So kind of innovative training techniques especially on the mental and physiological side that played a small part in him getting [eventually into] the top 30 in the world.” However, TJ’s journey led him back to the collegiate world. He transitioned to a volunteer assistant coach at Duke, a natural progression and important step towards fulfilling a deeper purpose. “College coaching, to me, is not work. It’s a lifestyle,” he explains, emphasizing the holistic approach he brings to his role. TJ is not just focused on developing tennis skills but well-rounded individuals who thrive in all aspects of life. Later, his move to Vanderbilt as the program’s assistant coach was a decision fueled by his desire to help build something meaningful, to take a program and help elevate it to new heights. “I was really drawn to the challenge,” he says, expressing his excitement about the future of Vanderbilt tennis. He’s thrilled to be working with Vanderbilt Head Coach Scott Brown and Assistant Coach Geoff Hernandez. And the future looks bright. Two Florida-based players recently committed to Vanderbilt. Danil Panarin, training out of the IMG Academy in Bradenton, just won the Orange Bowl in Plantation. And Tampa-based Jack Satterfield, won the National Clay Court Championships in Delray Beach last year. “I think they’re going to do incredible things at Vanderbilt, both in the classroom and on the tennis court, and I just can’t wait,” TJ explains. TJ Pura’s story should continue to shape the future of tennis. Looking back, he reveals a life beautifully intertwined with the sport he loves. As TJ puts it, “It’s been a really fun journey,” and for those of following his progression, it’s been nothing short of inspirational.
STRONG LEGS Training techniques and recovery methods for tennis players
endurance. This means the ability to repeat powerful movements in succession without fatigue. So power is critical but not accomplished without a good base of strength. To enhance leg strength for tennis, players can incorporate a variety of exercises into their training routine. Various types of squats, lunges and step-ups are a good start. Conditioning exercises such as tennis-specific agility drills and plyometric exercises are effective for building leg power which enhances dynamic movement. It’s also essential to include flexibility and mobility exercises when improving leg strength and power to insure a functional and balanced lower body. In the dynamic game of tennis, leg strength is a silent force that can make the difference between an average player and a champion. Whether it’s covering ground swiftly, executing powerful shots, maintaining endurance, or preventing injuries, strong legs are the cornerstone of success on the tennis court. So the next time you step onto the court, the phrase “having a leg up on your competition” could take on a whole new meaning!
Ian Pyka was a two-sport collegiate athlete and three-time All-American who made the Olympic team. Pyka went on to become the strength and conditioning coach at the Florida Panthers and New England Patriots. Pyka currently teaches at FAU’s Exercise Science Department and owns Boca Cryo (located at 1200 Yamato Rd. in Boca Raton) which recently added EWOT training to their portfolio of services.
Shelby Rogers who achieved a career high world No. 30 WTA ranking focuses on leg recovery at Boca Cryo with Magnetherapy and Cryotherapy at Boca Cryo in Boca Raton. Photos: Boca Cryo
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Tennis is a sport that demands agility, speed, and precision. While a strong forehand and a precise serve are essential components of a tennis player’s arsenal, one aspect often overlooked is the importance of leg strength. Understanding that gravity’s pull on the human body is constant, any generation of strength and power for a tennis player, must be initiated with the legs. The legs play a pivotal role in a player’s ability to cover ground quickly, execute powerful shots, and maintain endurance throughout a match. Tennis is a sport characterized by sudden bursts of movement in all directions. A player must be able to sprint forward to the net, move laterally to reach wide shots, and change direction rapidly in response to an opponent’s ever-changing shot selection. Strong leg muscles are crucial for executing these dynamic movements. The force behind a player’s shots, whether it’s a serve, forehand, backhand, or volleys originates from the legs. Leg strength is directly linked to the power a player can generate in their strokes. A strong lower body allows players to push off the ground, transferring energy through the entire body and, ultimately, to the racket. This translates to faster serves, more powerful groundstrokes, and the ability to control the pace of the game. Tennis matches can be grueling, often lasting for several hours. Endurance is a key factor in maintaining a high level of performance throughout a match. Strong leg muscles contribute to overall stamina, allowing players to move efficiently and avoid fatigue. As the legs provide the primary support for the body, well-conditioned leg muscles delay the onset of fatigue, enabling players to stay competitive from the first point to the last. Leg strength also helps prevent injuries. Tennis involves repetitive and intense movements, which can put a strain on various parts of the body. Strong leg muscles provide stability and support to the joints, reducing the risk of injuries such as sprains and strains. Additionally, a wellrounded strength-training program that includes the lower body can contribute to overall injury resilience. To compliment challenging leg training, recovery methods such as cryotherapy, magnetherapy, compression and radio frequency therapy are all adjuncts. At Boca Cryo (Boca Raton, Florida), we successfully assist our tennis clients with recovery, using a combination of these modalities to maintain the athlete’s ready-to-perform state. There is a distinct difference between strength and power. The ability to apply a force over a certain distance (work) vs doing that work fast (work/time), respectively. The tennis player needs to develop power, more specifically power
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.
WHOLE BODY CRYOTHERAPY
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.
COMPRESSION THERAPY
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.
EMSCULPT
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.
1200 Yamato Road, Suite B3, Boca Raton, Florida 33431 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 ROCKET TENNIS RACQUET BAG REVIEW
By Adam Ross
In 2023, Tennis C Williams introduced The Rocket, a tennis racquet bag for serious tennis players. It has an innovative Smart Pocket System including both thermal and antimicrobial storage. I replaced my tennis racquet bag with The Rocket and I have been impressed with its functionality. It is lightweight and durable with multiple pockets. The insulated thermal pockets protect my racquets and the “dry”pockets are great for wet clothes. There are separate pockets for sunglasses, tennis balls, cellphone, water, wallet, keys and sneakers/sandals. I carry it as a backpack but it can be carried by a comfortable and sturdy handle or over the shoulder strap. I love that it stands straight up so that you can place it on the bench with easy accessibility or you can hang it from a hook. It is well constructed and feels solid but it is not heavy. The bag has sturdy color coded zippers which allow for quick access to items including multiple racquets, clothes, towels, hats, overgrips, racquet tape and sunscreen. If you are interested in The Rocket tennis racquet bag, you can find it at https://therocket.tennis/.
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The 2021 Tampa Bay One-On-One Doubles Men’s 40s Final between Ashley Fisher, 2006 US OPEN Doubles Semifinalist and Head Men’s Coach at USF playing against Tamer El-Sawai, former top 100 ATP player and Egyptian Davis Cup player and Coach.
LEARN THE BUSINESS SIDE OF RACQUET SPORTS Online M.S. in Sport Management Online Director of Racquet Sports Certificate
Adela Piskor and Nathan Germanon win 2023 YTF Jack Blair Awards The Youth Tennis Foundation of Florida, Inc. (YTF) has been sending deserving young players to Ed Krass’ College Preparatory Camps for nearly 20 years. The Awards are given in honor of Jack Blair, the founder of the YTF back in 1962, who is a past-president of the Florida Tennis Association (now USTA-FLORIDA) and a member of the Hall of Fame. Adela Piskor, who is from Venice, FL, and Nathan Germano, from Valrico, are the recipients of this year’s awards. Congratulations and best wishes to both of you in your search for the best college to continue your tennis career.
The master’s and certificate from UF will give you insight into business management, leadership techniques, and marketing tailored to the racquet sports industry. Discover how to effectively lead players while managing strategic planning, facility management, and community engagement.
Scan QR code to download a brochure and get more information on the curriculum, admission, and tuition information.
UFSportTennis.Org (877) 665-3860
QUICK Mental Toughness Tip
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QUESTION I am a 43- year- old 4.5-rated tennis player. I look great when I am hitting, but when I play a match I don’t play half as well. Why is this happening? ANSWER Although it’s good to have some anxiety during a match, the anxiety should not be so overwhelming that you cannot properly function. Excessive anxiety comes from the pressure of playing a match, and it can detrimentally affect your performance. You feel pressure because your fellow players and opponents are not only watching you play but also watching your tournament results. In addition to the pressure you feel from your peers and your coach, you can also feel internal pressure you impose upon yourself. It is very important to have a plan to schedule your upcoming tournaments. I suggest you follow the rule of thirds when you make your tournament schedule. Let one third of your tournaments be easy for you where you are one of the top seeds. Schedule one third of your tournaments with players at a higher level. Schedule one third of your tournaments so players you draw will be at your level.
This will allow you to assess your abilities in a realistic and objective fashion. and you will learn your actual level of play. It is very important that you have a realistic assessment of your skills mentally and technically. When this gets distorted, it will upset your mental abilities on the court. Do not compare yourself to others and to their results. Only be concerned with your own tennis skills and game. Do not judge yourself or get your selfesteem from your match results. Just do your best and feel good about yourself regardless of whether you win or lose. To put your self esteem in terms of your results in a tennis match will put too much pressure on you. Try to enjoy the process of improving without focusing on your results. Just do your best and feel good about yourself, regardless of whether you win or lose.
Dr. Richard Cohen is A board-certified psychiatrist who has won 16 USTA National Championships gold balls. Dr. Cohen also won the 2023 Florida State Men’s Championship in the 75s. If you have any questions, please contact him at: rwcohenmd@gmail.com
SAVE THE DATE!
“Little Mo” East Regionals April 27-29, 2024 (ages 8-12)
“Little Mo” Internationals December 6-11, 2024 (ages 8-16) Both events will be held at the Palm Beach Gardens Tennis Center in Palm Beach Gardens, Florida. Registration opens soon: mcbtennis.org