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USTA Florida Region 1 News

11/20/2009 12:00:00 AM

The USTA Florida Adult League Northwest Regional Championships were held in Tallahassee on July 10-12, 2009, and the weather couldn't have been more perfect for the players and fans who came out to support their favorite teams.

QuickStart Tennis Jamboree in Jacksonville, Free to Public

11/19/2009 12:00:00 AM

A QuickStart Tennis Jamboree will be held on Saturday, Dec. 12, 2009 in Jacksonville, Fla., from 10:30 a.m. to noon at Deerwood Country Club. The event, which is free and open to the public, will feature various stations where kids ages 6-10 can get a first look at QuickStart Tennis and also the USTA Florida Jr. Team Tennis league. Parents are also encouraged to stay for the jamboree and learn more about this new format of play and how to get their kids involved in the game.

USTA Florida Dec. Membership News: Happy Holidays; Sponsors

11/19/2009 12:00:00 AM

Thank you to all of our wonderful and valued USTA Florida members. During the holiday season more than ever, our thoughts turn gratefully to you. And in this spirit we say: Thank You, Best Wishes, Happy New Year and Play Tennis!

Florida Jr. Tennis Profile: Miami's Gonzales Austin

11/19/2009 12:00:00 AM

Gonzales Austin of Miami will look back on the summer of 2009 as one of his best. After winning the USTA Florida Jr. Closed 18s, the 16-year-old left-hander chose to play the 16s division at the USTA Boys Nationals in Kalamazoo, and it proved to be a smart decision. Austin, known as AJ to his friends and family, won the tournament and the US Open Junior Championship wildcard that goes with it.

Orlando Hosting Flex League Tennis Intro Event

11/18/2009 12:00:00 AM

The Orlando area will host a "Round Robin Flex League Fun Event" for tennis players interested in the USTA Orlando Flex League on Wednesday, Dec. 16, 2009, with two sessions from 9-11 a.m. or 7-9 p.m. at Sylvan Lake Park.

2009 USTA Wheelchair Tennis Grassroots Grants

11/16/2009 12:00:00 AM

Local programming is pivotal to the growth of wheelchair tennis, and the United States Tennis Association would like to support the active members of the wheelchair tennis community with grant funds at the end of 2009. If your local tennis organization currently supports your local programs's clinics, events, or equipment needs, you are eligible to apply for these funds. Grant requests must be submitted to USTA by Dec. 3, 2009. All grant recipients will be notified by Dec. 15, 2009.

U.S. Tennis Participation Top 30 Million for 1st Time Since 1980s

11/17/2009 12:00:00 AM

WHITE PLAINS, N.Y., November 17, 2009 -- The USTA and TIA announced today that tennis participation in the United States topped 30 million players for the first time in more than two decades. The annual phone survey of 6,000 Americans showed that tennis participation grew in all age groups under the age of 50 and within all ethnicities. With 30.1 million people hitting the courts, tennis participation has grown 12% over 2008 and climbed 25% since 2003. The survey is conducted annually by the Taylor Research Group on behalf of the Tennis Industry Association (TIA) and the USTA.

USTA Boca Training Center Hosts QuickStart Tennis Event

11/16/2009 12:00:00 AM

The USTA Training Center in Boca Raton, Fla., hosted its first QuickStart Tennis event on Nov. 14, 2009, from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m., hosting 22 players 10-and-under from Jupiter, West Palm Beach, Boca Raton, Delray Beach, and Lighthouse Point.

USTA 'Tennis On Campus' Club of the Year Award -- Florida Nominations

11/16/2009 12:00:00 AM

The 2009/2010 USTA 'Tennis On Campus' Club of the Year Award application will be available online through Nov. 30, 2009. The USTA 'Tennis On Campus' Club of the Year Award honors Tennis On Campus programs/college club tennis teams for significant contributions made to the USTA Tennis On Campus program on their respective campus.

Florida Tennis Briefs: License Alert, Celebrity Tennis, QuickStart

11/13/2009 12:00:00 AM

Got your new Play Tennis Florida license plate? If you also use the SunPass pre-paid toll program, make sure you alert SunPass at the phone number 1-888-865-5352 or it could result in a hefty fine if your car is flagged due to your license plate not matching SunPass' database information.

Dec. 31 Deadline for USTA Pancho Gonzalez Hispanic Tennis Grants

11/12/2009 12:00:00 AM

The United States Tennis Association (USTA) announced it will award an annual Pancho Gonzalez Scholar Athlete Grant to one male and one female high school student of Hispanic heritage in honor of the tennis pioneer and Hall-of-Famer. The $5,000 grant -- $2,500 to each student -- was created to recognize students who aspire to reach excellence in both competitive tennis and the academic arena, and is part of the USTA's initiative to grow the game of tennis among Hispanic youth across the country.

3 Florida Players in USTA Australian Open Wildcard Tournament

11/12/2009 12:00:00 AM

Three Florida players in Ryan Harrison (Bradenton), Jesse Levine (Boca Raton), and Wayne Odesnik (Weston) are among the initial list of players invited to compete at the United States Tennis Association's (USTA) Australian Open wildcard playoffs to be held during the 2009 Infinite Energy Atlanta Challenge at the Racquet Club of the South, a USTA Certified Regional Training Center in Atlanta, on Dec. 4-7, 2009. The event will feature an all-Florida resident exhibition match on Dec. 4 with seven-time Grand Slam doubles champions Bob and Mike Bryan, Mardy Fish and John Isner, with the wild card playoffs commencing the next day.

Florida Jr. Team Tennis Fan Cercone Signs with UF

11/12/2009 12:00:00 AM

Whether it was USTA Florida Jr. Team Tennis or representing Florida on zonal or intersectional teams, Seminole's Alexandra Cercone has always loved playing tennis on a team. That factored into her decision last week when she announced she would join the already-stacked women's line-up at the University of Florida (UF) in 2010 rather than immediately trying her hand on the professional tour.

Three USTA Florida Flex League Deadlines This Month

11/10/2009 12:00:00 AM

Registration closes for three USTA Florida Flex Leagues in November 2009. The Broward County league registration closes Nov. 26, 2009, with the season running Nov. 30, 2009 through Feb. 15, 2010. The Palm Beach County league registration closes Nov. 26, 2009, and the season runs Nov. 30, 2009 through Feb. 15, 2010. The St. Pete/Clearwater league registration closes Nov. 30, 2009, and runs from Dec. 5, 2009 to Jan. 23, 2010.

Serena Williams Wants Gold Medal, then Acting Career

11/10/2009 12:00:00 AM

Palm Beach Gardens, Fla., resident Serena Williams will be 30 years old when she contests the 2012 Olympics in tennis on grasscourts in London -- old by tennis standards -- but the current world No. 1 says she will still be playing the game in an attempt to win gold for the first time.

Italy Defeats U.S. 4-0 in Fed Cup Final

11/9/2009 12:00:00 AM

The U.S.'s Melanie Oudin and Alexa Glatch were no match for the veteran Italian team of Flavia Pennetta and Francesca Schiavone, losing 4-0 in the Fed Cup final over the weekend.

USTA Florida Launches G-Cast Junior Tennis Podcast

11/6/2009 12:00:00 AM

USTA Florida has launched the G-Cast, your guide to junior tennis in Florida with USTA Florida Competitive Tennis Coordinator Andy Gladstone. The monthly podcast is available in iTunes and on the web, and will entertain listeners with special guest coaches, players, news updates, commentary, product reviews and more. The first episode features an interview with Patrick McEnroe, U.S. Davis Cup captain and general manager of USTA Player Development.

Bradenton's Sarah Taylor, Former WTA Pro, Named USTA Coach

11/6/2009 12:00:00 AM

The USTA announced that Sarah Taylor has been hired as a USTA coach, and will facilitate coaching and training programs while working with players in the USTA Player Development program at the USTA Training Center Headquarters in Boca Raton, Fla. She will report to Ola Malmqvist, head of women's tennis, USTA Player Development.

Fed Cup Final: U.S. vs. Italy Preview

11/5/2009 12:00:00 AM

World No. 1 Serena Williams and No. 6 Venus Williams competed against each other a week ago in the final of the Sony Ericsson WTA Tour Championships, but neither will compete this weekend for the U.S. in the Fed Cup final at Italy, citing injuries and fatigue from a long tour season. That leaves the U.S. with the two young players who have essentially lifted the underdog Americans to where they are this weekend, into the final -- Alexa Glatch and US Open breakout player Melanie Oudin.

Siu Family Named USTA Florida November Volunteer of the Month

11/5/2009 12:00:00 AM

New friendships, fitness and family time have been the main take-aways from tennis for Miami's Siu family. Their contributions to adult and junior tennis over the years has garnering them the USTA Florida November Volunteer of the Month award for 2009.

Roddick Family, Others Reflect on USTA Florida Bobby Curtis Retirement

11/5/2009 12:00:00 AM

Before the days of TennisLink, the internet and the wide-spread use of computers, there was Bobby Curtis -- dealing with the families of Florida juniors such as the Evert children and Mary Joe Fernandez, Andy Roddick and Jim Courier, submitting hand-written entries for their national USTA junior events.

USTA Florida League Meeting for Southern Palm County

11/5/2009 12:00:00 AM

Open to all players, USTA Florida's Southern Palm County region will hold an informational meeting on Monday, Nov. 16, 2009 from 6:30-8 p.m. at the Delray Beach Tennis Center to share information on upcoming league play opportunities.

Hispanic Tennis Coaches Workshop in November

11/4/2009 12:00:00 AM

The tennis coaches workshop "How Hispanic Coaches can Impact Tennis Development in the United States" will be held on Nov. 20, 2009, in Pembroke Pines, Fla.

Serena Finishes No. 1 but Out of Fed Cup Final

11/4/2009 12:00:00 AM

Palm Beach Gardens' Serena Williams defeated her older sister Venus 6-2, 7-6(4) in the final at the Sony Ericsson WTA Tour Championships, where she earlier in the week clinched the year-end No. 1 ranking when then-No. 1 Dinara Safina dropped out mid-event due to injury. The 28-year-old American finishes No. 1 for the second time in her career after the 2002 season. Williams played the WTA Tour Championships final with a heavily-wrapped thigh, before the final withdrawing from representing the U.S. in the Fed Cup final.

Jacksonville, Miami, Sarasota Teams Top 4 at USTA Nationals

11/3/2009 12:00:00 AM

Three Florida adult and junior teams placed in the top four nationally over the last two weekends during the USTA Adult League National Championships in Las Vegas and the USTA Jr. Team Tennis National 14-Under and 18-Under Championships in Mobile, Ala.

USTA Florida Treasure Coast Captain Appreciation Event Rescheduled

11/3/2009 12:00:00 AM

The 2009 USTA Florida Captain Appreciation event for the Treasure Coast region has been rescheduled to Saturday, Dec. 9, 2009, at 6:30 p.m. "Numerous other events were conflicting with the original date, but we hope all league captains will be able to join us on this rescheduled date so we can recognize all the hard work that's been done to make our 2009 USTA Florida leagues successful," said Laura Toth, USTA Florida local league coordinator for the Treasure Coast region.

USTA Pro Circuit Futures at Bluewater Bay in Niceville, Fla.

10/30/2009 12:00:00 AM

The Bluewater Bay Tennis Center in Niceville, Fla., will be the site for the Nov. 10-15, 2009, USTA men's $10,000 professional circuit tennis tournament. In conjunction with the tournament, qualifying rounds will take place Nov. 6-9, 2009, with a kick-off party on Nov. 6 featuring a Calcutta event in which eight local players and pros will be matched against eight touring pros.

Floridians at ITF Super Seniors

10/30/2009 12:00:00 AM

The USTA has announced the players who will represent the United States at the 29th ITF Super-Seniors World Team Championships hosted by Tennis Seniors Australia. The top American tennis players in age groups from 60-80 for men and 60-75 for women will compete, Nov. 2-7, in Perth, Australia.

ATP Delray Beach Tennis Offers Wildcard Tournaments Into Qualifying

10/29/2009 12:00:00 AM

Three "survivors" will earn wildcards into the qualifying draw of the ATP Delray Beach International Tennis Championships (ITC) with the first of a "Survivor Series" of tournaments kicking off on Nov. 14-16, 2009, at the Delray Beach Stadium & Tennis Center.

Will, Mejia/Vallverdu Title in College Tennis at Wilson/ITA Regional

10/29/2009 12:00:00 AM

University of Florida freshman Allie Will in singles and the University of Miami's Gabriela Mejia and Laura Vallverdu in doubles captured the championships last weekend at the Wilson/ITA Southeast Region Championships at the Bill Moore Tennis Center in Atlanta.

Cardio Tennis: Get Fit, Have Fun

10/28/2009 12:00:00 AM

With Cardio Tennis, it's about the workout, not the competition. Imagine playing nonstop tennis for an hour, burning hundreds of calories, hitting dozens of balls...and having a ton of fun the whole time. That's Cardio Tennis.

Serena Williams Confirmed for U.S. Fed Cup Final

10/28/2009 12:00:00 AM

World No. 2 Serena Williams, who will again take over the No. 1 ranking if she advances further than Dinara Safina at this week's Sony Ericsson WTA Tour Championships, will represent the U.S. in the Fed Cup final against Italy on Nov. 7-8, 2009. U.S. Fed Cup Captain Mary Joe announced that US Open quarterfinalist Melanie Oudin, Alexa Glatch and doubles specialist Liezel Huber will join the younger Williams sister in representing the U.S. on the red clay court at the Circolo del Tennis "Rocco Polimeni" in Reggio Calabria, Italy.

Tallahassee's Adams Named 50,000th USTA Florida Member and 2010 US Open Package Winner

10/27/2009 12:00:00 AM

Marsha Adams of Tallahassee will take her first-ever trip to the US Open in 2010 as a guest of USTA Florida after being chosen as the 50,000th member of the USTA Florida section. USTA Florida celebrated reaching the landmark 50,000 membership mark in October 2009. Adams was left speechless when notified via phone by USTA Florida Executive Director Doug Booth (see accompanying video), and after the call still had a hard time believing she had won airfare, lodging, and tickets for herself and a guest to the 2010 US Open. "I was convinced my doubles partner, Joyce, was playing a trick on me," Adams said.

Altamonte Springs Tennis Women 2nd at USTA League National Chps.

10/27/2009 12:00:00 AM

TUCSON, Ariz. -- Oct. 25, 2009 -- The women's team from Altamonte Springs, Fla., representing USTA Florida, finished second at the USTA League 4.5 Senior National Championships held at the Reffkin Tennis Center in Tucson, Ariz., from Oct. 23 to Oct. 25, 2009.

USTA Florida November Notes: Henin Gives Training Peek; National League Results

10/26/2009 12:00:00 AM

Justine Henin holds an open practice, Florida women finish 2nd and 4th at league nationals, a Florida couple wins a Husband-Wife gold ball and more in USTA Florida's monthly round-up of news briefs and looks at upcoming events...

Florida Int. Univ. PIKE Fraternity Named USTA Florida Volunteer of the Month

10/23/2009 12:00:00 AM

The men of Pi Kappa Alpha fraternity (PIKE) at Florida International University each year strive to lead in the community volunteer arena, especially in the Miami area surrounding the FIU campus. Located just down the street from the Tamiami Tennis Center, the PIKE men in 2009 have been active in assisting players training for the Special Olympics, among other local tennis-related activities. "We have participated in numerous Special Olympics events and tennis training sessions organized through USTA Florida," said Shaun Johnston, community services chair for the FIU chapter of Pi Kappa Alpha. "We began our relationship with assisting USTA Florida earlier this year at the Tamiami Tennis Center...

USTA Florida Sending Landmark 50,000th Member to 2010 US Open

10/22/2009 12:00:00 AM

Tennis in Florida remains more popular than ever, even in the midst of an economic downturn, so much so that in October 2009 USTA Florida celebrated reaching the 50,000 membership mark for the first time in the organization's 60-year history. USTA Florida will celebrate by sending the 50,000th USTA Florida member to the 2010 US Open in New York.

Hurricane Survivor Cronley Joins USTA Florida as League Coordinator

10/22/2009 12:00:00 AM

Sherry Cronley, the newest USTA Florida adult local league coordinator (LLC) for the Emerald Coast (Panhandle) region, knows about building things from the ground up. The former Mississippi resident saw her home reduced to a cement slab during Hurricane Katrina, losing nearly all her belongings.

Florida's Krajicek, Falconi Picked for Int. U.S. Collegiate Team

10/21/2009 12:00:00 AM

Two Florida collegiate players will represent the U.S. at the fourth annual Master'U BNP Paribas, an international collegiate competition to be held Dec. 9-14, 2009, in Poitiers, France. The U.S. will be competing for the second consecutive year against a field that includes teams from Belgium, China, France, Germany, Great Britain, Ireland and Mexico.

Ft. Lauderdale, Gainesville, Lee County, Miami Receive USTA Tennis Grants

10/20/2009 12:00:00 AM

As part of more than $400,000 in grants awarded by the USTA in October, four Florida non-profit tennis associations, foundations or parks and recreation facilities were awarded funding grants to increase tennis participation, support tennis programming and foster diversity among participants. The Lee County Community Tennis Association in Cape Coral was awarded $30,000. Receiving $2,500 to $10,000 grant awards were the City of Fort Lauderdale Parks & Recreation, the Gainesville Area Community Tennis Association, and the Greater Miami Tennis Foundation, Inc.

Florida Teams at USTA Jr. Team Tennis Nationals Preview

10/20/2009 12:00:00 AM

Four Florida teams will be among the approximately 128 teams and more than 1,000 junior tennis players competing over the next two weekends at the 2009 USTA Jr. Team Tennis 14-and-under and 18-and-under National Championships at the Mobile Tennis Center in Mobile, Ala. The events mark the culmination of a year-long series of competitions at the local, state/district, and section levels across Florida and the U.S. The National Championships serve as the crown jewel of USTA Jr. Team Tennis.

QuickStart the Focus for Senior Tennis of Volusia, Fla.

10/19/2009 12:00:00 AM

Senior Tennis of Volusia (STOV) has re-directed its focus to concentrate on growing tennis through the use of the QuickStart format. The STOV QuickStart program is designed to get youngsters 6-11 years old into tennis and loving it by using the basic fundamentals of life and athleticism and applying it to the game. Youngsters learn balance, ball control, concentration, proper racquet handling, and team play.

Blogs: USTA Florida at 2009 USTA League/Tournament Nationals

10/16/2009 12:00:00 AM

Blogs from USTA Florida teams competing at USTA Nationals events throughout the months of October and November in Indian Wells, Tucson and Las Vegas.

QuickStart Tennis Taking Hold in Jacksonville

10/15/2009 12:00:00 AM

Baseball has always had T-ball -- now tennis has its own child-friendly "mini" version of the sport in QuickStart Tennis. QuickStart was formally introduced to Jacksonville-area teaching pros by USTA Florida in a High Performance QuickStart Workshop hosted on Oct. 9, 2009, at Deerwood Country Club in Jacksonville. Twenty-five teaching pros, including two police officers from the Jacksonville Police Athletic League (PAL) received training at the workshop. The Jacksonville PAL is looking to add QuickStart Tennis to its sports offerings in 2010. The workshop drew participants from all over the state, including three from the Tampa area and four from Gainesville.

Fall USTA Florida Captain's Meetings on the Southwest Coast

10/14/2009 12:00:00 AM

The Sarasota, Naples and Lee/Charlotte areas held USTA Florida captains meetings in early October for fall men's and women's leagues beginning in South Florida.

Florida's Turville Collects Three National Titles in 55s, 60s

10/14/2009 12:00:00 AM

Dunnellon's Larry Turville had a busy late September and early October, collecting three national titles at clay court events near Atlanta, Ga.

Jacksonville, Miami, Orlando, St. Pete/Clearwater, Tallahassee Qualify for USTA Mixed Nationals

10/13/2009 12:00:00 AM

Two teams from Jacksonville and one each from Tallahassee, Orlando, St. Pete/Clearwater and South Miami/Dade qualified for the USTA Adult Mixed League Nationals this past weekend upon the completion of the 2009 USTA Florida Section Adult Mixed League Doubles Championships, held Oct. 9-11, 2009 at the Florida Tennis Center and Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University in Daytona Beach, Fla.

Send Your Message to USTA Florida Junior Tennis Icon Bobby Curtis

10/8/2009 12:00:00 AM

We are honoring Bobby Curtis' 30 years of dedication and love for Florida tennis during the 60th Anniversary Celebration. We will have a special program book during the celebration for all attendees. One of Bobby's passions is to help those in need. In the spirit of Bobby's generosity we are giving all proceeds from best wishes and advertisements in the program book to the USTA Florida Section Foundation.

MaliVai Washington Kids Foundation Celebrates 13 Years

10/8/2009 12:00:00 AM

The Malivai Washington Kids Foundation (MWKF) raised approximately $160,000 to support its various youth tennis and education programs in September during The Kossak Companies Golf and Tennis Gala, with the dinner gala held in Ponte Vedra Beach, Fla., at the Sawgrass Marritt Resort and Spa.

Daytona, Miami, Tampa, Sarasota Advance to USTA National Sr. Mixed Chps.

10/7/2009 12:00:00 AM

Teams from Daytona Beach, South Miami Beach, Tampa and Sarasota were winners over the weekend at the 2009 USTA Florida Section
Senior Mixed Championships on Oct. 2-4, 2009, held at the Florida Tennis Center in Daytona Beach. Winners in each division now advance to the USTA Senior Mixed League National Championships on April 9-11, 2010, at Sanlando Park in Altamonte Springs, Fla.

Tallahassee Kick-off for USTA Florida Jr. Team Tennis

10/7/2009 12:00:00 AM

A free USTA Florida Jr. Team Tennis kick-off party was hosted by Tallahassee Jr. Team Tennis where 65 boys and girls, ages 8-18, came out to the Florida State University (FSU) Scott Speicher Tennis Center in late September. Mayor John Marks welcomed the group before play began, reminding players that tennis can be a great sport for life in addition to helping with fitness, fun, and even college applications and college admittance.

UCF Wins 'Tennis on Campus' Gator Bowl in Gainesville

10/6/2009 12:00:00 AM

The University of Florida tennis club hosted the Gator Bowl in late September as part of the USTA Florida 'Tennis on Campus' 2009-2010 schedule, with the University of Central Florida (UCF) coming into Gainesville and successfully defending their title from last year.

Florida Juniors Win Final Georgia/Florida Jr. Team Tennis Challenge

10/6/2009 12:00:00 AM

USTA Florida juniors successfully defended their title on Oct. 3-4, 2009, at the Georgia/Florida Jr. Team Tennis Challenge, held at the University of North Florida in Jacksonville. USTA Florida racked up 1,720 points to USTA Georgia's 1,188. "I loved how the Florida teams who were rooting against each other at the Summer Championships were now cheering for each other to win," said USTA Florida Team Tennis Coordinator Michelle Willis.

Jacksonville 3rd, Ft. Lauderdale 4th at USTA Adult League National Chps.

10/5/2009 12:00:00 AM

Florida teams finished third and fourth respectively over the weekend at USTA Adult League National Championships held Oct. 2-4, 2009, in Indian Wells, Calif., and Las Vegas.

Oudin to Appear at 2010 WTA Ponte Vedra Beach, Fla., Tennis

10/5/2009 12:00:00 AM

Melanie Oudin, who captivated tennis fans with her Cinderella quarterfinal run as an unseeded player at the 2009 US Open, has committed to the field for the Sony Ericsson WTA Tour 2010 MPS Group Championships, held April 5-11, 2010, at Sawgrass Country Club in Ponte Vedra Beach, Fla.

A Williams 1st -- Venus, Serena Qualify for Year-end Doubles Chp.

9/30/2009 12:00:00 AM

Florida’s Venus and Serena Williams don’t have many “firsts” left to experience in their storied careers, but they have at least one more remaining at the end of this year. By virtue of their results in only five doubles tournaments played together this year, the Palm Beach Gardens residents have for the first time qualified for the WTA Tour year-end doubles championships in Doha, Qatar.

October North/South USTA Florida Notes

10/1/2009 12:00:00 AM

Upcoming events and news from across the Florida tennis landscape.

USTA Florida Senior Mixed Sectional This Weekend

10/1/2009 12:00:00 AM

The USTA Florida Senior Mixed League Section Championship will take place this weekend, Oct. 2-4, 2009, at the Florida Tennis Center in Daytona Beach.

Amelia Island Debuts New Pro Tennis Event

9/29/2009 12:00:00 AM

Amelia Island, Fla., last year lost its long-running professional women’s tennis tournament, but later this year will debut a new men’s pro event to be played at the same site, the historic Amelia Island Plantation. A men’s $10,000 Futures USTA Pro Circuit event, a lower-level pro event featuring some of the rising stars of professional tennis, will debut at the Amelia Island Plantation on Nov. 14-22, 2009.

USTA Jr. Team Tennis Fall Kick-off Bash at Arthur Snyder in North Miami

9/28/2009 12:00:00 AM

As children all over the state jump-started their school year, USTA Jr. Team Tennis (JTT) also got off to a running start with a celebratory day of fun and games during the second weekend of September at the Arthur Snyder Tennis Center in North Dade.

USTA Florida Adult League North Dade Kick-off at Williams Island

9/28/2009 12:00:00 AM

USTA Florida celebrated the expansion of its adult leagues program in North Dade with a morning and evening kick-off party on Sept. 9, 2009 at Williams Island Club in Aventura. Though the day began and ended with thunderstorms, new and existing league tennis players could not be deterred from the festivities which included complimentary food and beverage, prizes, a fashion show, and of course, time on the tennis court.

Winners Crowned at 2009 USTA Florida Jr. State Closed Doubles

9/28/2009 12:00:00 AM

State championship teams were crowned over the weekend at the USTA Florida Jr. State Doubles Championships, with Daytona Beach hosting the 14, 12, & 10 divisions at the Florida Tennis Center, and Sanlando Park in Altamonte Springs hosting the 18 & 16 championships on Sept. 26-28, 2009. The two-day event showcased the top juniors in Florida, and also provided a laid-back and fun atmosphere, including a mixed doubles event for each age division.

Florida Jrs. Stiteler, Kozlov Make USTA National Teams

9/25/2009 12:00:00 AM

Bradenton's Alexandria Stiteler won the Nike Junior Tour National event in California last weekend, making her one of the four girls that will represent the U.S. at the international competition in the Dominican Republic next month. Stefan Kozlov of Pembroke Pines, Fla., made the boy's squad by winning the 12s age group competition.

Bobby Curtis, Jr. Tennis Icon, to Retire from USTA Florida

9/25/2009 12:00:00 AM

Legendary Florida junior tennis organizer Bobby Curtis, who has touched the lives of thousands of Florida juniors over the years, including many who went on to pro careers such as Jim Courier, Andy Roddick and Mary Joe Fernandez, will be honored upon his retirement from USTA Florida on Dec. 4-6, 2009, during the USTA Florida Annual Meeting & 60th Anniversary Celebration Weekend in Clearwater Beach, Fla.

U.S. at Serbia in 2010 Davis Cup; Federer vs Nadal?

9/23/2009 12:00:00 AM

The U.S. Davis Cup team has drawn a tough task in the first round of the 2010 Davis Cup, an away match against the Novak Djokovic-led Serbian team on March 5-7, 2010. Andy Roddick and the Bryan brothers will no doubt hold down the top singles and the doubles slot respectively, but the No. 2 singles spot will be a decision for U.S. Davis Cup captain Patrick McEnroe.

Florida Tennis Representation at 2009 USTA League National Chps.

9/23/2009 12:00:00 AM

The 2009 USTA League National Championships are contested at the 2.5 through the 5.0 levels throughout October, marking the culmination of a year-long series of competition at the local, state, district and section levels in Florida. This year's National Championships are being held in three locations -- Tucson, Ariz.; Indian Wells, Calif.; and Las Vegas. Be sure to check back to USTAFlorida.com and USTA.com for blogging from Florida teams, scores, news updates, photos and more.

Yulee Kicks Off USTA Florida Jr. Team Tennis League

9/21/2009 12:00:00 AM

The Yulee Tennis Foundation held it's USTA Jr. Team Tennis (JTT) Kick-off party on Sept. 19 at the Amelia National Tennis Courts. The kick-off included an instructional drill clinic, team assignments, and league format information. This Fall season is the inauguration of USTA JTT in Nassau County. Twenty-five junior players have signed up to form the four-team Nassau County league.

Beardsley Named USTA Florida September Volunteer of the Month

9/18/2009 12:00:00 AM

You can glean all you need to know about September USTA Florida Volunteer of the Month Debbie Beardsley's passion by reaching her telephone answering message. "Hi this is Debbie -- I'm either on the phone, on the tennis court, or watching the Tennis Channel..."

Indian River Jr. Team Tennis Kick-offs

9/22/2009 12:00:00 AM

The Jr. Team Tennis season begins in Indian River when the Vero Beach Tennis Club and the Lawnwood Tennis Complex in Ft. Pierce each hold USTA Florida Jr. Team Tennis kick-off events during the first week of October.

QuickStart Tennis for 10-and-under Beginner and Experienced Players

9/18/2009 12:00:00 AM

Why the QuickStart format of play for children 10-and-under who have already been playing tennis for years, teaching pros are asking? The short video below demonstrates the advantages of QuickStart in helping small children properly develop their tennis games in a size-appropriate setting, rather than being pushed around an oversized court with an oversized racquet and ball, constantly struggling through high-bouncing, awkward shots that do little to develop their games.

Jacksonville to Host High Performance QuickStart Tennis Workshop

9/17/2009 12:00:00 AM

Deerwood Country Club in Jacksonville, Fla., will host a High Performance QuickStart Tennis Workshop on Friday, Oct. 9, 2009, from 2-6 p.m. for USPTA- and/or PTR-certified teaching pros.

Two Florida Centers Win 2009 USTA Outstanding Tennis Facility Awards

9/16/2009 12:00:00 AM

Florida took home two outstanding tennis facility awards during the US Open when the USTA announced the 12 winners of its 28th annual USTA Outstanding Facility Awards Program, which recognizes excellence in the construction and/or renovation of tennis facilities throughout the country.

Florida School Players in 2009 Pre-season Rankings

9/16/2009 12:00:00 AM

The men’s and women’s Division I college pre-season rankings were released in early September, with one Florida man and two women players ranked in the Top 10.

New Class of U.S. Future Tennis Pros Announced

9/16/2009 12:00:00 AM

The USTA National Training Center Headquarters in Boca Raton has become ground zero for the future of men’s and women’s professional tennis in the U.S. Earlier this month the USTA announced the 2009-2010 incoming class of students who will become the players to watch over the next five years.

Florida Tennis Profile: Gullickson Wins Mixed Doubles and Confidence at US Open

9/15/2009 12:00:00 AM

In a crowd of baseline bashers, Palm Beach Gardens' Carly Gullickson stands out. The 22-year-old showed off her net-rushing, slicing-and-dicing game in a narrow first-round loss at the US Open after successfully navigating the qualifying rounds. Now on the verge of cracking the Top 100, Gullickson is showing opponents on old-school look in singles that is rarely seen these days in professional tennis, in an age where strict topspin forehand and backhand walloping from the baseline has become the rule rather than the exception.

USTA School Tennis Workshop for PE Teachers at FAHPERDS Conference in Orlando

9/15/2009 12:00:00 AM

The United States Tennis Association -- Florida Section (USTA Florida) will offer a pre-conference, in-service workshop on teaching tennis in the schools for PE teachers attending the FAHPERDS (Florida Alliance for Health, Physical Education, Recreation, Dance and Sport) Conference in Orlando, Florida on Oct. 8, 2009.

Serena Williams Issues 2nd Statement on US Open Incident

9/14/2009 12:00:00 AM

Serena Williams has issued two statements since her loss to Kim Clijsters in the semifinals of the US Open where she berated a linesperson and received a point penalty, which on match point cost her the match.

Hernando County USTA Florida Adult League Kick-off Celebration

9/11/2009 12:00:00 AM

Hernando County will mark the kick-off of USTA Florida Adult League tennis on Sept. 25, 2009, with a tennis celebration at Delta Woods Park in Spring Hill, Fla. There will be no charge for the event, which is open to all and will be held from 7-9 p.m. "The Kick-off event will be a fun night of food, music, giveaways and of course playing some tennis," said USTA Florida Tennis Program Coordinator for the Sun & Nature Coast regions, Gregg Gruhl.

UCF, UF Winners at 'Tennis on Campus' FSU Capital Challenge

9/11/2009 12:00:00 AM

The first of five regular-season USTA Florida Tennis on Campus events was held on Sept. 5-6, 2009, on the campus of Florida State University, where the University of Central Florida in the men's competition and the University of Florida in the women's stole titles from the host Seminoles at the FSU Capital Challenge.

USTA Florida Debuts New State, Regional Tennis E-newsletters

9/4/2009 12:00:00 AM

In August 2009 USTA Florida debuted Regional E-newsletters, containing pertinent local information such as league start-up times, kickoff parties, charity and tournament events, league announcements, and other tennis info catered to tennis players in particular regions. Regional e-newsletter choices are Panhandle (Tallahassee and surrounding region), First Coast (Jacksonville region), Central (Orlando region), Space Coast (central east coast), Sun & Nature Coasts (Tampa to the south), Treasure Coast (southeast), Gold Coast (Miami to the south), and Southwest.

USTA Florida at the US Open Blog

8/26/2009 12:00:00 AM

From working during Arthur Ashe Kids Day to showing exclusive areas in the stadium to cheering on our favorite professional players, we are sharing what we do at the best sporting event in the world. Also, we will take you around the great city of New York, where the USTA Semi-Annual Meeting and Conference takes place in conjunction with the US Open. Check out the daily blog for pictures, videos and stories to enjoy the excitement and exhilaration of the 2009 US Open.

USTA Florida 2009-2010 Tennis on Campus Calendar

8/24/2009 12:00:00 AM

Each of the USTA's 17 sections offers a USTA Campus Championship Section Event. The Florida section event will be held at the Florida Tennis Center in Daytona Beach on Feb. 27-28, 2010.

Florida Tennis Players Impact STAR Homeless Shelter

8/21/2009 12:00:00 AM

Florida adult and junior tennis players showed their generosity this spring and summer by donating food, clothing, hygiene items, or simply writing a check in aiding USTA Florida's drive to support the STAR Family Center homeless shelter in Daytona Beach. On Aug. 17, 2009, USTA Florida staff unloaded six vehicles full of donated goods, and participated in an afternoon of service at the shelter, which alone provides approximately 60% of homeless services in all of Volusia-Flagler County.

USTA Florida 2010 League Tennis Championship Dates

8/20/2009 12:00:00 AM

Below are the dates for the 2010 season USTA Florida league championships. Of note are the Adult League Section Championships, Mixed Adult Section Championships, and the Combo Doubles Section League Championships, which were each broken into two weekends to accommodate the large number of participating teams and provide for earlier finishes during the championship weekends.

Jacksonville, Orlando, Miami Multiple Winners at USTA Florida Adult League State Chps.

8/10/2009 12:00:00 PM

Jacksonville cleaned up with three teams advancing to the USTA League National Championships in October, and Orlando and South Miami-Dade each advanced two teams on Aug. 7-9 during the USTA Florida Adult League State Championships at the Florida Tennis Center in Daytona Beach, Fla. Broward County, Ocala, Pensacola and Sarasota also each advanced one team to nationals.

I Support Tennis: MaliVai Washington Kids Foundation

6/8/2009 2:35:48 PM

Stories of who your USTA Florida membership dollars help through tennis!