USTA National Campus: A Tennis Oasis for All Levels

USTA National Campus: A Tennis Oasis for All Levels

The USTA National Campus in Lake Nona, Florida, is a tennis paradise unlike any other. This sprawling 100-court complex welcomes players of all levels, from beginners to elite professionals.

The campus boasts a unique business model, combining a training facility, tournament venue, and community tennis center. Each group has its designated zone, ensuring ample space for everyone. The public has access to most areas, except for the indoor training facility and red-clay courts reserved for ATP and WTA players.

Approximately 60% of the recreational players at the campus are locals, leaving plenty of availability for out-of-towners. The programming schedule accommodates drop-in lessons and clinics, with ample courts and pros to handle any demand.

To make tennis more accessible, the center offers free 30-minute evaluation sessions and recommendations for further lessons. Veterans Affairs hospital patients have dedicated clinics, and some even attend Military Appreciation Night at the US Open.

The National Campus is seamlessly integrated into the Lake Nona community, offering shopping, dining, hotels, and entertainment options. Luxury hotels like Wave and Aloft provide convenient accommodations and wellness amenities.

On-site facilities include a full-service restaurant, stringing bar, pro shop, and shaded lounge areas. Tennis enthusiasts can spend hours watching college teams practice or attending tournaments. The campus has hosted all three divisions of the NCAA national championships, a first for any NCAA sport.

Sabalenka Advances in Stuttgart Despite Emotional Badosa Retirement

Sabalenka Advances in Stuttgart Despite Emotional Badosa Retirement

Aryna Sabalenka’s clay-court campaign got off to a bittersweet start as she overcame an injured Paula Badosa in a marathon match at the Porsche Tennis Grand Prix. The No. 2 seed prevailed 7-6 (6), 4-6, 3-3, retired, reaching the quarterfinals despite an emotional conclusion.

Sabalenka struggled early on, but gradually found her rhythm against a determined Badosa. The first set was a tense affair, with both players trading breaks. Sabalenka eventually prevailed in a tiebreaker, winning six of the final seven points.

Badosa responded strongly in the second set, breaking Sabalenka twice to take a commanding lead. However, Sabalenka refused to go down without a fight, breaking back and narrowing the gap. Badosa called a medical timeout to address a lower back injury, but returned to serve out the set.

The third set saw Sabalenka take control, breaking Badosa twice. However, Badosa’s injury worsened, forcing her to retire with Sabalenka leading 3-3. The Belarusian was visibly emotional at the net, comforting her opponent.

The victory was bittersweet for Sabalenka, who had been dealing with the recent loss of her ex-partner. She had previously lost to Badosa in Miami, but was determined to turn things around in Stuttgart.

Sabalenka’s next opponent will be either No. 6 seed Marketa Vondrousova or 2023 Stuttgart semifinalist Anastasia Potapova. The Belarusian will be looking to continue her strong form on clay, having won the Australian Open earlier this year.

Zendaya Stuns in Pink and Yellow at 'Challengers' Premiere and Afterparty

Zendaya Stuns in Pink and Yellow at ‘Challengers’ Premiere and Afterparty

Zendaya’s Stunning Style Transformation at ‘Challengers’ Premiere and Afterparty

Zendaya, the epitome of fashion and style, graced the red carpet of the Los Angeles premiere of “Challengers” in a breathtaking pink and black Vera Wang gown. The intricate lace bodice and voluminous tulle and satin skirt exuded elegance and sophistication. Her minimal accessories complemented the gown perfectly, allowing her natural beauty to shine through.

During the red carpet, Zendaya revealed her admiration for tennis prodigy Coco Gauff, expressing her desire to meet the young star. Her passion for tennis was evident in her “method dressing” approach, where she incorporates elements of her movie characters into her outfits.

For the afterparty at Funke in Beverly Hills, Zendaya transformed into a vibrant and playful persona. She donned a plunging neon yellow Celia Kritharioti Couture gown, reminiscent of the iconic tennis balls. The white heels added a touch of contrast and completed the look.

Tennis stars past and present graced the event, including Venus Williams, Eugenie Bouchard, and Tracy Austin. They joined A-listers like Cynthia Erivo and Tina Knowles, adding to the star-studded atmosphere.

Zendaya’s style evolution throughout the “Challengers” promo tour has been a testament to her versatility and fashion prowess. From the Loewe tennis player dress in Sydney to the tennis ball heels in Rome, she has effortlessly blended her on-screen persona with her off-screen style.

The premiere of “Challengers” marks a significant moment for Zendaya, who has established herself as a fashion icon and a rising star in the film industry. Her ability to captivate audiences with her performances and her impeccable style continues to inspire and amaze.

Coco Gauff Survives Vickery Scare in Stuttgart Comeback

Coco Gauff Survives Vickery Scare in Stuttgart Comeback

Coco Gauff, the reigning US Open champion, made a triumphant return to the clay courts in Stuttgart, Germany, overcoming a spirited challenge from Sachia Vickery in a thrilling three-set battle.

Gauff, playing her first match since the Miami Open in March, initially dominated the proceedings, taking the first set 6-3. However, Vickery, a qualifier ranked outside the top 100, fought back valiantly in the second set, breaking Gauff’s serve twice to level the match at 1-1.

The final set was a rollercoaster of emotions, with both players trading breaks and holding serve. Vickery came within five points of pulling off a stunning upset, but Gauff displayed her resilience and determination, winning 12 of the final 14 points to secure a hard-fought 7-5 victory.

Gauff’s victory was particularly impressive considering Vickery’s previous success against top-ranked opponents. In 2018, Vickery defeated then-world No. 3 Garbiñe Muguruza at the BNP Paribas Open.

The win sets up a quarterfinal clash for Gauff against either No. 5 seed Zheng Qinwen or Marta Kostyuk, whom she faced in the last eight of the 2024 Australian Open.

Gauff’s performance in Stuttgart is a testament to her adaptability and mental fortitude. Despite a long layoff, she was able to quickly find her rhythm on the clay and overcome a determined opponent. Her victory bodes well for her chances of success in the upcoming French Open, where she will be aiming to defend her US Open title.

Nadal's Barcelona Open Comeback Ends in Disappointment

Nadal’s Barcelona Open Comeback Ends in Disappointment

Rafael Nadal’s return to competitive tennis after a three-month injury layoff ended abruptly at the Barcelona Open, as he suffered a disappointing 7-5, 6-1 defeat to Alex de Minaur in the second round.

Despite showing glimpses of his former brilliance in the opening set, Nadal was unable to match the intensity and consistency of the 11th-ranked Australian. De Minaur, who had previously defeated Nadal in 2019, dominated the second set, breaking the Spaniard’s serve twice to secure a comfortable victory.

Nadal’s defeat marks only his fifth loss at the Barcelona Open, a tournament he has won a record 12 times. The 22-time Grand Slam champion had looked promising in his first-round win over Flavio Cobolli, but his performance against De Minaur raised concerns about his fitness and form.

Nadal’s injury woes have plagued him throughout the season, forcing him to withdraw from the Australian Open and Monte Carlo Masters. He had hoped to use the Barcelona Open as a warm-up for the upcoming French Open, where he is a 14-time champion.

However, his early exit casts doubt on his participation in the Madrid Open, which begins next week. Nadal has previously stated that 2024 will likely be his final year on tour, and his recent injury setbacks have raised questions about his ability to compete at the highest level.

Meanwhile, Roberto Bautista Agut celebrated a significant milestone by earning his 400th tour-level victory with a hard-fought 4-6, 6-3, 6-1 win over Andrea Vavassori. The 35-year-old Spaniard is now the 13th active player to reach this impressive milestone.

Other notable results from the Barcelona Open include Casper Ruud’s 6-3, 6-4 victory over Alexandre Muller, Dusan Lajovic’s 6-4, 6-4 upset of Ugo Humbert, Marco Trungelliti’s 7-6 (5), 6-3 win over Nicolas Jarry, and Jordan Thompson’s 6-4, 2-6, 6-4 triumph over Jaume Munar.

Ons Jabeur Finds Joy in Stuttgart, Breaks Losing Streak

Ons Jabeur Finds Joy in Stuttgart, Breaks Losing Streak

Ons Jabeur, Tunisia’s Minister of Happiness, has found solace in Stuttgart, Germany, where she is competing in the Porsche Tennis Grand Prix. The world No. 9 has been struggling with a knee injury and a five-match losing streak, but she broke the slump with a hard-fought victory over Ekaterina Alexandrova in her opening match.

Jabeur’s love for football was evident as she visited the home stadium of VfB Stuttgart, MHPArena, which is adjacent to the Porsche Arena. She witnessed Stuttgart’s 3-0 victory over Frankfurt and later received a tour of the grounds from goalkeeper Fabi Bredlow.

Despite being a Real Madrid fan, Jabeur displayed her football skills with Bredlow, showcasing her keepy-uppy abilities. The pair exchanged well wishes for their upcoming matches, with Stuttgart facing Werder Bremen in the Bundesliga and Jabeur continuing her campaign in the WTA 500 event.

Jabeur’s victory over Alexandrova was a testament to her resilience and determination. After losing the first set, she rallied back to win the next two, including a tiebreaker in the third set. She credited her Tunisian fans for their unwavering support, which has been a constant source of motivation for her.

“Tennis is such a tough sport and it’s been such a tough period for me, so even confidence-wise I’m trying to build it up,” Jabeur said. “Very grateful to be Tunisian, because wherever I go I find them!”

Jabeur will face Jasmine Paolini in the second round, who advanced with a dominant victory over Sara Errani. The Tunisian star will be looking to continue her momentum and build on her positive experience in Stuttgart.

Zendaya's Tennis Film 'Challengers' Excites Grandmother, Aims to Meet Coco Gauff

Zendaya’s Tennis Film ‘Challengers’ Excites Grandmother, Aims to Meet Coco Gauff

Tennis enthusiasts worldwide are eagerly anticipating the release of “Challengers,” a Zendaya-led film that delves into the captivating world of the sport. The film, set to premiere in theaters next week in the U.S., has already garnered significant buzz, particularly among the star’s close-knit circle.

Zendaya’s grandmother, an avid tennis fan, is particularly excited about the film’s release. “She loves tennis, so she was so excited that I’m doing this movie,” Zendaya revealed during a recent press appearance. “She’s setting up a whole thing with all of her friends to go [see it].”

Despite the film’s R-rating and its exploration of mature themes, Zendaya expressed confidence that her grandmother would not be fazed by any potentially racy scenes. “She’s also seen ‘Euphoria,'” Zendaya said, referring to the HBO show for which she has won two Emmy Awards. “So it’ll be fine.”

The Los Angeles premiere of “Challengers” on Tuesday saw Zendaya gracing the red carpet, where she expressed her admiration for one of the WTA’s rising stars, Coco Gauff. “I love Coco [Gauff], I haven’t met her yet, but I sure hope so!” Zendaya exclaimed. “I know Brad’s [Brad Gilbert, the film’s tennis consultant] her coach, so I’m like, ‘I want to meet her!'”

While Gauff was unable to attend the premiere due to her participation in the Porsche Tennis Grand Prix in Stuttgart, the tennis community was well-represented by Brad Gilbert, Eugenie Bouchard, and Venus Williams.

Naomi Osaka's Clay-Court Comeback Ends in First Round

Naomi Osaka’s Clay-Court Comeback Ends in First Round

Naomi Osaka’s return to clay courts proved short-lived as she bowed out in the first round of the Open Capfinances Rouen Métropole to Martina Trevisan, 6-4, 6-2. The former world No. 1, who had not played on clay since 2022, struggled to find her footing on the surface, ultimately succumbing to the Italian dirtballer’s consistent play.

Osaka’s struggles on clay have been well-documented, with her decision to withdraw from the 2021 Roland Garros due to mental health concerns being a notable example. However, the 26-year-old has shown flashes of her top form on the surface, reaching the semifinals of the 2019 Stuttgart Open.

In Rouen, Osaka began her match against Trevisan with an early exchange of breaks. However, the Italian quickly settled into the match, saving five break points and serving out the first set. Trevisan continued to dominate in the second set, breaking Osaka early and holding on to her serve to secure the victory.

Osaka’s defeat marks her 23rd loss in tour-level clay matches, with her lone semifinal appearance on the surface coming in Stuttgart in 2019. The result also highlights the challenges she faces in returning to her former dominance, particularly on clay.

Despite the setback, Osaka remains optimistic about her comeback. She is scheduled to compete in the Porsche Tennis Grand Prix next week, where she will face a tougher field that includes world No. 1 Iga Swiatek.

Tennis Gear's Second Life: From Museums to Charity and Beyond

Tennis Gear’s Second Life: From Museums to Charity and Beyond

Tennis Gear: Where Does It Go After the Match?

Serena Williams’ iconic black catsuit and Coco Gauff’s US Open kit may have found their way into museums, but what happens to the countless other tennis outfits and equipment that players accumulate throughout their careers?

For some players, like Emma Navarro, donating to charities is a way to give back. She recently donated 40-50 pairs of shoes to Soles4Souls, a nonprofit that distributes clothing and footwear to those in need. Jessica Pegula, on the other hand, keeps her favorite practice gear but donates her match outfits and most practice clothes to her foundation, Serving Up Hope.

Elise Mertens sends boxes of her kits to Africa, while Lindsay Davenport, Caroline Dolehide, and others donate their gear to Goodwill. Dolehide also gives items to fans who ask, especially visors and jerseys.

Taylor Townsend, who doesn’t have a sponsor, keeps her kits because she purchases them with her own money. However, she does donate rackets and equipment.

Some player clothing ends up in the fundraising pipeline. Players donate signed items and rackets to their own foundations or ones they support. Dealers often buy these items to resell to collectors. Prestige Memorabilia, a company that deals exclusively in tennis relics, has auctioned off Roger Federer’s signed match shirt from the 2018 Australian Open for $33,000 and Rafael Nadal’s racket from the 2007 French Open final for $118,000.

However, according to Prestige Memorabilia owner Matt Cashin, only a minority of player clothing ends up at auction. “There have been very few of Serena’s clothes or rackets on the collector market,” he said.

The Unsung Heroes of Tennis: Tournament Stringers

The Unsung Heroes of Tennis: Tournament Stringers

Behind the Scenes: The Unsung Heroes of Tennis Tournaments

In the glamorous world of professional tennis, the spotlight often shines on the players, coaches, and sponsors. However, there’s a group of individuals who play a crucial role in ensuring the smooth operation of every tournament: the stringers.

At major events like the BNP Paribas Open, the stringing room is a hub of activity. Led by Mitch Case, a PTR certified coach and USRSA Master Technician, a team of expert stringers work tirelessly to prepare racquets for the world’s top players.

The stringing room is a dedicated space equipped with 11 primary stringers and machines, a center area for racquet preparation, and a front desk for player interactions. The team consists of experienced stringers with Grand Slam and Masters 1000 experience.

Case describes the atmosphere in the stringing room as “not very glamorous.” Interactions with players are minimal, with most communication occurring through the front desk staff or team members. However, the stringers take pride in their work, knowing that a well-strung racquet can make a significant difference in a player’s performance.

The workload during a tournament is intense. During the early days, stringers handle over 300 racquets per day, with each stringer responsible for 30-40 racquets. The hours are long, with stringers arriving at 7-7:30 a.m. and often staying until the last match of the day.

Stringers are assigned specific players to ensure consistency in technique and machine usage. However, there are exceptions, such as when a player needs an “on-court” stringing during a match.

Case recalls a particularly stressful day when he had 14 racquets due at various times. He also mentions a player who requested the highest possible tension, resulting in a stringbed that moved when weaving crosses.

Despite the challenges, Case finds the experience rewarding. He enjoys the camaraderie with his fellow stringers and the opportunity to collaborate with experts in the field. The challenge of stringing for the world’s best players is also a source of motivation.

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