It’s net-net win for usta junior tourney players North Shore Towers Courier n July 2014 3 These tennis-loving teens are spending their summer serving in a fiercely competitive way. The first of two important U.S. Tennis Association junior tournaments kicked off the other week at the NST tennis facility. The tournament – which drew players from all over New York City, Connecticut and Long Island – is the first step in the long road to the national junior championships in Kalamazoo, Mich. in the fall. The players range in age from 12 to 18 and are playing to win points that will improve their rankings. Players are chosen to go on to the future tournaments based on their rankings. “They’re working their way up the ladder,” says Annelies Karp, the USTA volunteer and NST resident who has been running junior tournaments at the Towers for 10 years. This week’s tournament features players in four categories, 14-year-olds and 16-year-olds in both the boys and girls divisions. A second junior tournament, featuring top-level boys in both the 16-year-old and 18-year-old divisions, is set to begin here on Aug. 26. Both tournaments will run several days, depending on how many youngsters apply for admission and – not surprisingly – how long each match goes on. The USTA Junior Tournaments around the country are offered in a variety of formats, including individual, team, nonelimination and elimination. The variety allows kids to compete in a way that makes them feel comfortable, that matches their level of play and helps them to experience success. RaJ Srivastava, a top competitor, before his first match at the USTA tournament at the NST tennis facility. PhotoS BY Julie Weisman Robert Cooper and his daughter Isabella
NST072014
To see the actual publication please follow the link above