Fort Lauderdale to Host National USTA Tournament

Aisha Fraites, Public Information Specialist
954-828-4736 or afraites@fortlauderdale.gov

Fort Lauderdale - The City of Fort Lauderdale will host the USTA National Boys' 14 Clay Court Championships from July 15 to July 22, 2007.  The tournament will take place at the Jimmy Evert Tennis Center (JETC), located in Holiday Park at 701 N.E. 12th Avenue. 

The Boys’ 14 is the premier clay court tennis tournament for children age 14 and under in the United States and has been hosted by Fort Lauderdale for more than 25 years.
This prestigious event will draw over 200 of the top tennis players from all over the country.   Athletes, families and coaches will travel from as far away as Washington and Hawaii to compete.  Players will join a rich legacy of international champions who have previously competed in this tournament at the JETC, including Andy Roddick and Jim Courier. 

The first singles’ rounds will kick off at 8:00 a.m. on Sunday, July 15.  Rounds will begin at 8:00 a.m. each day through July 21.  Final rounds will begin at 9:00 a.m. on Sunday, July 22 and will be followed by an awards ceremony.  All events are open to the public.

The JETC, home to Chris Evert, is known throughout the world as one of the nation’s finest public tennis facilities.  Distinguished players who have developed their game at the JETC include: Jennifer Capriati, Brian Gottfried, Harold Solomon and Jeanne Evert. The Center features a new Beach Tennis court, 18 lighted clay courts, three hard courts, a clubhouse with locker and shower facilities, players’ lounge and a Tennis Hall of Fame and is open to the public, Monday – Friday from 7:45 a.m. to 9:00 p.m. and Saturday & Sunday from
7:45 a.m. to 6:00 p.m.

For additional tournament information please visit the City website at http://www.fortlauderdale.gov/tennis/boys14.htm or call (954) 828-5378.