Fort Lauderdale to Host National USTA Tournament

USTA National Boys' 14 Clay Court Championships - July 13 to 20, 2008

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 13 to July 20, 2008. 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 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 13. Rounds will begin at 8:00 a.m. each day through July 20. Final rounds will begin at 9:00 a.m. on Sunday, July 20 and all events are open and free 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 to Friday from 7:45 a.m. to 9:00 p.m. and Saturday and 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.