Friday, August 1, 2003

USTA youth tourney comes to town

Some of America's best young tennis players will be in town for the next week, competing in the USTA Girl's 14 Super National Hard Court Championships, tomorrow through Aug. 9 at the Peachtree City Tennis Center.

"We are thrilled to have this tournament here. the community is really excited to welcome the top girls," said Virgil Christian, director of the Tennis Center.

Robert Sasseville, who has served as director of the tournament for the past 20 summers, agrees. "We couldn't be happier about our decision to move this event to Peachtree City Tennis Center," he said. "The girls and their families will really enjoy this great tennis facility and the enthusiasm of Peachtree City's tennis community."

Sasseville said that a key factor in selecting the site was the expertise of Christian and his staff. "This is the most important tournament of the year for these girls," he said. "Virgil is so knowledgeable and has so much experience hosting large events. We know that we'll have great support here."

To earn the right to compete in this prestigious event, players must qualify and be endorsed by their USTA sections. Each section has an entry quota is based on its Junior USTA Membership. It is a rigorous process and only the top girls are admitted. There is always a long list of alternates hoping to get in.

Of the 192 players, 21 will be from Georgia. Several are from the Atlanta area. Local players in this years tournament include Natalie Pluskota of Shrarpsburg and Jennifer Betts of Newnan. Kendall Wilde of Peachtree City also has a great chance to get into the tournament (at this writing she is one of the top alternates).

Notable competitors during Sasseville's tenure as tournament director include Jennifer Capriati, Lindsay Davenport, Mary Jo Fernandez, Mary Pierce, Chanda Rubin, Alexandra Stephenson, Lisa Raymond, Amy Frazier, and many others who have enjoyed successful professional careers.

"You can't always tell, at 14, who'll break through as a pro, but they all have the potential," said Sasseville. "Anyone who's interested in tennis will enjoy coming out to watch. You can't believe how hard those girls can hit the ball."

Singles play will begin tomorrow at 8 a.m. Doubles will start tomorrow afternoon. For more information, contact Sasseville at GoodSports, 770-631-0930.

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