USTA NATIONAL CLAY COURT CHAMPIONSHIPS IN DELRAY BEACH

Delray Beach, FL­—The United States Tennis Association (USTA) has a lot to be proud of when past winners of the highest level national junior tennis tournament has had competitors including James “The Heartthrob” Blake, the world’s #1 doubles team—the Bryan Brothers, John “The Rebel” McEnroe, “Pistol” Pete Sampras, Andre “The Legend” Agassi, Jim “The Wall” Courier and Michael “The Machine” Chang. These American tennis heroes paved the way for our current juniors, the elite of which will gather in Delray Beach, July 15 – 22, 2007 for the USTA Boys 18 & 16 National Clay Court Championships hosted by the City of Delray Beach. Here, in our "Village by the Sea," these talented tennis legions will vie for the coveted Gold Ball, a higher national ranking, recognition from college coaches, and in most auspicious of occasions, the winner of the Boys 18's singles competition will receive a wildcard into the main draw of the Delray Beach International Tennis Championships (ITC), February 9 -17, 2008 ($437,000 ATP Tour Event).

Descending on the two-time awarded “All-American City,” more than 400 of America’s finest junior tennis boys will compete—192 player draw in each of the 18 & 16 and under divisions, plus the doubles field. These incredible tennis players have packed their racquets, socks, and sunscreen and boarded flight “Nationals” alongside family, friends, and coaches—non-stop to their long-awaited destination point—Delray Beach, Florida. Their places of origin resemble the wide array of the diverse culture which thrives in America—from Puerto Rico, to Honolulu, Hollywood, Phoenix, Dallas, Chattanooga, Nashville, to “the Big Apple”, down to the sunny streets of Miami, and back up to the glitz and glamour of Boca Raton, finally resting on the sands of Delray Beach.

COME SEE THE NATION’S BEST PERFORMERS! From the throng of competitors, over 50 are from Florida, 6 of which are from Palm Beach County. Additionally worth boasting is the fact that the tournament has attracted 7 out of the top 13 players in the country in the Boys’ 16s AND 9 out of the top 10 in the Boys’ 18s, including the all around best Junior boy in the country, Ryan Thacher (Studio City, CA). The 6 Palm Beach County players to watch for are: Evan Bernstein (18s), Adam Bernstein (16s), Viju George (18s), Bob Van Overbeek (18s), Matthew Braunworth (16s), and Sam Wells (16s). Another South Florida 18s player to keep an eye on is Brennan Boyajian (Weston, FL).  As the nation’s # 5 ranked player, could he spark two more golden fireworks to add to his ‘Starry Sky’? 

SEE ALL THE PLAYERS, HERE! Directions: Just follow the trail of beach sand from the yellow brick (Atlantic) Avenue to the green clay of Delray Beach's fabled courts. The tournament is estimated to bring over 1,200 visitors to the area and provide an economic impact of over $1 million annually.  "We are extremely excited to host this major USTA national event," said Tournament Director, Mark Baron. "Our goal is to make Delray Beach the place where the best junior players in the country come to compete."

                The event will be televised both statewide and nationwide, reaching an estimated 20 million homes, and will include the "Summer College Coaches Expo", held the first weekend offering an up-close and personal opportunity for players to meet numerous NCAA tennis coaches.

                The Delray Beach Stadium and Tennis Center will serve as the main venue for both the Boys' 18's and 16's divisions, with three other venues also hosting matches including Delray Swim & Tennis Club, Broken Sound Country Club and Boca West Country Club. Admission to watch these future red, white, and blue stars is FREE.

                For additional information, including volunteering and sponsorship opportunities, please call the tournament office at (561) 330-6000.