Southern players and organizations are constantly making their mark in the world of tennis. Here's a list of recent awards, achievements and news in November 2016.
Bluftton's Bob Brown recognized
The USTA announced the 2015 No-Cut Coach All-Star Team, which includes Robert “Bob” Brown of Bluffton High School in Bluffton, S.C.
The No-Cut Coach All-Star Team recognizes 10 exceptional middle and high school coaches throughout the nation who implement a “no-cut” policy which welcomes all interested students to be a part of their school’s tennis team.
The 61-year-old Brown from Townsend, Ga., first became a coach as a young man, but in a game he loved as a child: hockey. Brown’s tennis teams have won eight regional titles during his career and he estimates he has coached more than 2,000 players. Brown thinks having a no-cut philosophy is “the best way to build a program,” he said.
Since 2006, more than 4,000 tennis coaches nationwide have made a commitment to offering a no-cut policy, with some programs including more than 100 team members on a high school team. The coaches of these teams serve as positive role models and make a difference by spending the extra time and effort to ensure that young players experience the fun and fulfillment of playing tennis and participating in a school sport.
Sandgren wins in USTA Pro Circuit doubles title
Tennys Sandgren and Austin Krajicek won the doubles crown at the JSM Challenger of Champaign-Urbana, overcoming the British team of Luke Bambridge and Liam Broady in the final.
Sandgren, of Gallain, Tenn., and American Krajicek won the final 7-6(4), 7-6(2) in the USTA Pro Circuit match played in Illinois. The hardcourt tournament had a purse of $50,000.
Townsend prevails in doubles at Waco tournament
In the Waco Showdown doubles draw, top seeds Michaella Krajicek and Taylor Townsend, of Atlanta, took down third-seeded Ashley Weinhold and Caitlin Whoriskey in the semis, 6-1, 7-6 (8), then won the title a day ahead of schedule when finals opponent Mihaela Buzarnescu defaulted in order to catch a flight to a tournament in Poland.
Grace Min, who grew up in Lawrenceville, Ga., reached the final of the USTA Pro Circuit event in Texas. Beatriz Haddad Maia, a 20-year-old Brazilian, won the final 6-2, 3-6, 6-1, and take the tournament's $7,600 first prize at the Hurd Tennis Center. there's nothing worse than thinking about it.