The world heads to Naples, FL, where local players will train with the globe's most elite teens preparing for the inaugural Teen World Open and soaking in the sun.
by Michael Augsberger
An exciting event, the first of its kind, Tennis Central’s Teen World Open will be the first true world championship for players aged 13-18. It’s set to take place August 1-12 at the world-renowned Sanchez- Casal Academy in Naples, Florida, where local players will join those from around the world who have qualified for the finals in a fortnight of intense training and searing competition.
Teens from coast to coast will play tournaments hosted by local clubs in order to qualify for the Open National Event in Washington, DC. The winner will represent the United States in Naples when the World Cup-style competition kicks off. A group stage of round robin play will be followed by semifinals and the final to crown the Teen World Champion.
Meanwhile, in the Leapfrog Program, local players will train with the tournament’s participants the first week, and then compete in a separate UTR tournament with other attendees the second week.
With a footprint on three continents, the Academy is part of a larger system run by former World No. 1 doubles player Emilio Sanchez Vicario. The Spaniard won two
doubles championships at Roland Garros and one at the US Open, then started his
academy system in Barcelona. Andy Murray, Grigor Dimitrov, Daniela Hantuchova,
and Svetlana Kuznetsova all trained under his coaching, as well as the 2008 Spanish
Davis Cup team that he captained, and which won the title.
His sister Arantxa Sanchez Vicario also needs little introduction and knows a
bit about teen tennis success, having captured the Roland Garros title in 1989 as its
youngest champion in history at age 17.
Both siblings are slated to train the Teen World Open’s participants in the week
leading up to the group stages, as well as academy coaches. Leapfrog participants will
practice in the same groups—one of the highlights of the trip.
The academy itself boasts 38 courts, a full tennis club and restaurant, resort-like
pool, and on-site accommodations designed for world-class players. That’s to say
nothing of surrounding Naples, with its pristine Gulf Coast beaches and downtown’s
luxury shopping districts.
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