It's the most important event of the tennis year for 400 junior players from across the United States and it happens every year in Kalamazoo. With August comes the annual
USTA Boys 18s and 16s National Championships.
This year the Nationals take place Aug. 5-14 at Kalamazoo College's Stowe Tennis Stadium.
The competition is 10 days of intense tennis, leading up to the winners being named United States National Champion in singles and doubles.
During the past 68 years most of the best-known names in mens' tennis have been on the courts in Kalamazoo. Stan Smith, Arthur Ashe, Jimmy Connors, John McEnroe, Andre Agassi, Peter Sampra and Any Roddick are some of the stars who played in front the crowds before they became tennis legends.
The week also will feature Michigan natives Luke and Murphy Jensen in exhibition play sponsored by Rx Optical, Greenleaft Trust and Greenleaf Hospitality. The exhibition match at 7 p.m. follows the opening ceremonies on Aug. 5.
Tournament Director Mark Riley says the Jensens are known for their high energy level and being very fun to watch. "It will definitely be an entertaining evening." The Jensen brothers were both born in Northern Michigan and went on to successful careers in professional doubles play, highlighted by a championship at the 1993 French Open.
The tournament is hosted by Kalamazoo College and Western Michigan University.
Writer: Kathy Jennings
Source: Mark Riley, USTA
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