Billie Jean King, world-famous tennis player and ambassador for the sport, will play host to the 13th annual World Team Tennis (WTT) Junior Nationals presented by Advanta from Aug. 14 through 17 at the George E. Barnes Tennis Center, 4490 West Point Loma Blvd.
The invitational event will feature 16 co-ed teams from throughout the United States. Members of the teams are ages 18 and under and chosen based on their section and national rankings.
However, the event is designed for “promising” junior tennis players, and participants can be on a team only if they are not ranked in the top 150 of the United States Tennis Association’s seed-selection list as of May. In addition, to further enhance the event, the 16 teams receive grants of $500 each from WTT Charities Inc. to allow them to bring a coach for assistance.
The competition will follow the WTT non-elimination round-robin format.
“¢ Each team is made up of three boys, three girls and a coach.
“¢ Team matches consist of eight events: two sets each of boys singles and girls singles, one set of boys and girls doubles and two sets of mixed doubles.
“¢ The first team to reach six games wins each set.
“¢ A 9-point tiebreaker is played if a set reaches 5-all.
“¢ One point is awarded for each game won.
“¢ If necessary, overtime and a super-tiebreaker are played to determine the outright winner of the match.
In addition to the tournament, event participants will also take part in a player forum hosted by King. Various other activities and social gatherings are also planned. The event is free and open to the public.
Southern California will be represented by Youth Tennis San Diego, coached by Eric Mann; Jack Kramer Club, coached by Bill Dunkle; and Kern Community Tennis, coached by Jeff Hedberg and Mark Windes.
The schedule is as follows:
Friday, Aug. 15
8:30 a.m. – opening ceremonies
9 a.m. – tournament play begins with round 1
Noon – lunch and player forum
2 p.m. – round 2
Saturday, Aug. 16
9 a.m. – round 3
11:30 a.m. – lunch and college coaches seminar
2 p.m. – playoff round
Sunday, Aug. 17
9 a.m. – finals/final playoff round
11:30 a.m. “” awards
For more information, call (619) 221-9000, or visit www.tennissandiego.com.
