Tennis’s Crystal Ball

American men’s tennis is in the crapper right now. Andy Roddick looks more and more like a one-slam wonder; James Blake can’t stay healthy; and the next big thing, John Isner, is still merely the next big thing. However, hope always springs eternal at the Junior Orange Bowl, where the...

By P. Scott Cunningham

December 17, 2009

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American men’s tennis is in the crapper right now. Andy Roddick looks more and more like a one-slam wonder; James Blake can’t stay healthy; and the next big thing, John Isner, is still merely the next big thing. However, hope always springs eternal at the Junior Orange Bowl, where the stars of tomorrow cut their teeth against the best young players in the world. Need proof? Andre Agassi and Jim Courier were both finalists, and the 2002 Boys 14 and under champion, Juan Del Potro, just won the U.S. Open. So that skinny kid with the big pimples you’ll see loping around the University of Miami Tennis Center (5821 San Amaro Drive, Coral Gables) this Thursday during the first round of the Main Draw could be covered in sweat and red clay at Roland Garros by 2014. Matches begin at 8 a.m. and some are played at the Biltmore Tennis Center (1150 Anastasia Ave., Coral Gables) so check jrorangebowl.com or call 305-662-1210 in advance. Watching is free, but winning — like 2008 Boys 14 champ John Richmond from South Carolina did — requires blood, sweat, and a small entrance fee.
Thu., Dec. 17, 8 a.m., 2009

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