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GEICO Champions Celebration Honors Billie Jean King & Ilana Kloss

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JTCC was transformed for an unforgettable evening on April 29 to salute tennis visionaries Billie Jean King and Ilana Kloss at the GEICO Champions Celebration presented by Amazon, Umana Family, & Erin and Robert Thomson.

More than 450 supporters packed JTCC’s second bubble for a program filled with impactful speeches, touching tributes, and amusing anecdotes from Congresswoman Mikie Sherrill, GEICO’s Director of DEI LaDonna Bond, and JTCC CEO Ray Benton. Captivating videos paid homage to Kloss and King’s impact on the sport and fight for equality for women.

Tennis Channel host Brett Haber served as the emcee for the evening and was later joined on stage by King and Kloss for an insightful discussion about the evolution of women’s sports and their careers.

The event raised $550,000 to provide financial aid to players.

Guests enjoyed cocktails and hors d’oeuvres during the pre-dinner reception while being entertained by match play featuring JTCC Adaptive athletes, High Performance and Junior Champ players.

Earlier in the afternoon, King and Kloss spoke and mingled with 75 adoring youngsters during a clinic held on the JTCC outdoor courts.

Hall of Famer Billie Jean King, a 39-time Grand Slam winner, is renowned for her advocacy of equal prize money and gender equality in sports. She famously won the “Battle of the Sexes” against Bobby Riggs in 1973 and played a crucial role in the formation of the Women’s Tennis Association (WTA).

Kloss’ s impact on tennis extends far beyond her successful playing career as well. The world No. 1 ranked doubles player in 1976, Kloss won both the US Open Doubles and French Open Mixed Doubles championships in 1976.

Transitioning seamlessly off the court, Kloss became a significant contributor to the sports community, serving as the CEO and Commissioner of World Team Tennis for nearly two decades, championing its unique co-ed team format. Her influence also resonates as the CEO of Billie Jean King Enterprises and co-founder of the Billie Jean King Leadership Initiative. Together, King and Kloss’ s partnership has championed LGBTQ+ rights and driven significant advancements for women in sports and society, solidifying their legacy as powerful agents of change and inspiration.

JTCC Opens First Virginia Location

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JTCC is excited to announce the opening of its first location in Virginia at the Westfields Marriott Washington Dulles Hotel in Chantilly, VA.

The award-winning facility, located just 12 minutes from Dulles International Airport, spans 26-acres and features six state-of-the-art, lighted hard courts designed to elevate your game with comprehensive Junior and Adult programs.

JTCC will offer a full range of classes from March to October each year. This includes JTCC’s renowned Junior Development Pathway, engaging Adult clinics and private lessons, and popular Adult beginner class Learn Tennis Now. Adaptive and outreach programs will be included in the near future.

Individuals and families can purchase seasonal memberships, providing unlimited court access. All program participants will also receive a 15% discount on any purchase at the hotel restaurant.

JTCC staff professional David Loss has been named Director of Player Development at the location and will oversee all operational efforts.

“Having a Virginia location has been a long-time goal, and we are thrilled to launch JTCC Chantilly,” said JTCC Vice President Megan Moulton-Levy. “JTCC has partnered with Westfields Marriott Washington Dulles to bring their tennis courts to life, as we aim to build a strong community centered around the joy of inclusive tennis programming for all ages and abilities.”

To learn more about programming opportunities, please click here.

Frances Tiafoe Reaches 3rd Straight Houston Final

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“Houston, we have a problem” applies only to Frances Tiafoe’s early round opponents in the Fayez Sarofim & Co. U.S. Men’s Clay Court Championship in Houston, TX, because the Hyattsville native continues to destroy opponents on his way to three consecutive finals at the ATP 250 event.

Having won the 2023 event with a hard-fought 7-6, 7-6 victory over Tomas Etcheverry of Argentina and valiantly falling in three sets last year to fellow American Ben Shelton, Tiafoe is aiming to become the fourth player to win multiple titles at the ATP 250 event since it moved to Houston in 2001, joining Andy Roddick, Juan Monaco, and Steve Johnson.

Tiafoe, seeded #2, earned a bye and then breezed through his first three rounds without dropping a set, including wins over Americans Alex Michelsen and Brandon Nakashima, marking Tiafoe’s first back-to-back wins in 2025.

Playing a fellow American in the final for the second time, Tiafoe fell to compatriot qualifier Jenson Brooksby, 6-4, 6-2, who earned his first career title, having saved match points in three different matches.

“Stringing a bunch of matches together is always great, and I wish I could do it more week in and week out,” Tiafoe said with a smile during the post-match trophy ceremony. “Hopefully this result helps build momentum for Monte Carlo next week.”

Next up for the Hyattsville native is a first-round encounter with Serbian Miomir Kecmanovic in the first round of the Rolex Monte Carlo Masters this week.

8 JTCC Players Compete In Para Standing Championships

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The Para Standing Championships held March 1-2 brought together 15 exceptional athletes from the United States and Chile and featured a remarkable display of talent across multiple competitive categories including Men’s and Women’s singles and doubles.

JTCC was well-represented with half of the field represented by players in the JTCC Adaptive programs, including:

● Layla Tyus
● Renee Schmidt
● Gary Boshoff
● Kenneth Rodriguez
● Kemit Lewis
● Alejandro Guadarrama
● Daria Rubin
● Richard DeBella

The Championship attracted world-class competitors, including European and World Champion Daniel Scrivano and World runner-up Martina Siebert, elevating the tournament’s competitive profile.

Kendra Herber took home the Women’s Open singles title, while Samuel Shnowske topped Scrivano in a very competitive three-set battle in the Men’s Open singles final.

Off the court, tournament staff and participants were treated to a special screening of “Foot Fault”, a film created by Para Standing player and comedian Adam Hills, hosted at The Hall CP.

“The second annual JTCC Para Standing tournament brought top players from around the world, giving our local athletes a chance to compete at the highest level,” said JTCC Head of Wheelchair & Adaptive Tennis Gabby Hesse. “We are proud to keep creating opportunities for all players with disabilities to train and test their skills in competition.”

Asaf Yamin Travels To China

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For two and a half weeks, JTCC Director of International Operations Asaf Yamin embarked on an incredible journey to China, bringing the JTCC training philosophy and High Performance mindset to the next generation of tennis players. His mission was to share JTCC coaching principles with players and coaches across China while building lasting connections within the international tennis community.

From Tianjin to Guangzhou, Asaf visited five premier tennis academies and clubs, working with more than 100 players and coaching educators. Through on-court training, interactive discussions, and mentorship, he emphasized JTCC’s core values: structured player development, tactical awareness, and a champion’s mentality.

“It was an amazing experience sharing the JTCC philosophy and learning from the coaches, parents, and players,” Asaf reflected. “Tennis is truly a global language, and the passion for the sport in China is incredible.”

In between coaching sessions, Asaf immersed himself in the local way of life, tasting authentic cuisine and exploring some of China’s most breathtaking landmarks. From walking the historic Great Wall of China to standing atop the illuminated Canton Tower, he embraced every moment of this unforgettable experience.

As JTCC continues to grow its international reach, Asaf’s journey to China highlights the JTCC commitment to developing world-class players and fostering a global tennis community.

Game Changer: Kemit-Amon Lewis’s Impact In Para Standing Tennis

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Kemit-Amon Lewis’s journey back to competitive tennis is a testament to resilience, innovation, and the power of community. His connection with Wilson and JTCC has been instrumental in his return to the sport, allowing him to push past barriers and redefine what is possible in Para Standing tennis.

In 2019, while working in St. Croix as a marine biologist, Lewis contracted a severe bacterial infection that led to septic shock and multiple organ failure, resulting in the amputation of his right hand, right leg, and parts of his left fingers and toes.

Despite these hardships, Lewis was determined to return to his active lifestyle. With the support of Wilson, he was able to customize equipment that allowed him to adapt his game, including a specialized prosthetic arm attachment for his racquet.

“Wilson has been incredible in helping me find the right gear,” he explained. “Having equipment that’s tailored to my needs has made a huge difference in my confidence and performance.”

His determination and hard work led him back to competitive tennis, where he participated in the 2024 Para Standing Tennis World Championships held in Italy. It was overseas during this tournament that Lewis encountered two other individuals associated with JTCC.

“I met [former JTCC Coach] Karl Lee and [JTCC Para Standing player] Nicky Maxwell at the World Championships in Italy,” Lewis recalled. “I had heard about JTCC, but I didn’t know about the Adaptive program until I met them. Once I got here, I knew it was the right place for me. The energy, the coaching, the players – it was exactly what I needed.”

Through his training at JTCC and his partnership with Wilson, Lewis reinforced his belief that determination, adaptability, and the right support system can help athletes of all abilities excel.

“JTCC has given me the opportunity to train at an elite level and work with amazing coaches,” he said. “It’s not just about improving my game—it’s about pushing boundaries and showing what’s possible.”

Photo credit: PJ Davis

Alumnus Stiles Brockett Clinches UVA Win Over #1 Texas

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In a moment that will be etched in University of Virginia tennis history, freshman and JTCC alumnus Stiles Brockett delivered a heroic performance to clinch the decisive point in the Cavaliers’ thrilling 4-3 upset over #1-ranked University of Texas on February 2.

In front of an electrified home crowd in Charlottesville, VA, Brockett showcased resilience and composure, turning the tide for Virginia in one of the most intense matches of the season.

With the Cavaliers trailing 3-2, the pressure mounted with no margin to spare as the final two singles matches neared a conclusion.

At the #1 singles match, 2024 JTCC ITF Boys’ champion Rafael Jodar fought off three match points to secure a crucial three-set win, tying the overall match score at 3-3.

All eyes then shifted to Brockett, who found himself locked in a grueling battle in the #5 singles match. After dropping the opener 4-6, Brockett dug deep, fighting back to claim the final sets 7-5, 6-3. The victory over #116 Lucas Brown marked Brockett’s first ranked win of his collegiate career.

“The energy of the match was unbelievable. There were a lot of fans, and the atmosphere was electric,” Brockett reminisced. “Having the opportunity to play in a match like that was amazing, and to clinch a match like that is what you dream of in college tennis. To win for my team and share that moment with my teammates was special, but it’s just one match, and there’s a lot of tennis left to play this season.”

Brockett is joined on the UVA varsity by fellow JTCC alumni RJ Fresen (senior) and Stefan Regalia (sophomore).

Alumni Spotlight: Jakob Esterowitz Stringing Along An Environmental Initiative

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JTCC alumnus Jakob Esterowitz has transformed his skills on the court into a groundbreaking venture off the court. Jakob founded Orobor, a company repurposing old tennis strings into sustainable polyester pellets. His journey reflects the unique blend of athletic and personal growth fostered at JTCC.

Jakob began playing tennis at the age of three and joined JTCC when he was nine. He trained in the High Performance program for nearly a decade from 2012-21.

“The coaching, mental conditioning, and fitness programs created a balance between working hard and having fun,” Jakob said. “That balance kept my love for tennis alive. Even though tennis is an individual sport, JTCC fostered a team atmosphere. The diverse coaching structure and focus on resilience taught me to push myself.”

Currently a sophomore studying mechanical engineering and playing NCAA Division I tennis for Boston University, Jakob applies the lessons learned from JTCC to both his academics and entrepreneurial pursuits.

Jakob credits JTCC’s environmental initiatives, such as the Recycle Balls program, for inspiring his work. Orobor currently collects discarded strings from 30 facilities and is expanding into more clubs nationwide.

“I wanted to create a solution to reduce the environmental impact of microplastics and CO2 emissions because I’ve seen firsthand as a player how much string we go through,” Jakob stated. “Seeing the Recycle Ball program at JTCC when I was younger showed me the importance of giving back to the community.”

Though busy with Orobor and college, Jakob remains connected to JTCC and keeps in touch with other alumni and coaches and visits when he can.

“JTCC shaped me as a player and a person,” he said. “The lessons I learned there continue to guide me in everything I do.”

Shristi Selvan Achieves Career-High USTA #15 National Ranking

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JTCC High Performance Player Shristi Selvan set a personal goal in 2024 to become a “top 25 player in the country” in Girls’ 14s by the end of 2025.

Just 30 days into the new year, Selvan now can aim even higher, having now achieved a career-high USTA national ranking of #15.

The Howard County native, who began training at JTCC five years ago, has rapidly climbed the rankings following a successful 2024 season that included a finalist finish in doubles at the prestigious Orange Bowl Girls’ 14s.  After starting the previous year with a rank of #60, Shristi can take pride in her remarkable progress in such a short time.

“It means a lot,” Selvan stated. “It shows all the work I’ve put in and that my results are actually starting to show.”

A key part of her success has been her growing comfort with tournament play.

“Over time, I’ve become more comfortable with tournaments, more relaxed, and I’ve advanced further when I compete,” she explained.

Her breakthrough moment came at the Orange Bowl, where she reached the doubles final and reached the Round of 16 in singles. The international event, often regarded as one of the toughest Junior competitions in the world, marked one of her biggest achievements in 2024.

For Selvan, the guidance from her team of coaches has been essential. “Coach Paula has been such a help to me, fixing my technique and helping me with my mentality,” she said. “Coach Peter is helping me with the mental side, and Coach Oliver and Ali are all helping me improve my game to go farther in tournaments.”

With a deep sense of gratitude for the team behind her, Selvan is now focused on her next goal of reaching a top 10 ranking before she ages out of the Girls’ 14s age group on May 16.

“I want to get my UTR higher and go deeper in major tournaments,” she stated with her eyes set on the future. “I’m determined to push myself further and get better every day.”

Kalista Papadopoulos: A Rising Star At JTCC

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At 15-years-old, Kalista Papadopoulos is quickly making a name for herself in the tennis world. A relative newcomer to competitive tennis, Kalista began taking the sport seriously only after COVID-19 disrupted her involvement in other team sports such as lacrosse and field hockey. What started as casual rallies with her older brother Jordan during the pandemic has now evolved into a dedicated pursuit of excellence on the court.

Kalista and her brother joined JTCC seven months ago in May. In that short time under the mentorship of Coach James Carr, Kalista has taken her game to the next level.

Describing herself as an aggressive baseliner with a growing focus on net play, Kalista credits JTCC for shaping her consistency and confidence. Her hard work recently paid off when she captured her first International Tennis Federation (ITF) Junior doubles title in Peru with fellow JTCC High Performance player Reiley Rhodes.

“Winning the title in Peru was an unforgettable experience,” Kalista said. “The repetition we get in our training at JTCC is very helpful. Drills translate directly into match play, which makes new skills we practice feel second nature during competition.”

Looking ahead, Kalista’s goals are clear. She wants to play collegiate tennis at a top school and test her skills in select professional tournaments in the future. With her relentless drive and the support of her JTCC family, the future looks bright for this rising star.

“JTCC feels like home. We all push each other to improve, and that bond makes the hard work worth it,” she stated. “Having my brother here to train with me and challenge me is also special. I’m excited for what is ahead next year.”

JTCC Alumnus Denis Kudla Announces Retirement After 14-Year Tennis Career

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After an outstanding junior and professional career that left an indelible mark on the sport, JTCC alumnus Denis Kudla has officially retired from tennis after an impressive 14 years on the tour.

The first JTCC player to compete on the ATP tour, Kudla quickly gained attention as a junior in 2008 when he won the prestigious Orange Bowl 16’s, defeating fellow JTCC player Mitchell Frank, and ending the year ranked #3 in the ITF World Junior rankings.

His success continued as he reached the US Open Boys’ Singles finals in 2010 before transitioning to the ATP Tour as a professional.

Throughout his tennis career, Kudla celebrated several significant milestones, including breaking into the Top 100 at age 20 and reaching a career-high ranking of #53 in singles in 2016. Recognized for his powerful serve and strong baseline game, Kudla won nine ATP Challenger Tour titles over his career and had the honor of representing Team USA at the 2016 Olympic Games in Rio de Janeiro.

In 2015, Kudla attained his best Grand Slam result, advancing to the 4th round of Wimbledon before being defeated by US Open champion Marin Čilić.

Reflecting on his career in an Instagram post after his final match, in which he teamed with Desirae Krawczyk to help the United States sweep win the doubles semifinals of the United Cup, Kudla expressed his gratitude: “I could have never imagined what this life could give me and where it has brought me,” Kudla stated. “A blonde-haired, backwards hat-wearing kid from the DMV going on to be a professional tennis player! I am forever grateful to this sport I love.”

Two-time US Open semifinalist and JTCC alumnus Frances Tiafoe, who looked up to Kudla while training together as juniors at JTCC, paid tribute to his friend on social media.

“I really appreciate you bro, more than you can ever imagine. You truly helped me believe that being a pro can be a reality,” he wrote. “Thanks for giving me game and support as a youngin and still to this day. Nothing but love for you baldhead Kudla.”

While Kudla might be done competing in tennis, he certainly remains close to the sport. He began the newest chapter of his tennis career in December, agreeing to coach fellow American Reilly Opelka. Kudla’s influence has already been noticeable, as Opelka recently defeated 24-time Grand Slam champion Novak Djokovic 7-6(6), 6-3 in the quarterfinals of the Brisbane International.

JTCC President Vesa Ponkka, who witnessed Kudla’s growth as a junior, remarked on his legacy:

“Denis was one of the most important players we have ever had at JTCC. He established the work ethic, discipline, and professional mindset that define a player at JTCC. He decided at a very young age that he wanted to become a great player, and he worked tirelessly every day to make that happen.”

2024 JTCC Highlights

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Throughout the year, JTCC participants and alumni continued to leave inspirational memories for the entire community.

Thirteen-year-old Wheelchair player Spencer Davis left his mark earning a permanent place on the JTCC Walk of Fame after securing a prestigious United States Tennis Association (USTA) National Gold Ball in the Coed C singles bracket of the L1 Cajun Classic in Baton Rouge, LA in March.

JTCC’s 25th Anniversary Gala honoring alumnus Frances Tiafoe and University of Maryland president Darryll Pines raised more than $580,000 for the JTCC Community Champs (formerly GEICO Game On!) program providing access to tennis to youth in underserved communities in Washington, DC and Prince George’s County.

In August, JTCC hosted the inaugural Wheelchair Championships, an event that featured three tournaments in one, ranging from professionals on the International Tennis Federation (ITF) circuit to amateurs and juniors in USTA events all competing in respective brackets. More than 50 players from around the world participated in the four-day event.

JTCC High Performance player Reiley Rhodes made headlines in November by securing her first three career ITF Junior titles in two weeks in Peru. Rhodes cruised to a J60 singles and doubles title before taking her game to the next level claiming a J100 singles championship the following week.

In the past two months, three alumni – Ayana Akli, Andrew Fenty, and William Woodall, each triumphed at the highest level, winning their first professional doubles tournaments as all three embark on pro careers.

Stay tuned for more inspiring memories and experiences for the JTCC community in 2025!

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