COLLEGE PARK, Md. — Two Junior Tennis Champions Center (JTCC) alumni will take center stage during the final weekend of the 2026 US Open, as Frances Tiafoe competes for a spot in the men’s singles final and Robin Montgomery plays for her first Grand Slam title in the women’s doubles final.
Most academies and programs celebrate one or two players reaching a Grand Slam draw. Today, JTCC has two alumni playing in a Grand Slam final and semifinal on the same day — both homegrown talents who began in the program at age six.
“Both Frances and Robin’s work ethic, love for the game and mental toughness have enabled their progression, along with their amazing teams. We are so proud of the way they represent themselves, their families and JTCC. They epitomize our aspirational motto of being Champions on and off the court — Champions for Life,” said JTCC CEO Martin Blackman.
Tiafoe advanced to his third US Open semifinal after completing a dramatic comeback from two sets down to defeat fellow American Alex Michelsen, 5-7, 3-6, 7-5, 6-3, 7-6(6). The 28-year-old Maryland native will face Ben Shelton on Friday night in an all-American semifinal, guaranteeing an American man a place in the US Open final.
At the end of the match, Frances showed why he is one of the most loved players on the ATP Tour, cutting his celebration short to run over and embrace his opponent.
“That action at the end of a hard-fought battle represents the sportsmanship that every fan wants to see, and every junior needs to see. It was a great example for all of us,” said Vesa Ponkka, President & Director of Coachinng at JTCC.
Montgomery has also reached new heights in New York, advancing to her first Grand Slam final in women’s doubles alongside fellow American Ashlyn Krueger. The pair, who previously teamed up to win the 2021 US Open Girls’ Doubles title, saved two match points in their semifinal victory. Five years later, they will look to go one step further, taking on top seeds Katerina Siniakova and Taylor Townsend in the Women’s Doubles final Friday at noon.
About JTCC
Junior Tennis Champions Center (JTCC) is a nonprofit organization headquartered in College Park, Maryland, providing tennis opportunities for players of all ages and abilities. Since 1999, JTCC has developed hundreds of collegiate players and numerous ATP and WTA professionals while expanding access to the sport throughout the Washington, D.C. Region.
JTCC seeks to use Tennis as a vehicle for human development, developing Champions on and off the Court, Champions for Life.
Read More from






























