Tennis has been a well loved sport since the time of Shakespeare, being it the pastime of nobles and of royalty at that time. Now, the sport has evolved much and has changed a great deal since. Now, not only the wealthy can enjoy it but so does everyone else, both young and old. This sport has been a favorite pastime of the people of Naples, Florida ever since. Although, hardcore athletes come by here to either train or compete in major championships as well.
The love for this sport in Naples, Florida is so strong that courts, clinics and academies can be found everywhere, training kids during summer, or providing recreation for adults, building friendships, work teams, sealing business deals and we wouldn’t be surprised if it formed romantic relationships here and there as a consequence of playing this sport as well.
When speaking of playing tennis in Florida, you can’t remove the major championship events out of the discussion. The month of May 7-21 of this year saw the Svetlana Kuznetsova Cup Series held at the famous Academia Sanchez-Casal in Naples, Florida. This was a Women’s Pro Circuit Series event involving two tournaments held on consecutive weeks. The total prize was $50,000. The Series was named after Svetlana Kuznetsova, the World WTA No. 8 player and Sánchez-Casal alumni. Kuznetsova is a two-time Grand Slam winner (US Open 2004 and Roland Garros 2009).
The woman who won the entire tournament was 16 year old Claire Liu. This rising star from Thousand Oaks, California, defeated seventh-seeded Danielle Collins, 6-3, 6-1, on Sunday in the singles tournament championship. Liu’s road to the title took 12 matches, including a semifinal victory over No. 2 seed Kayla Day on Friday. Her run in the in the tournament wowed many a spectator.
It’s worth noting that this kid was taught in Academia Sanchez-Casal (ASC). The ASC has a facility in Naples, Florida and is one of the busiest tennis centers in the city. Their Naples facility specializes in teaching the sport to children as well as providing a good venue for serious older players. And recently, the International Tennis Federation (ITF), will give a lifetime achievement award for Emilio Sanchez and Sergio Casal, founders of this sports facility, called the Philippe Chatrier Award in France happening in early June of this year.
Their facilities have made significant contributions to the sport of tennis and have taught numerous children to love the sport and lead upright lives over the past two decades.
There is so much to love in the sport of tennis and as much as there is much to love in the beautiful city of Naples, Florida and the surrounding areas that make up the Paradise Coast. Come by the city of Naples, Florida and experience fine white sand beaches and relaxing spas and hotels after a day of action and exhilarating fun of tennis. There are so much pleasant surprises in store for both the casual tennis player and the professional one here in this city, it would be a real shame if you miss them.
