The recent 2010 Nike Junior Tour USA National Masters New England section qualifier tournaments served as center stage for some of the region’s top players.
Cumberland, R.I.’s Jared Donaldson found himself back on top of the event he won as a 12-year-old in 2008. Now, 13, Donaldson won this year’s qualifier in the 14s at the Longfellow Club in Wayland, Mass. on March 20.
Falmouth, Maine's Justin Brogran (left) and Jared Donaldson
Matthew Lord (Bloomfield, Connecticut) claimed victory in the 12s at Newington (Conn.) Tennis Center.
Matthew Lord (left) and Weston Brach of Dover, Mass.
The girls’ side saw an impressive performance from Winchester, Mass. resident Nicole Frenkel, who won the 12s at the East Hartford Racquet Club - losing just six games in four matches - and followed that championship up by winning the 14s three weeks later at Lyme Shores Racquet Club in east Lyme, Conn. In the 14s, Frenkel lost just 14 games in four matches.
From left: Melissa Lord (Bloomfield, CT), Tourney Director Andre Danford and Nicole Frenkel
"Congratulations to Jared, Nicole and Matthew for winning these qualifier tournaments," USTA New England Player Development Manager David Zeutas-Broer said. "We wish them all the best as they represent New England at the prestigious NJT USA Masters event later this year."
The Nike Junior Tour (NJT) is a worldwide series of junior singles tournaments for Boys and Girls in the 12 and 14 age groups. There are currently 28 countries participating in the NJT, representing over 60,000 players. Former NJT International Masters participants include Rafa Nadal, Juan Martin Del Potro and Tomas Berdych. The winner(s) of this event will be invited to compete at the NJT USA National Masters at the Evert Tennis Academy, Boca Raton, FL Sept.. 17th -19th . The NJT USA National Masters is a Level 2 USTA National event. Nike provides round trip transportation, food and lodging for the winner(s) (B14, B12, G14, G12) plus one team coach. The NJT USA National Masters winners advance to play in the NJT International Masters in October, date and location TBA.