By Gina Woods, Junior Challenge Ladder Vice President
The ALTA Junior Challenge Ladder (JCL) players recently had an exhilarating experience that served as a grand slam in their young tennis careers. They were given the incredible opportunity to rally with a professional tennis player at a clinic, an event that preceded the much-anticipated 2024 Atlanta Open.
“We are so thankful for the opportunity to hit with Mattia Bellucci, as it was very cool to hit with a pro player,” said JCL member Addison Merrill. The drills took place at Georgia Tech with Bellucci and local pro Tony Burke from Ansley Golf Club. The players all seemed to have a great time meeting everyone and playing some great tennis.
“The Atlanta Open was an amazing experience for me,” recalled JCL player Hannah Lee. “I got to meet the amazing Mattia Bellucci. At first, I was nervous to meet the other player because it was my first clinic. However, after playing with the others, I started to lose my nerves slowly.
“The other players were nice and had good sportsmanship,” Lee continued. “Not only that, but when leaving we got to see Frances Tiafoe practicing on the courts!”
Lee added that it’s one thing to watch the pros on TV but playing on the court alongside them was an entirely different experience. “The pros were strategic and had a different speed. I learned so much. It seemed to be a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity for all of the players.”
After the clinic, the JCL players made their way to the tournament grounds of the Atlanta Open. The atmosphere was electric, buzzing with an energy that only such a unique experience could generate. As the kids took to the center court, the applause and recognition they received for their participation in the JCL was a moment of pure joy and pride.
“It was such an exciting opportunity and day for us since we got the chance to see so many pro players and be recognized on center court at the Atlanta Open,” said Merrill. “It was also an amazing experience to watch the matches leading up to our recognition on Center Court and seeing players from the practice courts.
It was a testament to their dedication and love for the game, a memory that will undoubtedly serve as inspiration for their future endeavors in tennis.
 players recently had an exhilarating experience that served as a grand slam in their young tennis careers.){kind=link}