ATA players continue to build a name for themselves on a national level with their ongoing victories at USTA L1 events. Over the weekend, Tristan Stine and his partner, Sibi Raja, won a ‘Gold Ball’ in B16 while Jack Ingram and his partner, Brendan Boland, won a ‘Bronze Ball’ in B18 at the National Doubles Championship held at the USTA campus in Florida.

“Tristan Stine continues to show that he is one of the best doubles players of his age in the country with his second ball this year. Fantastic performance and accomplishment,” said Coach Jack Newman, ATA Owner/CEO. Watching all the action court side in Florida was Stine’s primary coach Brian Notis. “Tristan and Sibi handled a tough draw early in the tournament and a very tricky team in the final with some great courage and clutch execution.”

Back in mid July, Stine and Raja won a ‘Silver Ball’ in B16 Doubles at the USTA Clay Court Nationals. Stine told Coach Notis that the last time (in July) they were so happy to be in the final and win a ball, but this time they were not satisfied with just being in the final… their job wasn’t complete. “Sibi and I really worked on staying loose and relaxed during the toughest moments to play our best,” said Tristan Stine. “‘Mistakes and pressure are inevitable; the secret to getting past them is to stay calm and relaxed’.”

In the 18s, Ingram and Boland battled hard from the very first round. “They saved 5 match points in the quarters with tremendous grit and courage.” said Coach Notis. “While they fell short in the semifinal to the eventual champions they bounced back to earn the bronze ball in a tough 3-set playoff match.” “We have worked very hard for this moment,” said Jack Ingram. “I think a quote summarizes my feelings; ‘After the hardest climb comes the best view’.”

The win in Florida adds a second USTA ball to Ingram’s trophy collection; he earned a silver at Winter Nationals with Christian Gonzalez in January. Coach Notis points out that Ingram and Boland have been to the quarters or better in every other L1 event this year.

While they didn’t win a USTA Ball, two other ATA players and their partners produced solid results: Ben Kotzen and Joe Patton won the Southeast Draw in B18, and Alexander Wriedt and Hayden Williams won the Southeast Draw in B16.

In all, 32 teams competed at the National Doubles Championship in each age group for both the girls and boys, which means only 64 players qualified from around the country to go head-to-head in each age group. “ATA was incredibly well represented at the national doubles event this year,” said Newman. “With nearly a dozen players competing and two balls won, that’s a great testament to the work put in all year by these competitors.” Also competing at the L1 event were Lila Fuller, Shaye Grant, Aya Manning, and William McEwan.

Wins at National Doubles by Stine and Ingram have now moved both players into the top 5 in the country on the latest national doubles seeding list: Jack ranks #2 in the country in B18 while Stine ranks #4 in the country in B16. “This past 12 months has seen ATA players bring home 4 USTA balls. This is an absolutely awesome result,” said Coach Newman. “Congrats to players, coaches and parents who combine to allow players the opportunity to shine.”