The Club at Mediterra was the first to ever host a USTA-sanctioned Tiebreak Tournament back in 2014 when Michael Baldwin, Mediterra’s Director of Tennis and a member of the USTA Adult Competition Special Project Team, recognized that many tennis players didn’t have the time for traditional tennis tournaments. On August 27, 2016, Baldwin and the USTA held its third annual single day Tie-Break tournament and will expand on the success of the previous two years by adding the first USTA Tiebreak Tournament for juniors on September 17 to give young tennis players an opportunity to participate in the popular event.
“It’s no surprise that the tournament is well attended and has become widely popular considering today’s modern, busy schedules. Many people don’t want to spend three days, their entire weekend and a lot of waiting around to play a tournament,” said Baldwin. “The tournament provides a great opportunity for players to participate in a fun, challenging competition in a condensed amount of time.”
Presented by London Bay Homes, the Mediterra Naples tennis tournaments offer a unique format to make a full tournament’s events fit into a single day tournament. This format includes a best of three 10-point “match tiebreak” set instead of the traditional best of three sets so that everyone has a chance to play three matches and can be guaranteed a minimum of two matches. Each division is played in a three-hour window. Cash prizes will be awarded to the winner of each age division.
The Tie-Break tournaments provide an insight into the many luxury amenities offered by Mediterra Naples in an effort to create a fun environment for members ad guests to live a healthy and active lifestyle. Its tennis program alone has been honored with the designation of top new outdoor tennis facility in the country by the United States Tennis Court & Track Builders Association and Tennis Industry magazine. It was further honored during the 32nd annual USTA Outstanding Facility Awards Program, which recognizes excellence in the construction and/or renovation of public and private tennis facilities. The tennis facilities include seven award winning Har-Tru tennis courts, five of which are lighted. One of the tennis courts is a unique rounded court surrounded by grass-layered stadium seating, lush landscaping, and stone detailing. This court not only allows for more physical playing room, but it also allows Mediterra to host larger tennis matches, like the USTA-sanctioned events just held. Mediterra also boasts a comprehensive tennis program created by Mediterra’s Director of Tennis, Michael Baldwin. Whether you are just learning the game, introducing your children/grandchildren to the sport, or taking part in some friendly competition, the tennis program will fulfill your every need with leagues and lessons for all ages and abilities, as well as special events such as social mixers, junior tennis camps, clinics, and tournaments. Venus Williams even hosted an EleVen tennis clinic in 2012. If you are a little rusty, you can always sign up for private and semi-private lessons, have a crack at the ball machine for extra practice, or get a video analysis of your play to refine your skills.
Tour Mediterra Naples and see why it was given the title of one of America’s Healthiest Clubs, ranking it among the top 10 percent of private clubs for its commitment to fitness and wellness for members and staff. You can also learn more about the tennis program, as well as the many other luxury Mediterra amenities by contacting us.
