HUNTSVILLE, Ala. — After a year’s absence, the USTA Girls’ 16 National Clay Court Championships return to Huntsville, bringing in more than 200 tennis players from across the country.
The tournament, for players 16 years and younger, will be July 11-18, with Athletic Club Alabama serving as host. The Huntsville Tennis Center will also host early-round matches. There is both singles and doubles competition.
The United States Tennis Association selected Huntsville’s longest-standing tennis club, Athletic Club Alabama (ACA), to host the tournament in 2019 on a two-year contract, then announced that the tournament would continue here until at least 2024. The tournament provides more than a $650,000 economic impact for the area.
Alana Boyce, a Randolph School student, AHSAA state champion and 2020 Alabama Junior Player of the Year, will be among the field. She’s the first local player to qualify for the nationals since Huntsville began its host role.
Delaware’s Aubrey Nisbet, a surprise winner as a 14-year-old in 2019, will return to defend her title.
“I can promise that Eddie Jacques and his staff at the Athletic Club Alabama will provide first-class treatment,” said Huntsville Mayor Tommy Battle. “We’re also proud of the adjacent Huntsville Tennis Center, one of our Parks & Recreation Department facilities, and the work of pro Joc Simmons and his team. Both are exceptional venues, and there is a strong spirit of cooperation and teamwork that helps assure the success of an event such as this.”
Athletic Club Alabama co-owner Eddie Jacques, the USTA Boys’ 18 national clay court champion in 1992 and former All-American at the University of Georgia, is tournament director.
“I think the USTA, the players and their families were impressed by what they discovered in Huntsville in 2019 and how all those involved created such a great tournament,” Jacques said. “This is a valuable event for the city of Huntsville and it’s important as we continue to grow and support youth tennis in the area.”
“We know there will be a few familiar faces returning from 2019, but we know that many of the players and their families will be first-time visitors to Huntsville,” said Judy Ryals, President/CEO of the Huntsville/Madison County Convention & Visitors Bureau. “We look forward to sharing all that Huntsville has to offer. The CVB is proud to serve as a partner in this event, and we look forward to helping create a memorable experience for the athletes and their families.”
The United States Tennis Association established the Girls National Clay Court Championships in 1918, with the Girls’ 16 division added in 1962. Former champions include Tracy Austin, Mary Joe Fernandez, Lindsay Davenport and others who went on to successful collegiate and professional careers.