Miami’s Stewart Wins Title, But Chirico Wins French Wild Card

Miami’s Katerina Stewart outlasted New York’s Louisa Chirico 6-4, 3-6, 6-3 for the title on Sunday at the Revolution Technologies Pro Tennis Classic, the $50,000 USTA Pro Circuit event in Indian Harbour Beach, Fla.

The finalist appearance by Chirico was enough to clinch her the points title and the French Open USTA-designated women’s wild card from the USTA Har-Tru Wild Card Challenge. While Stewart did not earn a French Open main draw wild card slot, she will travel to Roland Garros to compete in the women’s qualifying event.

“The first set, we were both fighting head to head,” said Stewart, who was appearing in her third straight USTA Pro Circuit tournament final, speaking to Florida Today. “The second set, I just had no gas left.”

The players took a 10 minute break prior to the third set on a day where temperatures topped 90 degrees. In the third set Stewart broke for a 3-1 lead before running out the set 6-3 for the championship.

Stewart improved to 3-2 in USTA Pro Circuit finals in 2015, last week beating Chirico in the first round in Charlottesville after losing to her the week prior in the Dothan final.

In the doubles final, Americans Taylor Townsend and Maria Sanchez defeated American Alexandra Stevenson and Russian Angelina Gabueva 6-0, 6-1 for the title.

South Florida 12-Under Tennis Coaches Workshop

The South Florida 12 & Under Coaches Workshop will be held on May 15, 2015 from 11:30 a.m.-5 p.m. at the Banyan Country Club in West Palm Beach, Fla.

“This initiative is presented in an interactive way, providing tangible benefits that cover every daily need for coaches, administrators and parents as well,” says organizer Gustavo Granitto. “Hispanic and Latino markets will be also an important target to be presented.”

The first 10 coaches to register will be granted with follow-up and support during 2015. The fee is $40 for USPTA members and $45 for non-USPTA, and includes material presentation, lunch, and certificate of attendance.

Topics will include Self-Competencies and Professional Development; Adjusting, Changing and Adapting Coaching Behaviors for 12 & Under; Transition to High Performance; Business in Parks and Privates Facilities; Social Media; and Florida Tennis Needs & Opportunities.

Speakers will include Gustavo Granitto, Juan Nunez, Julian Worlterboer, with moderator Alex Ringwald.

To register email aleringwald@gmail.com or call (561) 512-5598.