Tampa Tennis Blog: Jeff Winkler Finds Silver on Grass; More

St. Pete’s Winkler Wins USTA Silver Ball at Men’s 60s Grass Courts

Jeff Winkler of St. Petersburg added a silver ball to his collection with a second-place finish in the USTA National Men’s 60-and-over Grass Court Championships.

Winkler teamed with Chris Reynard of Virginia to finish runner up in the national doubles contest held in Pontiac, Mich.

In singles, Winkler reached the 60s consolation final.

Winkler, who grew up in the Detroit area and played at Central Michigan University, moved to Florida in 1983. For the last 30 years, the civil lawyer has competed to Top 5 state rankings in various age divisions and has competed nationally and internationally.

Sucupira Among Ultimate Tennis Singles Warriors

This summer’s Ultimate Tennis Flex League included seven women’s singles divisions and 12 men’s.

Leading the way among the men is Jonathas Sucupira, who won his third title in the 6.0 division.

Despite the elements and a layoff since his college playing days, Sucupira relied on his aggressive style of play and pre-match preparation and hydration to advance to and win the final.

Sucupira first played tennis when he was nine, and played to the No. 1 ranking among juniors in Brazil. A tennis scholarship to Florida State University in 2003 allowed the Brazilian to hone his skills and bring many victories to the Seminoles.

After graduation in 2007, Sucupira didn’t play until friend Ignacio DeElia encouraged him to return to the courts. Return he did and in the final, Sucupira beat his friend and hitting partner DeElia!

Frenchy’s 24th Gumbo Tennis Classic in November

Plans are underway for next month’s 24th Annual Frenchy’s Gumbo Tennis Classic at the Henry L. McMullen Tennis Complex in Clearwater.

The three-day charity doubles event, scheduled Nov. 4-6, benefits Big Brothers Big Sisters of Tampa Bay.

Frenchy’s is one of the largest charity contests on Florida’s West Coast and nearly 300 players from around the state are expected.

Men’s women’s and mixed doubles in five NTRP divisions are available, as well as prize-money singles action in both men’s and women’s open divisions.

Register by Nov. 1 to avoid a late fee. For more info or to register click here, or email Dawn@bbbstampabay.org for questions.