Since 2008, the United States has been offered one of eight spots into the annual Master’U Event sponsored by BNP Paribas held in Rouen, France. The USTA has been asked to field a team of six American student-athletes -- three men and three women -- who are currently enrolled in college, plus two current sitting collegiate head coaches. These eight represent the United States in an international team competition against national collegiate teams from around the world. Team USA successfully defended its title in 2012.
The USTA partners with the Intercollegiate Tennis Association (ITA) to select the U.S. team. The goal is to reward six high-achieving American college tennis players and two coaches with this special educational, cultural and competitive tennis experience.
Player Selection
Players are selected utilizing the following criteria:
- ITA rankings - The top-ranked American man and woman from the ITA Pre-Season National Rankings are offered a roster spot.
- ITA All-American Championships - The men’s and women’s singles champions (if American) are also offered a roster spot.
- Remaining roster spots are selected by a committee of USTA and ITA coaches and staff.
- Team members must also represent the highest standards of sportsmanship and leadership and should have outstanding ambassadorial qualities.
Coach Selection
The USTA selects one coach for each gender. To be selected, the coach must be a current sitting head coach and represent the ideals and values of the USTA, as well as the ITA and its membership.
Travel
The USTA covers the cost of air travel to and from France. USTA Player Development staff assist in coordinating team travel. The Tournament Committee in France covers hotel, food and transportation costs while in Poitiers. A valid U.S. Passport is required for all selected participants.