Eastern at 2024 Les Petits As

Double victoire! Two USTA Eastern juniors captured titles at Les Petits As, one of the world's most renowned tennis competitions for the 14-and-under age group. 

Michael Antonius, of Buffalo, N.Y., became the first American since Victor Lilov in 2018 to capture the boys’ singles title, defeating Spain’s Izan Banares Lasala in the final, 4-6, 6-2, 6-0. And Wayne, N.J.’s Izyan “Zizou” Ahmad claimed the boys’ doubles title with partner Teodor Davidov, overcoming the French pair Thomas Grevoul and Quentin Dodig, 2-6, 6-1, 1-0. Past champions of the prestigious event—which takes place in Tarbes, France—include US Open champion Bianca Andreescu, US Open semifinalist Frances Tiafoe, French Open champion Jelena Ostapenko and 22-time Grand Slam champion Rafael Nadal.

“Being able to win a tournament that so many great players have played in was such an exciting experience,” Antonius said of lifting a trophy that many legends previously hoisted on their way to the top of the game. “There was also a little bit of relief, since this is a tournament that we have been talking about for a year, since the last time I played it.”

In 2023, Antonius lost an intense, three-set thriller in the first round (though he’d go on to claim the consolation draw). One year later, he sacrificed just nine games—and bageled three of his five opponents—en route to the final.

“Having [played the event] before was definitely helpful,” he said. “I was just trying to stay in my comfort zone and play consistently, and also just take it one match at a time.”

Indeed, after breaking for 4-2, Antonius would claim eight of the next ten points—including one off a breathtaking volley lob—to take the set and even the score. He then finished with a flourish, dropping his fifth bagel set of the tournament to win the title.

“The main thing [I learned] is that I know I can compete with the best players my age from around the world,” Antonius said in reflecting on his victory. “It's also great to see how kids from other countries play, their gamestyles and how they are on court. From them I can learn what I need to do to improve [my own game]."

Like Antonius, Ahmad and Davidov also reached their final without losing a set. Amazingly, the pair had never competed together before the event.

“We’re very good friends, so we communicate well,” Ahmad said of the succesful partnership. “Although it was our first time playing, we meshed really well in practice and in the first couple of rounds.”

Buoyed by the support, the home favorites claimed the first set “basically taking over the net,” Ahmad said. The Americans opted to stay back and try to hit through their opponents, a strategy that ultimately earned them a come-from-behind victory—much to the chagrin of French fans.

"It felt amazing to win, especially after coming back from a set down," Ahmad said. "And with the energy of the crowd, it was all really special."

Overall, Ahmad was most proud of the growth and improvement in his game from when he competed in the tournament in 2023.

“I learned a lot last year, and this year I thought I did better with my game and my attitude,” said Ahmad, who also reached the quarterfinals of the boys’ singles draw (ultimately losing to eventual finalist Banares Lasala). “My serve and volleys were huge weapons, and my backhand was as well. I also think I managed myself really well on the court, which was a big improvement.” 

Titles aside, one of the best parts of the experience for both Ahmad and Antonius, however, may have been getting another chance to be a part of a team representing the red, white and blue on a world stage.

“It's always a great time representing my country and hanging out with my teammates,” Antonius said. “As the tournament went on we definitely grew closer. And having your teammates cheer for you is great!”