June Feature - Meet Jon Rydberg!

Jon has been a World Team Cup Captain since 2018 and in Chile last year for the ParaPan American Games. He states that being a U.S. Paralympic Team Captain was a “natural fit for both myself and our other Captain heading into Paris since we both have worked with our top players over the years and know the competition well.” 

Jon is excited for the whole Paralympic journey, especially experiencing it from a coaches’ view instead of a players. He notes that it’s “always cool and rewarding to compete or coach at that level and wear USA on your back.” 

USTA Northern, along with Jon’s expert knowledge and assistance, is excited to continue growing in the wheelchair and adaptive tennis space. There are many ways in which wheelchair players can get involved, such as joining a kids camp, middle school or high school team, or just playing with friends and family. Athletes can compete in USTA leagues, at an intercollegiate level, or go pro!

“We [Northern] have multiple places to play consistently with other wheelchair players as well with the Courage Kenny program, at Williston Fitness Center, or at our Junior All-Comers Camp at Fred Wells in August,” Jon says. 

Please reach out to USTA Northern, Courage Kenny, or Jon for more information. 

Today, Jon is a USTA National coach for all Team USA players and East Ridge High School in Woodbury, MN. Jon, who has experience competing in almost everything from basketball, hockey, football and softball, offers insight into why tennis is unique and a piece of advice to current and future players. 

“Tennis can be a frustrating sport at times but the process is what’s great. The fact that you can play anyone, not just other wheelchair players, is a huge bonus we have that the other sports cannot replicate. On top of that, we can play tennis forever! So enjoy the great shots, and learn from the bad ones.”

Lastly, Jon enjoys meeting new people, making connections in the tennis community and helping others get the most out of the sport. He adds, “If you see me at a Grand Slam, a camp, or at a local high school match, come say hi. Chances are we have something in common, or I can help in some way through the experiences I’ve had over the years. It’s an individual sport, but it’s a team game.” 

Coaches, you’re invited to USTA Northern’s wheelchair tennis workshop on August 8, 2024. The workshop will be run by Evan Enquist, Ph.D (He/Him), National Manager - Wheelchair Tennis. Register here! 

Players, join us for USTA’s All-Comers wheelchair tennis camp in St. Paul, MN August 9 - 11, 2024, led by Jon Rydberg and Northern Section Regional Provider for Wheelchair Tennis, Brendan FitzPatrick. Register here! 

For more information, please reach out to USTA Northern’s Katie Bergman at katie@northern.usta.com, Courage Kenny, or Jon Rydberg at jono777@hotmail.com.