Southern juniors make major impact at US Open

Hello NYC! A swarm of Southerner juniors has arrived at the US Open.

In a banner year for juniors building their skills in USTA and World Tennis tournaments, nine players from three Southern states journeyed to the bright lights and big courts of the USTA Billie Jean King National Tennis Center.

Yannik Alvarez played men's doubles, as well as boys' doubles and singles. Noah Johnston, a sophomore at the University of Georgia, joined Alvarez in the men's doubles.

Cumming, Ga.’s Yannik Alvarez had the busiest schedule, competing in the men’s doubles, advancing to the second round of the boys’ doubles with Ryan Cozad. They defeated Marietta, Ga.’s Kayden Colombo and Jerrid Gaines, Jr., of Margate, Fla.3-6, 6-1, 1-0 [10] in the opening round.

Isha Manchala, the reigning Wimbledon Girls’ 12s Champion, played in the US Open’s Girls’ 14s singles, competing against girls up to six years older. Atlanta’s Hannah Aylaudt competed in the girls’ singles and doubles. Also, playing girls’ singles was Emery Combs. 

Two brothers from Raleigh, N.C. - Gavin and Griffin Goode - battled together in the boys’ doubles. Gavin was also in the boys’ singles draw.

“USTA Southern has sent more juniors to the US Open than in any year in recent memory,” said Maria Cercone, USTA Southern Director, Junior & Player Development. “Our USTA Southern Junior Pathway has helped develop a strong group of outstanding junior players who are competing at the highest level here and internationally.”