Faces of Florida Tennis: Alba Martinez

Alba Martinez, at 17 years old, is not only a promising tennis player but also a dedicated member of the community and an inspiring role model to many, including her little sister. Her journey through tennis, marked by determination and a deep love for the sport, has positioned her as a leader for the next generation of tennis stars.  

Early Beginnings and Family Influence 

Alba’s tennis journey began at the early age of five, influenced by her parents’ insistence on sports being an integral part of life. “My parents were very persistent with me playing tennis from a young age, and I learned to love it,” she recalled. For the Martinez family, sports were always going to be a part of their lives, and tennis was one that was perfect for Alba and her younger sister.  

“My younger sister has been attending my tournaments since she could walk and has been surrounded by this sport her whole life,” Alba said. “I guess you could say she started playing tennis because of me!” Alba has played a great role in his young sister’s life and even finds herself giving her pointers as they both train for their future.  

Alba’s dedication to tennis has yielded impressive results. By the time she was nine, Alba was not just playing but training seriously, setting the stage for a future of success in the junior circuit. 

She has won and placed well in numerous national tournaments, including securing two silver balls and two Bobby Curtis Plates, one of which was first place. Alba is also a two-time Florida High School Athletic Assocation State Champion at True North Academy in Miami. 

Her immediate goals are to earn a Division I college scholarship, win a conference title, and compete in the NCAA Tennis Tournament. These aspirations are backed by years of hard work and the unwavering support of her family. “When I started to grow a passion for this sport and got pretty good at it, we decided as a family that this is the path I wanted to take,” she said. “I couldn’t do any of this without my entire family’s support.” 

The Joy of Volunteering 

Beyond her personal achievements, Alba has made significant contributions to the tennis community. She finds great joy in coaching young juniors who are new to the game. “I’ve had several parents approach me asking me to coach or simply rally with their kids, kids that look up to me as a former #1 USTA Florida player,” she said.  

For these young players, Alba is a source of inspiration, and seeing their enthusiasm is incredibly rewarding for her. “It’s so rewarding to see these young kids look at me as if I was some pro. I hope I’ve inspired them and maybe made them fall in love with the sport a little more.” 

While her playing career has taken center stage in her life, Alba still hasn’t pushed away the idea of giving back to her community whenever she can. 

A Vision for Affordability and Inclusivity 

As someone who competes in a ton of tennis tournaments, Alba wants to make sure that everyone can have the opportunity to experience what she gets to, and that tennis strives for even more accessibility. “I think it is important that the [tournament] fees remain reachable for all players,” she said. “The last thing we want is for junior players not to be able to afford to play in tournaments due to financial inequality.”  

As an American with Hispanic heritage, Alba values the inclusivity that tennis promotes. “Being inclusive of all cultures is important to not only tennis but all communities across the world,” she said. “It should be celebrated and embraced. I love to see the USTA go out of its way to make everyone feel welcomed and equal. Tennis is a sport for everyone, regardless of color, race, sexual orientation or religion. On the court, it is a fair game. You have to love that.” 

For Alba, tennis is more than just a sport; it’s a life-shaping experience. “When I was younger, I was so shy I wouldn’t even ask for a glass of water at a restaurant from a waiter,” she said. “Tennis has filled me with confidence, strength, and discipline.” Tennis is the ultimate teacher as it helped her learn some essential life values such as character, honesty, dedication, and discipline. “Get involved, be active, and help each other out,” she said, encouraging everyone of any age, race, and background to give tennis a shot. 

Looking Ahead 

As Alba heads into her senior year at True North Academy, she remains focused on her goals while also paving the way for others. Being recognized as a community leader both on and off the courts is another stone along her path. “This is such a privilege. I feel so lucky, but also proud because I know all the work I and my close ones have put in to be in the place I am in today,” she said. 

As she continues her journey, she remains committed to leading by example, ensuring that tennis not only shapes her future but also the future of her community.  

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Written by: Jaret Kappelman, Marketing & Communications Coordinator for USTA Florida. Be sure to check out USTA Florida, the governing body of amateur tennis in Florida, offering tennis programs for all ages and ability levels. Photos/video courtesy of USTA Florida.