This year, Florida Tennis is kicking things off with a special issue celebrating the Delray Beach Open. The DBO is fast-approaching and this issue should serve as the perfect companion (and guide) in order to check out all the action. Extra copies will be on-hand at the tournament — stop by the USTA Florida booth or Jim Pappas & Paul Bivda booth to pick up a copy. 

We're all looking forward to an incredible lineup this year at the DBO. Miami resident, Taylor Fritz, is going for the "three-peat" but the competition will be tough. Boca Raton-based Tommy Paul will be gunning for his title again this year. Other big names are coming too including Reilly Opelka, Cameron Norrie, Brandon Nakashima, Marcos Giron, Alex Michelsen, Matteo Arnaldi, and Kei Nishikori.

And there's more tennis action at the DBO outside the main draw. The Legends event will feature superstar Juan Martin Del Potro, the Bryan Brothers, the Jenson Brothers, and Tommy Haas, Sam Querry, and Jack Sock. Even the qualifiers include some big names like Christopher Eubanks, Mackenzie McDonald, Learner Tien, and Nishesh Basavareddy.

Also in this issue, we have a complete listing of all DBO's non-tennis events. Expect some delicious offerings at their Food & Wine Series with events celebrating Valentine's Day, "Burgers, Bourbon, and Brew" and "Taco, Tequila, and Tennis" — plus Ladies Day Luncheons and much, much more. And check out the DBO's ATP Pro-Am, Legends Clinic, USTA Florida Kid's Day, Wheelchair Tennis Showcase, and more!

We also take a moment to reflect on Florida Tennis legend Jim Martz and remember all the ways in which the tennis community came together to recognize his legacy and remember his enormous contribution. We miss Jim and hope this tribute will spark some heartwarming memories.

Florida Tennis' new Entertainment Director, DJ Mad Linx, joins us after working on-air with Tennis Channel and ESPN in order to review the Tecnifibre T-Fight racquets, courtesy of our partner Tennis Plaza. He tests out these frames with Fabio Massetta, a Swiss junior standout player who once scored a win against Roger Federer. Fabio provides his thoughts on Tecnifibre — definitely worth a demo at Tennis Plaza if you're scoping out a new racquet.

We visit the Veltri Racquet Center to recap the nail-biting finals at this year's epic Orange Bowl. We also visit the Junior Orange Bowl and interview Tournament Director Robert Gomez. And we had a chance to swing by the Little Mo Internationals in Palm Beach Gardens to see last issue's cover model, Vlada Hrancher, win the big (really big) trophy! Florida Tennis contributor Dave "Koz" Kozlowski also interviewed her iconic coach, the legendary Rick Macci, to learn more about what it takes to win.

We look back on the tremendous career of Rafael Nadal in our Autograph Corner column with contributor Adam Ross. And we got some insights into the U.S. No. 1 player in the 50s age bracket, Philipp Samor von Holtzendorff-Fehling, who shares his favorite biohacking tips in order to become a senior champion — including his own product line at Leela Quantum Tech. 

We also got a change to interview the amazing team at the David Ensignia Tennis Academy during their DETA International Tournaments down in Miami. They share the fascinating history of their ever-expanding operation, which started in Venezuela, and now includes four remarkable locations across Kendall and South Miami/Pinecrest. 

Meanwhile, Florida Tennis teamed up with USTA Florida for an in-depth profile on the Veltri Racquet Center, a high-profile location on the USTA Florida's "Florida Tennis Trail" and home to the Orange Bowl. USTA Florida also reflects on their 75th Anniversary and introduces their breakthrough Economic Impact Report. Executive Director Laura Bowen welcomes the new USTA Florida Advocacy Team and provides some helpful background on current initiatives.

We take a closer look at the incredible work of Ed Krass — looking back at his recent stop in Lakeland for the College Tennis Exposure Camp and ahead at the upcoming PTR One-on-One Doubles Championships. Rumor has it that a few players from Florida Tennis will be in the draw (wildcards for sure)!

Florida Tennis' new Associate Editor, Osvaldo Godoy, travelled to Naples and visited the Emilio Sanchez Academy in order to recap this year's impressive USP College Tennis Showcase. He spoke with the top brass at USP along with college coaches, players, and parents. It was Florida Tennis' second year at the event and it was fantastic.

Last, our Health & Wellness contributor, Ian Pyka from Boca Cryo explains why sleep is paramount for the top players including the research studies and champions (e.g. Roger Federer) who explain why getting good sleep should be a priority in your life. We also learn some tips and tricks for increasing those zzzzz's — something we all need!

Digital Issue

A big thank you!

Please be sure to support of our amazing advertising partners:  Rick Macci Tennis Academy, Tennis Plaza, Delray Beach Open, USTA Florida, Evert Tennis Academy, Sofibella, Boca Cryo, David Ensignia Tennis Academy, Delray Beach Tennis Center, College Tennis Exposure Camps, One-on-One Doubles, Leela Quantum Tech, The Jim Pappas Team, HITT at Sunrise Tennis Club, Youth Tennis Foundation of Florida, The Club at Ibis, Little Mo,  University of Florida - Racquet Sports Management Master's and Certificate, Veltri Racquet Center, and The Hampton Inn Orlando Southeast Nona and Home2 Suites Orlando Southeast Nona.

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Written by Florida Tennis Editor and Publisher Matt Pressman.