Remembering Felipe Echavarría: The Tennis Plaza Legacy

In the heart of Miami, a city where tennis is woven into the fabric of everyday life, there is the story of Felipe and Leon Echavarría—two brothers who nurtured a small dream and watched it grow into a lasting legacy. Their journey began in 1990 when they left Colombia and came to the United States, united by a passion for the sport and a desire to create a place where the love of tennis could be shared with others.

Their first store was modest, tucked away in South Miami. Felipe and Leon were the entire team—selling racquets, stringing them, and managing every aspect of the business themselves. Despite the challenges, their commitment to quality and customer service set them apart. Every product was chosen with care, and every customer was treated like family. It was this dedication that laid the foundation for what would become Tennis Plaza. Remarkably, their partnership was never marred by disagreements or conflicts. Instead, their shared vision and unwavering support for each other only strengthened the unique bond they had as brothers and friends.

As the years passed, the small store began to grow. Felipe’s meticulous attention to detail ensured that the shop was always organized, with each item in its proper place. This commitment to excellence helped transform Tennis Plaza—a name that soon became synonymous with the sport in South Florida. Tennis Plaza wasn’t just a store; it became a gathering place for players, coaches, and fans, reflecting the Echavarrías’ deep love for the game.

Felipe was not only a dedicated business owner but also a passionate tennis player and soccer enthusiast. He spoke with excitement about Barcelona, his favorite soccer team, and his love for sports was evident to everyone who knew him. But above all, Felipe valued family. His wife, children, and extended relatives were central to his life, and this sense of family extended to his employees as well. Whether it was sharing a meal with managers or enjoying a coladita with customers and staff, Felipe created a warm, welcoming atmosphere within Tennis Plaza.

It was also during this time that Felipe nearly had a memorable encounter with Roger Federer—a story that still brings a smile to those who hear it.

The passing of Felipe Echavarría leaves a profound absence, but his legacy lives on through Tennis Plaza, which now operates nine stores across Florida and serves customers nationwide. The values that Felipe instilled—quality, attention to detail, and a genuine love for the game—continue to guide the business today.

As we remember Felipe, we honor not just his accomplishments in the business world, but the humanity and kindness he showed every day. He taught us that tennis is more than just a sport; it’s about the connections we make and the joy we share.

His spirit is there in every carefully strung racquet, in every well-chosen piece of equipment, and in the enduring love for the game that he cherished so deeply.

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Photos courtesy of Tennis Plaza