Robert Gomez takes us inside the Junior Orange Bowl
Dec 31, 2024
For 63 years, the Junior Orange Bowl has been the crown jewel of youth tennis, drawing some of the world’s most promising players to Miami. “It’s a world-class tournament,” says Robert Gomez, the event’s director. “We’ve had legends like Jimmy Connors, Chris Evert, Andy Murray, and Coco Gauff either win or compete here.”
The 2024 Junior Orange Bowl did not disappoint as it showcased immense talent from around the globe. “It’s incredible to see such diverse representation; seven of the eight girls’ quarterfinalists were from different countries.” This tournament’s history is as rich as its future is bright, offering a glimpse of tomorrow’s stars today.
Walking around the tournament, the international flavor is palpable. Florida Tennis asked Gomez the differences between European and American players at the tournament. “European players, who grow up on clay, have this court sense,” Gomez explains. “They’re masters of constructing points, using slices and drop shots. Meanwhile, American players bring power, serving big and hitting flat. It’s a fascinating contrast.”
The winners at this year's Junior Orange Bowl showcase international talent from all over the globe. The winner of the Boys 12 was Novak Palombo (AUS). The winner of the Boys 14 was Qi Hongjin (CHN). The winner of the Girls 12 Nikol Davletshina (USA). The winner of the Girls 14 was Sakino Miyazawa (JPN). Davletshina, the sole winner from the USA, is based out of Boca Raton, Florida.
To that end, we asked Gomez about Florida’s role as America's tennis epicenter. “The weather lets us play year-round,” Gomez says. “From iconic institutions like IMG Academy to smaller satellite programs, there’s a culture of excellence here.” Florida’s tennis pedigree extends beyond junior events. “It’s just a hub of activity that breeds talent.”
The Junior Orange Bowl will always be a proving ground for the elite. “We only take the top 100 players in the world,” Gomez notes. “Think of it as the Harvard of junior tennis.” What does it take to get here? “Passion, consistency, and ambition,” he emphasizes. “You’ve got to work extremely hard, stay humble, and be mentally tough. This isn’t just about talent, it’s about perseverance.”
For juniors aiming to play at the Junior Orange Bowl, Gomez offers some tips: “Understand your game style and play to your strengths,” he advises. “If you’re aggressive, embrace it. If you’re more analytical, let that shine. But above all, be rock solid with no holes in your game.”
To learn more about the Junior Orange Bowl, visit: https://juniororangebowl.org/tennis. And to check out more of our interview with Robert Gomez, check out the video below.
Interview with Robert Gomez
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Written by Osvaldo Godoy. Photos: Junior Orange Bowl.
