The Legendary Bobby Curtis and Florida Junior State Championships

The USTA Florida Bobby Curtis Junior State Championship, known as the most prestigious event of junior tennis in Florida, has a storied history that reflects the growth and passion for the sport within the state. Named in honor of Bobby Curtis, this renowned tournament has been the proving ground for countless young tennis talents, some who have gone on to achieve greatness on national and international stages. 

The origins of Florida’s Junior State Championship date back to the early 1950s, when it was first established as a platform for junior players in Florida to showcase their skills and compete at the highest level. 

Over the decades, the tournament evolved, expanding in size and significance, and has become a pivotal event in the USTA Florida calendar. It provides young athletes with an opportunity to compete in a structured, highly competitive environment, allowing them to test their abilities and gain valuable match experience. 

One man who played a pivotal role in the creation of the just the junior tennis space in Florida, is none other than Bobby Curtis, also known as “Mr. Junior Tennis” to many. 

Bobby Curtis was one of the state’s most impactful figures in the junior tennis space. From organizing countless events to teaching youth players the game, Curtis was more than a tennis advocate. 

He got the nickname “Mr. Junior Tennis,” for many good reasons. In Miami, Curtis took to a troubled neighborhood and created a place for kids to escape from reality and enjoy the game of tennis. In the 1950s, he taught tennis at Moore Park, now known as the Ashe-Buchholz Tennis Center at Moore Park. It didn’t matter what background you came from, what you looked like, or how good you were at tennis, Curtis took time for everyone that came out to play the sport. 

That’s what it was all about for Curtis, making sure that kids had a platform to compete and play tennis on. He was all for the kids, watching them play and work toward reaching the next level. 

When he wasn’t teaching kids the sport, he was working diligently for the Youth Tennis Foundation of Florida, where he worked toward establishing Junior Team Tennis nationwide, which today holds more than 60,000 youth players. 

Curtis’ dedication to junior tennis in Florida didn’t go unnoticed. In 1977, he was awarded the USTA Community Service Award, which is awarded to individuals who have made significant contributions over a long period of time to the development of tennis in their communities. In 1980, he received the Florida Tennis Association (FTA) Merit Award, in 1989 he was honored with the United States Professional Tennis Association’s Florida Division Award for Service to Tennis, and in 1994 Curtis was inducted into the USTA Florida Hall of Fame. 

Curtis was the first employee of USTA Florida, when it was still called the FTA and is one of the main reasons that USTA Florida is thriving today. He was a visionary who understood the importance of development for young-aged players and his contributions have had a lasting impact on the tennis community in Florida. 

Throughout the years, the Junior State Championship has undergone many changes, both in format and impact on the sport. To honor Curtis’ legacy, the USTA Florida Junior Counsel voted to rename the Junior State Championship in his name for both singles and doubles in 2012.

Now, the event attracts hundreds of the best junior players from across the state, all vying for the prestigious title and the honor of being recognized among the elite in Florida junior tennis. The tournament has been instrumental in nurturing young talent and has served as a springboard for many players who have gone on to achieve remarkable success. 

Four former Bobby Curtis champs have ranked No. 1 in the world on the ATP and WTA rankings. Those players are Chris Evert (1971 18s, 1970-69 16s, 1968 14s, and 1966 10s champion), Jennifer Capriati (1986 12s champion), Jim Courier (1986 18s champion) and Andy Roddick (1996 14s, 1994 12s champion). 

Current WTA players Amanda Anisimova (2014 14s, 2011 10s champion), Sofia Kenin (2010 12s), Danielle Collins (2011 & 2009 18s, 2006 12s), and Bethanie Mattek-Sands (1998 14s) are also notable winners. Prominent Florida legends who were winners include three-time Grand Slam runner-up and two-time Olympic gold medalist Mary Joe Fernandez (1983 14s, 1982 12s); former world No. 8-ranked Carling Bassett (1980 12s); former world No. 7 and current U.S. Fed Cup Captain Kathy Rinaldi (1980 14s, 1979 12s); former world No. 7 Jay Berger (1985-84 18s, 1983 16s); former world No. 3 and two-time Slam doubles winner Brian Gottfried (1970 18s, 1966 14s, 1963-64 12s); former world No. 5 Eddie Dibbs (1969 18s, 1967 16s, 1965 14s); and former ATP player and legendary tennis organizer Charlie Pasarell (1958 15s, 1957 13s). 

Today, the tournament format features singles and doubles divisions for boys and girls in age categories ranging from 12 to 18, ensuring that players of all levels can compete. There is also a Green Ball competition for 10 and under players. 

The impact of the Bobby Curtis Junior State Championship on young players cannot be overstated. For many, it’s their first experience of high-level competition, providing a valuable learning opportunity and a chance to test their skills against the best in their age group. The tournament also offers a pathway for players to progress to national and international competitions, as this event holds a ton of weight. 

As the USTA Florida Bobby Curtis Junior State Championship continues to grow and evolve, the organization remains committed to its core mission that Bobby Curtis lived by, promoting junior tennis and providing young players with the opportunities they need to succeed. The tournament’s ongoing success is a testament to the vision and dedication of Curtis and the countless individuals who have contributed to its development over the years. 

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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 courtesy of USTA Florida and USTA. Cover image: Florida Tennis.