WTA Pro Sofia Sewing says Florida is the 'best place' for tennis

Not everyone can reach the top of the tennis game. With around 3,000 pro players ranked between the ATP and WTA, that means less than 1% of all players around the world can go pro. 

One of those pros, 24-year-old Sofia Sewing, from Miami, Florida, sat down with USTA Florida to reflect on her tennis journey and demonstrate to young aspiring pros exactly what it takes to be at the top of tennis world. 

Above: Sofia Sewing getting set for a backhand (Photo courtesy of USTA Florida)

“Overall, I think Florida is the best place for exposure in tennis,” Sofia said. “When I was in Miami, there were just so many academies and international kids who would come to Florida to train. I never had a lack of hitting partners, lack of people to train with, lack of coaches, or lack of facilities.”

Tennis is everywhere in Florida, whether at public parks or country clubs, the courts are bustling every day. Sofia loves that in this state you can always find someone around your skill level to hit with or practice with. “There is never a lack of tennis in Florida.” 

On top of practice opportunities, Florida has a wide range of junior tournaments that top players from around the state and the world travel to compete in. From Florida’s Bobby Curtis Junior Championship to the Eddie Herr International Tennis Championships held at IMG Academy, there are many tournaments to play in and Sofia emphasized the importance of these in honing your skills and getting recognized. 

Above: “I would say mental is everything,” Sewing told USTA Florida in an exclusive interview (Photo courtesy of USTA Florida) 

“I won the Eddie Herr two years in a row, and it was a big thing for me as a junior,” she recalled. “Those events are extremely prestigious, and it gave me lots of exposure because they’re completely packed with college coaches.” 

There are so many reasons why being in Florida is great for tennis athletes, you just need to be willing to put in the work. 

To learn more about Sewing's penchant for hard work on the practice court, in the gym, and on tour — check out her entire interview on the USTA Florida website. 

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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.