The Junior Orange Bowl has announced Andy Murray as the honorary chair of the 52nd International Tennis Championship.
Murray won the Junior Orange Bowl Boys 12U Championship in 1999 and returns to be a part of one of the most prestigious tournaments on the amateur tour. Murray is the current world No. 3 ranked player and is the current men’s singles title holder of the Wimbledon Championship and the Olympic Gold Medal. He became the first British player in 77 years to win Wimbledon as he defeated Novak Djokovic in straight sets at the 2013 Championship.
The Junior Orange Bowl Championship remains close to Murray’s heart.
“Winning the Under-12 event in 1999 is still one of my happiest memories from the sport, so I’m delighted to be able to serve as honorary chair for this year’s event,” he said.
Murray sent a special message to all of this year’s participants: “I wish everyone who takes part the best of luck, and hope that one day some of you will have the chance to be honorary chair. It’s a special tournament and your memories from here will stay with you, so enjoy it.”
The annual Junior Orange Bowl International Championship draws 1,400 of the world’s best U12 and U14 tennis players. The tournament draws players from over 74 countries to four South Florida locations to compete in the 10-day event. This year’s tournament will be played Dec. 14-23. Matches are played at the Crandon Park Tennis Center, home to the Sony Open; Salvadore Park; William H. Kerdyk Biltmore Tennis Center, and the University of Miami Neil Schiff Tennis Center. Play culminates with all final draws hosted at the University of Miami and Salvadore Park.
The International Championship has hosted some of tennis’ most recognizable professionals including Juan Martin del Potro, Caroline Wozniacki, Andy Roddick, Justine Henin, Jim Courier, Mary-Joe Fernandez, Jimmy Connors and Monica Seles.
The International Tennis Championship is one of 15 athletic, and academic events hosted by the Junior Orange Bowl. The Junior Orange Bowl is celebrating its 65th “Diamond Jubilee” anniversary in 2013. The annual Junior Orange Bowl festival draws over 7,500 youths from more than 74 countries to fulfill its mission of serving the South Florida community and the youth of the world by providing wholesome, competitive and multicultural experiences
For more information or to register for the 52nd International Tennis Championship, visit www.jrorangebowl.org and visit the tennis page under sports and events.
