The metropolis of Fort Lauderdale joined mates and household on the Jimmy Evert Tennis Center to rejoice the accomplishments of 15-year-old tennis star Akasha Urhobo.
The metropolis designated May 1 as Akasha Urhobo Day, which was celebrated by a few hundred well-wishers on the tennis facility at Holiday Park. Fort Lauderdale Mayor Dean Trantalis made it official with a proclamation in honor of the rising tennis star.
The record of her accomplishments on the tennis court docket is spectacular as Urhobo’s resume continues to develop. Winning her first match at age 5 was only a precursor of issues to return.
Urhobo is the one two-time back-to-back “Little Mo International Slam” champion and turned the youngest USTA National Women’s Open Clay Court Champion, which she received as a 12-year-old on the Jimmy Evert Tennis Center. At age 14, she added one other USTA Clay Court singles and doubles title.
Other spectacular victories for the Lauderhill resident embody profitable the ATA National women 18 and Women’s Open National Championship and taking the 2021 FHSAA State 2A title as a student-athlete at Pine Crest High School.
Earlier this 12 months, the large announcement was Urhobo becoming a member of the skilled ranks. She proceeded to qualify in her first skilled ITF World Tennis Championship match and made it to the quarterfinals.
The particular occasion featured tennis exhibitions showcasing doubles play with Urhobo teaming up with fellow 15-year-old Yubel Ubri versus Daniel Luptak and Lauren Cooper.
Later, Urhobo and associate Luciano Muscella had an exhibition match in opposition to Junior Ore and Sathi Chirala. With the Fort Lauderdale Air and Sea Show, highlighted by the U.S. Air Force Thunderbirds, placing on a show overhead, the tennis gamers placed on their own spectacular efficiency on the clay courts.
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As a tennis participant, Trantalis stated he has a deep appreciation for what Urhobo has achieved at such a younger age and what the longer term holds for her.
“This is an amazing day here in Fort Lauderdale with the Air Show on the beach with thousands of people, the beginning of Fleet Week with our military, and today we get to recognize Akasha Urhobo, who is an amazing young person who has impressed everyone with her tennis talents,” he stated. “Seeing a young person apply her talents with her commitment is terrific and we hope to see her achieve great success at a high level in the future. Her dad TJ is very proud. This is where Chrissy Evert started as well as many others and the Jimmy Evert Tennis Center is a breeding ground for talent. Fort Lauderdale is the best place for tennis.”
TJ Urhobo is the top tennis pro on the Jimmy Evert Tennis Center and the proprietor of Tennis Prodigy, Inc. He has been the coach and coach for his daughter Akasha since she began swinging a racquet at age 2.
“Akasha is very excited to turn professional and played and defeated some very strong players in her first tournament in Naples,” TJ stated. “I am mostly happy because she is still loving the game and wants to do this. Akasha is the driving force in pursuing this and is the one dragging me to the tennis court. She remains committed to the sport and is just enjoying the experience.”
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In some ways, Urhobo is a typical teenager who enjoys the corporate of her mates the place they will share some laughs and benefit from the easy issues in life. Having the fanfare and consideration can generally be overwhelming, however the Lauderhill resident dealt with all of the picture requests and meet-and-greet classes with persistence and grace. Her most snug setting stays on the tennis courts.
“Being surrounded by friends and family makes me feel a sense of security as I strive to tackle my goals,” Akasha stated. “Their support allows me to maintain my course knowing that there are people behind me giving constant support. The occurrences of today made me feel lots of gratitude toward those who put the event together and toward my coach/dad for guiding me to where I am now, and where I will be eventually.”
Recreation program supervisor and Fort Lauderdale tennis director Sean Rogers has been following Akasha’s profession. She has been a everlasting fixture on the Jimmy Evert Tennis Center for over a decade.
“Because of all her accomplishments and her turning pro, we surprised her with Mayor Trantalis’ proclamation acknowledging Akasha Urhobo Day. We had a couple of surprises for her today,” he stated.
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What began out with a baby following her dad across the tennis courts has blossomed right into a tennis journey that’s hoping for a fairy story ending.
“The relationship between Akasha and her father is so dynamic and different from what most junior players experience,” Rogers stated. “Akasha is the one who pushes her father to get out here to play tennis. That’s not the norm and it is usually the parents that are the drivers pushing their kids to practice and play every day. At a very young age, Akasha told her dad she wanted to be a tennis pro. That is part of the reason why she is so successful right now.”
Members of the Jimmy Evert Tennis Center have grow to be Akasha’s largest followers and are there to rejoice each large win. She has received over the tennis crowd and nonsports folks with how she conducts herself off the court docket as effectively.
“She has the physicality and all the intangibles. Akasha has courage and wants to win every point. She is turning into a pretty remarkable young woman who didn’t sacrifice her friends or social circles. To have potential lightning strike twice at the same location here at the Jimmy Evert Tennis Center is remarkable. We had that with Chris Evert. Akasha has that potential to do that. We will be rooting for her to get across the finish line.”
