Print

Email story

Comment

Email editor

Seminole girl is up to challenge from older competition

By NANCY MORGAN
Published June 29, 2005

Julia Claire Jones, 11, prefers to focus on the competition instead of her state ranking.

In this month's USA Tennis Florida State Closed Sectional, Jones' concentration prevailed as she finished second in the girls 12-and-under division after beginning the event as the fifth seed.

"We had a lot of rain to deal with, so in the semifinal, we played a third-set tie-breaker," Jones said of her match with No.8 Rachael James-Baker of Naples.

They split sets, and Jones trailed 4-1 in the tie-breaker before rallying for a 5-4 lead. Then they went back and forth until it was 7-all. Jones finally triumphed 10-7. Jones advanced to the championship against fourth-seeded Carolyn Chupa of Bradenton.

"I was nervous getting to the final, but I played okay," Jones said. "But Chupa was a better player, especially coming in and using her volleys. I knew her but had never played her before."

Jones posted five victories en route to the title showdown.

Jones grew up in Mississippi, and her family moved to St. Petersburg three years ago. When she began taking lessons with Bardmoor Golf and Tennis Club director Maria Cercone about two seasons ago, the Jones family decided to move closer. In January, the Joneses relocated to Seminole.

"Julia is a sleeper," Cercone said. "She definitely wants to win and loves the competition. I've worked with her since she was 9, and she's very coachable."

Jones was first introduced to the sport by her father, Dennis, then a league player, and she immediately wanted to get in on the action. Jones began taking lessons at 7. In the past year, she has worked hard on volleys, which she didn't use in her game before. Now, Jones said, she's more confident at the net.

"Although I pretty much stay at the baseline, if I get an approach shot, I'll hit it and come in," she said. "I'm also working on my swinging volleys and want to get much better with those."

Jones looks to her two-handed down-the-line backhand as the go-to shot, and tries to work the ball until she gets an opening. A top-spin forehand helps the right-hander set up for her favorite put-away. "In order to hit that down-the-liner, it's all about timing," Jones said. "You've got to get your footwork right and prepare your racquet. Then, when you're set, you go for it."

Jones, who just completed fifth grade at Jamerson Douglas Elementary, has not decided about her middle school plans.

Until classes resume, Jones is focused on tennis camp at Bardmoor in preparation for an upcoming national clay court tournament and USTA zonal team competition. Her immediate goal is to be ranked among the top five in the 12 division. Jones' sectional results this month may have raised her to the top 10. Eventually, she said, a pro career would be terrific.

For now, however, Jones will compete in her national and team events and play in local tournaments in an older class. Playing up, she said, will help her gain experience against stronger competitors.

LEAGUE CELEBRATION: More than 90 current and former captains participated in the 25th anniversary celebration of USA League Tennis on Saturday at the Renaissance Vinoy. Captains competed in round-robin team play directed by Vinoy tennis director Hans Gallauer.

District 12 coordinators, led by Ruth Ann and Norm Ott and Carol Levin, coordinated an afternoon of friendly competition that concluded with prizes to the winners and gifts for all captains. USA Tennis Florida, the state's governing body, and the Suncoast Tennis Foundation, Pinellas County's volunteer-based community association, assisted in the event.

NET SHOTS: St. Petersburg spring league winners included Greg Hilbert (A-1 division), Ken Dexter (A-2) and Chris Carson (A-3). B-division champions were David Walker (B-1), David Zimmerman (B-2), Guy Lieberman (B-3), Peter Schorsch (B-4) and Joe Lodico (B-5).

Among the women's winners were Kim Tran (A-1), Lesley Siemens (A-2), Lisa Tambourro-Hilbert (B-1) and Jerri Ann Johnson (B-2).

--After St. Petersburg Tennis Center's 2-1 loss last weekend to Royal Racquet-Feder, the SPTC squad must wait for Sunday's results to learn its fate in the USA Mixed 8.0 Adult League. Ann Worthington and Donald Selenis recorded SPTC's only point against Royal Racquet Club.

SPTC completed its season with a 9-3 record, Royal is 8-3 with a final match against Phil Green Tennis Academy (5-6), and East Lake Woodlands (8-3) plays Shipwatch Tennis Club (4-7.) The winner advances to state competition in October.

SAVE THE DATE: The 12th annual Charity Tennis Tournament, to benefit the Humane Society of Pinellas, is scheduled for Sept. 28-Oct. 2 at Clearwater's Royal Racquet Club. For information, call Judy Foster, 725-3681.

COMING UP: Boys and girls singles and doubles for 14, 12 and 10 age divisions are scheduled for July 9-11 at Seminole Lake Tennis Center. Call 394-1733 before Monday's deadline. ... Royal Racquet Club has singles and doubles for 18 and 16 age divisions July 9-11. Call 799-3200. ... Countryside Country Club will have the Countryside Summer NTRP for adults in singles and doubles. Call Rick Workman, 785-2212, by Tuesday's deadline.

--News for this column may be faxed to Nancy Morgan, 796-5559; e-mailed to namorgan46@msn.com or sent to 710 Court St., Clearwater, FL 33756. Please include phone number.

[Last modified June 29, 2005, 04:45:09]