Abigail Chiu Wins USTA Gold Ball National Title
Abigail Chiu added another Gold Ball to her collection last weekend by winning the 2014 USTA National Doubles Championship with her partner, Elizabeth Porter.
“Winning a USTA Gold Ball, winning a national age group championship is the pinnacle of junior tennis in the USA,” ATA CEO Jack Newman said.
Chiu and Porter fought for five straight victories against the top Girl’s 16s competition from across the country. In the final round, the dominant duo defeated the number three-seeded team of Burchell and Corse 6-3, 6-4.
“Abigail repeats her performance from last year at this event winning with two different partners,” Coach Newman said. “Abigail’s skill set is extremely strong in doubles. She serves and returns well, as do many of her peers. Where she distinguishes herself is the ability to come forward. She can serve and volley, she can chip and charge on returns and she can finish with both power and finesse. Her energy and intensity were a 10 out 10 at this event, allowing her to get the most out of her skills.”
Consistently reaching the final days of National events typically leads to attention from some of the top collegiate programs in the country, and Coach Newman sees that in the future for Abigail.
“Players who are in the hunt for national CHAMIONSHIPS are often following that accomplishment by being heavily recruited Division 1 college athletes,” Coach Newman said.
Many other ATA Academy players earned their way into this prestigious event, including Haydn Steffes, Tyler Anson, Chase Bartlett, Alejandro Rodriguez and Harrison Chiu.
