Michael Chen Zhao, 12, of Princeton Junction, won the United States 2011 Longines Future Tennis Aces Tournament on April 9 at the USTA Billie Jean King Tennis Center — the site of the U.S. Open in Flushing Meadows, NY.
Zhao defeated his opponent, Aleksandar Kovacevic, of New York, 6-2, 6-1, in the championship match and will represent the United States as he competes against fellow finalists from 15 countries at the global event at Roland Garros during the final weekend of the French Open.
In addition to winning an all-expense-paid trip to Roland Garros, Zhao will compete for a chance to play with tennis legends Andre Agassi and Jim Courier on the courts at the French Open.
Zhao competed against 15 athletes from the USTA Eastern, Middle States, and New England Sections, as well as the Harlem Junior Tennis League. The event was hosted in partnership with Tennis Magazine. Luke Jensen, 1993 French Open doubles champion, was at the event to offer advice to the young players.
Agassi, who has been a Longines Brand Ambassador since 2007, assisted in selecting the 16 U.S. competitors, who were asked to write a 300-word essay on philanthropy. The boys were selected on two criteria: athletic performance and commitment to give back to the community.
Countries hosting junior boys tournaments include Australia, China, France, Germany, Hong Kong, Italy, Japan, Mexico, Poland, Russia, Singapore, Spain, Switzerland, Taiwan, the United Kingdom and the United States.
The grand prize winner of the global Longines Future Tennis Aces tournament will receive financing for his tennis equipment until his 16th birthday.
