Pro Roster Set for Tampa Event: A High-Stakes Preseason Showdown

The battle lines are drawn as Tampa and Jacksonville go head-to-head in the first preseason showdown of the year! With stacked rosters, seasoned pros, and rising stars, this event promises high-energy tennis and fierce competition. But this isn't just about the pros—this event also integrates junior players, giving young talents a shot at competing in a high-pressure environment and even earning a place on the Pro Team Reserve. It's a golden opportunity for the next generation to step up and prove they belong on the big stage.

Meet the Pro Rosters

Two powerhouse teams, Tampa and Jacksonville, are ready to bring the heat, each led by elite coaches and captains who know what it takes to win.

Jacksonville Team

Leading the charge for Jacksonville is Coach Claudio Pistolesi, a former ATP Top 75 player turned world-class coach. He has shaped the careers of tennis stars like Monica Seles, Robin Söderling, and Daniela Hantuchová and now brings his expertise to Team Jacksonville.

Captaining the squad is Martin Gutierrez, "The Forehand Guy," a 4-time National Champion and ITA All-American, known for his powerful game and leadership on and off the court.

Jacksonville’s roster includes:

• Deniz Khazan – A former Top 200 player, 21-time ITF champion, and Barry University standout. A national champion and All-American, she brings experience and skill to the court.
• Patrick "PJ" Kotan – A top-five national Australian talent and ASUN Champion at the University of North Florida, known for his dominant left-hand.
• Abigail Rencheli – An NC State Wolfpack standout with five ITF doubles titles, known for her competitive energy and aggressive playstyle.

Tampa Team

Guiding Team Tampa is Coach Pascal Collard, a Belgian coach with over 25 years of experience developing top players at the Mouratoglou Academy and beyond. His expertise makes Tampa a serious contender in this matchup.

Leading the charge as captain is Noureldin "Noori" Adam, a fierce competitor from Sudan who earned his first ATP point at just 16. His speed and shot-making ability make him a strong presence on the court.

Tampa’s lineup features:

• Olga Govortsova – Former WTA No. 35 in singles and No. 24 in doubles, a veteran player with a strong mindset.
• Ivan Yatsuk – A standout at USF and Northwestern University, Big Ten Singles Champion, and a strategic player.
• Ema Burgic – Former WTA doubles No. 145 and Baylor University All-American, now inspiring the next generation as a podcast host and influencer.

Sunday, Feb 2nd - Pro Day Schedule

Championship Sunday is where it all comes down to the wire. Tampa and Jacksonville will battle it out in high-intensity singles and mixed doubles matchups.

📍 Where: SVB Tennis Center
🕑 Main Event: Tampa vs. Jacksonville Pro Teams – 2PM
(Men's Singles, Women's Singles, Mixed Doubles)
🎾 3 x 10-minute Bolts

Before the main event, swing by the warm-ups and trials:

• 8am-9am: Team Warm-ups
• 9am - 12pm: TPA x JAX Trials

With star players ready to compete and junior talents eager to prove themselves, the Tampa event is set to deliver nonstop action. Who will rise to the occasion and take the win?

Stay tuned, follow along, and don’t miss a moment of the action!