Seven of ours are in New York
This year's US Open is a little more personal for us. Seven players with roots to TTC clubs, to Sean Bollettieri, and to the coaches who built our programs are in New York right now, and five of them are in the main draw.
The players
Some came through our courts. Some were coached by Sean Bollettieri and his late father, Nick. All of them carry a piece of this club with them.
Carson Branstine
Fell in the final round of qualifyingAn American, born and raised right here in Orange County, and one of the players Sean coached for many years alongside her sisters. She came within one win of the main draw, taking the opening set off Robin Montgomery before going down 2-6, 6-2, 6-2.
Elvina Kalieva
Main draw — qualifiedAn American who spent more than a couple of years between Florida and Newport Beach working with Sean and his late father, Nick Bollettieri.
Kristina Liutova
Main draw — qualifiedSixteen years old, and already a WTA champion — her title run in Memphis made her the second-youngest champion on tour, and only the tenth player ever to win a title on debut. Sean personally sponsored Kristina and her mother and helped bring their family from Russia to the United States for a better opportunity in life and in tennis. This tournament could be a life changer for her whole family.
Nishesh Basavareddy
Main drawAnother player Sean worked with for years, back in his Irvine coaching days — from a junior on the practice court to the main draw of a Grand Slam.
Learner Tien
Top 20 in the worldAn Orange County kid who has become a genuine sensation on the ATP tour, coached today by Michael Chang. Sean worked with Learner in his younger years, and credits much of where he is today to former TTC coach Eric Diaz.
Alex Michelsen
Top 50 in the worldAlex trained at TTC Coto and TTC Newport Beach, and was coached for years by Eric Diaz alongside Learner. He is now inside the world's top 50.
Katrina Scott
Fell in the first round of qualifyingAnother of Sean's former students. She earned her way into the US Open through the American Collegiate Player Wild Card Playoff, then went out in the opening round of qualifying — but she got to play the US Open, which is the part that counts.
A word about Coach Eric Diaz
Two players developed under one coach, both now among the most exciting young Americans in the sport. Congratulations, Eric — outstanding work.
Good luck to every one of them. We will be watching.
Chairman — TTC Bollettieri Clubs & Wellness Performance Lounges
Commissioner — World Team Pickleball