Greenwich Tennis Player Excels on National Team

Greenwich, Connecticut’s William Blumberg, along with six other Eastern juniors, recently finished in second place at the USTA Boys’ National Team Championships in Urbana, Ill.

“There is nothing better than being on the team,” Blumberg said. “It was such a good group of guys and Coach Howie is great. I thought we represented the Eastern Section well.”

Other team members include: Tyler Schick, Matthew Gamble, Jordan Benjamin, Lubomir Cuba, Oliver Sec and Maverick Lin.

“Whether we were playing or not, everyone cheered each other on,” Blumberg said. “It was an awesome atmosphere, and we were proud of coming in second.”

Although the majority of the team members have competed against each other throughout their tennis careers, the on-court interaction has proved to connect them.

“When we were younger it was tougher because mentally you were playing against some of your best friends, but now what happens on the court doesn’t affect many guys off the court,” Blumberg said. “It was great to be on the same team this time.”

To prepare for matches, Blumberg trains in his hometown, as well as in Florida with his coach Dean Goldfine. Blumberg also has recently competed in the International Tennis Federation (ITF) to improve his game.

“The ITF is a good opportunity to experience because it is like a junior tour,” Blumberg said. “It’s nice to see what it means to be traveling and playing in different countries.”

Blumberg, who has excelled in several tournaments this year, will be recognized for his on-court performance at USTA Eastern’s Junior Awards Gala on Monday, August 31 on Day One at the US Open. He will be acknowledged for his second place standing in USTA Eastern’s Boys’ 18s division.

“It’s an absolute honor to be recognized with that group of players,” Blumberg said. “It’s an excellent opportunity held at the marquee place for U.S. tennis.”

In addition, Blumberg will be competing in the Main Draw of the US Open Junior Championships to continue his impressive play for 2015.

The USTA Eastern Section, based in White Plains, N.Y., is a not-for-profit community service organization whose mission is to promote and develop the growth of tennis. The section encompasses all of New York State, Northern New Jersey and Greenwich, Conn. It is one of 17 geographic sections of the United States Tennis Association, the governing body of tennis in the United States, and supports more than 49,000 members. The section also establishes and maintains rules of fair play, high standards of sportsmanship and represents, in its jurisdiction, the programs and policies of the USTA. More information about the USTA Eastern Section is available by visiting www.eastern.usta.com.