Chris Evert Stadium Court dedicated at the renovated Jimmy Evert Tennis Center

This unprecedented partnership was also supported by the USTA as a key ally in solidifying the facility's future, which includes the relocation of the prestigious Orange Bowl International Tennis Championships (Boys’ & Girls’ 16s and 18s), which now calls the new JETC home—attendees who listened closely could hear the sounds of the next generation of champions playing their first-round matches in the event, which has been recognized as one of the world's premier junior tennis tournaments. 

Its distinguished alumni list includes dozens of future Grand Slam champions and World No. 1 players, such as Evert—she won the 18s title in 1969 and 1970, and the 16s title in 1968—Bjorn Borg, John McEnroe, Ivan Lendl, Jim Courier, Roger Federer, Coco Gauff, and others, solidifying its place as a crucial proving ground for the sport's elite. 

"The Orange Bowl has such historic meaning, so bringing it somewhere with so much meaning—Jimmy Evert and Holiday Park and all those players that came through—was just perfect," Tracy Davies, the USTA's general manager of USA Tennis told USTA.com.

In fact, Evert said in her remarks that her father once told her that he had his children play tennis to keep his family together under his watchful eye. 

"It was our safe haven here after school, a place where we all built our tennis skills and our friendships and our dreams," Evert said in her on-court remarks.

"My dad coached us all here and kept a close eye on all of us. He worked 10 hours a day, seven days a week, 52 weeks a year. No vacations for Jimmy Evert. He got to be with his family every day, all day. And that was enough for him. His tireless work, his humility, and the legacy he created continues with this center hosting the biggest and best junior tournament in the world."