ODA junior courts new challenge

Maria Ross wants to be challenged. 

The Out-of-Door Academy junior loves the thrill of competition and the ability to use each individual tennis match as an opportunity to improve. 

Through competition, Ross has been able to steadily elevate her status as an elite junior player. Now, Ross, who is ranked 10th in the state, 15th in the Southeast Region and 45th in the nation for the Class of 2017, is preparing to face a new level of competition. 

On April 9, Ross will begin play in the Nick Boletierri Women's Sarasota Open as part of the 2016 White Sands/Joey Gratton Sarasota Open. It’ll be Ross’ first time competing in the professional women’s tournament, and her first time playing in a tournament since the middle of February. 

“It’s a huge honor to be able to play such high level athletes,” Ross said. “I’m excited to compete and see how well I do against them.”

The opening rounds of the women’s draw will be held April 14, at Bath & Racquet Club, in Sarasota, with the semifinals and finals slated for April 16 and April 17, at the Lakewood Ranch Tennis Center. 

“The level of the players will be very challenging,” said Lakewood Ranch head tennis professional Chris Marquez, who has been coaching Ross for the past eight months. “It’s a good opportunity for Maria to get experience at that level.”

Ross earned a draw into the women’s tournament along with Lakewood Ranch freshman Gia Cohen and St. Stephen’s junior Mary Ann Rompf, who joined Ross in winning the overall doubles Class 1A state championship when they were freshmen at ODA.

The women’s draw will be announced April 8. 

“It gives good local flavor to the competition and it introduces them to the rest of the world,” said Tony Driscoll, the 2016 White Sands/ Joey Gratton Sarasota Open CEO. 

Since earning an entry into the tournament, Ross has maintained a rigorous training schedule. 

“I’m not taking it lightly,” Ross said. “I want to be prepared.”

Ross trains six days a week at the Lakewood Ranch Tennis Center. In addition to her roughly 12 hours of on-court training, Ross also has incorporated fitness training into her regular schedule. She spends a couple days a week working with fitness coach Jason Riley to improve her physical strength, agility, explosiveness and movement, among other areas. 

“We’re trying to exhaust all of our options to the fullest,” Marquez said. “We’re trying to fill in the gaps to raise her tennis level.” 

Familiarity is something Ross is hoping to be able to use to her advantage. In addition to having the support of a couple of friends in the tournament, Ross also is looking forward to the possibility of playing on her home court if she were to advance to the semifinal round. 

“I definitely feel comfortable here,” Ross said. “I think if the community came out, I would definitely rise up to the occasion and play better. It would mean a lot to play in front of everyone.” 

The winner of the women’s draw will earn a cash prize of more than $1,000. 

“It would mean everything,” Ross said. “To beat such incredible players would be such a huge accomplishment. I’ve never played in a big tournament like this, so it’s really great exposure.” 

In addition to the women’s draw, the 2016 White Sands/Joey Gratton Sarasota Open will feature a 32-player men’s draw, as well as a men’s doubles draw. Play will begin April 9 with qualifying rounds and will continue through April 17 with the men’s singles and doubles finals. 

Several rising American stars, including Denis Kudla, Frances Tiafoe, Jared Donaldson and Ryan Harrison, will be competing in this year’s tournament. 

“A lot of the next generation of top American boys are going to be here,” Marquez said. “Maria has grown up with these boys on the junior circuit, so it’ll be neat to be a part of that tradition.” 

New to the tournament this year will be the addition of a second stadium court, as well as the back rows of the James T. Driscoll Stadium Court being open to general admission attendees. 

Proceeds from the event will benefit the Boys and Girls Club of Sarasota and the Joey Gratton Foundation. Over the past two years, the Sarasota Open has raised more than $100,000 for the Boys and Girls Club of Sarasota. 

"The community has embraced us the last nine years, and we've grown every year," Driscoll said. "I hope they take away an appreciation for seeing world class tennis up close with the live speed and athleticism of the players. It's a fun event for all to come and enjoy."