Florida’s Darwin Blanch Earns US Open Wildcard from USTA Junior National Championship

USTA hosted two of the most prestigious junior tennis tournaments in the country, the USTA Billie Jean King Girl’s 16s & 18s National Championships in San Diego, California, and the USTA Boy’s 16s & 18s National Championships in Kalamazoo, Michigan. 

These week-long events brought together the nation’s top junior talent, including many standout athletes from Florida. Competing in both singles and doubles, these players showcased their skill, determination, and sportsmanship in high-stakes matches that highlighted the depth of American junior tennis. 

Photo Courtesy: Kalamazoo College Athletics

For players in both the girls’ and boys’ draws, the tournament offered more than just national prestige. Top performers earned coveted wild cards into upcoming professional events, including the US Open Main Draw and Junior Draw. With future opportunities on the line, Florida’s juniors brought their best to the court, aiming to take the next step in their tennis journeys. 

• B/G18 Singles Champion – US Open Main Draw Singles  
• B/G18 Doubles Champions – US Open Main Draw Doubles (required to play with same partner)  
• G18 Singles Finalist – US Open Qualifying Singles, US Open Juniors Main Draw Singles, one Women’s USTA W35 Main Draw Singles  
• G18 Singles 3rd place – US Open Juniors Main Draw Singles, one Women’s USTA W35 qualifying singles  
• G18 Singles 4th place – US Open Juniors Qualifying Singles  
• G18 Singles 5th place – US Open Juniors Qualifying Singles  
• B/G16 Singles Champion – US Open Juniors Main Draw Singles  
• G16 Singles Finalist – 16s Orange Bowl Main Draw Singles  

Florida Boy Wins Wildcard Entry to US Open 

Florida junior standout Darwin Blanch claimed one of the most prestigious titles in American junior tennis, winning the USTA Boys’ 18s National Championship in Kalamazoo, Michigan. In a hard-fought final, Blanch defeated fellow Floridian Jack Satterfield in three sets, 6-3, 3-6, 6-4, securing a coveted wild card into the 2025 US Open Main Draw. 

Photo Courtesy: Kalamazoo College Athletics

Blanch, the tournament’s No. 1 seed, showcased his dominance throughout the week, dropping just one set in seven matches on his way to the title. His path to the championship included straight-set wins over some top players including Wimbledon Junior Finalists, Ronit Karki, and third seeded Jack Kennedy. The win marks a major milestone for Blanch, who has been one of Florida’s most promising young talents. 

On the other side, Jack Satterfield, also has deep Florida roots and a strong junior pedigree. Satterfield won the USTA Florida Bobby Curtis Boy’s 18s Championship in 2023 and was honored with the Boy’s Competitive Player of the Year award in 2024. His run to the final in Kalamazoo further solidifies his reputation as one of the state’s top competitors. 

Other Top Finishers from Junior Nationals  

While Darwin and Jack represented Florida on one of junior tennis’s biggest stages, there were many others that also played their hearts out on the courts, including the junior girls.  

Over on the Girl’s side, Lillian Santos, the 2023 USTA Florida Bobby Curtis Girl’s 16s Champion, played some great tennis in San Diego at the Billie Jean King National Championship. She finished in fourth place for the Girl’s 18s Doubles Draw. 

Other top Boy’s include Maximus Dussault, winning the 18s Consolation Bracket. In the Boy’s 18s Doubles, Benjamin Willwerth was the runner-up, while Noble Renfrow finished in third place. For the Boy’s 16s. Jerrid Gaines Jr., was great he finished in third for the Singles and fourth in Doubles. 

Boy’s 18s Singles 

Championship: Darwin Blanch (Orlando) defeated Jack Satterfield (Tampa) 6-3, 3-6, 6-4 

Fifth Place: Maximus Dussault (Stuart) 

Boy’s 18s Doubles 

Finalists: Benjamin Willwerth (Jupiter) 

Third Place: Noble Renfrow (Winter Park) 

Boy’s 16s Singles 

Third Place: Jerrid Gaines Jr. (Palmetto) 

Boy’s 16s Doubles 

Fourth Place: Jerrid Gaines Jr. (Palmetto) 

Girl’s 18s Doubles 

Fourth Place: Lillian Santos (Delray Beach)