Jim Courier knows a thing, or two, or three or four about tennis.

  • United States Tennis Association National Campus opens in January
  • 102 tennis courts, open to the public
  • Events already scheduled

“When I was able to go and train around professionals at the age of 14, my game shot up," recalled Courier, who won four Grand Slam singles titles in the early 1990s.

Courier, who was born in Sanford and raised in Dade City, fondly recalls playing youth tournaments at the Downtown Orlando Tennis Center on Livingston Street in Parramore.

Courier returned to the center with Mayor Buddy Dyer Wednesday to talk about about the new United States Tennis Association National Campus coming to Lake Nona.

“I played quite a bit right here at this facility. Ten and under, 12 and under, 14 under tennis. Would warm up on the racquet ball courts just over there before my matches," Courier explained.

That’s why it’s safe to say the retired pro is excited about the January 5 grand opening of the $100 million center in Lake Nona.


The new USTNA national campus at Lake Nona will feature 102 tennis courts and will be open to the public. (USTA)

“Imagine how inspiring that will be for some kids that are falling in love with the sport that come out and become a part of the program there," Courier said.

"It is a public facility, so everyone is welcome," Courier added. "Come out and see what’s going on, get energized by it and quite frankly, look at the training methods that the best in the world are utilizing. You can learn from that and that can rapidly accelerate your development as a junior player. It certainly happened for me."

The 102-tennis court facility, which is strategically located near State Road 417 and the Orlando International Airport, is being billed as the new Home of American Tennis.

In fact, the national campus already has 250 event days planned for 2017, creating an immediate and significant economic impact in Central Florida.

“I think when people think tennis in America, they’re going to think Orlando," Mayor Buddy Dyer explained.

“I wouldn’t be surprised in due time. I wouldn’t be surprised if we have some big tournaments, like maybe an NCAA Tennis Championship or a Davis Cup or a Fed Cup match played here," Courier commented.

The USTA National Campus will anchor the area’s new Sports and Performance District near Medical City in Lake Nona.

“I think in about 10 years time, we’ll be looking back on now as the dawning of a new era here in Orlando and American tennis," Courier said.

The grand opening of the new facility will be highlighted by the PowerShares Series event at the Amway Center on January 5.

Those matches will feature tennis stars John McEnroe, Jim Courier, Andy Roddick and James Blake.