Staten Island’s Tennis Star Rises to National Fame
STATEN ISLAND, N.Y.— Many local tennis enthusiasts can boast about being at the top of their club or high school conference, but few have the distinction of being recognized as the best in the nation.
That’s the exciting reality for Staten Island resident and junior tennis talent Anna Kapanadze, who has recently been named the top 14U player in the country. This recognition was largely driven by her impressive win at the USTA National Indoor Hardcourt Championship held in Toledo, Ohio, last month.
Kapanadze, who began her tennis journey at the College of Staten Island Community Tennis Center at the age of five, described her tournament matches as intense challenges that required strategic thinking against formidable opponents.
“Every opponent was tough, pushing me to problem-solve effectively throughout my matches. From the quarterfinals onward, I felt I played exceptionally well. I triumphed over three players ranked in the national top 20, with the final match being particularly grueling,” she shared about her experience.
Having attended PS 23 and St. Patrick’s in Richmondtown, Kapanadze, who now takes online high school courses, remarked that the moment she realized she was the number one youth player in the nation was quite meaningful. However, she acknowledged that maintaining this status represents a new challenge. “It feels like a significant milestone, but I’m fully aware that the journey ahead is even more demanding,” she noted.
Kapanadze credits her tenacity to her rigorous training schedule at the John McEnroe Tennis Academy and her innate self-motivation. “The drive to improve is crucial. Every practice session is an opportunity to get better, making it worthwhile, even if it’s tough,” she explained.
While tennis is often viewed as an individual sport, Kapanadze emphasizes the support she receives from her family, coaches, and friends throughout her journey. “My parents are my biggest cheerleaders, and now, with my team at the McEnroe Academy, I feel more supported than ever. Having this encouragement makes a significant difference,” she concluded.
As Kapanadze continues to compete at a high level, she appreciates the chance to travel both nationally and internationally for tournaments, including her upcoming trip to France in January for Les Petits As. “It’s a privilege to compete internationally at such a young age,” she remarked. With sponsorship from Yonex and plans to enter more ITF tournaments, she is already focused on pursuing a professional tennis career.
