


Was a great weekend in Shreveport at the USTA 70s & Over Multi State Championship.
They hosted over 270 tennis folks from all states across the section. Teams from LA, MS, ARK, Okla, and Texas competed.

If you are a provider, the deadline for registering your event is March 30, 2026!

Bella's Open was a great success!
424 players, 64 teams, 100 volunteers,
Raised $113,000 for the Bella Bowman Foundation

35th Annual
Wheelchair Tennis Tournament
ITF Super Series
USTA National Level 1
March 17-22, 2026
Paula G. Manship YMCA
Baton Rouge, LA
At least 75 of the world’s top-ranked professionals, including the winners of the recent Australian Open and other Grand Slam tournaments, competed in the 35th annual Cajun Classic Wheelchair Tennis Tournament, March 17- 22, in Baton Rouge, at the Paula G. Manship YMCA. This year’s field was comprised of 150 professional and amateur players from 20 countries and 22 states (including Louisiana) and included the winners and finalists of the world’s four Grand Slams: the U.S. Open, Australian Open, French Open, and Wimbledon. The tournament also will attract eight junior players from across the United States who will compete for top honors among players under the age of 18. The Cajun Classic, long recognized as one of the most popular wheelchair tournaments worldwide, is a “Super Series” level event, just one step below the Grand Slams. There are only four Super Series tournaments in the world, and only one in the United States.

Tony Minnis
Lets hear from Tony Minnis on how to Parent Ace Tennis Players and what is important.
Tony Minnis grew up in a tennis family in Louisiana, with his father and siblings all playing or coaching at the college level. After a standout college career, he went on to coach at every level of the game. Now, his focus is on helping athletes OFF the court. Tony works with individuals and teams to develop a stronger mindset, incorporating goal-setting and visualization into the training. He brings his decades of coaching experience as well as his empathetic style to high school and college players who want to become their best selves on and off the tennis court. You can follow Tony on social media including Instagram and Facebook. You can also reach him through his website at https://www.minnisproduction.com/ or via email at tonyminnis55@gmail.com. Here is his podcast with Parenting Aces.

Ron Cioffi | February 23, 2026
USTA has named Wilbert “Doc” Whitfield as the 2025 Captain of the Year. It is the first time this award has been bestowed.
After being named USTA Southern Captain of the Year, the section submitted Whitfield’s nomination for the national award.
Whitfield, from Baton Rouge, La., has served as a USTA League captain for 14 years and has led at least 87 teams. He has played on USTA League teams for 37 years. Other honors this year include (GBRCTA) Captain of the Year and USTA Louisiana Captain of the Year.
He was congratulated in a virtual call by USTA Southern President & CEO Ted Reese, Adult League Committee members, section and national staff.

Email a photo of your team to bienvenu@louisianatennis.com and your address and get a Captain's Bag Tag! Thank you for being a league captain this season! This pic is of Tara Bilby's Team going to NATIONALS! CONGRATULATIONS AND GOOD LUCK!!

TENNIS IS FAMILY.... FATHER - DAUGHTER DUO! (Lauren Gyorgy and her dad) Earn prizes when you send me a video of what tennis is to you. One word or a phrase of what tennis means to you and why!
Email to yvonne bienvenu at bienvenu@louisianatennis.com
Join in the Fun! Summer Leagues are getting formed and tri level is in full swing!
Check out the Tennis Apprentice
Sessions all around the State!
Jump In and Have a Ball!
All kids from beginners to advanced are learning the lifetime sport of tennis
Click below to register USTA Junior Tournaments 2026
Click below to view the breakdown of points of the different tournament formats.
If you have questions about tennis in Louisiana please contact us here.