CORBIN — Look no further for tennis success than the dynamic sibling duo of Isabella and Luka Lopez.
Both excelled on the tennis courts in their individual age categories, showcasing their dedication and talent this past year.
Their impressive efforts have earned Isabella and Luka prestigious recognition with selections to Team Kentucky at the 2024 Southern Ozaki Cup in their respective age groups.
Thirteen year-old Isabella plays 14U, and is currently ranked No. 1 in the state while garnering a National ranking of 142.
Luke is 11 years-old, and is currently ranked No. 2 in the state in 12U, and ranks 133rd nationally.
The 2024 Southern Ozaki Cup will be held at the Tennis Center at Berry College in Rome, Ga. On Sept. 19 and will run through Sept. 22.
Both Isabella and Luke are excited to be a part of the event.
“Most important, we will like to thank God for giving us the skills to play the game of tennis and share his love with other players around the nation.”
Isabella said she is excited for the opportunity to play in such a prestigious event.
“I am very excited once again for being chosen by the USTA Kentucky to represent the state at the highest competitive tournament in the year,” she said. “I am looking forward to keep my state ranking as the top player for the rest of the year and keep climbing to the top of the national rankings. I have beaten a lot of great players this year and I feel that I am continuing to improve in the game I love the most.”
Just like his sister, Luka said he’s excited and ready to compete.
“I can’t thank my dad and coach Renzo Lopez enough,” he said. “He has worked with me very hard, on and off the tennis court, and finally the results are showing. I am the second best player in the state in 12U and I am climbing as well in the southern rankings and national rankings.
“I have also been given the opportunity to find my first racket sponsor this summer,” he added. “I will be working with a French company that is trusting my game. I will continue to work hard to achieve more goals and move up in the rankings.”
The Southern Ozaki Junior Cup, formerly the Junior Davis/Fed Cup, was created to give juniors the opportunity to experience the thrill and camaraderie of tennis as a team coed sport.
The name “Ozaki” was added to the title in 2019 to commemorate retired Bill Ozaki, who served as the USTA Southern Director of Player Development and Programs for nearly 30 years.
Players are selected by their state USTA staff and represent their state in the competition.
Teams will consist of 24 players (three for each division) and four coaches for each state. The states will be waterfalled into three different brackets based on ranking.
There will be nine state teams in each age division. They will play a round-robin team format of singles, doubles and mixed doubles. Each of USTA Southern’s nine states will select three girls and three boys in all four age divisions: 12s, 14s, 16s and 18s (24 players per state).
Coaching will be provided by the USTA state staff.
