Billy Harris competes at the Orange Bowl in the USA

Billy Harris returned from Florida just before Christmas after playing in three major international junior tennis tournaments.
After training at the Saddlebrook International Tennis Academy near Tampa for one week, Billy’s first tournament was The 14+Under Eddie Herr International Junior Championships at the renowned IMG/Bollettieri’s Sports Academy in Bradenton. 

In his first match Billy met Andres Cabezas from Ecudor beating him 6-4 6-0.  In the second round he faced USA’s Nikko Madregallejo, seeded 7th, and after a long close match Billy lost 7-5,  7-5. 

Billy’s second tournament was The Prince Cup at the Miccosukee Golf and Country Club in Miami.  Billy met Borna Coric, seeded 7th,  from Croatia winning 6-1 6-1.  He then beat Alexander Sendegeya from USA beating him 6-3 6-4. Billy’s 3rd round match was against Ram Harel-Or from Israel which he lost 6-0 6-4.  

The last tournament was the prestigious Under 14 Junior Orange Bowl International Championships at the University of Miami Tennis Center.  Billy was unlucky to be drawn against No.3 seed Drew Dawson, who is ranked No.1 in America 14+Under, but after another long and tough match Billy won 7-6(6) 7-6(2).
Billy then faced the Under 13 world champion Hyon Chung of Korea, who is sponsored by IMG and trains at the Bollettieri Academy, which he won 7-5 6-1. 
In the third round Billy met Ram Harel-Or from Israel, who he played in the Prince Cup, Billy improved on his previous meeting, but lost 6-3 7-5.

While in Miami the GB team visited Crandon Park, the venue for the Miami Masters, and Billy was lucky enough to play two sets against his team mate Evan Hoyt on the main Stadium Court.  The team were able to watch Andy Murray training at Crandon Park and afterwards he treated them all to dinner.

Billy would like to thank the LTA , the IOM Sports Institute and SportsAid Foundation, Tower Insurance, Mr A Gubay and Prince Tennis for all their support throughout 2009.