Welcome to the
Clay Court Classic
PRESENTED BY HUNTERS NIGHTCLUB
The Clay Court Classic, organized by the South Florida Tennis Club, ranks among the premier events on the Gay and Lesbian Tennis Association (GLTA) World Tour, attracting participants of all skill levels. Taking place annually during President's Day weekend, from February 15-19, 2024, in Fort Lauderdale, this tournament expects over 275 players to vie for championships.
Beyond the competitive tennis, it offers off-court social events, including a welcome party on February 15th and a dinner banquet on February 18th. The Lauderdale Tennis Club is the primary venue. With an impressive projection of more than 400 matches during the five-day tournament, this edition sets a historic milestone in its 34-year history.
Quick Links
34
Years of tournament play
300+
Number of GLTA players
$250,000+
Dollars given to LGBT local charities
1
Amazing time
The SFTC Welcomes You to Fort Lauderdale
We are dedicated to bringing together tennis enthusiasts from all over the world to compete and celebrate this beautiful sport. Our tournament is hosted in sunny Fort Lauderdale by the South Florida Tennis Club (SFTC), and we are proud to be a part of the GLTA. Join us for an unforgettable experience that is sure to leave you with memories that will last a lifetime.
TOURNAMENT DIRECTOR
ELIU MONTERO
Tournament
Players will be expected to adhere to a 5-minute warm-up period (strictly enforced).
Match Format
For Main Draw, Singles and Doubles:
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Matches will be best two out of three sets, regular scoring
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12-point tiebreak played at 6-games-all for the first 2 sets (i.e. a regular tiebreak where the winner is first to seven points, winning by two points)
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10-point super tiebreak will be played for matches going to a 3rd set
To clarify: A “12-point tie break” for the first two sets when it’s 6-6 is first to seven points, win by 2 (the terminology of 12-points alludes to a score of 7-5 in the tiebreak). But the third set we call a “10-point tiebreak”. Which is first to win 10 points, win by 2. Tennis terminology is weird.
Match format may be altered at the discretion of the Tournament Directors.
Avoidances
We cannot guarantee accommodation of scheduling avoidances but will try where no hardship is imposed on others in the draw. Avoidances specifically for first morning draws will not be accommodated.
Schedule
Wednesday
5pm to 10pm Pride Night at the Delray Beach Open
Join us for Pride Night at the Delray Beach Open, where you can mingle with other players at our Pride tents before enjoying an evening of thrilling tennis action! (Details below)
Thursday
7:30am Player check in - Lauderdale Tennis Club
Players can pick up their players bag at the Registration desk
Breakfast and coffee will be provided
8am Play starts
Singles and Doubles match play continues
12pm Lunch will be provided in the club house upstairs
7:30pm Player's Welcome Party - Hunters Nightclub
Players who did not play earlier are invited to register and pick up your welcome pack Thursday from 7:30pm to 10:30pm during the Player's Welcome Party at our Presenting Sponsors location Hunters Nightclub in Wilton Manors. (Details below)
9:30pm Play concludes for the day
Friday
7:30am Player check in - Lauderdale Tennis Club
8am Play starts
Breakfast and coffee will be provided
Singles and Doubles match play continues
12pm Lunch will be provided in the club house upstairs
9pm CCC Player's Pub Crawl - Wilton Drive
Come join other CCC players as we do a pub crawl up Wilton Drive in Wilton Manors from 9pm to 12am. (Details below)
9:30pm Play concludes for the day
Saturday
7:30am Player check in - Lauderdale Tennis Club
8am Play starts
Breakfast and coffee will be provided
Singles and Doubles match play continues
12pm Lunch will be provided in the club house upstairs
7:30pm Tennis Under the Lights - Lauderdale Tennis Club
Join us for an electrifying night of tennis under the lights at the Lauderdale Tennis Club's on Hunter’s Center Court (Court 1), where you can savor drinks and food at the bar with thrilling tennis! (Details below)
9:30pm Play concludes for the day
Sunday
7:30am Player check in - Lauderdale Tennis Club
8am Play starts
Breakfast and coffee will be provided
Singles and Doubles match play continues
12pm Lunch will be provided in the club house upstairs
7:30pm to 10pm Player Banquet - The Venue
Players banquet at The Venue in Wilton Manors. (Details below)
Note: We are aiming to end earlier on Sunday as to allow adequate time for players to enjoy the banquet.
9:30pm Play concludes for the day
Monday
7:30am Player check in - Lauderdale Tennis Club
8am Finals play starts
Breakfast and coffee will be provided
Finals Singles and Doubles match play 🏆
9:30pm Tournament concludes
Events
Announcements
Jan 22, 2024 | Clay Court Classic
Unveiling the 2024 Clay Court Classic Trophies!
Take an exclusive sneak peek at the stunning trophies for our 2024 Clay Court Classic winners! Produced by Dennis Docil, the video showcases Liza's (@ozziaak on IG) intricate artwork, adding an element of surprise to our charm. Get ready for a visual treat capturing the essence of victory and celebration! 🏆🎾
Dec 13, 2023 | Sponsor Spotlight
Cremations America's Player Perks at the 2024 Clay Court Classic
Meet our sponsor, Cremations America! Known for affordable cremation services in Florida, their caring staff guides you through the process. For the 2024 Clay Court Classic, each player receives a stylish tumbler courtesy of Cremations America, found in your player bags!
Dec 4, 2023 | Sponsor Spotlight
Diadem Premier Ball Takes Center Court!
The official ball for our 2024 tournament will be the Diadem Premier Ball! Crafted by the last American tennis brand, Diadem, this tournament-level ball promises enhanced durability and consistent play on clay courts. With over 100 years of tennis expertise, Diadem ensures top-quality gameplay with their ITF and USTA sanctioned Premier Ball. 🎾🌟 #DiademPremierBall
Map
Tournament Site
Lauderdale Tennis Club
600 Tennis Club Dr,
Fort Lauderdale, FL 33311
Welcome Party
Hunters Nightclub
2238 Wilton Dr,
Wilton Manors, FL 33305
Players Banquet
The Venue
2238 Wilton Dr,
Wilton Manors, FL 33305
Event Locations
Publix - 5 Points
2633 Dixie Hwy,
Wilton Manors, FL 33334
Publix - Sunrise Blvd
1415 E Sunrise Blvd,
Fort Lauderdale, FL 33304
Aldi
100 W Sunrise Blvd,
Fort Lauderdale, FL 33311
CVS Pharmacy
1150 NE 26th St,
Wilton Manors, FL 33305
Walgreens - West Sunrise
1 W Sunrise Blvd,
Fort Lauderdale, FL 33311
Walgreens - East Sunrise
1515 E Sunrise Blvd,
Fort Lauderdale, FL 33304
Food and Care
Tennis Needs
Tennis Plaza
1637 E Sunrise Blvd,
Fort Lauderdale, FL 33304
Hagen Practice Courts
Hagen Park Tennis Center
2020 Wilton Dr,
Wilton Manors, FL 33305
Holiday Practice Courts
Jimmy Evert Tennis Center
701 NE 12th Ave,
Fort Lauderdale, FL 33304
Tournament Committee
The Clay Court Classic wouldn't be possible without the dedicated and hardworking team behind it. From organizing and planning to executing the tournament flawlessly, this team is here to help you have the best tournament experience possible.
Eliu Montero
Tournament Director
Rob O' Connor
SFTC President
Alan Holt
SFTC Vice President
Camila Giraldo
Business Development
Charlie Baston
Treasurer
Marcelo Salas
Social Director
Josh Forman
Director at Large
Stephan Maclaurin
Director at Large
Paul Conklin
Ladder Director
Harley Garza
Graphic Designer
Volunteers
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Ted Gaela
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Rick Schmutzler
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John Ruppert
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Josh Roberts
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Rob Strusinski
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Mark Reyes
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Andre Baez
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Natasha Torres
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Naisha Joseph
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Steven Concha
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Carlos Terra
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Priscila Montero
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Mike Howson
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Lynn Adams
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Randy Swope
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Steven Smith
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Khai Phan
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Jeff Strickland
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Brett Shingledecker
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Sonny Hobson
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Christina Doll
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Douglas Wright
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Bruno Trambusti
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Andrea Cornillesen
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Ernesto Diaz
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Jason Fair
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Ryan Sauerman
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Sahar Moghaddam
The Clay Court Classic tournament is seeking enthusiastic and dedicated volunteers to help make our event a success. Volunteers will play a crucial role in ensuring everything runs smoothly on tournament day. Whether you're assisting with setup, organizing participants, or directing attendees, you'll be making a valuable contribution to the success of this event. Plus, as a thank you for your hard work, all volunteers will receive a free volunteer shirt! Sign up below
FAQ's
Emailing tournamentdirector@sftc.us is the best method to contact our Tournament Directors.
Any of our volunteers at the tournament or events will be able to direct your inquiry.
In an emergency, please call one of our Tournament Directors:
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Eliu Montero: +1 (305) 767-9234 – emergency only
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Rob O'Connor: +1 (303) 817-2763 – emergency only
Unfortunately, durning tournament play, all courts at Lauderdale Tennis Clubs will be unavailable.
There are local tennis facilities around you can use for practice (listed above), be sure you follow the public court guidelines for each facility.
Players are responsible to keep up-to-date with the schedule so as to not miss a match. You use these courts at your own risk, our Tournament Directors and volunteers will not be monitoring these courts.
Thanks to Our Generous Sponsors
OFFICIAL TENNIS BALL OF THE CLAY COURT CLASSIC
LUNCH SPONSOR FOR THE CLAY COURT CLASSIC
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