Grand Reopening of Jimmy Evert Tennis Center Marks New Era for Orange Bowl International Tennis Championships
Miami Lakes, FL (December 8, 2025) – The Orange Bowl, the City of Fort Lauderdale, and the United States Tennis Association (USTA) celebrated the official Grand Reopening of the newly renovated Jimmy Evert Tennis Center (JETC) this week, marking the completion of a transformative $9.5 million project and the successful start of the 2025 Orange Bowl International Tennis Championships. The ceremony included a special appearance by Fort Lauderdale native and tennis legend Chris Evert, who helped unveil the newly dedicated Chris Evert Stadium Court, a brand-new scoreboard named in her honor, and a new historical landmark marker commemorating her family’s legacy at the venue where she trained throughout her youth.
The multi-phase renovation—supported by a $1.5 million Orange Bowl Legacy Gift and approximately $8 million from the City of Fort Lauderdale, with additional support from the USTA—has elevated the iconic facility into a world-class destination for both community play and international junior competition. Upgrades include 20 new hydro-court clay courts, enhanced LED lighting, modern fencing and pathways, fully renovated restrooms, and expanded shaded seating areas. The project reinforces a shared commitment to investing in youth development, community recreation, and the continued prominence of the Orange Bowl International Tennis Championships.
Tournament play began immediately following the ceremony, as elite junior athletes from around the world arrived to compete December 5–14. Long recognized as one of the world’s premier junior events—producing champions such as Evert, Bjorn Borg, Roger Federer, and Coco Gauff—the Orange Bowl International Tennis Championships continues to expand its global footprint. This year also marks the debut of junior wheelchair divisions, further enhancing the tournament’s prestige and inclusivity.
The renovated Jimmy Evert Tennis Center will remain the permanent home of the Championships, solidifying Fort Lauderdale’s place as a leading hub for youth tennis and international competition for years to come.
