News & Features

Share:

INDIAN WELLS, Calif. - American juniors have won every singles and doubles title in the three year history of the ITF J300 FILA International Championships in Indian Wells, and at last week's tournament they took their dominance to a new level, with every finalist from the United States. Top seed Jagger Leach swept the boys titles, while Julieta Pareja claimed the girls singles championship in the event held during the second week of the BNP Paribas Open.

An American boys champion was guaranteed after the third round, with all eight quarterfinalists, which included the top seven seeds, from the United States.

Boys Singles Champion Jagger Leach
© Zoo Tennis

Leach's path to the final featured three straight-sets victories and a retirement in the semifinals from his doubles partner Noah Johnston, the No. 4 seed, with Leach up 5-2 in the first set.

No. 2 seed Jack Kennedy, who had reached the 2024 final, found his return to the championship match more arduous, needing three three-set victories, including a 6-3, 3-6, 6-1 semifinal win over friend and doubles partner Keaton Hance, the No. 3 seed.

After cool temperatures, gusty winds and rain midweek led to several late nights at the Indian Wells Tennis Garden, the weekend conditions were ideal, with sunny skies, temperatures in the 70s and a light breeze. With Leach playing two finals Sunday, the boys championship match was scheduled first on Stadium 3, which featured all the trappings of a BNP Paribas Open match: a DJ, ball kids and a master of ceremonies.

Leach started quickly, earning break points in the opening game, and although he didn't convert them, he soon got three more chances in Kennedy's next service game, taking his third opportunity for a 2-1 lead.