NEWS

Team Solinco : Junior Spotlight

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Keep an eye out for Liam Alvarez, SoCal’s freshest junior talent and blue chip athlete. Last year, Alvarez was the champion of the Boys 14 L2 event in Texas. Since then, the Solinco athlete has made it to multiple national-level finals including at the Junior Sectionals and the L1 National Indoors. Currently, he’s ranked #3 in the nation.

Below is an excerpt from a USTA Southern California (2022) interview with Alvarez, where he describes the inspiration behind his edge and strategy that sets him a part from his competitors.

“Not even five years ago, Liam Alvarez was a soccer player who occasionally picked up a tennis racquet to rally with his dad on court. It didn’t take long for Liam to feel comfortable in the game, and the results were evident when Liam saw his name atop the SoCal rankings in his age division.

That’s a pretty quick leap for someone new to the game, but Liam found the biggest appeal was one-on-one competition. In soccer, a player controls the ball in head-to-head battle for a few seconds before passing the ball to a teammate. On the tennis court, every point is on Liam’s racquet, and he likes it that way.

Today, Liam has experienced tournament play across the nation, and he realizes there’s a lot to learn from the competition outside of the familiar environs of Southern California.

Coming off two straight finals early in ’21, followed by summer success in Texas (winning an L2 event) and Florida (National Clay quarters), and the finals at Junior Sectionals, Liam has learned to study opponents’ repertoires to adapt and enhance his own game. While SoCal is known for big powerful games, other regions are more varied in play styles, from serve and volley to heavy slices and angles. “I enjoyed traveling (to Texas and Florida) and seeing where my game ranks with theirs,” he said.“

Click here to read the full interview.

We sat down with Alvarez to learn more about his pre-match routine and favorite tournament moments.

Hometown : Long Beach

Age started playing tennis : 8

Memorable memorable match you’ve played this year : National indoors in Chicago because it was the first time I won a national Level semifinals making it to the final.

What Solinco equipment has been a game changer for you and why : The Solinco Whiteout and Hyper G Soft string. The racquet and string enhance the power and spin on my shots.

Tennis role model and why : Pete Sampras because I love his serve and volley game style.

Favorite pre-match meal : Jersey Mike’s Italian sandwich

What is the best tennis lesson that you’ve received? : It’s not over till it’s over

Liam’s Equipment :