There are several tennis clubs located not far from Klagenfurt’s football stadium. Whilst in recent years the pursuit of the yellow felt ball has been a relatively modest part of the “United World Games”, the 2025 tournament has really taken off. Significantly more players are taking part and the standard is equally impressive. One reason for this is a so-called ‘showcase’, i.e. the opportunity for young people to showcase their talents at the event with a view to securing a place at a school in the USA. “ We are incredibly proud of how the first College Tennis Showcase at the United World Games went. With participants from eleven nations, the standard of play was exceptionally high. We were particularly delighted that Alexander Gschiel, the reigning Austrian U18 national champion, was also there representing local talent “, explains Yannick Weihs, one of the founders of Smarthlete.
For participants, a showcase means they can demonstrate their talent to college coaches and, at the same time, have a chance to talk to them. For many, the USA is a dream destination, as it offers the chance to receive a good education through scholarships whilst playing the sport at the highest level. “ I think it’s great that I can talk to the coaches directly here. I really want to play in the USA “ says Alba from Spain, for example. Initial contacts have already been made. On the first day of the tournament, the coaches – including those from renowned American universities such as Gonzaga University and the University of Tulsa – even led a training session themselves to give the athletes an authentic insight into life as a college athlete.
For Ege Cankus of Georgia Southern University, the 2025 United World Games mark something of a full circle. He came to the US several years ago as a player, having been recruited through Smarthlete. He stayed there and now works as a coach at his university. At the United World Games, in which he also competed, he is now helping to enable other players to follow the same path as part of the tournament. “ Being at a competition gives me a better sense of the individual athletes. It’s not just about their sporting talent, but also their personality. When someone joins me at the university, we spend a lot of time together as a team. So it’s absolutely essential that their attitude is right “ explains Ege Cankus, highlighting what he considers particularly important.
Incidentally, Alexander Gschiel lived up to his role as favourite: he didn’t drop a single set throughout the tournament and claimed the title in commanding fashion. “What really impressed us was the spirit of fair play among the players. This is a top-level international tournament “ says Yannick Weihs happily. A tournament that can serve as a springboard to a career in the USA.
Photo credits: Wolfthaler