Mason Cisco of Vero Beach is taking his tennis career to Europe and to new heights!
The Vero Beach High School tennis standout has been competing on the International Tennis Federation World Junior Tennis Circuit in Europe, the highest level of tennis where he has played. He also has earned a ITF World Junior Tennis ranking and seen improvements in his game.
Staying with his grandmother in Germany, Cisco has had the opportunity to get into several ITF World Junior Circuit events in Germany, Luxembourg and Italy and competing on the red clay courts against tough and talented European junior players.
Cisco was able to advance through qualifying at the J100 event in Neunkirchen, Germany, before losing in the first round in three sets to George Strasch of Estonia. He was able to get into the main draw of the J60 event in Schifflange, Luxembourg before losing in the first round Ilan Hediger of Switzerland but reached the quarterfinals in doubles. He reached the second round of qualifying at the J60 event in Fuerth, Germany and at the J60 level event in Veska, Czech Republic. He lost in the first round of qualifying at the J30 event in Cuneo, Italy, (J30 is the lowest level of ITF World Junior Tennis Tour events while J1000 events, the junior Grand Slam tournaments, are the highest.)
Cisco’s efforts have earned him an ITF World Junior Tennis Ranking of No. 3,445 and his Universal Tennis Rating (UTR) has moved from a 9.80 to his goal of over a 10, to a 10.12.
Cisco, who received early support for his tennis from the Mardy Fish Children’s Foundation, trains with former Mexican Davis Cup player Daniel Garza at The Boulevard and under Vero Beach High School tennis coach Mike Hickey.
Said Hickey of Cisco, “Mason’s tennis level has gone up and the shots he’s hitting are that of a professional level. His fitness level has gone up tremendously and he’s thinking more about shot selections. His steady attitude and emotional maturity on the court also are really inspiring and he handles himself professionally on the court. He’s been amazing to coach and really considers what you tell him and is curious about learning more and more”
Last season for Vero Beach High School, Cisco reached the state singles semifinals and the state doubles final with Bo Johnson. He is entering his senior year and looking at options to play college tennis.
