Teen Filipino tennis player Baisa captures USTA 18 & Under Title in Naperville

NAPERVILLE, Illinois — Filipino junior tennis player Brice Vincent Baisa captured the United States Tennis Association USTA 18 & Under Singles Championship in Naperville, Illinois, after a gritty comeback in the final.

Baisa lost a tight first-set tiebreak 6-7, but bounced back to win the second set, 6-2, before claiming the championship with a super tiebreak, 10-6.

“Honestly, I just kept reminding myself that one set doesn’t decide the whole match,” Baisa said. “As long as I stay composed and keep competing point by point, I always have a chance.”

The young Filipino said the victory was also a reminder that his training and sacrifices are paying off.

“It’s not just about winning a trophy, but also proving to myself that I can compete at a high level,” he said. “At the same time, I see it as motivation to keep improving because I know I still have a lot to learn and achieve.”

Earlier in the tournament, Baisa also showed his resilience, fighting back after falling behind 2-4 in the quarterfinals before advancing to a straight-set semifinal victory.

Following his USTA title, Baisa withdrew from the Wisconsin tournament and competed instead in the Men’s Open UTR tournament in Naperville, where he reached the quarterfinals against adult players.

“I felt like it’s a better fit for my level right now, and I want to challenge myself against strong adult players,” Baisa said.