Pictured: Jann Ward (CHATA President) presenting Manuel Bustamante with the “Golden Ticket” for the USTA National NTRP Championships
Georgia’s own Manuel Bustamante has been awarded a “Golden Ticket” to play in the 18+ NTRP National Championships in San Diego, CA. Manuel is ranked #1 in 18+ 3.5 USTA Southern and #4 Nationally.
The Chattahoochee Area Tennis Association presented him with a Certificate of Achievement at the CHATA board meeting last week.
Manuel has been playing tennis for only 2 years. He is coached by Tom Standridge at The McCluskey Tennis Complex. Tom has nothing but praise for his student. “He is a top-notch student and the kind of man who conducts himself with integrity and hard work. He is always an inspiration for me and the kids that he hits with in the lessons. Manny is a great example of what hard work on the court will accomplish. We are lucky to have him in the tennis community.”
Born in Chile, Manuel came to the United States in 2009. In 2013 he moved to LaGrange. He proudly became a United States citizen in 2019.
After moving close to the McCluskey Tennis Complex. he observed the tennis activity and decided to give it a try. Growing up playing soccer, he was a perfect fit for tennis, and he began lessons in July 2021. During spring 2022, Coach Stanridge allowed Manny to spar with some of the LaGrange High School tennis players. This inspired him to give tournaments a try.
Manuel debuted his first Southern NTRP tournament in February 2023. The results have been impressive so far with 8 singles and 1 doubles title. This is remarkable for having played tennis for 2 years. Back in July 2023, he won the Southern NTRP Qualifier in Peachtree Corners. In December, he was awarded a “Golden Ticket” for the National Championship which will be in San Diego in April. Another highlight of 2023 was winning the 1 RUN Adult Tournament in his home country, Chile.
Not to be outdone, he has started 2024 strong with a singles title at the NTRP Southern Championships in Knoxville, TN.
Manuel gives much credit to Coach Standridge, Coach Bill Champion for his expert stringing and tension advice and his fitness trainer, Christian Shakespeare. When asked what is the secret to your success, he replied “I always ask myself if I am a better player than last week. If yes, it is because I feel the progress; if no, then I know I have work to do”.
Good luck in San Diego!
