The Tennis Channel: Kronauge

The Tennis Channel: Kronauge
Justin Time
Throwback jerseys may be all the rage, not so prevalent are throwback juniors. Justin Kronauge plays high school tennis, not ITF junior events, a decision that will likely cost him an opportunity to ever compete in a junior Grand Slam. With his first major National title at the USTA 18 Winter Championships, however, he earned a wild card into the qualifying of the ATP Scottsdale event. That he won but two games is beside the point. As a junior, he cannot be courted in person, but he will be one of the most sought-after players in the country next fall. Because coaches know he is not even considering turning professional, any and all top programs will try to find a scholarship for him. I haven't seen him play since last August in Kalamazoo, when he lost (twice) to the very talented 16-year-old from Southern California, Michael McClune, in the 16s division. Kronauge still has a lot of physical maturing to do, making his recent results all the more impressive.