The 2024 Bobby Curtis Doubles Junior State Championships for the 16s and 18s divisions took place at the USTA National Campus in Orlando, Florida, featuring some of the state's top junior tennis talent. The campus also serves as the headquarters of the United States Tennis Association.
In the Boys’ 16s division, Saint Andrew’s School’s Rafael Bote teamed up with Mikaeel Alibaig to deliver an outstanding performance throughout the tournament. Bote, a key player for Saint Andrew’s State Championship team, demonstrated the same determination and skill that helped secure his school’s title. His pivotal victories in the Boys #2 doubles and Boys #3 singles matches were crucial in bringing home the state championship for Saint Andrew’s.
Bote and Alibaig didn’t drop a set as they advanced to the finals against the top-seeded pair, Caleb Chow and Dhakshish Aryan. The championship match was a thrilling back-and-forth contest. Chow and Aryan took the opening set, but Bote and Alibaig fought back, winning the second set and forcing a tiebreaker. In the end, Bote’s calm under pressure was key, as he and his partner claimed the title with a narrow 10-8 win in the tiebreaker.
This victory further highlights Bote's ability to excel in high-stakes situations, both for his school and on the state stage, reaffirming his status as one of Florida’s rising tennis stars.
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