SoCal’s Johnson and Vergne Selected to Represent
U.S. in International Junior Team Competitions

Southern California’s junior tennis talent continues to shine on the international stage, as two of its standout players, Andrew (Andy) Johnson and Indra Vergne, have been selected to represent the United States in prestigious ITF junior team competitions. Their inclusion in these elite teams underscores not only their individual prowess but also the strength of the USTA Southern California junior development programs.​

Andrew Johnson: Rising Star in the 16U Division

Fifteen-year-old Andy Johnson, a standout freshman from Rancho Palos Verdes, holds the No. 1 ranking in Southern California and No. 3 ranking in the nation, according to the USTA Junior Tournament Rankings published on April 16, 2025. A blue chip prospect who trains at the prestigious Jack Kramer Club, Johnson has been selected for the U.S. Davis Cup Juniors team, competing in the 16-and-under category. 

Johnson has been a force on the junior circuit, building on a breakout 2024 season that saw him sweep both the Boys’ 14s singles and doubles titles at the 2024 Easter Bowl. He carried that momentum into the international stage, capturing three ITF Junior Circuit singles titles last year, including his first at the ITF J60 Corpus Christi, where he didn’t lose more than three games in a set. He went on to add titles at the ITF J100 Estado de Mexico and the ITF J60 San Diego.

In doubles, he’s been equally strong. He kicked off 2025 with a strong run, reaching back-to-back finals in Boys’ 18s competition—winning the J100 Las Vegas (Las Vegas ITF) with partner Marcel Latak of Illinois, then followed it up with a runner-up finish at the prestigious J300 FILA International Junior Championship in Indian Wells, teaming up with Nischal Spurling of Los Angeles. 

Johnson’s selection is a testament to his consistent excellence and dedication to the sport. Representing the U.S. in the Davis Cup Juniors is a significant honor, placing him among the nation’s top young talents and offering a platform to compete against the world’s best.​

“It’s an honor to represent Southern California and the United States of America,” explained Johnson. “I’m incredibly grateful for the support from SoCal and the USTA—both have played a huge role in my development. I’ve grown so much with the help of my coaches, and I’m proud to be part of something bigger than myself. I’m looking forward to spending more time with my teammates and seeing what the future holds in this amazing sport.”

Indra Vergne: A Promising Talent in the 14U Division

At just 13 years old, Indra Vergne of West Hills is already making waves as one of the most promising junior tennis players in the nation. Ranked No. 2 in California and No. 6 nationally, the standout seventh grader has earned a reputation for his grit, skill, and competitive drive. Vergne trains under a powerhouse coaching lineup — working privately with legendary coach Peter Smith, honing his game in group sessions with Cecil Mamiit at Tennis Mechanix Academy (TMX), and practicing twice a week at USTA Training Center – West in Carson with Eduardo Nava of West Covina. His rapid rise has earned him a coveted spot on the U.S. team for the ITF World Junior Tennis Finals, where he’ll represent the country in the 14-and-under boys’ division on the global stage.

Vergne’s recent performances have made it clear: he’s a rising star with both talent and composure beyond his years. In February, he reached the finals of the Boys’ 14s singles L2 at the Claremont Club, showcasing his consistency and competitive edge. The following month, he made an even bigger statement by capturing the prestigious Boys’ 14s doubles Gold Ball at the 2025 Easter Bowl, teaming up with North Carolina’s Siddhant Dua for the title run.

His selection to the U.S. national team is a reflection of his rapid rise and tremendous potential. Competing on this global stage will offer invaluable experience as he continues his promising ascent in the sport.

“Representing Southern California tennis and the entire USA is not just a badge of honor for me, it embodies the spirit of determination and resilience that defines our sport,” explained Vergne. “Every time I step onto the court it’s a thrilling blend of pride and responsibility, a feeling that fuels me for every match, reminding me that I’m not just playing for myself, but for everyone who has supported me along the way. I look forward to playing my best and enjoying my experience on Team USA.”

Earning Their Spot: USA Advances to World Finals

Both Johnson and Vergne played key roles in helping the U.S. qualify for the world’s premier junior team competitions—the Davis Cup Juniors and Billie Jean King Cup Juniors by Gainbridge (16-and-under), and the ITF World Junior Tennis (14-and-under)—following standout performances at the North/Central American and Caribbean Final Qualifying events held last week in Montreal, Canada.

The qualifying rounds featured three days of round-robin play, with each matchup consisting of two singles and one doubles match. The top two countries from each four-nation pool advanced to the world finals. Team USA dominated the competition, with three of the four squads—including the 16-and-under boys and 14-and-under girls—finishing 3-0 and winning all nine matchups without dropping a single set. The U.S. Billie Jean King Cup Juniors team, who are three-time defending world champions, finished second in their group after being upset by Canada in group play.

Now, the American teams turn their attention to the world stage. The 2025 ITF World Junior Tennis Finals are set for August 4–9 in Prostejov, Czechia, while the Davis Cup Juniors and Billie Jean King Cup Juniors Finals will take place November 3–9 in Santiago, Chile. Team USA will be competing for titles in three of the four divisions, with the 14-and-under girls looking to capture their first championship since 2017.

The U.S. has a long history of success in these prestigious events, collecting a combined 27 team titles over the years. That includes nine Junior Billie Jean King Cup titles (2008, 2012, 2014, 2017–19, 2022–24), four Junior Davis Cup titles (1999, 2008, 2014, 2024), seven World Junior Tennis girls’ titles (1992, 2007–10, 2013, 2017), and seven World Junior Tennis boys’ titles (2002–03, 2008, 2012, 2018, 2019, 2024). Former U.S. junior international team members include major champions and legends like Jim Courier, Andy Roddick, James Blake, Lindsay Davenport, Sloane Stephens, and Coco Gauff. International greats such as Roger Federer, Rafael Nadal, Iga Swiatek, and Carlos Alcaraz have also represented their countries in junior team competition, proof that these events continue to be a launchpad for the next generation of stars.

The full U.S. team nominations:

> DAVIS CUP JUNIORS
Michael Antonius (15; Buffalo, N.Y.)
Andrew Johnson (15; Rancho Palos Verdes, Calif.)
Vihaan Reddy (15; San Jose, Calif.)
Captain: Sylvain Guichard

> BILLIE JEAN KING CUP JUNIORS
Annika Penickova (15; Campbell, Calif.)
Kristina Penickova (15; Campbell, Calif.)
Margaret Sohns (15; Cooperstown, N.Y.)
Captain: Georgi Rumenov

> ITF WORLD JUNIOR TENNIS – BOYS
Tristan Ascenzo (14; Dallas)
Indra Vergne (13; West Hills, Calif.)
Alexander Anderson (13; Davis, Calif.)
Captain: Jon Glover

> ITF WORLD JUNIOR TENNIS – GIRLS
Emery Combs (14; Conway, S.C.)
Olivia De Los Reyes (14; Scarsdale, N.Y.)
Caroline Shao (14; Doral, Fla.)
Captain: Celeste Frey

A Tradition of Excellence: Representing Team SoCal

The selection of Johnson and Vergne carries on a proud legacy of Southern California juniors making their mark on the international stage. Just last year, Thea Frodin of Woodland Hills and Torrance’s Keaton Hance represented Team USA in these prestigious events, while fellow Torrance standout Iva Jovic did the same the year before—further proof of the region’s remarkable depth of talent.

Earning the chance to compete for your country is one of the highest honors in sport. For Johnson and Vergne, it’s a reflection of their relentless work ethic, dedication to the game, and the strong support system within the USTA SoCal community. As they step onto the world stage, they carry with them the pride, passion, and high expectations of Southern California tennis.