Connecticut Jewish Ledger

In many ways, Jesse Levine is a typical 17-year-old-he enjoys hanging out with his friends, listening to hip hop music, playing basketball and soccer, and using the Internet. In fact, it is easier to connect with Levine by email than by phone.

Levine and partner Michael Shabaz won the Wimbeldon Juniors doubles championship, and Levine made it to the quarterfinals for singles. Now, it’s on to the juniors U.S. Open later this week in New York.

Levine was born in Ottawa, Canada and lived there until the age of 13. While in Ottawa, he attended the Hillel Academy Hebrew Day School. Then his family relocated to Boca Raton, Florida.

“We moved for three reasons-for my brother’s health, my father had a good job opportunity there, and it was good for my tennis,” reports Levine. He attended the Chris Evert Tennis Academy for two years. Now, Levine attends and boards at the Bollettieri Academy in Bradenton, about three hours from Boca Raton.

Levine has a rigorous training and tournament schedule. On a typical day, he practices for two hours in the morning (8-10am), then has fitness training. He then spends 3-1/2 hours on the tennis court. While at Bollettieri, Levine has the opportunity to hit with such tennis greats as Tommy Haas, Max Mirinyi, Mary Pierce-and Justin Gimelstob.

He also has his studies to worry about. He is enrolled at the University of Miami Online High School, where he is enrolled in four to five classes per semester. He will receive a Florida State diploma.

For now, the 5’8” lefty, who only weighs 145 pounds, will continue traveling around the world competing and working on getting stronger. If all goes well, turning pro may be in Levine’s near future.