Grandezza Junior Tennis Academy
Michael and Joshua Wardell Hold "Franchise" Status
Nov 8, 2007
All major sports have “franchise players,” some official, some not so official. Team tennis has not yet reached the status of “major sport,” but unofficially, even team tennis has its share of franchise players. For example, The Sacramento Capitals have Lindsey Davenport and Anna Kournikova, while the New York Sportimes have John McEnroe; clearly a trio of franchise players.
Mike & Josh Wardell: Frachise Players
The Grandezza Junior Tennis Academy team run by Mike Curran (Director of Tennis & Fitness at Grandezza) and Denny Rager (Director of Tennis at the Player's Club in Lely Estates) may not list any players as its franchise players, but Michael and Joshua Wardell each demonstrates franchise player characteristics. Key among those characteristics is having a winning way.
USTA Super Series Wins
In a recent United States Tennis Association (USTA) sanctioned Super Series event, Josh who is 12 and Michael who is 16, took home the titles in the Boys’ 14s and 18s respectively. Josh is on a five-match win-streak in USTA sanctioned tournaments, including a tough three-set win over the fourth-ranked player in his age division, and Michael has posted a 10-3 record in his most recent events, all of which have been in the Boys’ 18s division.
Influence of New Zealand Heritage
Despite being in the upper echelon of players in Florida in their respective age divisions, Michael and Josh evince level-headed, down-to-earth demeanors, both on and off the court. A chat with Josh and Michael’s mom, Linda Wardell, sheds some light on the source of the boys’ attitudes. Linda and husband Mark, both natives of New Zealand, bring solid, Kiwi characteristics to the table, and try to ensure that their boys do the same.
Kiwi Characteristics
Those characteristics include a tireless work ethic, humility, close family ties, and a “never-say-die” spirit. Curran acknowledges the parental impact on the boys in grateful tones: “They’re extremely coachable. Great parents!” Michael and Josh also have an excellent role model in their eldest brother, Richard. An alumnus of the Grandezza Junior Academy, Richard now plays Division I tennis for The College of William and Mary.
Mike Curran on Richard Wardell
According to Curran, the boys’ coach of approximately three years, Richard epitomized the Kiwi work ethic. “Rich is from the school of hard knocks. His strokes aren’t quite as polished as Michael’s and Josh’s but he’s just an absolute workhorse. Nobody I’ve ever worked with hustles more than he does….He’s amazing, a great kid,” Curran said.
Michael Wardell's Groundstroke Genius
Second in the chain, Michael displays a Federer-like stoicism and presents a similar, self-effacing, low-key façade. Perhaps possessing a mind as scientific as his dad’s, Michael is a true student of the game. In Curran’s words, “Michael is more passive than Rich, but nobody is paying more attention than he is.” And Mike brings much more than his mind to the table. “Michael, on any given day, can hit his groundstrokes as good as anybody on the [professional] tours. When I play Michael from the ground, he gives me all I want,” said Curran.
Josh Wardell ATP Bound?
Like a treasured legacy, tennis has been passed down from one brother to the next, with Josh being the last in line to inherit the bounty of tennis experience and expertise the family has accumulated over the years. As Curran noted, “Josh has the ability to hit winners on either side. He doesn’t have a technical flaw, other than footwork…He’s strong as a bull and he’s as talented and good as they come...” If Josh develops a work ethic closer to that of his older brothers, Curran suggested that the ATP Tour would not be out of Josh’s reach.
With three tough competitors, one might expect a heightened degree of sibling rivalry. Fortunately, a strong family bond channels the boys’ competitive spirit in the right direction. According to Curran, speaking about the relationship the boys share, “They’re so supportive. I think they both [Rich and Mike] understand Josh is gonna be the best player. If you ask them both, I think they’d tell you that.”
See Mike & Josh at Grandezza
On any given afternoon on the courts of the Club at Grandezza, you can find Mike and Josh Wardell hitting and hustling with their fellow students, while mom oversees the proceedings from a nearby perch. After watching just a few games, it becomes evident that both Mike and Josh possess "franchise player" games. Whether they will admit to it or not, it may be just a matter of time before they become franchise players in name as well.
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