Chattanooga’s Lucy Heald Earns No. 1 U.S. Ranking in Junior Wheelchair Tennis; Set to compete at the U.S. Open.

Chattanooga Christian School student Lucy Heald has reached the top spot in the United States as the No. 1-ranked junior wheelchair tennis player. She also holds the No. 4 ranking in the world, making her one of the sport’s rising stars.

Heald trains at the Maclellan Tennis Center, located on the Chattanooga Christian School campus, under the guidance of coach Jason Tipton. Her dedication and rapid progress have made her a standout not only in local athletics but also in national and international competition.

This year, Heald has compiled a remarkable list of accomplishments. She represented Team USA at the World Team Cup in Turkey, where she helped bring home a silver medal. She also claimed singles titles in both France and Great Britain and reached the finals in five international tournaments, including events in Baton Rouge, Belgium, the Netherlands, and France.

The tennis world will soon see more of Heald as she prepares to compete at the U.S. Open, scheduled for Sept. 2–6 in New York—a major milestone in her already impressive career. She has also proven to be a dominant force in doubles competition, capturing championships in the Netherlands, France, and Belgium.

Tipton praised Lucy's dedication and drive: "Lucy's work ethic is second to none. Her commitment to excellence and passion for the game make her a true competitor on the world stage."

As she prepares to take the court at the U.S. Open, Heald continues to inspire her peers and community with her resilience, humility, and love for the sport.

"We are incredibly proud of Lucy and all she has accomplished," said Maclellan Tennis Center Director, Derek Markey. "She continues to set new standards through her hard work and determination. The entire Chattanooga community will be cheering her on in New York."

For more information on the U.S. Open Wheelchair Championships, CLICK HERE.