Two LaGrange Locals Qualify for USTA NTRP Nationals

Jorge Encinas and Manuel Bustamante to compete in prestigious tennis tournament in Arizona

Mar. 31, 2026 at 4:50pm

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A cubist, geometric painting depicting a tennis match or competition, with sharp, overlapping planes of vibrant red, blue, and yellow colors, capturing the dynamic energy and competitive spirit of the event.Two local tennis stars from LaGrange, Georgia, set to compete against the nation's best at the prestigious USTA NTRP Nationals tournament.LaGrange Today

Two members of the Chattahoochee Area Tennis Association (CHATA) from LaGrange, Georgia, Jorge Encinas and Manuel Bustamante, have qualified for the United States Tennis Association NTRP Nationals tournament in Surprise, Arizona, taking place April 10-12. Encinas, a rising star, will be making his first trip to nationals, while the veteran Bustamante is headed to the tournament for the third straight year.

Why it matters

Qualifying for the USTA NTRP Nationals is a significant achievement for amateur tennis players, as it showcases their skill and dedication to the sport. The tournament attracts top talent from across the country, making it a prestigious event that can boost a player's profile and open up new opportunities.

The details

Encinas, a native of Mexico, has been making a name for himself on the local tennis circuit in recent years, currently ranking as the highest-ranked player out of LaGrange. Bustamante, a 42-year-old veteran, has accumulated an impressive resume with 20 singles titles, three men's doubles titles, and one mixed doubles title. This will be Bustamante's final hurrah as a singles player, as he plans to transition to playing doubles in the hopes of qualifying for the doubles national tournament in the coming years.

  • The USTA NTRP Nationals tournament will take place from April 10-12, 2026 in Surprise, Arizona.
  • Encinas has been working towards this tournament for about a year, while Bustamante is making his third straight appearance.

The players

Jorge Encinas

A rising tennis star from LaGrange, Georgia, who has been making a name for himself on the local tennis circuit. He is currently the highest-ranked player out of LaGrange and will be making his first trip to the USTA NTRP Nationals tournament.

Manuel Bustamante

A 42-year-old veteran tennis player from LaGrange, Georgia, who has accumulated an impressive resume with 20 singles titles, three men's doubles titles, and one mixed doubles title. This will be his third straight trip to the USTA NTRP Nationals tournament, and he plans to transition to playing doubles in the coming years.

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What they’re saying

“It's coming up soon, and I'm starting to get really excited for it. I've been working towards this for about a year now.”

— Jorge Encinas

“I'm a little nervous. I won't lie to you. We've been working all year, you know, and just to come to this point. So it feels good. I haven't been there, so right now I'm feeling excited and nervous.”

— Jorge Encinas

“It's a tournament, just like any other. So I really want to just take it like that, but I think at the same time, you enjoy the pressure. You have to enjoy how special this tournament is because it is not like any other tournament. The competition level is so high this year. It's going to be a challenge, but it's going to be fun.”

— Manuel Bustamante

What’s next

The USTA NTRP Nationals tournament will take place from April 10-12, 2026 in Surprise, Arizona, where Encinas and Bustamante will compete against the top amateur tennis players in the country.

The takeaway

Qualifying for the prestigious USTA NTRP Nationals tournament is a significant achievement for Encinas and Bustamante, showcasing their talent and dedication to the sport of tennis. Their participation in the event will not only be a personal milestone but also a source of pride for the LaGrange tennis community.