Local star and Wimbledon Junior Champion Noah Rubin, who trains at the John McEnroe Tennis Academy on Randall’s Island, will be competing for John’s brother Patrick on Wednesday when he takes a spot on the New York Empire presented by Citi roster against the Springfield Lasers at Forest Hills Stadium at West Side Tennis Club.
“I am truly excited to play in front of a home crowd,” said Rubin. “Being from New York, I grew up watching World TeamTennis and it will be great to compete in it.”
The second-year pro replaces regular roster player Guido Pella, who will represent his native Argentina in the Rio Olympics after playing in the first three Empire matches on Sunday, Monday and Tuesday.
Rubin, 20, starred at Wake Forest University, earning ACC Player of the Year honors during the 2014-15 academic year in Winston-Salem, N.C., reaching the finals of the NCAA singles championships. The John McEnroe Tennis Academy product was also the 2015 ACC Freshman of the Year before turning professional in July 2015.
As a pro, the Long Island-raised Rubin scored his biggest win this year at the Australian Open, toppling 18th-ranked Benoit Paire of France in straight sets.
The New York Empire season begins Sunday vs. the five-time defending Mylan WTT presented by GEICO champion Washington Kastles, the first of six home dates through August 12.