Space Coast Tennis Star David Bender Set for Wimbledon Debut in 14-and-Under Division
By Steve Wilson // July 8, 2026
Will Compete in the 14-and-Under Division in London, England
BREVARD COUNTY, FLORIDA – Space Coast Tennis is officially heading to the world stage. David Bender, a standout player from Brevard County, will compete in the 14-and-Under Division at The Championships at Wimbledon. The tournament will be played July 9 – 12 at the world-famous All England Lawn Tennis Club in London, England.
David and his coach, Ruben Vanoppen, traveled to London to compete in this prestigious tournament.
The entire community at the Kiwi Racquet Club in Indian Harbour Beach, Florida, along with Space Coast Tennis and the United States Tennis Association (USTA), is rallying behind the duo as they prepare for this world-class tournament.
Competing at the All England Lawn Tennis Club is a dream for any tennis player.
For 14-year-old David Bender, that dream is now a reality. This monumental achievement highlights both David’s exceptional talent and the elite training programs that are available locally on the Space Coast.
Behind every great athlete is a dedicated coach. Coach Ruben Vanoppen has travelled alongside David to provide strategic guidance, court-side support, and elite coaching on London’s famous grass courts.
I had the opportunity to talk with Vanoppen the day after they arrived in London. I asked him if David was nervous. He told me, “There are nerves, but healthy nerves. I think it’s one of David’s superpowers in that he does not usually feel too nervous.” Their strong player-coach dynamic has been the driving force behind David’s rapid rise through the junior ranks.
Local affiliates include the Kiwi Racquet Club, Space Coast Tennis, and USTA.
ABOUT THE AUTHOR
Steve Wilson was born in DeRidder, Louisiana and grew up in both New Orleans and Macon, Georgia. He moved to Brevard County in 1984 and retired from local government as the Community Advocate/Assistant to the City Manager with the City of Rockledge in 2018.
Among the awards and accolades Steve has received over the years are 15 + year Rockledge Little League volunteer, Brevard Public School Jefferson Award Recipient, Rockledge High School Raider Booster Award 2001, 2006, City of Rockledge Employee of the Year 2006, Rockledge Kiwanian of the Year 2006-2007, City of Rockledge Quality Public Service Award 2008, 2012, 2017, Rockledge Kiwanis Citizen of the Year 2012-2013, Space Coast Sports Hall of Fame – Sportscasting 2015, Rockledge High School Leadership and Service Award 2016, Central Florida Humanitarian Award 2017, Space Coast Inspiration Award – 2018, Space Coast Sports Hall of Fame – Lifetime Achievement – 2020, Ecofest Achievement Award – 2022, Quality Floridian Award – 2022, presented by U.S. Congressman Bill Posey, Florida House District 32 Constituent of the Week 4/20/25.
Wilson is especially proud of his chairing two fundraisers in support of pediatric cancer research through the St. Baldrick’s Foundation in honor of Merritt Island resident Julie Spurlock that raised over $25,000.00.
He has been a partner, along with Orville Susong, for the past 26 years with the Friday Night Locker Room, a broadcasting team that covers and reports on a wide variety of local events that are of significance to the residents of the Space Coast and beyond. Their mission is to promote youth sports, support first responders and law enforcement personnel, and showcase community and charitable events that are produced by our nonprofit partners in central Florida.
The Friday Night Locker Room has awarded hundreds of sports achievement plaques to Brevard County student-athletes over the years. They have also awarded more than $18,000 in academic scholarships to Brevard County high school seniors.
