Jagger Leach soaks up Roland Garros 'blessing' as he prepares to play for family rival Stanford 

PARIS—Jagger Leach may have strong family ties to the University of Southern California. But this fall, the ITF’s No. 6-ranked junior will chart his own path when heading up the coast to enroll at a long-time rival school.

“My dad, uncle and grandfather, all obviously went to USC. They always told me that if I couldn't get into USC, I could go to Stanford,” he shared with Tennis Channel’s Prakash Amritraj. “That was kind of the running joke, but I'm so excited to be a Stanford Cardinal.

“Stanford is a very legendary place and an amazing school. I'm extremely excited to play for that team and they have a history of winning a lot of national championships.”

Amritraj caught up with Leach at Roland Garros after he advanced to the third round of the boys’ singles event and picked up an opening doubles victory with Great Britain’s Oliver Bonding. The son of three-time Grand Slam singles champion Lindsay Davenport and NCAA All-American Jon Leach—and nephew to doubles world No. 1 Rick Leach—the 17-year-old is soaking up every ounce of his Paris experience.

“The first singles match that I played was a little bit tricky. My opponent had a more unorthodox style. Lefty, lots of spin, high balls, angles, some drop shots. It’s obviously really fun to be playing here at Roland Garros and every second on these courts is a blessing. I had a great time out there,” Leach said.

“I'm just trying to make the most of it and enjoy it.”

Both parents are in town to support Leach and their impact is undeniable. Take in a few minutes of his match play and ones finds a familiar-looking demeanor: calm, focused, all business. As the year has unfolded and miles racked up, Leach—the eldest of four—has been leaning more on coach Rodrigo Alvarez to navigate life away from home.

“They're very influential obviously. They shaped my tennis and they're the ones that taught me how to play, but now that I'm starting to travel a lot more, it's tough for them to be on the road with me every week,” he shared.

“Rodrigo's been amazing. He's been very insightful and helped me with my game a lot. We started working with each other at the start of the year so I'm super lucky to have him as well, too.”

My dad, uncle and grandfather, all obviously went to USC. They always told me that if I couldn't get into USC, I could go to Stanford. That was kind of the running joke.

Leach plans to mix in a handful of ITF World Tennis Tour (formerly Futures) tournaments with junior Wimbledon and US Open appearances before heading to Palo Alto. This week, a preview of college life has tested his discpline when it comes to food options being readily available.

“They've got some croissants at the breakfast buffet and they're dangerous,” he laughed.

“I’m trying to stay away from them, but they’re a little naughty.”