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TENNISPHILE:
An E Newsletter for the Tennis Player in Columbia, South Carolina

March 15, 2005

www.tennisphile.com



Hi, Tennis People. The Family Circle Cup on Daniel Island near Charleston is coming, beginning April 9th, with the championship matches on Sunday April 17, 2005. Lindsay Davenport, and the 2004 champion, Venus Williams, are scheduled to play.



On Tuesday April 12th, Adult Team Tennis Day, team captains can get in free if they bring at least 8 of their team members. Team members would pay $35 for 2nd tier seats, or $25 for 3rd tier seats. As South Carolina tennis people know, most of the seats are good seats at Family Circle Cup as long as you bring plenty of sunscreen.



All teams will be registered to win a free clinic with former ATP Tour player Luke Jensen.



Call 1- 800-677-2293. The deadline for registration is March 28, 2005.





PRO PROFILE

Players at Crooked Creek Park and Seven Oaks Park are pleased to welcome John Atkinson, the new Director of Tennis for the Irmo Chapin Recreation Commission. Many tennis people are familiar with John already, and describe him as an excellent tennis instructor for both children and adult players.



John’s family owned and operated the Silver Fox Tennis Club, which was in business from 1978 to 1997 in Irmo.



John graduated from Irmo High School in 1974. He played on the Irmo High School Golf team, which won the State 3-AAA Golf championship 4 years in a row. Before graduating from Lander University in 1981, he attended the University of South Carolina where he was a member of the golf team in 1974-75.



A USPTR certified tennis professional, and a USRSA certified racket stringer, John most enjoys teaching a young player the lessons of life through tennis. “Teaching the basics and getting them to learn how to play the game well is just a start. Teaching them how to win and lose gracefully is what I am most proud of.”



“My goal in tennis is to introduce it to as many people as I possibly can and have each person I teach pass the game on to someone else. This way, our great sport will live forever.”



Among the adult tennis programs offered at Crooked Creek and Seven Oaks Park is Ladder Play. Players sign up for a division (singles, doubles, or mixed doubles) and play matches at their convenience. Doubles players are not required to have a set partner for this event. Cost is $20 per division.



Crooked Creek Park offers Ladies’ Quadrants on Wednesday mornings from March 16 to April 20, 2005 from 9:30 to 11:30 a.m., with “lunch bunch” following play. Cost is $25 for ICRC residents and $30 for others.



Contact John at 345-8105. Email him at Tennis@icrc.net.



SENSIBLE RULES OF TENNIS

AIR BALLS. Under Rule 10 of “The Singles Game,” a service attempt is a fault if the player misses the ball while attempting to strike it.



If the player tosses the ball and catches it rather than attempting to strike it, however, this does not count as a fault.





NEWS

The goal is simple: sanctioned tournament results should appear on the USTA South Carolina website (http://www.sctennis.com/) the day after the tournament. Directors can email their results to Nick Lawrence at Lawrence@southerntennis.com.



Adult Beginner Tennis Classes (evenings or daytime) are starting every month in Lexington. A four-week program consisting of one-hour classes costs $45. Call Karen Holzschuh at 951-0980 for details.



Help LATA promote tennis in the community. Donate your used tennis rackets to needy children. A donation box is located in the pro shop at Lexington County Tennis Complex.





Copyright 2005 by Laura P. Valtorta


************************* TENNISPHILE:
An E Newsletter for the Tennis Player in Columbia, South Carolina
February 21, 2005
www.tennisphile.com

Hi, Tennis People. Tennis teams are constantly morphing in the wake of rule changes and personnel upheavals. My 3.5 LATA team reconfigured itself as the Networkers this spring, playing out of the wildly popular Crooked Creek Park in Chapin. Our captain is Lee Anne Lamar. Lee Anne used the remains of two old teams to form a new team, and the snacks are better than ever. Thanks, Lee Anne.

When my old 3.0 CTL team broke up because of the new rating requirement (teams must have at least half their members at the stated level of the team), I was delighted when Rose Warth invited me to join her team at Parklane: Mr. Bunny’s Babes. The more surreal the name, the stronger the team. That’s my latest theory.

The point is that adults in this area want to play tennis. Thankfully, we have the opportunity. Nan Smith, who coordinates Combo Doubles for CTL recently sent out emails to captains stating that the courts were full to overflowing last Monday. She urged us to petition our representatives to build more public courts.


TENNIS VIDEOS
Those interested in how children become tennis pros should watch Richard Williams and the Williams sisters in Raising Tennis Aces: the Williams Story, available through Netflix.com. This 2002 documentary by Terry Jarvis focuses as much on Richard Williams as it does on his daughters. This is a man with a plan for raising children to be tennis stars. We all know how successful his plan turned out to be, and the story behind it is fascinating.


SENSIBLE RULES OF TENNIS
WHEN SHOULD YOU LET THEM CALL A LET? Under The Code, Rule 19 any player on the court may call a let when a ball rolls into the playing area from an adjacent court. “The player loses the right to call a let if the player unreasonably delays in making the call.”

Compare this with the example given under Rule 24 from the Singles Game. “Case 5. “May a player request that a ball or ball lying in the opponent’s court be removed? Decision. Yes, but not while a ball is in play.”

Consider Rule 35 under the Code. “Lets due to hindrance. A let is not automatically granted because of hindrance. A let is authorized only if the player could have made the shot had the player not been hindered. A let is also not authorized for a hindrance caused by something within the player’s control. For example, a request for a let because a player tripped over the player’s own hat should be denied.”

The lesson from all this seems to be that the let should not be as a tactical excuse to replay a shot. Any comments from the referees?

NEWS
Adult Beginner Tennis Classes (evenings or daytime) are starting every month in Lexington. A four-week program consisting of one-hour classes costs $45. Call Karen Holzschuh at 951-0980 for details.

SANCTIONED TOURNAMENT. March 4-6, 2005 in Anderson, South Carolina at the Cardinal Racquet Club. Entrants are limited to one singles and two doubles events from a long list of events including open singles and doubles, age-based singles and doubles (ages 50 to 65) and NTRP division events (such as 3.0 singles and doubles, and combo mixed doubles). Sign-up deadline is February 25, 2005. Go to tournaments.usta.com, and look for tournament number 704103205. All proceeds from the tournament go to New Foundations Children and Family Services, Inc. Telephone (864) 225-1193, or (864) 202-1917.

Help LATA promote tennis in the community. Donate your used tennis rackets to needy children. A donation box is located in the pro shop at Lexington County Tennis Complex.

Karen Holzschuh, from the LATA office, attended the Community Tennis Development Workshop, hosted by the National USTA, February 4-7 at the Sandestin Resort in Destin, Florida. The workshops included Growing Tennis Through Outreach and Inclusion, Strategic Communications, Effective Fun Group Drills, Wheelchair Tennis: High Level Stroke Production, and Developing Lesson Plans for your Programs.

Copyright 2005 by Laura P. Valtorta


*************************
TENNISPHILE:
An E Newsletter for the Tennis Player in Columbia, South Carolina

September 9, 2004

www.tennisphile.com



Hi, Tennis People. The best part of Olympic tennis was watching relatively unknown players pick up some medals. The Chinese women Li Ting and Sun Tian Tian won the doubles gold medal against the veterans Conchita Martinez and Virginia Ruano Pascual of Spain. Li (the taller woman with short hair) served very poorly but was dynamite at the net.



Not much information is available about these two Chinese players who seemed to have a fantastic time at the Olympics. The 24-year-old Li has a university education and studied for 6 months at the Bollettieri Tennis Academy in 1996. She is about 5 feet 11 inches tall and weighs 158 pounds.



Sun was born in Henan, China on October 12, 1981. She won $75,153 in prize money in 2003. She has won three WTA doubles titles, and her doubles ranking reached 22 in June 2004.



WEEKEND TENNIS. For several years now, players in the 3.0 range have enjoyed gathering at Parklane on Sunday mornings at 9 a.m. This is an impromptu group arranged by no one in particular and enjoyed by a number of regulars. It’s the best tennis of the week – maybe because Parklane is pretty quiet at that time, and no tennis professionals are involved in the organization.



Anyone who wants to start a similar Sunday morning group at Lexington County Tennis Complex (or some other local facility) should telephone Tennisphile at 771-0828 during business hours, or send email. If enough players show interest, we could reserve two courts at LCTC every Sunday morning. No sign-ups, no hassles, just great tennis.



PLAYER PROFILE

Joyce Hampton, who plays on several teams at Parklane, Harbison, and Wildewood, has been playing tennis for almost 30 years. Her mother introduced her to tennis as a child, but Joyce hated the game back then. These days Joyce is regarded as a great asset to the Columbia tennis community.



Joyce is married to Bob Hampton, a tennis professional. The two met while doing volunteer work at the John Newcomb Memorial Tennis Tournament. They have 4 children who play tennis, but not as enthusiastically as their parents.



Besides her regular 9-to-5 job, Joyce does a lot of volunteer work for such organizations as the Palmetto Health Foundation Board, where she serves as secretary. She is chairman of the Columbia Museum of Art Commission and an advisor for the US Equestrian Team. Joyce teaches at her Church and helps with genealogy. She enjoys reading and going to the movies.



The Hamptons live in Blythewood at FareWell farm, and they also have a house at the Isle of Palms. A diverse sportswoman, Joyce rides horses and competes in equestrian events.





NEWS

LEAGUE PLAY. The fall season starts the week of September 19, 2004 for both the Columbia Tennis League and Lexington Area Tennis Association.



LATA FALL FUN TOURNAMENT. Lexington County Tennis Complex will host a singles, doubles, and mixed doubles tournament on October 2nd and 3rd, 2004. The entry fee is $20 for the first event and $10 for each additional event. Players must enter/withdraw by September 27th at 6 p.m. Call 957-7676 or email LATA (LATAoffice@alltel.net) for an entry blank.



DAVIS CUP. The U.S. Davis Cup team will compete at the Family Circle Tennis Center on Daniel Island on September 24-26, 2004. For tickets, call 1-888-484-8782.



WEIRD RULES OF TENNIS

The Code offers the following comment on deciding whether a point is good. Rule number 11: “Requesting opponent’s help. When an opponent’s opinion is requested and the opponent gives a positive opinion, it must be accepted. If neither player has an opinion, the ball is considered good. Aid from an opponent is available only on a call that ends a point.”



The Code apparently expects opponents to be as honest as Martina Navratilova.



FOOTNOTE

Please email player profiles and pro profiles to Tennisphile. In Tennisphile, every player is a star. Photos welcome.



Copyright 2004 by Laura P. Valtorta


*************************************


An E Newsletter for the Tennis Player in Columbia, South Carolina
August 1, 2004
www.tennisphile.com

Hi, Tennis People. Two things were especially gratifying during the USTA Southern Sectionals, held in Columbia and Lexington July 16 -24, 2004: the younger players’ enthusiasm for the game, and the exciting matches which took place at the 2.5 level. That’s right: 2.5. As the site coordinator at Parklane, I didn’t have the opportunity to watch many matches, but the best one I did catch was between the Arkansas and Georgia women’s 2.5 teams. The play was intense, the pattern of shots interesting, and it came down to a close third set tie break. Thanks, ladies, for the entertainment.

On another day of the tournament, one of the tattooed young players approached me after his match and asked why my friends and I had decided to volunteer. “We think tennis can be healthy and fun for everyone at every age,” I told him, “and this tournament is good for Columbia.” He thought a moment. “That’s the same way my teammates and I feel,” he said.

FABULOUS VOLUNTEERS. I need to send personal thanks to the following men and women who donated their time to keep things in order at Parklane during the tournament. The players and I appreciated your hard work in the hot sun: Pam Scott, John Scott, Christine Cortwright, Kim Young, Joann Hayton, Kathy Stankovic, Kathy Ray, Pat McLaren, Julia Lee, Frances Holland, Lari Chillag, Glenda Henderson, Bob Wilhelm, Peg Wilhelm, Steve Cloud, Pat Kirby, Herb Fengel, Dan Goolsby, and Carolyn McClam.

USTA FOLKS: Tennisphile also enjoyed meeting the USTA employees and volunteers who oversaw the matches at the tournament. All of them were fun and professional. The volunteers at Parklane felt especially grateful to Bonnie Vandergrift from the Brevard Racket Club in North Carolina, whose calm, cool demeanor got us through several hot mornings.

TEAMS FROM SOUTH CAROLINA. The following teams from South Carolina reached the finals at the Sectionals:
Men’s 2.5 finalists from Lexington: Jeff Salters (capt.), Larry Guster,
Landis Sandel, Jeff Platenberg, Tim Ivey, Gregg Burrer; Donald Guster.
Women’s 4.0 finalists from Myrtle Beach: Doreen Cribb,
Margaret Kemp, Kathy Harrelson, Andrea Stanford (capt.), Brenda Varmun, Viki Jagger, Bobbie Turner, Jan Freeman.
Sr. Women's 4.5 finalists from Columbia: Drucy Glass, Susie Peiffer, Jan Cohn (capt.), Susan Battle, Wanda Siler, A.B. Stewart, Susan Hinkley.
Men's 5.0 finalists from Charleston, SC : Will Shelley (capt.), Edward
Fenno, Areil Furfuro, Adam McNab, Peter Netzler, Rohan Wadehra, Jorge Villarrael, Vijay Rao.
Men's 5.5 champions from Mt. Pleasant: Bryan Minton, Stuart Small,
John Boetsch, Joey Eskridge (capt.), Matthew Hane, Mathew Beckham.
Men's Open champions from Mt. Pleasant: Chris Henderson (capt.),
William Bull, Carlos Lozano, Charly Rasheed, Tobin Simpson, Sagi
Zakin.
Sr. Men's 3.0 finalists from Greenwood: Daniel Wilder, Michael
Meeks, Reid Cox, Yancy Floyd, Bill Craine (capt.), Barry Whitman, Ralph Patterson
Sr. Women's 2.5 champions from Hilton Head: Eve Miller, Roberta
Gunderson, Sandi Fischer (capt.), Pat Leber, Tricia Gardner, Carol Scher, Barb Wietfeldt, Barbara Payne, Vivian Wayne, Ellen Corbett, Trudy Tresky.


LETTER OF THANKS FROM A PLAYER
Tennisphile received the following email from a Southern Sectionals player:
“Hopefully, you good folks have been inundated with positive responses and thank yous for what was truly a superb tournament. A titanic effort with results that definitely have not gone unappreciated.

“In behalf of my Treasure Oak Country Club in Ocean Springs, Mississippi's Senior Men 4.0 District Championship Team, our spouses, as well as our children who were able to attend, I thank you. We have never had a better time at any tournament--either at a district or sectional level. Our friends in Charleston will be hard pressed next year to match the results of your efforts this year there in Columbia.

“It is my hope that if any of you have the opportunity to visit us on the Mississippi Gulf Coast, you will give me a heads up and allow me to arrange the provision of at least a portion of the hospitality for you here that you provided for us there. A little tennis perhaps at our Club and/or help with hotel accommodations at our excellent Biloxi casinos just to the west.

“Again, we thank you...

“Mike Whitney


NEWS
DAVIS CUP AT DANIEL ISLAND: The U.S. Davis Cup team will compete against Belarus at the Family Circle Tennis Center, Daniel Island, September 24-26, 2004. For a chance to see Andy Roddick play (and maybe the Bryan brothers) call 1-888-484-8782.

COMBO LEAGUE NEWS (COLUMBIA TENNIS LEAGUE). Team creation registration opened June 1 and closed July 10 on TennisLinke at www.national.usta.com. Additonal players may continue to register through August 15, 2004. At that time, all add-on registrations will be closed. The TennisLink program will not accept a player without a USTA membership current through November 2004, which can be renewed on TennisLink


PICAYUNE RULES OF TENNIS
This points came under discussion during the USTA Southern Sectionals:
It’s rule 29, but it could be known as “20-90-120”:
“As a principle, play shall be continuous from the time the match starts (when the first service of the match is put in play) until the match finishes.” The rule goes on to explain, “between points, a maximum of twenty (20) seconds is allowed.” During a changeover, 90 seconds; at the end of a set, 120 seconds.”
The USTA comments, “the 20-second time limit does not apply if a player has to chase a stray ball.” Phew. That’s a relief.
All of this makes more sense when the weather is 100 degrees, the courts are all tied up, and anxious teams are straining at the bit to begin play.



FOOTNOTE
Please email player profiles and pro profiles to Tennisphile. In Tennisphile, every player is a star. Photos welcome.

Copyright 2004 by Laura P. Valtorta




TENNISPHILE:
An E Newsletter for the Tennis Player in Columbia, South Carolina
April 22, 2004


Hi, Tennis People. Ninety-two thousand fans attended Family Circle Cup last week at Daniel Island, South Carolina, and the event was fantastic. Venus Williams won the singles title, defeating Conchita Martinez of Spain. Virginia Ruano Pascual of Spain and Paola Suarez of Argentina defeated Martina Navratilova and Lisa Raymond of the United States for the doubles title. It was Navratilova’s final appearance in that tournament, and she gave a farewell speech, promising to return as a spectator and finally see the city of Charleston.

A surprising moment occurred during the doubles final on Sunday afternoon, when Navratilova made a call against her own team, pointing out to the umpire that a shot made by her opponents had landed within the lines, despite the “out” call by the linesman. An honest call by a player who obviously basks in the game and in the limelight.

Contrast this with the behavior by the singles players. Conchita Martinez, down in the third set, actually kicked a stray tennis ball into the net. Venus Williams failed to mention her opponent’s name during her acceptance speech, despite the fact that Martinez had, moments before, praised Venus for playing so well.

The younger players could learn some manners from the great Martina Navratilova. It’s unfortunate she plans to retire.

NEWS
The Pfizer Tennis Classic, to benefit the South Carolina Cancer Center, will be held May 5-9, 2004 at the Wildewood Country Club. Entertainment includes Friday and Saturday cookouts and a pro exhibition Saturday May 8, 2004 from 6-10 p.m. The list of pro participants includes Jim Hinson, Charlie Rasheed, Bernie McGuire, and Nikki Villagomez, among others. (This should be entertaining).

A silent auction featuring items such as a ride in a hot air balloon, will open on Wednesday evening, May 5 and run through Saturday May 8, 2004. Pfizer is still looking for donations to this auction.

Regular players at Pfizer can participate in singles, doubles, senior doubles, and mixed doubles. The entry fee is $35 for a first event, and $30 for a second event. Entry deadline is Monday April 26, 2004.

Tickets for non-player guests, will cost $10 and will be available on site for the Friday and Saturday cookouts. Call 699-2446 for more information, or email Nan Smith at SCAUBURN79@sc.rr.com. Purchase a commemorative brick in the Wall Against Cancer for $10.

The Pfizer Classic collected over $55,000 last year and won several awards, including 2003 Charity Tournament of the Year and 2003 Adult Tournament of the Year.
*****
Woodlands Country Club will host the Dasani Spring Splash Golf and Tennis Tournament from April 29-May 1, 2004. Tennis events include singles, doubles, and mixed doubles. Deadline for registration is 5 pm. Monday April 26, 2004. Entry fees for tennis are $28 for the first doubles event, $33 for singles; $17 for the second event, and $10 for the third event. All proceeds will be used to provide student scholarships to USC’s department of Sport and Entertainment Management. Call Laura Sawyer at 777-9327 for more information.
******
MIXED DOUBLES: Two point five players who wish to play mixed doubles at Caughman Road (team name: Caughman Roadies) should contact Rod and Anne Giess at 783-2481(h) or 647-9532 (w) as soon as possible.


GLUCOSAMINE CONTROVERSY
South Carolina tennis players like their glucosamine.

Further research into the efficacy of this supplement, which has not been approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration, reveals that studies have been done to measure its effects on osteoarthritis. According to the website “Clinical Pharmacology,” a 3-year double-blind study conducted on 202 patients, revealed that glucosamine alone slows the progress of knee osteoarthritis better than ibuprofen or a placebo. Currently there is no evidence that chondroitin with glucosamine helps maintain cartilage any better than glucosamine alone.

Side effects of glucosamine, although rare, can include rash and hair loss. The question remains: with so many people taking large amounts of glucosamine on a daily basis, why has the FDA not approved this supplement?


SENSIBLE RULES OF TENNIS
EMILY NET POST: At Family Circle Cup, the Lowcountry Tennis Association (a division of the USTA), distributed laminated red and white cards outlining the proper behavior of players and spectators during a tennis match. Number four under the “Code of Conduct” states, “Spectators, including parents, friends, and coaches, are welcome to watch and enjoy matches. Their role, however, is clearly restricted to that of passive observer, with no involvement of any kind during the match.”

Hyperactive friends and spouses should avoid calling a ball “out!” at the top of their lungs. This disturbs the game and creates hostile feelings. It’s illegal for spectators to call a ball in or out. As the USTA points out: “Violators of this code or its spirit are subject to disciplinary action.” Maybe this means replaying the point, or requiring obnoxious spectators to fetch water and snacks for the players.


FOOTNOTE
Tennisphile wonders how many players have suffered from the following symptoms:
1. Can’t-Put-It-Awayitis. When players on both sides suffer from this, the match resembles a game of ping pong rather than tennis.
2. Cement Legs.
3. Jelly Arms.
4. Leadbelly. This occurs during an 8 p.m. match when the player has eaten dinner beforehand.
5. Excusism. The most famous sufferer was Steffi Graf who stated during an interview that she lost to Gabriella Sabatini because she had her period.
6. Too Much Time to Think, or “TMTTT.” Often caused by balls with spin on them.

Copyright 2004 by Laura P. Valtorta


TENNISPHILE:
An E Newsletter for the Tennis Player in Columbia, South Carolina
March 17, 2004
www.tennisphile.com

Hi, Tennis People. The buzz on the tennis courts is the Columbia Tennis League’s decision to require USTA adult teams to have at least half their players rated at the stated level of the team by the fall 2004 season.

The new rule might cause some dedicated teams to break up or give up. This could happen when some members of a team, such as the captain and co-captain, have been booted up to 3.0 while the rest of the team remains at 2.5.

What do you, the players, think about this proposed rule? Will it make Columbia’s teams more competitive? A similar rule was implemented on Hilton Head this past season. According to Dennis Mallick, co-captain of a team and editor of Tennis E-News, the new rule has worked smoothly on Hilton Head. Dennis has not heard any complaints. Please email your comments to me, or to Burt Fowles, CTL League Coordinator, at BWF7@sc.rr.com


GLUCOSAMINE CRAZE
Glucosamine chondroitin and glucosamine sulfate supplements have become popular among tennis players and others seeking relief from joint pain and arthritis. Bill Inabinet, a pharmacist who plays on Tom Wagener’s 3.0 team, thinks that the effects of this supplement may be imaginary, but there is currently no way to find out. Since glucosamine has not been evaluated by the FDA for safety or effectiveness, the only data available is anecdotal: stories traded between sets at the picnic table.

This does not mean that glucosamine does not work. It simply has not been proven to work. No dosages have been set. There is no standard for purity. Scientists do not know how glucosamine might interact with other drugs. WebMD with AOL Health recommends buying the supplement only from well-known companies. Although glucosamine does not often produce side effects, it can produce an allergic reaction, such as swelling of the lips and tongue, difficulty breathing, and hives. Women who are pregnant or breastfeeding should check with their doctors before taking this supplement.

Glucosamine chondroitin is often used to alleviate arthritis. Glucosamine sulfate may be easier for the body to absorb. Some believe that glucosamine aids in the production of cartilage in the body. Some doctors reportedly state that glucosamine probably cannot hurt you, and it may help ease joint pain.


PRO PROFILE
Joel Corley, Tennis Complex Coordinator at the Lexington County Tennis Complex, is a real Lexington County guy. A graduate of Lexington High School and North Greenville College, he has been working for the Lexington County Recreation and Aging Commission for the past 10 years. One of his most rewarding experiences in tennis, however, was “multicultural.” He and his family hosted a young player from the Bronx -- Lena Litvak -- in August 2003, ago during the ITF Junior Tournament held at LCTC – the Chanda Rubin tournament. Lena was the same age as Joel’s daughter, Katie, and the two girls have stayed in touch.

Back on May 9, 2002, Coach Robbie Hunter credited Joel for helping the Lexington County Boys’ Tennis Team win the class AAAA state championship. In an interview with the State, Hunter emphasized, “This is a community state championship.” Hunter thanked Topspin, JTL, and Joel Corley for “doing what they could to help these kids.”

Before going to work at LCTC, Joel was a coordinator at Topspin, and at the Thornblade Club when it opened in 1988.

Joel first took up tennis in his mid 20s. He currently plays on a 4.0 team called “Order in the Court,” which made it to the state finals in 2003. His mixed doubles team also participated in the state finals last year.

The Lexington County Tennis Complex was named the USTA Outstanding Facility of the Year in 2003. See a great photo of Lexington pros Joel, Becky, and Chip at the website: www.tennisphile.com.


SENSIBLE RULES OF TENNIS
ABSOLUTION: Some tennis players have experienced the feeling of guilt following an involuntary double hit. “Great shot,” yells the opponent.

But the ball hit my racket twice, the player thinks as his eyes shift from side to side. I wonder if anyone noticed.

In this case, the Singles Game proves more helpful than the Code (see rule C20). Rule 20(d) under the Singles Game states, “A player loses the point if in playing the ball he deliberately carries or catches it on his racket or deliberately touches it with his racket more than once.”

The accompanying USTA comment explains, “Only when there is a definite ‘second push’ by the player does the shot become illegal, with consequent loss of point. The word ‘deliberate’ is the key word in this rule. Two hits occurring in the course of a single continuous swing are not deemed a double hit.”

NEWS
Topspin Club in Lexington will host a tennis social for doubles teams on March 27, 2004, open to members and non-members. The cost is $10 per player. Women’s teams will play from 1:00 to 3:00 p.m. Men’s teams will play starting at 3 p.m. Contact Topspin at 951-8851 or 951-8853.

Family Circle Cup, at Daniel Island, S.C., will offer two daily clinics from April 11 – 17, 2004 for grassroots tennis players, such as the readers of Tennisphile. The first clinic, beginning at 9 a.m., will be for players rated 3.5 and below. The second clinic, beginning at 11 a.m., will be for players rated 4.0 and above. Call 800-677-2293 for more information.

Players rated at least 4.0 will have a chance to earn certification as tennis coaches during a workshop and exam to be offered April 17 -18, 2004 at Greenview Park. The Professional Tennis Registry (PTR) is offering this workshop to encourage more minorities to teach tennis. Cost of the workshop will be $10. Call 800-421-6289 for more information.

The Delray Beach Tennis Center in Florida will host the match between the U.S. Davis Cup team and Sweden on April 9 –11, 2004. Call 1-888-484-USTA for tickets. Robby Ginepri, from Georgia, and Andy Roddick, from somewhere in the Mid West, are both members of the U.S. Davis Cup Team.

Those who volunteered to help at the USTA Southern Sectional Championships, July 17-24, 2004, can expect to hear from me soon. Thank you! We are still looking for volunteers. Email me your name, address, and available dates. Very early morning and afternoon sessions are available at Parklane, Columbia Tennis Center, Greenview, and Lexington County Tennis Complex.

Copyright 2004 by Laura P. Valtorta


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Tennisphile for October 2003

TENNISPHILE:
An E Newsletter for the Tennis Player in Columbia, South Carolina
October 11, 2003
www.tennisphile.com


Hi, Tennis People. Tennis professionals are as necessary and useful as tennis rackets, but occasionally it’s a relief to be free of them. For the past four years, a group of players has been meeting every Sunday morning at Parklane to play doubles. The courts are relatively empty at that time. No pros, no crowds, no pressure. The format is simple. Each doubles team (mixed or regular) plays four regular ad games with the possibility of a 3-point tie break. The losing teams splits and moves to a lower court. The level of play is quite intense, yet this is the most relaxing tennis of the week. Participants include Bob and Peg Wilhelm, Dennis Poole, Bill Inabinet, and Bob Keevitz. Tennisphile wonders if other players in Columbia and Lexington have established such informal, longstanding groups.

CHRISTMAS RACKETS
Tennis rackets come and go, as fickle as fashion. According to Lexington tennis pro Jorge Andrew, new tennis rackets emerge, with different technology, every six months or so. Jorge currently uses the Head racket LiquidMetal 8 to teach his lessons and clinics.

Choosing the appropriate Christmas racket to buy one’s spouse or child takes a lot of time and leg work, especially when the beloved Wilson Hypercarbon 2 (“ultimate power, lightness, and strength”) is no longer on the market. The helpful salesman at Todd and Moore (O’Neill Court) recommends the Wilson Hammer 4, which has extra weight at the top of the racket to avoid torque. Overall, it’s a light racket, but head heavy. The Hammer 4 costs about $129. Todd and Moore does NOT recommend the Prince Airstick B1025 (burnt orange color) which costs about $149. The Prince, however, feels pretty good on the court. It’s all a matter of taste.

Places such as Tennis Everyone at Parklane are currently pushing the Wilson Hammer 4 and the Hammer 6 ($139) (the black and white “skunk racket”), which are available to demo. The numbers – 2, 4, 6, etc. – refer to the flexibility of the racket. According to Bernie McGuire, “the number is determined by hanging a 2 kilogram mass at the tip of the racket and measuring the amount of deviation.” The Hammer 6 has a 6 millimeter bend. Flexibility increases the power of the racket, according to Coach Crabb.

For the beginning child player, Bernie recommends finding something for around $20. The pro shop at Lexington Tennis Center sells a racket for children called Ti.Agassi 25 for about $25.

Some players have decided to demo rackets at the local pro shop and then buy them more cheaply on line. Tennisphile frowns on this practice because it does not benefit the local tennis pro. A website cannot provide clinics. A website cannot manage a tennis center and make it a pleasant place to hang out. Rackets bought locally can be returned more easily. Local tennis shops may consider lowering their prices when rackets are available more cheaply on line. It doesn’t hurt to ask.

Ken Pedersen, a pro at the Columbia Tennis Center, thinks there are many good tennis rackets on the market, but he feels that string and string tension are more important considerations for recreational league players. He thinks players need to experiment with string tensions in their rackets to find the right mix with their swing speed. According to Bernie, rackets strung at a lower tension produce more power but less control.

PLAYER PROFILE
Locy Peters, 78, is one of the tennis players in Columbia who makes the game worthwhile because of her upbeat attitude. She came to Columbia 61 years ago from North Carolina.

“My three daughters and I went to Mays Park and saw a friend who was in a tennis clinic. I was inspired and soon started lessons through the City Recreation Department.”

Locy has always played at Parklane Tennis Center, and she has been on the same tennis team for years. When the USTA Southern Section of South Carolina needed a player in the 75-year age group, she was invited to play. She has gone to Columbus, Georgia for three years and states that this was a great experience.

To improve tennis in Columbia, Locy recommends changing the minimum age in the senior division from 50 to 60. “It is difficult to play 50-year-old players. They are 28 years younger than I am.”

Locy loves to watch tennis on TV. Her favorite players are Chris Evert, Martina Navratilova, Monica Seles, Justine Henin-Hardenne, Pete Sampras, and Andre Agassi.


PRO PROFILE
Ken Pedersen, one of the teaching professionals at the Columbia Tennis Center, has seen it all in his 29 years of teaching for the City of Columbia’s Parks and Recreation Department. Violent storms toppling trees onto the tennis courts. A Peeping Tom spying on a women’s clinic. Students breaking their own noses with their tennis rackets. The job has been anything but boring.

As a graduate of USC in business, Ken decided to work the summer after his senior year for the City’s Parks and Recreation Department as its tennis instructor before looking for a “real” job. After 29 years he still loves his work and feels it’s too late to find that real job.

Ken is a teaching professional member of the United States Professional Tennis Registry (USPTR) and teaches individual lessons and works with adult teams in the USTA League. He enjoys working with women’s teams from the 2.5 to 4.0 levels. He feels that women embrace team tennis more than men because women have not been exposed to team sports as much as men have.

Over the years, Ken has also seen that some women’s teams take the League too seriously. Relationships become strained and sometimes ruined. Ken still feels the Columbia Tennis League is the best thing around and has been successful at drawing new people to the sport.

Ken has two words to express how to improve tennis in Columbia – more courts!


WEIRD RULES OF TENNIS
BIG HAIR, WIDE SERVE. Under The Doubles Game, Rule 36 instructs players to keep the same order of service for an entire set. If Player A receives serve on the deuce side, she shall continue to do so until the set is over. When the new set begins, partners can switch sides.

The comment to this rule is interesting because it specifically allows the server’s partner to block the view of the receiver. This might be employed in the Australian doubles formation, in which the server and her partner stand, basically, in the middle of the court and give each other complicated hand signals.


TOURNAMENT NEWS
Those volunteers interested in helping to run the USTA Southern Sectional Championships in 2004 should meet on Sunday October 19, 2003 at the Lexington Tennis Complex at 7 p.m. A second meeting will be held on Tuesday October 21, at 9 a.m. at the Sheraton Hotel and Convention Center. Contact Jim Wescott at 429-5925.
WONDERING
What would Terminator 2 say to the local tennis pro?

“I need your ball hopper, your Wilson racket, and your Saab 9-3.”


Copyright 2003 by Laura P. Valtorta


***************** TENNISPHILE:
An E Newsletter for the Tennis Player in Columbia, South Carolina
September 15, 2003
www.tennisphile.com

Hi, Tennis People. On a rainy Saturday (quadrants canceled), I took my family to the new Lexington County Tennis Complex for a look-see. Not surprisingly, this site recently won the USTA award for the best facility of the year. The place is dazzling, especially the stadium seating in back and the conference room overlooking the courts. The restrooms include lockers and shower stalls. There are gazebos, landscaping, and covered benches. Water is available at each of the 21 courts. Immediately I decided to sign up for the LATA tournament scheduled for October 4 and 5, 2003. The prospect of playing tennis at such a beautiful facility is exciting.

The court fees run about $3.00 per person for an hour and a half of doubles tennis on weekends. Doubles players pay $2.00 per person for an hour and a half of court time during business hours. Court fees vary according to the time of day and the number of people on the court. Players can pay $300 per year for “frequent user” status.

To reach the facility, take 378 from Gervais Street in Columbia. After passing I-20, turn left on Cromer Road. Drive about 2 miles. Turn left on Oak Drive. After about 2 miles, see the tennis facility on the right. From U.S. 1, turn onto Oak Drive at the Citgo Station, going toward the Barnyard Flea Market. (803) 957-7676.



PRO PROFILE
Jorge Andrew, Tennis Director of the Lexington County Tennis Complex, played on the professional tour for more than 10 years. Former captain of the Venezuelan Davis Cup team, he was ranked 61 in singles and 69 in doubles in the world. Andrew is a PTR Master Professional, and he will soon be earning his USPTA Master Professional certification. When that happens, he will be only the second Master Professional in the world in both associations.

Jorge was the first Venezuelan to play in all four grand slams. In 1977, John McEnroe was one of the ball boys during his U.S. Open match.

Jorge finds that tennis for the adult player is a very social game that can be played at any age. “When you play tennis, you are exercising your body and your mind in a fun way, and that is what a lot of adult players are looking for.”

As Tennis Director, Jorge is responsible for the overall operation of the Lexington County Tennis Complex, including lessons, programs, tournaments, leagues, special events, and staff. He oversees tennis professionals Joel Corley, Brad Watkins, and Chip Wilson.

Jorge moved to Lexington in March 2002 from Winter Haven, Florida, where he was Director of Tennis for ten years at the Lake Region Yacht & Country Club. He and his wife, Ana, have two sons – Juan, who is eight years old, and Rodrigo, who is five.

PLAYER PROFILE
Paula Gray finds there are advantages to being 6’2” tall, especially during a tennis match. “Of course, my reach is farther across the court than if I had short arms and legs. When my serve is working, which doesn’t happen often, I think my height is an advantage because the ball comes from up higher, for a better angle.” She plays singles and doubles for the team Cause a Racket, at the Caughman Road courts.

Originally from Roanoke, Virginia, Paula began playing tennis when she was 12. “I rotated between number one and number two singles throughout high school. After graduation, I played in some tournaments for a couple of years and then essentially stopped for about 20 years. I started back with our team about two years ago, and now I wonder why I ever stopped. I’m having a great time!”

Paula works as administrative assistant to the State Board of Education and Budget Development. She has been with the Department of Education for about 14 years.

Paula and her husband, Marvin, have a son, Justin, 25, who married Heather Barnes this summer in Las Vegas. The entire family lives in Columbia.


SENSIBLE RULES OF TENNIS
Double Double Fault. According to Rule 30 of The Code, “When the server’s second serve motion is interrupted by a ball coming onto the court, the server is entitled to two serves.” Note that this specifies serve “motion.” Delays between the first and second serves may also entitle the server to two serves if the delay is caused by someone other than the server herself. The receiver is the judge of whether the delay is long enough to justify two serves.

The Code, written by Colonel Nicolas E. Powel, is not part of the Official Rules of Tennis, but is meant to be a guide to unofficiated matches. It is included as a final chapter in the USTA book, Official Rules of Tennis.

TENNIS BIBLIOPHILE
Winning Ugly, by Brad Gilbert and Steve Jamison. (Rating: 8 out of 9 tennis balls). Brad Gilbert’s book is both bossy and easy to read. Steve Jamison ghostwrites Winning Ugly so naturally it seems as though the words are coming directly from Brad’s mouth. About playing a tournament against friend Aaron Krickstein: “[D]uring a match, he’s just another guy trying to take money out of my kids’ college fund.” About Boris Becker: “Boris exudes so much confidence when he’s ahead that it can break down your belief in yourself. His hair gets redder. His eyelashes get so white they almost disappear against his pale skin.”

This is a masculine book which concentrates on pinpointing the opponent’s weaknesses and moving in for the kill. He categorizes each opponent (The Player with Speed, the Serve-Volley Player, the Heater, the Lefty, and so on) and gives precise directions as to how to face that player and win. Brad claims that winning is more relaxing than losing. He has a point.

The book is also entertaining. In his four-point formula for calming nerves, Brad advises singing a song (sotto voce) before the match begins. Yes – breaking into a Fats Waller tune before the start of a match might also distract an opponent. Another funny section dictates what to carry in a tennis bag. This includes shoelaces, electrolyte pills, and Jolly Ranchers candy. He forgot to include earrings and gold bracelets.

TOURNAMENT NEWS
The first Lexington Area Tennis Association (LATA) and Lexington County Tennis Complex (LCTC) Fall NTRP Tournament will be held October 4 & 5, 2003 at the Lexington County Tennis Complex, 425 Oak Drive, Lexington, SC 29072. There are men’s and women’s singles, doubles and mixed divisions. Pick up an entry blank at any pro shop, or email lataoffice@alltel.net. Call the Lexington Area Tennis Association office at (803) 951-0980 for more information. The cost is $20 per person, $10 for an additional event.

An NTRP tournament to benefit the Boy Scouts will be held at the Lexington County Tennis Complex on September 27 and 28, 2003. The tournament will include men’s and women’s doubles and mixed doubles. Call the Lexington Tennis Complex at 951-7676, or contact Tracy Jones at chinquapinde@hotmail.com for more information.

According to Jim Westcott, an economic impact study shows that the USTA Southeastern Sectionals, held during July this year in Columbia and Lexington, boosted the local economy by $13.2 million. The tournament had an operating budget of $133,000.


US OPEN BEAUTY CONTEST
Here are this year’s winners, in ascending order:

1. Robby Ginepri. (20 years old, USA). Lost in a third-round match against an angry-looking Todd Martin. With his classic face and great body, Ginepri could have a second career in modeling. Lives in Marietta, Georgia.

2. James Blake. (22 years old, USA). Needs to lose the black socks and cut his hair to emphasize his movie-star good looks. Hint: a short Afro is always in style. Lost in third round to Roger Federer.

3. Brad Gilbert. (early 40s, coach of Andy Roddick). This is one of the rare occasions when the coach is much better looking than the player. Brad should not wear jewelry.

4. Carlos Moya. Even with the tattoo, he’s a very nice looking tennis player.

3. Younes El Aynaoui. (the Rockin’ Moroccan). Has enough age (early 30s) and personality to be an entertaining dinner guest. When he plays tennis, he puts on a show. The networks should air more of his matches.

ADVICE TO READERS
Check out the website (www.tennisphile.com) during the month for late-breaking news and photos.

Copyright 2003 by Laura P. Valtorta



******************* TENNISPHILE:
An E Newsletter for the Tennis Player in Columbia, South Carolina
August 14, 2003
www.tennisphile.com

Hi, Tennis People. Volunteering at the USTA Southern Sectional Championships in July allowed me to watch some skillful tennis and to observe the habits of the competitive tennis player. The men were more apt to chastise themselves, loudly, during a match than the women. Everywhere, from 2.5 level to the 5.0 level, attitude seemed to play a huge role in which side won or lost. The 5.0 singles player who remained calm (while his opponent slam-bounced his racket) won the match. The chubby 3.5 doubles player who decided that his team would win the tiebreak took some risks to make it happen. Watching the Southern Sectionals provided a good opportunity to learn. Happy tennis.

THE OPEN ERA
Bernie McGuire, Director of Tennis for Richland County, describes an open tournament this way. “An open tournament can be entered by anyone, although the size of the draw could limit some from getting in. Wimbledon, for example, is a 128 draw, so the top 128 players get in. Some have wild cards depending on past performances.”

A wild card is like a special invitation to play. The tournament committee might issue a wild card to a player because of his popularity (e.g. Andre Agassi during the slump before he married Steffi), or for other reasons designed to please the spectators.

“A closed tournament can be closed geographically, as our Southern Closed is limited to 9 states in the Southern Section. Or it could be limited to an age division, as well as other limiting factors.”

PRO PROFILE
Carmen Caver, one of the teaching professionals at Parklane, has competed in five USTA Southern Sectional tournaments -- at Little Rock, New Orleans, Chattanooga, and Mobile at the 4.5 and 5.0 levels. After playing competitive tennis for 15 years, she became certified to teach in 2000. She gives private and group lessons in the evenings for all ages. “Having a student win a tournament is more fun than winning one myself,” Carmen says.

During the day, Carmen works as a medical technologist at Palmetto Richland. Her husband, Tony, a veterinarian, is also an avid tennis player. Their children, Barbara and John both participated in the Junior Tennis League for many years. John, who works as a civil engineer for the South Carolina Department of Transportation, also played on the Cardinal Newman tennis team. Barbara is now a writer and associate producer for the “Biography” show on the A & E channel.

Carmen is enthusiastic about her fellow teaching pros at Parklane (Bernie McGuire, Dickie Anderson, and Bob Crabb). “They are the best!” she says. She credits Bernie for helping her improve her game when she first moved to Columbia and was taking lessons from him.

“I love tennis,” says Carmen. “Playing, teaching, and especially the wonderful people I’ve met.”

WEIRD RULES OF TENNIS
Hit the umpire, and you lose the point; hit your opponent, and you win the point. According to Rule 2 of “the Singles Game,” “permanent fixtures of the court shall include not only the net, post… but also. …the umpire, net-cord judge, footfault judge, Linesmen, and ball boys when in their respective places.” This definition refers to such rules as 24(b), which calls a ball out if it hits a permanent fixture outside the lines. The opponent, however, is not a permanent fixture. See Rule 20(g) and the USTA comment. “The player loses the point if the ball in play touches him or anything that he wears or carries, except his racket in his hand or hands.” Even if the player is standing outside the lines, he loses the point if the ball smacks him in the face or bounces off his shoe.

TENNIS BIBLIOPHILE
The Inner Game of Tennis, by W. Timothy Gallwey. (Rating: 7 out of 9 tennis balls). This book, first published in 1974, might be considered a classic. According to the foreword in the revised edition, Billie Jean King used this book as her “bible,” which is understandable, considering its direct and easy-to-follow format. Gallwey describes two forces battling within everyone: Self Two, comprised of instinctive, unconscious, natural ability; and Self One – the evil inner coach which messes up Self Two by delivering instructions and judgment. According to Gallwey, Self One harms players with both praise and condemnation. Self One is way too self-conscious.

The major lesson of this book is that tennis players need to quit judging themselves. Every time a tennis player thinks, “I am fat, slow, wonderful, powerful, inept, clumsy, fast,” etcetera, the body tenses up. Muscles clench. Gallwey’s book delivers practical advice for ditching the evil inner coach, such as concentrating on the physical mechanics of what the body is doing.

TOURNAMENT NEWS
The Wimbledon stage of the Adult Grand Slam NTRP Circuit will be held at Caughman Road Tennis Center, 15-16 August. There are mixed, men’s and women’s doubles divisions. Pick up an entry blank at any pro shop or call Cliff Toms at (776-3250) for more information.

In the Banana Open, at Coldstream, 8-10 August, Eugenia Schweitzer and Paula O’Day won the 3.5 doubles; Anne Blanchette and Becky Haas won the 3.0 doubles. Debbie Gee and Eddie Crosby won the 6.5 mixed finals. All winners of this tournament will go to Hilton Head in October to play against Banana Open winners from other states.

The Wildewood Crush team (ages 10-14) will represent South Carolina in the Southern USA Team Tennis Championships on 16-17 August in Chattanoonga, Tennessee. Wildewood Crush members (coached by Doug Snyder) are Sami August, Tori August, Brittany Hall, Karson Kocher, Madison Kocher, Sammi Snyder, Lane Hinson, Alex Kilmann, Will McLaren, Nathan Redmond, and Zach Timmerman. The Spring Valley Radicals will also represent South Carolina in Chattanooga. Good luck to both of these junior teams!

READERS’ COMMENTS
Sonya MacMillan writes that Andy Roddick and his coach, Brad Gilbert, should be Wimbledon Beauty Contest winners because of their contributions to the sport. The beauty contest is not about raw tennis ability, but Tennisphile agrees that Brad Gilbert is easy on the eyes. More about Brad, the writer, next month.

Speaking of beauty contests: Emily Laney, featured in the June Tennisphile, was once a runner-up in the Miss South Carolina pageant.

QUESTION OF THE MONTH
Who offers the best U.S. Open package deal for spectators?

Please email tennis-related photos to Tennisphile, with captions.

Copyright 2003 by Laura P. Valtorta

Tennisphile for July 2003

TENNISPHILE:
An E Newsletter for the Tennis Player in Columbia, South Carolina
July 12, 2003
www.tennisphile.com


Hi, Tennis People. As a new tennis player, I agree with Nan Smith that players have a difficult time finding teams to play on in Columbia. This is due to lack of communication more than anything else, because the teams are there, and the players want to participate. Players looking for teams, and teams looking for players should email Tennisphile to be included in a new section – Player-Team Match-Up. Players searching for a team should include their name, rating, and telephone number. Teams searching for players should include the name of the captain, the captain’s telephone number, and a description of the player(s) they seek. Updates will appear on the web-site.

PLAYER PROFILE
Nan Smith, who chaired the 2003 Pfizer Tennis Classic, contributes a lot of her time to the tennis community in Columbia as well as the South Carolina Cancer Center. The Pfizer Classic raised over $50,000.00 for the Cancer Center this year.

Nan, who grew up in Greenwood, coordinates the Columbia Tennis League Combo Doubles League and coaches a blue star team for the CTL children’s league. Her neighbor, Lee McClure, introduced her to tennis 9 years ago after her first husband died of colon cancer. She sees tennis as an important social outlet and source of exercise.

“More courts!” is Nan’s suggestion on how to improve the tennis scene in Columbia. “As a league coordinator,” she adds, “I’ve found that a lot of people who do not belong to a club have a hard time finding a team to play on.” She feels that the Columbia Tennis League needs to have a better system in place to help players find teams.

Describing herself as a “Mom, first,” Nan notes that she will drop everything to be at her youngest son’s baseball games. Two of her three sons (21, 18, and 13 years old) play tennis for fun. Nan has been remarried for 8 years to Gatewood Smith.

PRO PROFILE
Mark Smith, who became Director of Tennis at Belton Tennis Center in August 1999, comes from a tennis family. His father, Harvey, and his mother, Betty, have both coached high school tennis teams in Concord, New Hampshire. His parents have run a summer tennis camp in Concord for over 30 years. Mark’s brother, Andy, and his sister, Kim, have each won several state titles. His son Tyler, 14, and his daughter, Amanda, 12, enjoy playing tennis during their summers in South Carolina.

Mark himself attended the University of Maine on a tennis scholarship. While in school, he won an NAIA New England doubles title with partner Eric Heittman. Before moving to Belton, Mark coached the tennis team at Thomas Worthington High School in Columbus, Ohio. During his three-year stint, his team amassed a record of 45-9.

Mark writes, “I love the enthusiasm of the tennis player in South Carolina. From the youngest junior to the most seasoned league player, everyone here is passionate about the game.”

As a member of the Challenger committee, Mark advises changing the summer tournament schedule for juniors. He notes that with the exception of the Belton tournament, which had 535 entrants, the number of entrants per tournament has been down this year, perhaps because the three state tournaments are jammed into a shorter summer season. Mark would like to see the implementation of a summer circuit, with consistent rules, for the players not involved in outside junior tournaments such as the Junior Davis Cup.

Belton is located on highway 178, between Greenwood and Anderson, South Carolina.


SENSIBLE RULES OF TENNIS
AVOIDING FISTICUFFS. The Code, which is the official set of rules for unofficiated matches, gives advice to doubles players when they see the shot differently. “If doubles partners disagree about whether their opponents’ ball was out, they shall call it good.” The Code likes to keep things low key. “The tactful way to achieve the desired result is to tell your partner quietly of the mistake and then let your partner concede the point,” rule 14 continues.

YOGA AND TENNIS
A couple of seasons ago, Caren Hazelwood was in the third set of a doubles match. She and her partner, Cathy Hazelwood, were playing well. Suddenly Caren heard a popping sound, and – AIYEE – she tore her calf muscle. For several weeks she was on crutches and could not drive her pickup truck. Worse yet, the injury put her off the tennis courts for the rest of the season.

Yoga might help tennis players prevent such injuries. Stacey Collins, who teaches yoga, writes, “Many top tennis players are now incorporating yoga into their cross-training. Yoga strives for structural alignment emphasizing static muscular contraction – a holding of the muscle without movement. Conscious breathing techniques are used throughout a pose to promote strength, power, and balance.”

“Not only can yoga help to strengthen a tennis player’s injury-prone joints and promote flexibility in tight muscle groups, but it can also help silence the ‘inner chatter’ of the mind,” Stacey continues. “Tennis is a mental game, unlike many sports which rely solely on strength or speed. Each yoga session includes a period of guided relaxation and mediation. This calm, focused state, sometimes referred to as ‘the zone’ is where you want to be as you walk onto the court.”

Stacey teaches ten yoga classes a week in the central Columbia area. Call 743-9671, or email Stacey at scollins4@sc.rr.com for times and locations. The cost for an 8-week session is $80, and a one-time drop-in costs $15.

TOURNAMENT NEWS
During the USTA Adult and Senior Southern Sectional Championships, two thousand players will compete in Round Robin matches at Richland County Tennis Center, Columbia Tennis Center, Lexington County Tennis Complex and Greenview Park. Matches begin on Saturday, July 19 at these four facilities and continue through July 27, 2003, every day except Wednesday from 8 a.m. to 6 p.m. Spectators are welcome.
********
WIMBLEDON BEAUTY CONTEST
Tennisphile thinks that the most beautiful players at Wimbledon this year were as follows:
1. Tommy Robredo (Spain); nice smile.
2. Younes El Aynaoui (Morocco); great hair, and great antics. El Aynaoui was entertaining when he threw his racket into the stands for re-stringing and butted his head into the net out of desperation.
3. Roger Federer (Switzerland) for being such an elegant tennis player.



Copyright 2003 by Laura P. Valtorta

My Favorite Links

Valtorta Law Office
Lexington Area Tennis Association
Columbia Tennis League