Indianapolis Tennis Magazine - Winter 2010 by Cooper Media Group LLC

‘Goodbye’ to pro tennis: local men’s event heads south

Indianapolis Tennis Magazine Winter 2010

Boys’ HS state finals • Park Tudor claims team title • Zionsville goes back-to-back in doubles • Dougie does it for Brebeuf in singles News & Notes

NJTL marks 40 years with gala

On Court

You can’t hit what you don’t see!

(pro)file

UIndy coach John Venter

Destination

Drysdale Tennis at the Ritz-Carlton Key Biscayne

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contentsWinter 2010 VOLUME 4, ISSUE 3

On the Covers:

(Front) Zionsville’s Nick Laconi and Joe Hammond won the IHSAA boys’ doubles championship for the second consecutive year. (Back) The Park Tudor Panthers hoist the hardware as the boys’ team champion. (Photos by Scott Cooper)

Rajeev Ram’s big year

With four titles on the ATP Tour, including his first singles trophy at Newport, it’s fair to say Carmel’s Rajeev Ram had a very good 2009.

12 RIP, Tennis Championships: 1920-2009

Faced with no sponsor, declining attendance and dwindling season ticket sales, the Indianapolis Tennis Championships sold its tournament sanction back to the ATP Tour.

Tennis Center gets USTA designation

Top officials from the USTA Player Development Program came to the Indianapolis Tennis Center last fall to officially mark its designation as a regional training site.

17 Park Tudor takes boys’ title duo doubles up; 20 Zionsville Barnard tops in singles

For the second year in a row, the state doubles title goes home with Zionsville’s Joe Hammond and Nick Laconi, while Brebeuf’s Dougie Barnard gained his 26th win of the season in the state singles final.

Plus…

Ad In – Bidding farewell to an old friend

News & Notes – Indianapolis National Junior Tennis League marked its 40th year with a gala that raised funds while also honoring founder Barbara Wynne

(pro)file – UIndy tennis coach John Venter

On Court – Tips to help keep your eye on the ball

10 22

Focus on Fitness – Exercises to strengthen your

body’s base

Destination – Ritz-Carlton Key Biscayne features the Cliff Drysdale Tennis Garden

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The Panthers top Bloomington South for their seventh boys’ team title as the IHSAA debuts its new “8 at State” format.

ad in

PUBLISHER’S COMMENTARY

Take care of our baby, Atlanta Publisher’s commentary

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AVING WORKED FOR A SMALL WEEKLY NEWSPAPER in the past, I wrote and edited my share of obituaries. It was mostly a mechanical, repetitive process as I documented the final chapter of people I didn’t know. However, in trying to piece together a fitting goodbye for the Indianapolis Tennis Championships, I told my wife it was just like writing an obituary for a 90-year-old friend. I never attended the event when it was held at Woodstock Club or the Indianapolis Racquet Club, but was at the Indianapolis Tennis Center when the first serves were hit in 1979. I’ve written before about watching Jimmy Connors playing on the Indy clay against a 19-year-old Ivan Lendl in the first of their 25 meetings. Whispers about the impending demise of our local tournament began when longtime sponsor RCA bailed after the 2006 event, and they grew louder over the last two years even as local benefactor Eli Lilly stepped up its backing. Every once in awhile we’d see a glimmer of hope as rumors of prospective title sponsor hopefuls were floated only to see them fade away. And while there’s always finger-pointing when something like this happens, I’m not sure there’s enough fingers to go around: from tournament management, to the lack of support from the tour itself, and even the growing indifference of local fans who lamented the lack of “big-name players” but couldn’t appreciate the fact they still had the opportunity to see some of the best in the business in their own backyard. I wish management had been more upfront in noting the seriousness faced by the tournament, rather than talking on about potential sponsors, possible upcoming announcements, and holding out hope when obviously there wasn’t any. I doubt we would have seen the same passion exhibited by the Indiana Pacers in the late 1970s when, faced with the real probability the team would leave town, rallied their fans with a season-ticket telethon. A similar outreach probably wouldn’t have been practical in this case, it’s always interesting to see how communities respond in the face of such threats. Atlanta will still be faced with many of the same challenges as Indianapolis. Most of the top 20 players will still stay away from the summer hard court season until the tour-mandated Masters events in Cincinnati and Canada, and there’s still the stigma of trying to lure high-ranked players to an event that’s barely a step above a Challenger. It will still be interesting to see how the Atlanta tennis community embraces its new tournament. The area has long been regarded as a southern hotbed for tennis, as evidenced by the 80,000 members of the Atlanta Lawn Tennis Association (ALTA). Contrast that to our own Midwest Section, which needs seven states to reach a similar membership total. As passionately as local tennis junkies will want to wax nostalgic about our former tournament, about the “good old days” when the “big-name players” showed up, in the end it came down to a simple business decision. When you can no longer do the job, then it’s time to find someone who can. And this note to Atlanta - don’t think we won’t be watching, if for no other reason than simple curiosity. We’ll be watching the TV broadcasts to see how many people are in the stands, glimpsing the draw to see how many “top” players you’ve attracted, checking the post-tournament reviews by the industry pundits, and listening through the grapevine to hear whether or not you measured up.

Indianapolis Tennis Magazine PUBLISHER Scott D. Cooper CONTRIBUTING WRITERS Linda Cook Scott Hudson Tomas Johansson Linda Schroeder O’Neill CONTRIBUTING PHOTOGRAPHERS Shawn Barney Ritz-Carlton Key Biscayne Mike Bostic Linda Schroeder O’Neill GRAPHIC DESIGN Nardi Art, LLC Regina Nardi Bal-Bow Grafix Terri Balon-Bowden

For advertising information, call (317) 918-0726

Indianapolis Tennis Magazine is published four times a year by Cooper Media Group, LLC Bargersville, Indiana Contact us at Indianapolis Tennis Magazine P.O. Box 21 Bargersville, IN 46106 (317) 918-0726; (317) 422-4559 fax; or e-mail to scott@indytennismag.com Material may not be used or reprinted without prior permission from Cooper Media Group, LLC. Copyright® 2010, Cooper Media Group, LLC www.indytennismag.com

Indianapolis Tennis Magazine and the Indianapolis Tennis Magazine logo are registered trademarks of Cooper Media Group, LLC. Indianapolis Tennis Magazine is the winner of Media Awards from the USTA/Midwest Section (2007) and Hamilton County Community Tennis Association (2008).

news & notes TENNIS HAPPENINGS FROM AROUND THE AREA

he Indianapolis chapter of the National Junior Tennis League (NJTL) marked several highlights during a November luncheon, not the least of which was its 40th anniversary. The “40 Years of Love” celebration paid homage to Barbara S. Wynne, who founded the local program, as well as celebrating its selection as the 2008USTA/NJTL Chapter of the Year. The luncheon also recognized the four Indy NJTL participants who were named USTA/Midwest Section Winners in the 2009 Arthur Ashe Essay Contest. The contest, conducted by the USTA, required players to explain what Arthur Ashe’s quote, “From what we get, we make a living; what we give, however, makes a life” meant to them. Winners were Colt Hackstadt, Lauren Hedges, Breonna Ledford, and Dee Slagle. Indy NJTL founder Barbara Wynne According to Executive (left) and Executive Director Nancy Carr Director Nancy Carr, a silent with an original piece of art by Helen auction and rafﬂe that accomMiles that commemorated Wynne’s panied the luncheon helped many contributions to NJTL and the to raise $40,000 for the chaplocal tennis community. ter’s various programs.

IRC teams with Gleaners

HE INDIANAPOLIS RACQUET CLUBS collected more than 350 cans of food for Gleaners Food Bank during its inaugural “Serving It Up” promotion during November. Customers and clients received a 15% discount on any regularly-priced pro shop items when they donated at least 3 food items to Gleaners. Jeff Rodefeld, Director of Retail Operations for IRC, said, “We truly appreciate the support and participation of our customers and clients in helping to make the ‘Serving It Up’ promotion a big success, and we look forward to ‘Serving It Up’ again next November.” With facilities at 8249 Dean Road and 4901 N. Shadeland, the Indianapolis Racquet Clubs have been in operation since 1965. In 2008 the IRC Pro Shop was recognized as the “Best Pro Shop” in Indianapolis, according to Indianapolis Monthly magazine. It’s a Tennis Industry Association Nationally Recognized Tennis Retailer and was selected as one of the “Ten Best Tennis Pro Shops in America” in 2004.

CITA names new league coordinator

he Central Indiana Tennis Association (CITA) has named Holly Brannon as its USTA District League Coordinator. Brannon fills the vacancy created by the resignation of Sue Harris last October. Harris had run the league programs for the last five years. Brannon has tennis experience as a player, instructor, and volunteer. Professionally, she was most recently a marketing manager in the health care industry. She is also an active volunteer with the Indianapolis Women’s Golf League, where she currently serves as a board member and Vice President of Events. The league coordinator is responsible for organizing, establishing, and coordinating adult tennis player programs, which includes fielding questions, preparing match schedules, organizing and conducting championships, and assisting local and sectional coordinators.

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NJTL gala marks 40 years

A CLOSER LOOK AT METRO INDY TEACHING PROS AND COACHES

By Linda Cook

Leading by example, UIndy coach has programs going strong on and off court

any people naturally think of the “big three” – Indiana, Purdue and Notre Dame – when talking about college sports in the state. But when it comes to intercollegiate tennis (especially locally), the University of Indianapolis tennis teams have been making their mark in the state and beyond for several years, both on the court and academically.

But the success hasn’t come without its challenges. Venter heads up both the men’s and women’s teams at the south side campus and has run its tennis center for the last two years. It’s not only a classic example of a local boy making good, but also the players taking a cue from their coach’s past accomplishments.

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Venter played No. 1 singles for Whiteland High School for three years and was named to IHSAA Academic All-State Team his senior year. He stayed home following graduation to play at UIndy, where he was named team captain, a mental attitude winner, and an academic All-American.

John won three individual Great Lakes Valley Conference (GLVC) championships at No. 1 singles, and the team also won championships. He was twice voted the Outstanding Math/Physics Student at UIndy and was named the top male studentathlete at the university. After graduating magna cum laude, John returned to Whiteland High School to teach math and computer science while coaching both the boys’ and girls’ tennis teams. The summer camp he began at the time is still running strong, and in 2002 he was named the Indiana Coaches of Girls’ Sports Association Coach of the Year.

VENTER

John

That success has largely come about through men’s and women’s coach John Venter and his staff, which have helped move UIndy’s NCAA Division II programs into contending positions year after year.

In addition to running the UIndy Tennis Center and coaching both the men’s and women’s teams, Venter also ﬁnds time to do on-court instruction. (Photo by Scott Cooper)

John has also been recognized with conference Coach of the Year honors (three times) and regional Coach of the Year. And all of his teams have featured All-Academic All-Americans. In addition, three of his women’s players have been named GLVC Scholar Athlete of the Year: Gayal Jones (2003); Grace Wilhoite (2004); and Lindsey Fischer (2006 and 2007).

(pro)

“I’m proud to say our Indiana kids compete well against international players,” Venter said. Ninety percent of his players are from Indiana, with the remainder coming from throughout the Midwest. There are currently 14 women and eight men on the team, and several national letters of intent have already been signed for the next school year.

Fowler. With the UIndy Tennis Center closed through the summer, he teaches at summer camps and does scouting and recruiting for the upcoming season.

ﬁle

The recruiting tends to be locallybased for a season that primarily runs through the winter and spring. Five matches are even played in Florida, where the teams travel during their spring break.

John is starting his second year as fulltime coach and director of the UIndy facility, which was formerly known as Southside Tennis Center. Teaching assistants Jarrod Epkey, Harry Schwartz, and Ivan Smith help coach league teams and instruct adults and juniors. The facility also hosts tournaments and league matches, and UIndy students and faculty can walk on any time. An intramural program for students will begin in the second semester. John himself plays in a men’s 4.5 USTA league, and has been ranked as high as No. 2 in Central Indiana in men’s open singles and No. 1 in men’s doubles with partner Matt

John and wife Jill, his high school sweetheart, have three children, all of whom are involved in tennis. Jill plays in John’s adult classes, and Sam plays for Clark Pleasant Middle School. Sophie and Savannah take lessons year-round…but not from John. “I can be the dad and let someone else be the coach,” he said. “I don’t want to risk the father-child bond.”

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Venter moved to the college level that year to coach the UIndy women’s team, and added the responsibilities for the men’s program three years ago. Thus far, the women’s teams have won three GLVC championships and earned berths in five NCAA Division II national tournaments.

on court TIPS TO HELP IMPROVE YOUR GAME

You can’t hit what you can’t see! Like other sports, tennis players must keep their eyes on the ball By Tomas Johansson

ot seeing every ball make contact with your strings no matter how hard you try? Not to worry. Chances are it isn’t your eyesight that’s letting you down. It’s probably something else instead; something much easier to fix. You may not think of tennis in terms of other traditional “stick-and-ball” sports (baseball, golf, hockey, etc.), but many of the same basic principles apply. Of course, many of us either have – or will have – to deal with eyesight issues as we age, but it’s usually an excuse you can get away with once! While most vision impairments can be corrected with glasses, contacts, or even laser surgery, in my opinion there are other reasons why we don’t always watch the ball come in or make contact with our racquet. But, at the same time, I’d like to think there’s something we can do about it.

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Focus on the ball with a purpose

Our minds are instinctively inquisitive and quickly grow bored when forced to repetitively focus on the same thing. However, there’s no way around it for a tennis player who always has to constantly focus on the ball – as it leaves the opponent’s racquet, comes over the net, and makes contact with his or her own racquet. One way you can try to overcome this is by focusing on details, much in the same way a batter tries to read the seams on a baseball. Familiarize yourself with the different types of spins a tennis ball can have: topspin, underspin (slice), sidespin or flat (no spin). This will be easier as you become more cognizant of how your opponent swung his racquet.

By keeping your mind engaged, chances are you’ll be focused very closely on the ball. In addition to “reading” the spin, you can also try to predict where you believe the ball will bounce on your side of the court. This will force you to watch the path and speed of the ball. If you get accustomed to doing all of this, and establishing it as a habit, there’s no doubt in my mind you will be watching the ball! Beyond just seeing the ball when you play, you’ll be able to figure out how your opponent’s shot will affect your next move.

Make contact in front of your body There are many reasons to hit the ball in front of you, one of which is that it’s a lot easier to see it! Rarely will you turn your head to keep your eyes on a ball that you let get behind your body. And even if you do, it’ll be quick, jerky and ineffective. By making contact in front of your closest hip to the net, you won’t have to turn your head and you won’t have to tell yourself to watch the ball. Of course, it’s not enough to just watch the ball on your strings. You’ll quickly notice that if you keep your eyes on the contact point after the ball has left your racquet, you’ll steer yourself away from looking up too soon toward your target. This, in turn, will maximize the accuracy of your contact. This last technique takes a great deal of practice and discipline, and it’s difficult to make it a full-time habit. However, if you can manage to make it a part of your game, you’ll immediately notice the difference it makes.

An inefficient grip = late contact We’ve established that it’s helpful to make contact in front of your body, and, believe it or not, your grip can help you do just that. For example, if the dominant hand on your two-handed backhand groundstroke grip isn’t a continental or eastern backhand grip, you may find yourself making contact late in the strike zone, causing you to lose sight of the ball.

on court

Likewise, if your one-handed backhand groundstroke grip isn’t an eastern backhand, you may also be more comfortable making a late contact, again leading to a momentary loss of the ball. And, if your forehand volley grip is an eastern (or even worse, a semiwestern forehand grip), you will end up taking the racquet head too far behind your body, again creating late contact.

Be an active tennis player

From time to time I’ve talked about playing “active tennis” or being an “active player”. From experience, I know that a physically active tennis player is also a mentally active tennis player. A mentally active player is one who is always aware of what is happening on the court. This type of player tracks and watches the ball very closely and is rarely surprised by anything that happens. I’ve only come across a few tennis players who can be mentally active without being physically active. For the most part, a physically inactive tennis player equates to a mentally inactive tennis player. Footwork can also help you remain in motion between shots. For example, let’s say you find yourself at the net after a short volley and your opponent is moving in to return your shot. You can use a “fast-feet” movement to not only help you react to the shot, but also keep you focused on the ball. Between groundstrokes, if you have time, you may use what I call an “up-up-back-back” movement to make sure you physically anticipate the next shot. By remaining in motion, you’ll find it easier to flow smoothly toward the next shot rather than dash madly after it, again putting yourself in a position to see the ball better and make better contact.

Recreational players can learn a lot about fundamentals by watching pros like Roger Federer (left) and Rafael Nadal. Here, the top two players in the world show how they watch the contact point even after the ball has left the racquet strings. (Photos by Scott Cooper)

In conclusion, try to rid yourself of the typical “watch that ball!” outburst after missed shots by giving yourself a reason for watching the ball in the first place; by trying to make contact in front of your body; by using the various grips that help you make contact in front of your body; and by assuming active mentality and habits. Good luck, and if you need some help on the way to see things clearer do not hesitate to ask your pro!

Tomas Johansson is the director of junior tennis at the Westview Healthplex Sports Club.

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All of these perhaps won’t matter much if you’re already proficient in turning your head at contact to track the ball to your strings. But, then again, all that head movement may be just enough to throw your shot off.

focus on fitness OFF-COURT STRATEGIES TO HELP YOUR GAME ON THE COURT

cu s

Strengthen the body’s ‘powerhouse’ for a strong base By Scott Hudson n previous issues we’ve discussed dynamic warm-up, preventing muscle soreness with a foam roller and strengthening the backside of the upper body. This time we’ll discuss strengthening the backside of the lower body. The gluteus maximus and hamstrings are prime movers of the lower body. These muscles provide a base of support, allowing the body to move side to side and deliver crushing forehands and backhands.

ﬁt on

Most tennis players are front side dominant and neglect the muscles on the backside of the body. Strengthening the following muscle groups will enable you to prevent injury, move better, and give you the power necessary to play tennis all day long. As always, be sure to confer with your doctor, certified athletic trainer or certified personal trainer prior to incorporating these movements into your exercise routine.

Squat with ball squeeze Muscles strengthened: Gluteus maximus and hamstrings

How it’s done: Squeeze ball between legs and sit back into your gluteus maximus; push up through midfoot and heels (this should not be felt in the quadriceps [muscles on front side]).

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Muscles strengthened: Gluteus maximus and hamstrings

How it’s done: From a standing position, lunge forward onto right or left foot and twist the upper body to left and right; return to center, pushing back to a standing position through midfoot and heel of front foot (this should be felt in high hamstring/glute area). How many: 3 sets of 10 repetitions on right and left side. This can be done while walking the length of the tennis court with or without a medicine ball.

Muscles strengthened: Gluteus maximus How it’s done: Sit back to a box or chair (~ 24 inches high) and, barely touching the chair with your gluteus maximus, push up through midfoot and heels (this should not be felt in the quadriceps).

ss ne

How many: 3 sets of 10 repetitions

Lunge with a twist

Single leg squat

How many: 3 sets of 10 repetitions on right and left side

Lunge with a reach

Muscles strengthened: Gluteus maximus, hamstring with emphasis on Iliopsoas (hipflexor)

How it’s done: From a standing position, lunge forward onto your right or left foot and extend your arms overhead of the leg that’s in front. You should feel a gentle stretch. Don’t hyperextend the back. Push back through the heels and midfoot and return to a standing position. How many: 3 sets of 10 repetitions on right and left side. This can be done while walking the length of the tennis court with or without a medicine ball.

Scott Hudson, MS, ATC, CSCS, is an athletic trainer at the St. Vincent Sports Performance Center specializing in training techniques and rehabilitation services for tennis players. An athletic trainer at selected USTA pro events, he works with ATP Tour pro Rajeev Ram as well as several of the top juniors in the Indianapolis area.

ITF ranking earns Chappell shot in Aussie Open Juniors

Rajeev reviews breakout season By SCOTT COOPER

hen asked a couple of years ago about how he would know when to call it a career, Rajeev Ram said, “Probably when I stop having fun.” And based on last year’s results, that shouldn’t be anytime soon. By all accounts, 2009 was a fun year.

Chappell, the IHSAA boys’ state singles champion in 2008, left North Central High School and enrolled in Indiana University High School online in order to compete on the ITF circuit. Playing in 10 tournaments, Chappell won in only his second tournament (Bank of Bermuda Foundation) last June. He also reached the semi-ﬁnals of the Pan American Closed Championships and the Kentucky International Junior Tennis Derby. Partnering with Dennis Novikov, Chappell won the South Carolina ITF last November. To prep for the Aussie Open, Chappell planned to play last week in the Loy Yang Taralgon (Australia) International. Chappell’s personal coach, Indianapolis Racquet Club’s Hector Clavijo, will be accompanying him on the trip.

Not only did he capture his first ATP World Tour singles title in Newport with a three-set win over fellow American Sam Querrey, he also added three tour doubles championships (Chennai, Newport, and Bangkok). On the Challenger circuit he won the singles title in Aachen, Germany, and doubles at Dallas, Baton Rouge and Tulsa. “You hope and you want, but you never really plan for it,” Ram said of his ’09 successes. “I climbed about 100 spots (in the singles rankings), and it’s not that easy to do, so I’m definitely proud of that.” Rajeev ended the season ranked 39th in doubles and 79th in singles, which was good enough to get him a direct entry into this year’s opening Grand Slam, the Australian Open. “If you get below 100, you’re looking at being able to get into the majors (which have 128-player draws), but if you get under 80 then you’re looking at a couple of other events, like Indian Wells and Miami,” he explained. But the highs of what amounted to a breakout year were tempered by a nagging calf injury that slowed Rajeev as he entered the summer hardcourt season. “It was frustrating, but it was also encouraging,” he said. “I had that injury in Indy and a tournament before the French, and I really didn’t feel 100% until Cincinnati and the U.S. Open. All that being said, I still had the year that I did. Injuries can never be completely avoided, but if I can try to lessen that as much as possible, I can certainly keep this level.”

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Nick Chappell, completing his ﬁrst full season on the International Tennis Federation (ITF) junior circuit, ended the year with a ranking of 55, earning him a direct entry into the Australian Open Juniors.

RAJEEV RAM, shown here competing

in his final tournament of 2009 at the “Anytime you’re putting up wins Challenger of Champaign, achieved on Sunday, and you’re counting career high rankings in both singles tournaments instead of just and doubles on the ATP World Tour. matches, then it’s a good year,” (Photo by Scott Cooper) he said. “Winning four times on the tour and four other times in Challengers, that’s eight weeks when I’m winning something. And when you’re only playing 25-28 weeks a year, that’s a third or more of the time and that’s not normal. So I’m really happy with that.”

This is how the stadium court at the Indianapolis Tennis Center will look (top) in July after the tournamentâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s sanction was sold. In addition to its inability to secure a title sponsor, the Indianapolis Tennis Championships also fell victim to dwindling attendance, as evidenced by stadium court (bottom) during a 2008 quarterfinal match. (Photos by Scott Cooper)

Tennis Championships ends 90-year run; ATP sells sanction to USTA Southern Section By SCOTT COOPER

LOCAL TENNIS FANS HOPING to watch some of the best professional tennis players in the world kick off the summer hard-court season will have to travel more than 500 miles to the south after the Indianapolis Tennis Championships called it quits last month, citing “serious challenges presented by recent economic trends,” which included faltering attendance and season ticket sales. After a history that saw it grow from a small club clay court event to one of only 13 men’s pro events in the U.S, the tournament’s sanction was sold back to the ATP Tour, which in turn awarded it to the USTA Southern Section.

KEVIN MARTIN’S FINAL PUBLIC APPEARANCE as director of the Indianapolis Tennis Championships was to announce the sale of its sanction to the ATP Tour. (Photo by Scott Cooper)

Although a site within the Atlanta metropolitan area had yet to be named as of our deadline, the tournament will still be a 250-level event and will lead off the Olympus U.S. Open Series.

Just a few days after an announcement that the tournament’s board had voted to sell its sanction, former tournament director Kevin Martin announced a unanimous decision was made to sell the sanction back to the ATP Tour. The tour is hoping to build on the tremendous tennis base in the

THE HOUSE THAT STAN BUILT When the Indianapolis Sports Center opened in 1979, it was a state-of-the-art multipurpose complex, designed to not only host the tennis tournament, but also concerts.

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Out with a whimper

Southern Section, including the more than 80,000 players belonging to the Atlanta Lawn Tennis Association (ALTA). “The challenges we faced were significantly greater than the resources we had,” Martin explained. “And, in the end, the economic events of the last 18 months only compounded it. The sale of our membership was the most prudent choice for our non-profit organization.” The Tennis Championships is the first ATP tournament to relocate since Tennis Channel sold the sanction rights to its Las Vegas tournament to the tour following the 2008 event (it was eventually awarded to Johannesburg, South Africa). Atlanta itself previously hosted a clay-court tour event from 1992-2001, and its Stone Mountain Tennis Center was the site of the Olympic Games tennis competition in 1996. The decision to move the tournament to Atlanta was anything but a sure thing, and there were reports that the Southern Section had been actively campaigning to directly buy the tournament from Indianapolis since last fall. According to a post by Matt Cronin of TennisReporters.net, the ATP board, which held the option to match any reasonable bid, rebuffed the section’s initial try. But a heavy lobbying effort by the section and USTA National apparently was enough to bring about a second vote. Some reports even had the tour considering a move to cancel the sanction, thereby shortening the men’s pro season by one event in a nod to those players who believe the season is already too long.

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Stan Malless, who had championed the tournament over many decades and oversaw its move from the Woodstock Club to the Indianapolis Racquet Club prior to the Sports Center, worked with city officials to secure the site on the IUPUI campus as well as the funding to build it. IUPUI eventually turned the responsibility for maintaining the stadium court over to the Tennis Championships, which never had the appropriate budget for upkeep. Over the years the stadium, which was used only during the tournament, needed millions of dollars in maintenance and no amount of colorful banners or signage could hide the peeling paint and rusting metal. “Although the stadium court was a great home for 30 years, it was getting more and more expensive to maintain, and it was simply going to outpace our (financial) reserves,” Martin said. A long-term facilities master plan for IUPUI approved a year ago by the IU Board of Trustees didn’t include either the Tennis Center or the Michael A. Carroll track and field complex. The locally-headquartered US Track and Field quickly intervened and got the track back in the mix, but the tennis community currently lacks a comparable local cheerleader with the influence to do the same for the Tennis Center. With no tenant, the site would now appear to be available for redevelopment by the university. However, Roger Schmenner, chief of staff to IUPUI Chancellor Charles Bantz, said via email that there are no shortterm plans to raze the stadium court to make way for a proposed performing arts building. “Frankly, we don’t have the money,” he said. “The buildings that we will need to take down over the next several years are those at the Wishard site which, for us, is a much more strategic site.”

TWO-TIME INDIANAPOLIS CHAMPION (and Marietta, Georgia resident) Robby Ginepri will now be able to defend his 2009 championship in his own backyard. (Photo by Shawn Barney)

WHATEVER THE PLAYERS WANTED In the pecking order, it’s hard to figure out where competition and money rank with pro tennis players. However, during the salad days of the RCA Championships, some players would show up just for the goody bag, which often contained the latest and greatest in RCA-branded electronic gadgets. Golf tournaments and other events were held where players could win a variety of prizes, including motorcycles. And even the simplest things, such as complimentary racquet stringing, added to the tournament traditionally being voted “best” by the tour players. And then there’s the appearance money. While the ATP guarantees the 500-level events will have at least one top-10 player in the main draw, or receive a $150,000 stipend, those at the 250 level have to dig deep if they want a Roddick-caliber player. Fans who remember the days when Pete Sampras was an Indy regular can thank RCA for footing his fee,

but even Roddick’s appearance at last year’s tournament would have cost $100,000, in addition to a handsome bonus for reaching the final. During his announcement, Martin thanked the many sponsors who had given long-term support to the event, including Eli Lilly, which stepped up in 2008 with a two-year agreement to be the tournament’s presenting sponsor, as well as the USTA and the U.S. Open Series, which included the Indy stop when it was organized in 2004. “I can safely say that if it wasn’t for the USTA and the U.S. Open Series, we would have been having this conference about three years ago,” Martin said. In the end, there was no way to save the tournament – no last-minute stay of execution. Although the speculation on its future began shortly after the final ball was played last July, diehard fans still held out hope that event officials could somehow find a way to answer the call one more time. Ninety years of local tennis tradition now heads south, and it’ll be interesting to see how (and how long) it’s embraced.

makes it official: Tennis Center certified as Regional Training Center By LINDA SCHROEDER O’NEILL

n ceremonies last fall, the USTA designated the Indianapolis Tennis Center as a Certified Regional Training Center, one of only four in the nation. The center, on the campus of IUPUI, joins three satellite training facilities in Chicago and becomes the hub for Midwest junior player development. The establishment of regional training centers allows the USTA to partner with regional programs in the country and build relationships with their coaches, all while raising the level of training for the best 8 to 14-year-old juniors, which is the most critical age range for coaching, training and development. The investment in regional training centers also cuts down on travel expenses for juniors and keeps them close to home and their families. IUPUI has a three-year agreement with the USTA, and the university’s John Short, Assistant Vice Chancellor Auxiliary Services, said, “This announcement is a reminder to us of what this partnership can, will and should mean for the future of tennis and the University. Today, we pledge hard work and firm, unending support to that partnership.”

Brooke Austin (front) poses with (from left) Martin Blackman, John Short and Jose Higueras as the USTA announced the Indianapolis Tennis Center’s designation as a Certified Regional Training Center. (Photo by Linda Schroeder O’Neill)

For some time, USTA officials have been evaluating player development programs across the country. Their first investment was the hiring of elite national coaches for their facilities in Boca Raton, Florida, and Carson, California. “With this investment, we keep a solid foundation,” said Martin Blackman, USTA Senior Director of Talent Identification and Development. “We have a great feeder program – this section has

about 61 programs for 6 to 10-yearolds already in place. We now need to focus on that great network of players and coaches.” The USTA is banking on spreading the network, with plans to have regional training centers in each section across the country. “We hope to become a template for the rest of the USTA sections,” said Andrea Calvert-Sanders, Director of Junior Tennis for the USTA Midwest Section. Jose Higueras, USTA Director of Coaching for Player Development, emphasized the organization’s goal of partnering with the best coaches and players. “In three to four years, we will have a good group of 8 to 14-year olds that are technically sound,” he said. “I’m looking forward to exchanging opinions with all the other coaches.”

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USTA

news & notes CONTINUED FROM PAGE 5

State champs head local all-state selections The Central Indiana Tennis Association (CITA) has named Holly Brannon Players from state team champ Park Tudor, as well as singles champion Dougie Barnard of Brebeuf and doubles champs Joe Hammond and Nick Laconi of Zionsville highlight the list of players who have been named all-state within their districts by the Indiana High School Tennis Coaches Association (IHSTeCA).

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Singles: Austin Woldmoe, Nikhil Kulkarni, Zac DeFonce (Hamilton Southeastern); Dougie Barnard (11) (Brebeuf Jesuit); Mihir Kumar, Elliott Yee, Chris Bertolini (Carmel); Sam Miles, Brendan Tannenbaum, Kishan Shah (Park Tudor); Jamie Clark (North Central); Alex Toliver, Will Adams (Cathedral); Joe Van Meter (University); Michael Moe (Guerin Catholic); Scott Ramey (Westﬁeld); Jake Bradley, Jake Bouvy (Plainﬁeld); Chris Essick (Fishers); J.P. Dwyer (Zionsville); Eric Fohl (Bishop Chatard); Ryan Zochowski (Heritage Christian); Nick Strange (Roncalli); Tyler Scanlan (Perry Meridian); Justin Spicer, Luke Anderson (Center Grove); Trevor Cox (Greenwood); Matt Tran (Pendleton Heights); Cody Roberts (Franklin); Brett Ellis (Anderson); Kevin Mull (Whiteland); Stephen Ward (Madison Consolidated); Kyle Dickerson (New Palestine).

RSI also quoted Glenn Arrington, the USTA’s national manager of Tennis On Campus & Tennis Services Representatives, as saying another cornerstone to the section’s success is its well-rounded team of TSRs. “Midwest continually receives some of the highest marks in the country for its attentive service and support in helping local tennis providers in fostering growth,” he says. Kirk Anderson, the USTA’s director of recreational coaches and programs, notes the section leads the country in training workshops for both recreational and QuickStart Tennis coaches. “Midwest is doing some outstanding work organizing programs and training coaches,” he says. “This will pay dividends for years to come by getting more children on the court and keeping them in the game with team-based programs.”

CITA, Midwest Section pass out awards at meetings

Doubles: Charlie Hurst & Chris Plump (Brebeuf Jesuit); Derek Reinbold & Matt Neal, Jack Miles & Sam Geier (Park Tudor); Luke Lohrstorfer & Dan Delgado (North Central); Alex Woldmoe & Chris Johnson, Michael Farley & Max Crouse (Hamilton Southeastern); Jos Hammond & Nick Laconi (Zionsville); Trent Gilchrist & Evan Krepps (Brownsburg); John Cecil & Dan Myers (Heritage Christian); Connor Dunn & Tyler Witsken, Conor Cunningham & Pat O’Neil (Carmel); Brad Bourne & Shaun Heinzelman (Roncalli); Caleb Fellers & Cam Hardin (Center Grove); Kent Austin & Ryan Hammer (Greenwood); Adam Taylor & Michael Higdon (Franklin); Logan Calder & Michael Staley (Mount Vernon); Derek Higgins & Brian Clark (New Palestine).

Contributions to tennis were honored in the fall as the Central Indiana Tennis Association (CITA) and the USTA Midwest Section distributed a variety of awards at their annual meetings. CITA award winners were Tyler Schroeder – Wilbur Schumacher Junior Sportsmanship; Maggie MacPhail – Barbara S. Wynne Junior Sportsmanship; Steve Behrman family – CITA Tennis Family of the Year; Bob Pattern – Joe Graham Award; Earl Allen, Scott Cooper, Doug Holtzclaw, Mike Reardon, David Wu – Rick Van Horn Service Awards; Jenny Reifeis – Stan Malless Award. Hamilton County Community Tennis Association president Helen Moser Petersen and former CITA league coordinator Sue Harris were both honored with special recognition awards. Those honored by the Midwest Section were Janet French – Mel Bergman Award; John Sommerville family – Midwest Section Tennis Family of the Year; National Junior Tennis League of Indianapolis and Milwaukee Tennis and Education Foundation – NJTL Chapters of the Year. Both chapters are now eligible for the USTA NJTL National Chapter of the Year award. In addition, Billy Martin, Woodie Sublett Walker and Susie Mascarin Keene were inducted in to the Midwest Section Hall of Fame.

RSI names Midwest Section as tops for 2009

Part of $7.3M grant to help improve IndyParks courts

Racquet Sports Industry magazine has recognized the USTA/ Midwest Section as its 2009 USTA Section of the Year. Executive Director Mark Saunders credits the success of the section to committed volunteers, dedicated staff, and support from local communities within the section. “Despite recent economic challenges, our volunteers and staff remained positive and dedicated to fulﬁlling our mission,” Saunders said. “In addition, our districts, USTA organizational members, USPTA and PTR pros, college and high school coaches, and communities continue to embrace our programs. We are so fortunate to have a talented and passionate team of volunteers, staff and teaching pros working together to provide high-quality tennis programs and events.” RSI noted that, “In the past year, the USTA Midwest Section has compiled a list of accomplishments spanning community tennis, youth and junior team tennis, no-cut high school, collegiate and adult competition, USTA leagues, QuickStart and recreational coach workshops, high performance, tennis service representative initiatives, and its foundation.”

Players who use tennis courts within the IndyParks system will be among those seeing benefits from a $7.3 grant from the Lilly Endowment to the Indianapolis Parks Foundation. The grant is the largest single donation in the foundation’s 20-year history. The funds will be used for critically needed capital projects in parks that serve primarily low-income residents. In addition to enhancements to two aquatic facilities and restroom facilities at 12 park sites, tennis courts at 11 park sites will be rehabilitated. The sites are among those used by the National Junior Tennis League of Indianapolis for its summer programs. Three of the parks are Broad Ripple, Brookside and Garfield. “Parks are essential community assets. They unify and connect neighbors and neighborhoods across Indianapolis,” said Lilly Endowment President N. Clay Robbins. “This grant is a continuation of Lilly Endowment’s history of providing from time to time significant support for strategic capital projects in Indianapolis’ parks.” Included in the grant is $500,000 for a maintenance fund to provide ongoing upkeep on the funded projects.

Cat fight! By SCOTT COOPER

HEADING INTO THE IHSAA boys’ state team final at least two things were certain – both teams (and fans) would have to deal with unseasonably cold temperatures and the “Panthers” would win. The only question was whether those Panthers would be the ones from Park Tudor or Bloomington South. With spectators bundled up against wind chills that hovered in the 30s, the answer came a little more than an hour into the championship match, as Park Tudor topped previously unbeaten Bloomington South, 3-2, for the school’s seventh boys’ title. It’d been three years since Park Tudor last hoisted the championship hardware, but the Panthers still remembered the path to the title. An ill Sam Miles gutted “Last year at this time I was out a win in the morning thinking it was going to be a semifinal at No. 1 singles couple of years again (before to help put the Panthers we got back to state),” said into the state finals. Panthers coach Dave Heffern, reflecting on a 2008 season that ended with a 7-7 record and a first-round loss in the sectional. “I could see the potential; we had enough talent. But there were a couple of times in practices this year when I’d stop it after 10 minutes and make them do line touches because I didn’t like their attitude. I’ll take a little credit, but mostly it’s the guys just wanting it so badly.” Park Tudor’s No. 2 doubles team of Jack Miles and Sam Geier put the first point on the board with a 6-3, 6-0 win over Donovan Thomas and Matt Helm. The second and third followed in fairly quick order, with Brendan Tannenbaum winning at No. 2 singles, 6-1, 6-2 over David Wong, and Matt Neal and Derek Reinbold finishing off Matt Acton and Ben Stowell, 6-3, 6-2, at No. 1 doubles.

Bloomington’s Ronnie Schneider topped Sam Miles, 6-2, 6-2, for the win at No. 1 singles. The other Bloomington point came after the team title was clinched when Kishan Shah was defaulted against Clayton Fletcher after the two split sets at No. 3 singles. “I didn’t really know much about Bloomington South, but I thought we’d be deeper because of the teams we played during the season,” Heffern said. “I knew Sam (Miles) was sick and wasn’t going to play well, so I told all of the other guys they’d have to carry him because he got us here with his great win over (Justin) Spicer.”

PT TOPS CG IN MORNING SEMI This year marked the debut of the IHSAA’s new “8 at State” format, which doubled the number of teams competing in the final rounds of the state tournament. Unlike the past, both teams winning in the morning session of the four semi-states would move on to the state finals. The change was promoted and proposed by the Indiana High School Tennis Coaches Association (IHSTeCA), which believed it would increase both interest and attendance at the following week’s state finals. And with the majority of the top teams in the state residing in the Indianapolis metro area, it would increase the likelihood that those teams could meet in the final.

Sophomore Brendan Tannenbaum put the second point on the board in the final for Park Tudor with a 6-1, 6-2 win at No. 2 singles.

Good in theory, but not quite how it worked out. Instead of the finals of the semi-state, Park Tudor and Center Grove met in the state semis. With a Friday session added to accommodate the additional four teams, the Panthers advanced with a 5-0 win over Concord, and the Trojans took a 3-2 decision over Castle to set up their semi-final meeting the following day, which was won by Park Tudor, 4-1, to avenge a 3-2 loss to the Trojans in the first dual match of the season.

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Park Tudor tops Bloomington South for boys’ state title

“As the season progressed, the kids just really believed in themselves,” Heffern said in explaining the turnaround. “We worked hard every day. That’s one of the things I’ve always stressed is ... you bring it every day, and at the end of the year you’re Jack Miles and used to bringing it. You don’t have to go Sam Geier put looking for it.” the Panthers in On the other side of the bracket, Zionsville front early with lost a 3-2 decision to Bloomington South in a match that saw two of the three singles a 6-3, 6-0 win at matches decided in a third set. No. 2 doubles.

GOOD MARKS FOR ‘8 AT STATE’ IHSTeCA president Tim Cleland said the initial reviews for the expanded ‘8 at State’ format were generally positive. “I know there are some coaches who are against it,” he said. “Castle coach Craig Bottorff, on the other hand, is a big fan. Castle reached the Final Eight this year and the whole school had a pep session just for the team’s send-off; not something you see for tennis very often.” There will likely be more comment about the first-year format at the association’s state conference, which will be held in early February.

Seniors Derek Reinbold and Matt Neal clinched the title winning point at No. 1 doubles.

SHAH HAS BEST MENTAL ATTITUDE

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The Park Tudor boys celebrate with the state championship trophy for the first time since 2006.

Park Tudor’s Kishan Shah made it a clean sweep for the Panthers by also winning the IHSAA’s Mental Attitude award. The group’s Executive Committee determined the senior best demonstrated mental attitude, scholarship, leadership and athletic ability in tennis among those nominated by their coach and principal. Shah, who played No. 3 singles for the Panthers, also played the same position his freshman year in 2006 when Park Tudor last won the boys’ state crown. He is a Cum Laude commendee (the high school equivalent of Phi Beta Kappa), has a cumulative GPA of 4.195 and is a member of the school’s Global Scholars Program.

INDY TEAMS CONTINUE TO DOMINATE

Park Tudor’s Kishan Shah, who played No. 3 singles, was named the winner of the IHSAA’s Mental Attitude award.

With Park Tudor’s win, Indianapolis-area teams continued to dominate the boys’ state finals. Since the current tournament format was adopted in 1974, local teams have won all but four of the 36 titles. The last team outside the Indy metro area to win a boys’ state title was in 1999 as Jasper was a 3-2 winner over Center Grove. Photos by Scott Cooper

Northeast boys make it 2-0 in all-star match he Northeast team repeated as champs in the second annual Indiana Boys’ All-Star tennis match held November 7 at DePauw University. Teams representing four geographic areas (Northeast, Southeast, Northwest, Southwest) competed in 10-game pro sets, with each set win being worth one point. Losses of more than five points gained the winning team an additional one-half point. The Northeast team came out of the competition with 16.5 points, followed by the Southeast squad with 10.5 points. The Southwest team scored nine points, with the Northwest team picking up eight. Coached by Carmel’s Mike Bostic, the Northeast team was represented by Sam Miles, Kishan Shah and Derek Reinbold of state champion Park Tudor; Dan Delgado and Jami Clark (North Central); Tyler Witsken (Carmel); Derek Romer (East Noble); and Nick Batuello (Ft. Wayne South Side). Local players competing for other teams in the competition were Justin Spicer and Caleb Fellers (Center Grove); Dan Lutocka (Plainfield); Tyler Scanlon (Perry Meridian); and Tyler Schroeder (Mount Vernon). The event is sponsored by St. Vincent Sports Medicine, Indianapolis Racquet Club, and Penn tennis balls. The Southeast boys’ all-star team, coached by Carmel’s Mike Bostic, won the second annual competition at DePauw University. (Photo courtesy of Mike Bostic)

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History lessons Zionsville duo repeats in doubles; Barnard gives Brebeuf singles title IT TOOK ALMOST 40 YEARS, but history was finally equaled in the IHSAA boys’ state individual tournament in October at Park Tudor School as Joe Hammond and Nick Laconi of Zionsville became only the second pair in the history of the doubles tournament to repeat as champions. Hammond and Laconi equaled the feat accomplished by Pike High School’s Steve Behrman and David Brents in 1969 and 1970. Center Grove’s Matt Smith and Zane Smith also won two state titles, but those came over a three-year period (2005 and 2007).

Behrman explained, however, that the format for determining a state team champion when he played was different than today’s tournament. “When we did it, you accumulated points either in singles or doubles for the team tournament, and you got more points for doubles than singles,” he said. “So we played doubles to get more points. That’s how we won the state team title, and we were runnerup for the team title the next year.” Hammond and Laconi finished the season at 21-2, with an 8-0 run through the tournament, but their road to the title eventually had to go through a previously undefeated Brebeuf pair of Charlie Hurst and Chris Plump.

By SCOTT COOPER

The Eagles took the first set 7-5, and then broke in the seventh game of the second set. Both sides held serve before Hammond served out the set for a 6-4 win. Hurst and Plump finished their season at 26-1. The title helped ease the disappointment of Zionsville’s 3-2 loss to Bloomington South in the quarterfinals of the state team finals just a week earlier. “(Title) number one was a little better because we were the underdogs,” Laconi said. “But it’s great being able to repeat.” Hammond said last year’s run to the title helped the pair know what to expect. “We got the job done,” he added. “Not to take anything away from Brebeuf, because they’re very good players. We started out slow at the beginning of the season, but we got it together and got another title.”

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DOUGIE DOES IT FOR BREBEUF

Brebeuf’s Dougie Barnard became the first player in Braves’ history to win a boys’ state singles championship with a three-set win over Ray Leonard of Bloomington North.

There was also some history – not to mention bragging rights – on the line for Brebeuf’s Dougie Barnard on the singles side as he looked to not only become the Braves’ first boys’ state singles champ, but also equal his sister’s accomplishment just four months earlier. Annabeth Barnard teamed with Gabrielle Rubenstein to win the girls’ doubles championship. The junior’s 26-1 record included a 7-0 run through the tournament that ended with a 4-6, 6-2, 6-3 win over Bloomington North’s Ray Leonard, who brought a perfect season record of 27-0 to the final match. “It feels unbelievable,” Barnard said afterward. “I’ve been waiting for this for such a long time, and it’s finally here and it feels great!”

Charlie Hurst (left) and Chris Plump of Brebeuf had a perfect season heading into the doubles championship before suffering their only loss against the defending – and eventual – champs from Zionsville.

Photos by Scott Cooper

Even though he dropped the first, Barnard said he could feel his confidence building as he ran out to a 3-0 lead in the second. “I felt energy coming to me, and I knew I had it,” he explained. “So even though I lost the first set, I felt great and I felt this was my match to win.” Part of that was also a change in strategy between the first and second sets. “In the first set I was going more backhand crosscourt to his forehand, and then I started slicing it more to his backhand and then running around my backhand,” Barnard said. “That just opened the court up more for me.”

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Zionsville’s Nick Laconi (left) puts away a volley against Brebeuf in the second set of the state doubles final match. Laconi and Joe Hammond became only the second team in the history of the doubles tournament to net back-to-back titles with a 7-5, 6-4 win.

destination PLACES TO GO – PLACES TO PLAY

Ritz-Carlton Key Biscayne

With the city of Miami in the distance, the Ritz-Carlton Key Biscayne offers a respite from the hustle and bustle of the southeast Florida hotspot.

• INDIANAPOLIS TENNIS - Winter 2010

A southeast-Florida jewel

Away from the bustle of Miami, the Ritz-Carlton Key Biscayne features Drysdale Tennis, award-winning amenities

ramed on the golden sands of Key Biscayne, Florida, the Ritz-Carlton already has an advantage over many other southeast resorts. But add the largest tennis center of any Ritz property – which just happens to be run by the legendary Cliff Drysdale – and it’s easy to see how the Ritz-Carlton Key Biscayne consistently ranks among the top tennis resorts in the country. It’s also the only South Florida location to be named to the list of “America’s Best Beaches” by “Dr. Beach” (Dr. Stephen Leatherman). Just 10 minutes

away from the hustle and bustle of Miami, the picturesque causeway leading to the island reveals the perfect blend of relaxation, culture and adventure. Not to mention a top-caliber tennis facility. Billed as “the ultimate tennis experience”, the Cliff Drysdale Tennis Garden features 10 soft-clay Hydro courts and one hard court designed by Drysdale. Drysdale himself can often be found at the resort when not on the road, but day-to-day operations fall to Director of Tennis, Mark Chellas, a former top-ranked Australian junior and touring pro.

Choose either a plush sofa or cabana – with an ocean view – as you relax with a gourmet burger from the Dune Oceanfront Burger Lounge.

ACCOMMODATIONS

AMENITIES

The Ritz-Carlton Key Biscayne’s mix of 450 newlyrenovated guest rooms includes 113 suites and 64 RitzCarlton Club Level rooms and suites. The resort’s relaxed tropical ambience, updated technology and spectacular views are highlighted by mother-of-pearl wall coverings, colorful silk fabrics, hardwood entryways, and lighting with jewel-like finials. The Ritz-Carlton Club Level combines intimacy, comfort and exclusivity with the personalized service and attention to detail that are the hallmarks of a RitzCarlton. Often referred to as a “hotel within a hotel,” this oasis is an ideal place to conduct business, plan a family outing or simply unwind. The ninth-level lounge offers continuous culinary offerings throughout the day (breakfast, light fare, hors d’oeuvres, beverages and sweets), complimentary computer access and a dedicated concierge to attend to every need. The service continues by the pool and beach, where a private oceanfront gazebo offers Club guests a midday respite with beverages and snacks, spa teasers and a lounge area in which to enjoy the ocean views and breezes.

There’s no better way to wind down after a day on the court than with a trip to the spa, and the RitzCarlton Key Biscayne features a 20,000 square foot Mobil Four-Star spa and salon with 21 treatment rooms, more than 60 spa treatments, and a full-service salon complemented by a wellness center and stateof-the-art fitness center. And even though the resort is just steps away from the Atlantic Ocean, with a variety of water recreation activities, guests also have two oceanfront, outdoor heated swimming pools at their disposal: a zero-entry family pool with water cascade and an adults-only pool. Swimmers aren’t the only ones to be favored with ocean views, as three of the resort’s five lounges or restaurants overlook the water. The signature Cioppino, just one of two restaurants within a hotel to be ranked among Esquire Magazine’s “America’s Best New Restaurants,” has a Tuscan-derived cuisine, while the oceanfront setting of the casual al fresco Cantina Beach features the best of regional coast Mexican cuisine and South Florida’s largest tequila collection. Not to be outdone, the Havana/Hemingwayinspired RUMBAR features more than 52 varieties of rum, piscos and cachachas from 18 countries to complement its Cuban-inspired light fare, cigar collection and live music. A lazy afternoon on the island of St. Tropez was the inspiration for the Dune Oceanfront Burger Lounge, where diners can relax among plush sofas and cabanas and enjoy a gourmet burger selection, international appetizers and a seemingly endless array of champagne and rose wine. Alternatively, the Lobby Lounge is perfect for those looking for a quick bite or relaxing dinner, with its casual living room-type setting and beautiful courtyard, garden and ocean views. And for those looking to venture out for a quick round of golf, the Ritz is just five minutes away from the Crandon Park Golf Course.

For players, the highlight of the resort is undoubtedly the Cliff Drysdale Tennis Garden, with 11 courts and award-winning match arranging.

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The tennis center is one of 14 operated nationwide by Cliff Drysdale Tennis. In addition to the customary menu of individual and group lessons and clinics and pro shop, the center gains consistently high marks from players for its match arranging. And if you’re heading down to watch the pro men and women compete at the Sony Ericsson Open, the host Crandon Park Tennis Center is only minutes away.