New York Tennis Magazine September October 2014 by United Sports Publications, Ltd.

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NYTennisMag.com • September/October 2014 • New York Tennis Magazine

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New York Tennis Magazine 1220 Wantagh Avenue • Wantagh, NY 11793-2202 Phone: (516) 409-4444 • Fax: (516) 409-4600 Web site: www.nytennismag.com

Staff David Sickmen Publisher (516) 409-4444, ext. 309 • david@usptennis.com Joel M. Berman President (516) 409-4444, ext. 310 • joel@usptennis.com Eric C. Peck Editor-in-Chief (516) 409-4444, ext. 312 • eric@usptennis.com Joey Arendt Managing Art Director

SEP/OCT 2014 • Vol 4, No 5

Table Of Contents

2014 U.S. Open Preview

Previewing the stars as they get set to take over New York at the 2014 U.S. Open, with a closer look at the contenders, pretenders and sleepers … the sights, the sounds, the dining, the attractions and the pageantry that is the final Grand Slam of 2014 right in our own backyard. See page 30

Feature Stories 4

My Memories of the U.S. Open By Richard Thater Richard Thater looks back at the evolution of the U.S. Open.

Your 2014 Guide to New York Tennis Clubs A closer look at the area’s top tennis clubs.

The Next Generation of American Juniors By Andrew Eichenholz A closer look at the future of the American men’s tennis field.

Francine Miller Advertising Coordinator (516) 409-4444, ext. 301 • francinem@usptennis.com Matt Cohen Director of Business Development (516) 409-4444, ext. 306 Brian Coleman Editorial Coordinator (516) 409-4444, ext. 314 • brianc@usptennis.com Emilie Katz Assistant Marketing Coordinator Beverly Bolnick National Sales Manager (516) 409-4444, ext. 316 Scott Koondel Office Manager (516) 409-4444, ext. 324 Andrew Eichenholz Editorial Contributor

Kelly Keenan Intern

Michael Cervantes Editorial Contributor

Michele Lehat Intern

Calvin Rhoden Staff Photographer

Michael Liebman Intern

Sarah Sklar Intern

Samantha Sklar Intern

Advertising To receive any information regarding advertising rates, deadlines, and requirements, call (516) 409-4444 or e-mail info@usptennis.com. Article Submissions/Press Releases To submit any material, including articles and press releases, please call (516) 409-4444 or e-mail info@usptennis.com. The deadline for submissions is the first of the month preceding the target issue. Subscriptions To receive subscription information, contact (516) 409-4444 or e-mail info@usptennis.com or check out our Web site: www.nytennismag.com. Fax subscription changes to (516) 409-1600. Statements of fact and opinion in New York Tennis Magazine are the responsibility of the authors alone and do not imply an opinion on the part of United Sports Publications Ltd. New York Tennis Magazine reserves the right to edit, reject and/or postpone the publication of any articles, information or data.

Additional Features 6 8 13 27 45 48 56

New York City, French Open Style at the JTT Championships By Bennett Kelly City Parks Foundation Continues to Open New Doors Tennis Travel Destinations: Mauna Kea Beach Hotel Centercourt Hosts Antigua Performance Apparel Men’s Tournament A Player’s Perspective on High-Performance Development in NYC Confidence: How to Get (or Reclaim) This Tennis Essential By Xavier Luna The Importance of the Continental Grip By Juan Oscar Rios

Columns 10 12 24 28 40 42 46 50 52 57 58 59 60 63

The Jensen Zone: Shaking Off Pressure Like the Fed By Luke Jensen Gotham Tennis Academy/Stadium Tennis Center Hosts Garden of Dreams Foundation By Matthew Cohen USTA Eastern Metro Region Update Court Six: New York Tennis Magazine’s Gossip Column By Emilie Katz Not Every Point is Equally Important in Tennis By Cosmin Cotet Tips From the Tennis Pro: Tips for Juniors Aspiring to be U.S. Open Players By John W. Sherwood The Serve: Never Hit a Flat Serve Again By Lisa Dodson Metro Corporate League Recap, Presented by Advantage Tennis Clubs The Pink Elephant is BACK on the Court By Rob Polishook, MA, CPC Adult League Recap: USTA Leagues Update Fitness & Nutrition By Irina Belfer-Lehat, RD, CDN New York Tennis Club Directory New York Metro Rankings USTA/Metropolitan Region 2014 Tournament Schedule

Kid-sized tennis, giant-sized fun! Advantage QuickStart is fun from day one, for players ages 4 & up! We love to serve up the joy of tennis to boys and girls. Advantage QuickStart Tennis is the perfect way to introduce them to the game â&#x20AC;&#x201C; no experience needed! And now kids can enjoy special events, more opportunities to play and other exciting options. Kids love: %$ #"$! ! ! !$ !! ! %$ ! $ ! $ ! $ " $ %$ #"$ " $" $ $ $ ! $$ for a chance to hit the ball %$ ! $ "$ $ ! %$#" " ! !$ " ! !

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Roosevelt Island Sports Park Gym 281 Main St., Roosevelt Island, NY 10044

Contact Gabe Slotnick at gslotnick@advantagetennisclubs.com or 646.884.9644. Or for more information, visit www.quickstartny.com NYTennisMag.com â&#x20AC;˘ September/October 2014 â&#x20AC;˘ New York Tennis Magazine

My Memories o By Richard Thater Before the U.S. Open, the pro tennis tour was like a small traveling circus or carnival, where the performers brought their mystery and magic to town for two weeks, then folded up their tents and disappeared for a year. Tennis tournaments were created for and attended by only serious tennis aficionados. Today, if you have hit more than five tennis balls in your life, you are on someone’s list and are being e-mailed daily that the U.S. Open is once again coming to Flushing Meadows, N.Y. in August. I have been heeding those reminders since the 1960s—as a spectator, a retail clerk selling hats and shirts, as an usher, and as a representative for a tennis/sports organization. Being new to the world of tennis during the early days of the U.S. Open, I tried to blend into the crowd by wearing seersucker jackets, unstarched khakis and Weejun loafers. Along with this outfit, I practiced rolling the words United States Lawn Tennis Association across my tongue and teeth. The word “lawn” was removed from the name of the official tennis organization when grass was no longer the surface at the U.S. Open. In a time often defined by “correctness,” I was trying to crack the lingo and learn the code. I had expensive box seat tickets for the 4

1974 final, won by Jimmy Connors over Ken Rosewall. I chose instead to take advantage of a friends’ offer to watch the match on the television in the men’s locker room. So I sat there next to Yugoslavian player Zelko Franulovic (currently the tournament director for the Monte Carlo Open) surrounded by the best players in the world. After a careless comment by the television announcer, “Connors has powerful groundstrokes, especially the backhand and forehand,” 1960 U.S. Champion Neale Fraser piped up saying, “My God … what else is there?” In 1975 at Forest Hills, I sat with a date in one of the premiere boxes during an early round match. A volunteer had offered me seats supposedly with the owner’s permission. I do not remember who was playing, only that I had great seats. Was it a bad match, or had I had enjoyed one too many 24-ounce cans of Foster’s Lager? At that time, the vibe was that Foster’s beer was the Australian players’ predecessor to Gatorade. When the Open was at Forest Hills, some of the practice courts were hidden from the public. Walking home one day, I noticed a crack in the windscreen on one of these courts. Peeking in, I saw Pancho Segura teaching one of the young American women players. What a treat to watch this master motivate his student—he constantly repeated the phrase “If you want to be champion.” He then focused on small points of improvement by setting up a match situa-

New York Tennis Magazine • September/October 2014 • NYTennisMag.com

tion and telling her where she must hit the shot if she wanted to be a winner. Times were changing and the Open was readying itself for the move to Flushing Meadows. I realized this very clearly one day as I watched Ilie Nastase in Forest Hills raise both middle fingers above his head and explain to the watchful crowd that this was not an insult, but the Romanian peace sign. The seersucker world was indeed crumbling. With the move to Flushing, I changed from being just a spectator into being a more active participant in the two-week event. During the 1980s, I belonged to a group that played every week in the indoor courts of the National Tennis Center. As a reward for purchasing seasonal time, players were given free tickets to one of the evening matches. I wound up with tickets to a Stefan Edberg vs. Aaron Krickstein match on a Monday night. In nearly arctic weather, we watched a game that more resembled PacMan run amok than it did tennis. The winds were so powerful that debris was constantly blowing across the court. Watching the 2012 final won by Andy Murray reminded me of this match. Flushing offered much more room to grow, and it may have been the best alternative space to build the site for the Open. But the tricky winds have often tarnished the quality of the tennis. Kickers in the NFL had to learn to adjust their skills when they played the

of the U.S. Open Jets in Shea Stadium right across from the National Tennis Center and the same can be said for those playing at the NTC. In fact, I played in one regional tournament in Flushing where I watched a cross-court lob turn into a down-the-line shot because of the quickly changing winds. The following year, I played a late afternoon match that caught me on court as twilight descended. I began rushing to finish before dark when suddenly (like a religious conversion) there was light. No one had told me that the lights at the NTC turned on automatically. I slowed down, still lost the match, but understood why many top pros prefer to play at night. The artificial lighting eliminates glare and produces no shadows. Today, you must be a union member if you want to be an usher at the U.S. Open. But in 2008, non-union part-timers were welcomed. I was an usher that year and worked many hours because the Mets were playing home games at the same time of the U.S. Open, so extra ushers were needed. I learned that people were very creative when explaining why they should not have to sit in the seats they paid for. And I also learned how to be polite but firm when asking people who paid big bucks to wait for a changeover before taking their seats. The next time you watch a match on television, notice how free from stragglers the circular walkways are in Arthur Ashe Stadium. That’s because the ushers are in

the portals keeping spectators behind ropes until the changeover. My worst memory was of the belligerent fan who threatened to bull past me if I did not make the two young men standing in front of the rope get back with everyone else who was waiting. He reluctantly shut up only when I explained that there had been a threat against one of the players, and that they were undercover police officers watching the crowds, not the match. Watching televised matches from different countries shows how quickly poor behavior by latecomers can ruin the game for players and other spectators. The ushers at the U.S. Open perform at a very high level in keeping the crowds moving smoothly. It is often a thankless job. The law of supply and demand rules the retail experience at Flushing Meadows. During the first week, clerks are busy with customers making multiple purchases. By week two, the sales clerks spend a lot of time apologizing because they are out of the most popular sizes and items. Not every customer goes home a winner. U.S. Open fans are aggressive hunters for memorabilia. One year, I volunteered to sit at the table of a successful New York City sports organization. The organization offers multiple sports programs for juniors and seniors at parks in every borough of New York. The table had only photocopies of the organizations flyers. Almost no one stopped to talk to me.

People attending the Open are very busy stuffing their bags with rubber bracelets, sound dampeners, cheap commemorative coins and other giveaway items. So the big lesson for anyone doing outreach at the U.S. Open is … no goodies, no visitors. And in the spirit of full disclosure, I have a bag of goodies stuffed in the corner of a closet, which I promise to trash someday. I miss the old days when, during the final hours of a tournament, players said their goodbyes and began drifting toward their next event. The end of the tournament evoked poignant feelings, like the sadness that comes with the end of a summer vacation or romance. Today, “next” is the operative word. If you turn on the TV, there is always a match being broadcast from somewhere. Travel is more demanding on the players. Today, there seems to be perpetual post-match commentaries and replays that the tournament never seems to end. So, final goodbyes to lawn tennis, final goodbyes to seersucker, and welcome to the global reach of tennis today. Richard Thater is a long-time teacher and player on New York City courts. He is PTRcertified in both Junior and Adult Development, and has played in senior tournaments in the Greater New York area. Richard currently teaches at the West Side Tennis Club. He may be reached by phone at (917) 7493255 or e-mail richthater@aol.com.

NYTennisMag.com • September/October 2014 • New York Tennis Magazine

Credit all photos to Bennett Kelly

New York City, French Open Style at the JTT C B Y B E N N E T T K E L LY Nestled between the Hudson River and the West Side Highway at 96th Street, the Riverside Park tennis courts are hidden gems known to New York City tennis enthusiasts. They’ve been properly cared for and maintained by the City Parks Department since 1984, when a restoration process restored order to the once dilapidated courts. Riverside Park recently hosted the Junior Team Tennis All-Star Tournament, a spirited battle between USTA Eastern Metro region players and their opponents from the USTA Eastern Long Island Region, in a round-robin format for Under-18, 14, 12 and 10 year-old Divisions. The Region’s best and most well-behaved juniors took to the Park’s red clay courts for some New York City tennis, French Open style. Such were the words of Pat Mosquera, who coaches eight of the Long Island juniors at Sportime Lynbrook. “These kids compete throughout the season, and today, we brought the ones who really love tennis and enjoy playing the game. The kids love the clay ... it’s New York City, French Open style.” For the 60 juniors who played in the event, it was not about winning and losing but interacting and meeting new people. They will see each other again at tournaments later this year and down the line. Some are players on their high school teams, like Jack McCarthy, who played 6

doubles this year for Southside High School’s conference championship team in Nassau County and participated in the 18and-Under Division on Saturday. “The courts are real nice,” said McCarthy. “It’s fun to play team tennis with some of the other kids I know.” The tennis courts of Riverside Park back up to the Hudson River. A boardwalk full of joggers, bikers and plenty of dogs added to the tennis viewing party. Also in attendance on Saturday was Jill Fonte, executive director of USTA Eastern, who enjoys seeing the sport grow at the grassroots level. “Our goal at the USTA is to promote and develop growth at the youth level,” said Fonte. “It is because of events like this one

New York Tennis Magazine • September/October 2014 • NYTennisMag.com

that youth participation from ages 6-12 increased by almost 30 percent from 20122013. And we have an army of wonderful volunteers helping out.” Among the volunteers for the event was Jackie Clark, USTA Eastern’s Metro Regional President. Along with other members of the Metro Board, Jackie helps run the JTT circuit on a volunteer basis. For 12 weeks in the summer on Saturday evenings, JTT players meet around the region and City, whether it be at the New York Sports Club in Brooklyn, the USTA Billie Jean King National Tennis Center in Flushing Meadows, and now at the Riverside Tennis Courts. “As Metro Region president, I’m lucky to have amazing people working with me to make these events successful,” said Clark.

Championships “We want to grow youth participation, and we love doing it.” Another of those people is Mark McIntyre, executive director of the Riverside Clay Tennis Association (RCTA), a non-profit organization that maintains and operates the

courts. Mark is also a former USTA Eastern Metro regional vice president, and he remains involved with the organization. “When I heard they needed courts for the junior tournament, I offered the venue,” said McIntyre. When the tennis ended at 7:00 p.m., a free concert set up adjacent to the courts provided live rhythm and blues from Steve Tarshish and his Instrumental Trio, as part of the park’s series of

summer sunset concerts. On what became a beautifully sunny Saturday evening, there could hardly be a better place to play tennis in New York City. The red clay, the Hudson River and free sandwiches from the organizers made it a day to remember for players, volunteers and supporters alike. Bennett Kelly may be reached by e-mail at bkelly1@fordham.edu.

Centercourt Performance Tennis Center (CPTC) is a one of a kind facility dedicated to the development and performance of tennis players. CPTC features eleven hard courts, one red clay court, a state-of-the-art strength and conditioning center, an indoor turf field and an academic center. Our mission is to help every student-athlete realize his or her potential athletically and academically. Our players respect the game, their peers, parents, and coaches. Our curriculum features comprehensive tennis instruction as well as physical and mental conditioning. CPTC offers both Full-time and After-school programs 7 days per week with tournament coaching and travel. Both programs have rolling admissions from September 8, 2014 to June 7, 2015. CPTC also offers an 11-week summer training camp, with van shuttle transportation available for players located in the New York area. Contact us to schedule an appointment and discover the place championships come to train!

Centercourt Performance Tennis Center 65 Columbia Road, Morristown, NJ www.centercourtclub.com

Contact Clay Bibbee: clay@centercourtclub.com NYTennisMag.com • September/October 2014 • New York Tennis Magazine

City Parks Foundation Continues to Open New D Mike Silverman brings tennis to the Five Boroughs n the summer of 1981, Mike Silverman of City Parks Foundation, a Levittown, N.Y. resident, was fresh out of college with an undergraduate degree in political science and plans to take a year off to work before going to law school. When Silverman accepted a six-week summer job teaching free beginner tennis lessons to kids for the New York City Parks Department, all of his plans changed. “I realized how much I enjoyed working with children who might not be able to afford tennis lessons and being involved with a sport that I loved,” said Silverman. That first summer ended with a free, fun-filled clinic for 300 kids in Central Park featuring John McEnroe and Bjorn Borg. Local tennis hero Vitas Gerulaitis helped organize the clinic and made sure that every child received a free tennis racquet. “That event in Central Park made a lasting impression on me about the potential of connecting public parks with the private sector to grow the sport and inspire kids,” said Silverman. For the past 30 years, Silverman, director of sports for City Parks Foundation, has been involved in youth tennis, and today, oversees one of the largest municipal tennis programs in the nation, reaching 7,500 children annually with free lessons and competitive opportunities in 38 public parks throughout New York’s five boroughs. When he first started, there was a citywide beginner program and a small advanced academy at the National Tennis Center, but no real pathway existed for kids to progress. According to Silverman, “We were also too dependent on the City for funding, which limited our ability to expand our services and control our own destiny.”

Credit photos to City Parks Foundation

New York Tennis Magazine • September/October 2014 • NYTennisMag.com

Doors One of Mike’s first initiatives, with support from USTA Eastern, was creating the “Penn Series,” an authentic junior tournament circuit held in New York City parks. The popular low-cost summer circuit made USTA-sanctioned tournaments more available and affordable for urban youth, and helped pave the way for a Metro-region ranking designation for New York City. Mike also enlisted Reebok’s support to save and expand his advanced-training academy from budget cuts, a partnership that would last 28 years. The effort has since helped produce more than 100 college scholarship recipients. A major speed bump occurred in 1991, when Mike and most of his staff were laid off by the NYC Parks Department due to widespread budget cuts. It proved to be a blessing in disguise. The newly-formed non-profit organization, City Parks Foundation, hired Mike to preserve and grow the program. It has flourished ever since,

Mike Silverman at tryouts for the Lacoste Tennis Academy

thanks to longstanding public/private partnerships from key supporters such as the USTA, Chase and tennis legend Billie Jean King, who learned to play the sport in a public park. In 1998, King helped Mike establish an annual tennis benefit that has since raised in excess of $2 million for City Parks Foundation’s youth tennis efforts. “I have seen, firsthand, the magic that Mike works, and I admire and continue to support the enormous, free tennis program he oversees for the City Parks Foundation,” said King. “Mike has intro-

duced and popularized our sport to countless kids and adults over the past 30 years and he is making a big difference in the lives of so many people.” Mike has used his tennis program as a model to create additional free, parkbased opportunities for kids to learn new sports, such as track and field, and golf. Still, after 30 years, Mike Silverman maintains a one time-honored tradition that has never changed. Every August before the U.S. Open, he still organizes a free pro event in a city park for kids, just as Vitas Gerulaitis did.

NYTennisMag.com • September/October 2014 • New York Tennis Magazine

Shaking Off Pressure Like the Fed By Luke Jensen I believe Roger Federer will go down as so much more than a great tennis player. He was a transitional player in many aspects. Pete Sampras and Andre Agassi handed him the torch to improve upon the state of the game. Up to that point, the Pro Tour was dominated by Americans. Federer and his generation changed all that. Today’s pro game is truly European and growing even stronger. The world rankings on both the ATP and WTA Tours say everything about the strength and growth of European tennis. I believe that Federer playing with such class and grace has been easy for American tennis fans to embrace more international stars. There will never be another player with

such timing and technique that could win on all surfaces and with different styles. Roger has the rare ability to play fast without looking like he is going fast. He rarely seems rushed or pressed. He always seems relaxed, and even down two sets to one and a match point in the Wimbledon final, he was able to fight back and send the match into the fifth set because he never panics under pressure. I can tell immediately when most players are winning or losing. Not Roger! He knows that revealing negative emotion reveals weakness in a sport where big points are won by mentally tough players. So, the next time you take the court for a match or a practice, take a page from the great Fed! Play with poise and be aware of negative body language that helps strengthen your opponent’s resolve. This is not easy to do … it’s extremely difficult to

New York Tennis Magazine • September/October 2014 • NYTennisMag.com

be honest! But, as Federer has shown us, you can win a ton of pressure points if you allow missed shots to just glide off your back as smooth as a Roger Federer slice backhand. Good luck and keep going for the lines! Born in Grayling, Mich., Luke Jensen’s resume includes 10 ATP Tour doubles titles and singles victories against Andre Agassi, Pete Sampras, Ivan Lendl, John McEnroe, Bjorn Borg, Jimmy Connors, Boris Becker, Stefan Edberg and Jim Courier. Jensen and his brother, Murphy, won the 1993 French Open doubles title. He was also a member of the 1991 and 1992 Davis Cup Teams. His ambidextrous play, including his ability to serve the ball with either hand at 130 mph, earned him the nickname “Dual Hand Luke.” He may be reached by phone at (315) 443-3552 or e-mail lbjensen@syr.edu.

NYTennisMag.com • September/October 2014 • New York Tennis Magazine

Credit photos to Matthew Cohen & Calvin Rhoden

Gotham Tennis Academy/Stadium Tennis Center Hosts Garden of Dreams Foundation

B Y M AT T H E W C O H E N The children of the Garden of Dreams Foundation recently enjoyed a week full of activities that could trump any sport enthusiasts, to say the least. “I’m having a blast!” said Lance Green, one of the children who was sporting a custom New York Knicks jersey he had made at Madison Square Garden. The kids have enjoyed one-of-a-kind experiences by the New York Knicks, Rangers, Liberty, MSG Networks, MSG Sports Properties and MSG Entertainment at various locations throughout the Tri-State area including, but not limited to, throwing the pig skin around with current Giants Eli Manning and Victor Cruz, a shoot around on the court at the MSG Training Center with Knicks alumni Larry Johnson and John Starks, and a day atop the roof of the world famous Radio City Music Hall. With the 2014 U.S. Open right around the corner and tennis buzz sweeping through the five boroughs, Gotham Tennis Academy/Stadium Tennis Center opened their doors and courts to treat 40 children from the Police Athletic League (PAL) to a morning filled with tennis and fun filled ac12

tivities. For the sixth consecutive summer, the Garden of Dreams Foundation hosted “Dream Week,” a week-long summer experience for 40 children ages 10-12 years old from the Police Athletic League, one of its 22 partner organizations. “For Gotham Tennis Academy/Stadium Tennis Center to be gracious enough to open its doors and have the pros come down to devote their time to work with the kids is something very special,” said Larry Torres, director of public relations at The Madison Square Garden Company. The children started the day with light stretches, received their own rackets (generously donated by the USTA Foundation), and made their way to the courts. Once there, they learned the fundamentals of the game from the Gotham Tennis Academy/Stadium Tennis Center teaching staff. “It’s very exciting to have the kids here and introduce them to the sport of tennis,” said Gotham/Stadium Tennis instructor and contributor to New York Tennis Magazine, Eric Faro. “Maybe one of these kids is the next great American tennis player.” After learning the basics, the kids exhib-

New York Tennis Magazine • September/October 2014 • NYTennisMag.com

ited what they had learned playing games like 21, Around the World, and Jail for the last hour of the event. “Any time you can expose kids to an outside, different sport like tennis, it’s a great experience,” said Mike Delprete, owner and vice president of Stadium Tennis Center. “It’s a body, mind and self-esteem builder … an all-around feel good story and a win for everybody.” The experience has brought the kids closer to their favorite sports and players; giving them hands-on experiences to last a lifetime, especially while they are sitting home watching their favorite New York team play. “Together, the Garden of Dreams Foundation and the Police Athletic League made their summer,” said Ralph Burk of the Police Athletic League. I couldn’t agree more. Matthew Cohen is director of business development for New York Tennis Magazine. He may be reached by phone at (516) 409-4444, ext. 306 or e-mail matt@usptennis.com.

TENNIS TRAVEL DESTINATIONS

A Closer Look at the Mauna Kea Beach Hotel

What makes Mauna Kea a “Top Tennis Destination?” The legendary Mauna Kea Beach Hotel, an architectural icon designed to coexist beautifully with the unforgettable landscape of the Kohala Coast is located on a silky white-sand crescent beach, Kauna’oa Bay. Escape to paradise where you will find 258 luxurious guest rooms, Laurance S. Rockefeller’s private collection of Asian and Pacific artwork, impeccable service, one of the world’s finest golf courses and tennis club plus tantalizing cuisine with unforgettable settings. The 11-court Seaside Tennis Club is one of the largest and most sought-after tennis experiences in Hawaii. Each one of the 11 courts offer an incredible view of the Pacific blue ocean and on a clear day, you can see Maui in the background. Craig Pautler and his team serve up some of the most thoughtful touches available at the best private luxury tennis clubs, as well as lessons and daily clinics, round robin tourneys, and a comfortable lanai to relax in the shade.

Recent accolades include Top 25 Tennis Resorts and World’s Top 100 Resorts, Tennis Resorts & Camps–Tennis Resorts Online and Top 10 Resorts in the U.S. (biannual)-Tennis Magazine. Facilities and services include 11 oceanside tennis courts, a pro shop offering equipment and apparel, equipment rentals, men and women locker rooms, video instruction service, ball machine, tournament planning, racquet stringing, individual game-matching, customized special events, tennis clinics, round-robin

tournaments, private and group lessons. Enjoy the many other amenities offered at the resort like the weekly Lu’au and Clambake, 2,500-square-foot fitness room and spa just to mention a few. Enjoy some private time at this world-class resort, improve your tennis game while taking in some of the most incredible views in the world and create memories that will be treasured for a lifetime. The club is open 8:00 a.m.-5:00 p.m. daily, and can be reached at (808) 882-5420 or by visitingwww.maunakeabeachhotel.com.

NYTennisMag.com • September/October 2014 • New York Tennis Magazine

NEW YORK TENNIS MAGAZINE PRESENTS YOUR 2014 GUIDE TO

NEWYORKTENNISCLUBS

Centercourt Performance Tennis Center 65 Columbia Road Morristown, N.J. www.CentercourtClub.com The Centercourt Performance Tennis Center (CPTC), located in Morristown, N.J., is a one-of-a-kind facility fully-dedicated to the development and performance of tennis players. The Performance Center has 11 hard courts, one red clay court, a state-ofthe-art strength and conditioning room, and an academic center. Our philosophy is if you want to improve, you need to train. While you don’t have to be exceptionally talented, you do need to be seriously committed to your training. Our mission is to help every student-athlete we train realize his or her full potential; athletically, academically and within life itself. We believe that the trials and tribulations that our student-athletes endure in the tennis pathway will develop our young athletes into leaders on and off the court. Our players respect the game, their peers, parents, environment, and coaches. Our players are coached to not only become great players, but hard-working, self-sufficient individuals. The CPTC curriculum features on-court and off-court lesson programs which include comprehensive tennis instruction complimented with both physical and mental conditioning conducted by performance specialists; all of whom are committed to 14

developing players into champions. Total athletic training programs are designed to increase player development and facilitate higher overall performance by incorporating mental toughness, nutrition counseling, speed/movement, communication, and vision/reaction skills in all of our players. Our culture is simple. We live the sport! Seven days a week, 365 days a year. Continually striving for improvement, we do not celebrate mediocrity. We strive to get the most out of all our players. If you are serious about your tennis and want to be the best athlete you can possibly be, you owe it to yourself to experience the Centercourt Performance Tennis Center firsthand!

Go! Tennis 34-28 214th Place Bayside, N.Y. (718) 224-6303 Director George Garland and Business Manager Maria Aliventi operate Go! Tennis Programs at North Shore Tennis and Racquets Club in Bayside, Queens. North Shore Tennis and Racquets Club, home of Go! Tennis, is also the site of the new North Shore Indoor Sports facility. This is a multisport turf facility that specializes in lacrosse and soccer. North Shore has 14 outdoor Har-Tru courts, 10 that are bubbled for the indoor season. Players are provided with

New York Tennis Magazine • September/October 2014 • NYTennisMag.com

beautifully-maintained courts, as well as excellent lighting and heat. The Club also boasts a beautifully appointed clubhouse, featuring spacious locker rooms, a lounge and a full-service bar and grill. Go! Tennis Programs are under the direction of 35-year tennis veteran George Garland. The six-level junior program caters to players of all ages and skill levels. The program includes: QuickStart, Hitters, Super-Hitters, The Academy, Varsity Prep and Tournament Team. Go! Tennis is known for its high level of instruction and professionalism. The new Varsity Prep program is for high school and part-time tournament players. The Tournament Team (for ranked tournament players) is under the direction of Mike Misiti and Tennis Pro Marvin Dent.

Manhattan Plaza Racquet Club 450 West 43rd Street New York, N.Y. (212) 594-0554 www.advantagetennisclubs.com gwilhelm@mprcnyc.com Photo credit: MPRC member Sam Kanter, courtesy of MPRC

Manhattan Plaza Racquet Club (MPRC), an Advantage Tennis Club, is located at 450 West 43rd Street (between 9th Avenue and 10th Avenue) in New York City (open Monday-Sunday from 6:00 a.m. until midnight). MPRC offers luxury tennis in the heart of Manhattan with five indoor championship

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NEWYORKTENNISCLUBS hard courts, air-conditioning in the summer, a luxurious duplex clubhouse with terrace, a new tennis bubble, private lessons and group lessons for all ages and levels, game arranging, quality tennis programs for members and non-members, leagues, tennis camps, parties, doubles play, tournaments, a pro shop with stringing services, and nice locker rooms. Manhattan Plaza Racquet Club membership includes a full membership to Manhattan Plaza Health Club. MPRC members can fully access the Health Club’s many fitness classes, climbing walls, gym, glass enclosed swimming pool, sundeck, sauna and more. There is indoor parking also available on the premises. MPRC’s most popular program for members is game arranging that follows the NTRP Rating System. MPRC has some of the best tennis-teaching professionals in New York City who offer private lessons and group lessons. MPRC offers several categories of membership, including the Advantage Passport Tennis/Sports MultiClub Membership to Roosevelt Island Racquet Club & Sports Park and the New York Tennis Club. For membership information, contact MPRC Assistant Manager and Membership Director Milos Vojvodic at (212) 594-0554. MPRC also offers season/open tennis time, and for more information on these opportunities, contact MPRC Manager Gertrud Wilhelm at (212) 594-0554. For more information on tennis lessons and Adult Tennis Programs, contact MPRC Assistant Tennis Director Bruce Barney at (212) 594-0554. MPRC also offers QuickStart Junior Programs, for more information, contact MPRC’s Youth Program Administrator, Gabriel Slotnick at (212) 594-0554.

looking for friendly doubles matches. It is a great way to meet new tennis friends. Midtown is the home of John Curtis’s Manhattan Tennis Academy, Midtown’s new Junior Development Program. John’s after-school classes are available for juniors of all ages and levels. The Manhattan Tennis Academy also will feature the USTA 10-and-Under program and will offer small classes beginning in September.

Midtown Tennis Club 341 8th Avenue New York, N.Y. (212) 989-8572 www.MidtownTennis.com Midtown Tennis Club is Manhattan’s original indoor tennis facility conveniently located in the heart of New York City. Situated on 8th Avenue between 26th and 27th Streets, Midtown Tennis Club is easily accessible by public transportation. In a city filled with commitments and membership dues, it’s a breeze to reserve at Midtown for an hour or more of court time, a private lesson or one of Midtown’s clinics. Midtown has four indoor Har-Tru courts for year-round use and four outdoor HarTru courts which are bubbled and heated during the winter months. Midtown’s outdoor season enables City-dwellers to play on our open-air courts with spectacular views of the Manhattan skyline. Midtown offers an extensive team of tennis professionals who are available to provide lessons to all ages and levels. If you are looking to develop your existing skills, learn new techniques, get a great cardio workout or prepare for your next tournament, Midtown has a pro for whatever your interest. Midtown’s clinics are offered for total beginners and all levels up to competition players. Sign up for one month, one day or all year. The Friday Night Round-Robin is a popular event in the winter season which attracts intermediate to advanced players

New York Tennis Club 3081 Harding Avenue Throgs Neck (Bronx), N.Y. (718) 239-7919 www.AdvantageTennisClubs.com lhartman@advantagetennisclubs.com Founded in 1886, New York Tennis Club is the oldest active tennis club in New York. In fact, 2014 marks their 128th consecutive season. Throughout the years, the Club has maintained a reputation for its restful atmosphere, the congeniality of its members and its professional approach to a truly popular sport. With a new patio and viewing deck and six newly-resurfaced Har-Tru courts, the Club is a haven in a quiet corner of the City. Convenient to Manhattan, Queens and lower Westchester, it’s also the best value in the Tri-State area. Sit back and relax in the recently renovated clubhouse and lounge, grab a bite to eat at the snack bar or unwind in the remodeled locker rooms. There is also on-

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NEW YORK TENNIS MAGAZINE PRESENTS YOUR 2014 GUIDE TO

NEWYORKTENNISCLUBS site racquet stringing in the pro-shop and ample free parking located on the premises. A club for all seasons For the upcoming indoor season, mid-October to the end of April, New York Tennis Club offers high-quality courts at competitive rates. The two climate-controlled bubbles are equipped with shadow-less, non-glare lighting, with hourly court time at rates between $36-$74 per court, as well as seasonal court options. Hours of operation are 7:00 a.m.-11:00 p.m., seven days a week, and no membership is required. The rest of the year is outdoor season, when the Club offers unlimited play—as much tennis as members wish. Tennis lovers can soak up the sun on lush lawns surrounded by flower gardens, sit in the shade of willow trees or have lunch on a covered patio or in the clubhouse, which offers dining facilities, locker rooms and showers. For additional information, please visit www.newyorktennisclub.com. Extensive adult and junior programs throughout the year The Club offers adult programs for skill sets of all levels. Program offerings include singles and doubles leagues, a comprehensive game arranging program for both singles and doubles players, private and group instruction for all levels, cardio-tennis classes, and tennis parties where guests are welcome. Whether you are new to tennis, or want to take your game to the next level, The New York Tennis Club has a program for you. The Junior Tennis Program at New York Tennis offers year-round classes, camps, and programs for all ages and levels. There are QuickStart classes for ages four through ten, summer and holiday camp programs, after-school programs, tournament training for advanced competitive players, and match play. During the school year, classes are offered both after school and on Saturdays. The Junior Tennis Camp 16

offers one-week sessions during the month of August. Tennis all over town One more special feature: Advantage Passport Membership, which offers members a whole new level of benefits and access. Passport memberships include free summer court time on reserved courts at Roosevelt Island Racquet Club (RIRC) and New York Tennis Club, plus membership privileges at Manhattan Plaza Racquet Club, Manhattan Plaza Health Club and New York Tennis Club. For more information, call Manager Lauren Hartman, or Director of Adult Programs & Advantage Sea and Sports Camp Paul Fontana at (718) 2397919. See you on the courts!

Roosevelt Island Racquet Club 281 Main Street Roosevelt Island, N.Y. (212) 935-0250 gkent@advantagetennisclubs.com www.RIRCTennis.com Now in its 21st year of operation, Roosevelt Island Racquet Club (RIRC) is part of Advantage Tennis Clubs. Roosevelt Island Racquet Club is conveniently located on beautiful Roosevelt Island, New York City’s oasis on the East River. The Club features 12 Har-Tru courts under new bubbles with shadowless, non-glare lighting, heated and air-conditioned for comfortable year-round

New York Tennis Magazine • September/October 2014 • NYTennisMag.com

play. The exercise room includes a treadmill, exercise bikes, elliptical trainers and free weights to accommodate almost any workout. The Club boasts a completely stocked pro shop, locker room facilities, two social lounges, Riverview Lounge with a breathtaking view of Manhattan’s skyline, a snack bar and free parking. RIRC is easily accessible by tram, subway or car (free on-site parking). The Roosevelt Island Tram (from 60th Street and 2nd Avenue) stops adjacent to the Club, and the subway (F Train) stops one block from the club. Members also have use of an indoor swimming pool and fitness center next door in the Sports Park. RIRC offers a range of adult programs for players of all levels. Program offerings range from the Advanced Singles League for the experienced competitive player, to Beginner Group Lessons for people new to the sport of tennis. Cardio-tennis is one of the Club’s most popular programs and is offered daily for those looking to combine a cardio workout with tennis. Whatever your goal, there is a program for you! The Advantage All-City Junior Tennis Program offers year-round classes, camps and programs for all ages and levels. There are QuickStart classes for ages four through nine, summer and holiday camp programs, after-school programs, tournament training for advanced competitive players, and match play. During the school year, classes are offered both afterschool and on Saturdays. The Advantage All-City Junior Tennis Camp offers oneweek sessions from mid-June through the end of August. Roosevelt Island Racquet Club offers a Gold Membership that includes full Club privileges, 14-day advance reservation privileges, member court fees with an average savings of $35 per court hour, game arranging and member discount on all programs. The Club is excited to offer Advantage Passport Membership, which offers members a whole new level of benefits and access. Passport Memberships

NEW YORK TENNIS MAGAZINE PRESENTS YOUR 2014 GUIDE TO

NEWYORKTENNISCLUBS include free summer court time on reserved courts at RIRC and New York Tennis Club, plus membership privileges at Manhattan Plaza Racquet Club, Manhattan Plaza Health Club and New York Tennis Club. For more information, contact Gordon Kent, Tom Manhart or Kimberly Latif at (212) 935-0250.

SPORTIME Randall’s Island, Home of the John McEnroe Tennis Academy One Randall’s Island New York, N.Y. (212) 427-6150 www.SportimeNY.com/Manhattan www.JohnMcEnroeTennisAcademy.com membershipri@sportimeny.com SPORTIME Randall’s Island, a state-of-theart, 20-court facility located on Randall’s Island in Manhattan, is the home of the John McEnroe Tennis Academy (JMTA). New York sports legend John McEnroe partnered with SPORTIME to open his worldclass training academy in the world’s greatest city in September 2010. JMTA is led by Academy Director Lawrence Kleger, who has trained and coached more nationally and world ranked juniors than anyone in the history of the USTA Eastern Section. This includes JMTA’s Noah Rubin, a top American tennis prospect, who recently won the 2014 Boys Wimbledon Championship in singles and the 2014

Boys National Championship in singles and doubles, which secured him a spot in the main draws of the 2014 US Open in singles and doubles. The JMTA tennis and athletic development coaching staff is comprised of more than 40 experienced professionals from around the world, including Associate Academy Directors Felix Alvarado and Nate Emge, Athletic Development and Performance Director Andrew Small, and Assistant Academy Directors Phil Simmonds, Derek Porter, Greg Evans, Greg Bolitsky and Cosmin Cotet, all personally selected by Johnny Mac and Lawrence Kleger to help lead the Academy. In addition to world-class training for top juniors, Sportime offers a player pathway for children of all ages and levels, including the Tennis Whizz program for preschoolers, red and orange ball programs for the youngest and newest players, as well as trademarked Junior Tennis Kinetics recreational program for juniors. SPORTIME Randall’s Island also delivers the best programming and facilties in NYC for adult players of all levels. We have a wide range of adult tennis and fitness offerings, including group clinics and private lessons, taught by the same great coaches who are training the next Johnny Mac at JMTA. The club offers USTA and corporate teams and leagues, private and group personal training in our well-equipped fitness center and studio, and a variety of events, including Pro-Ams and tennis mixers. Members enjoy preferred rates for court times and seasonal courts. SPORTIME Randall’s Island features 160,000-square feet of tennis courts and amenities, including five indoor and five indoor/outdoor Deco-Turf tennis courts, and 10 indoor/outdoor Har-Tru clay tennis courts. All 20 courts are available for yearround play. This extraordinary club also features a functional training and fitness center; comfortable lounge areas with excellent view-

ing; a junior lounge/computer lab; a pro shop featuring top brands and 24-hour stringing; a complimentary nursery; steam baths in the member locker rooms; a café serving healthy food, snacks and beverages; and classrooms, party rooms and meeting facilities. So come see for yourself. It’s all right here on Randall’s Island under the RFK/Triboro Bridge. Contact our membership director at (212) 427-6150 or e-mail membershipri@sportimeny.com for more information and to schedule a visit.

Stadium Tennis Center at Mill Pond Park 725 Exterior Street at East 152nd Street and the Harlem River Bronx, N.Y. (718) 665-4684 www.StadiumTennisNYC.com Stadium Tennis Center at Mill Pond Park, located in the shadow of Yankee Stadium at East 152nd Street and the Harlem River, can be labeled “the best-kept secret in New York City tennis.” With 16 cushioned, U.S. Open-style deco-turf, hard courts—including 12 indoor courts which are open for indoor play from October through April, New York City’s newest indoor/outdoor tennis center commenced its first indoor season at the end of 2010. Our pristine in-

NYTennisMag.com • September/October 2014 • New York Tennis Magazine

NEW YORK TENNIS MAGAZINE PRESENTS YOUR 2014 GUIDE TO

NEWYORKTENNISCLUBS door courts are brand new, having been resurfaced in July of 2014. The excellent lighting, high indoor ceilings and spacious backcourts of the new Stadium Tennis Center are sure to please the tennis playing public and tournament level players. Stadium Tennis Center at Mill Pond Park offers a full complement of tennis programs for juniors and adults of all skill levels in partnership with Gotham Tennis Academy, a leader in developing and operating tennis programs in New York City and the Hamptons. Through its partnership with Gotham Tennis Academy, the new Tennis Center has established a team of topnotch, experienced tennis professionals and offers popular junior development and advanced training tennis programs including high performance elite training for ranked juniors. For adult players, fast-paced group clinics and cardio tennis workouts are offered daily, in addition to indoor seasonal court rentals, private lessons, game-arranging, leagues and tournament play. The state-of-the art indoor seasonal “bubble” covering 12 tennis courts at the new Stadium Tennis Center is one of the largest tennis “bubbles” or domes of this type in the world, covering an area of over four million cubic feet and a footprint of more than 75,000-square feet. For the convenience of our regular players and their families, the Tennis Center offers complimentary on-site parking. In addition, an adjacent clubhouse features a pro shop, café, locker rooms and lounge areas, Wi-Fi computer access, a workspace where children can do schoolwork and read and a tennis library. More information about Stadium Tennis Center at Mill Pond Park can be found at www.stadiumtennisnyc.com or by calling (718) 665-4684. More information about Gotham Tennis Academy can be found at or by calling (646) 524-7069.

USTA Billie Jean King National Tennis Center Flushing Meadows Corona Park Flushing, N.Y. (718) 760-6200 www.USTA.com The USTA Billie Jean King National Tennis Center is the largest public tennis facility in the world. Operated by the USTA for the City of New York, the facility opened in 1978 when the USTA moved the U.S. Open from the West Side Tennis Club in Forest Hills, NY. It is, most certainly, a “Tennis Welcome Center.” In 1997, the USTA opened Arthur Ashe Stadium as its main stadium and expanded the tennis facilities at the USTA National Tennis Center. The construction increased the number of courts on the grounds from 25 to 45 and saw the acreage more than double to 46.5 acres. In 2006, the USTA renamed the entire facility the USTA Billie Jean King National Tennis Center in honor of one of tennis’ finest ambassadors and a product of public courts in her native Long Beach, Calif. Expansion of the USTA National Tennis Center has increased the number of outdoor courts available for public play to 30. This does not include Arthur Ashe Stadium, Louis Armstrong Stadium or the Grandstand. In addition, there are 12 indoor courts for public use in the Indoor Training Center. In actuality, the USTA Billie Jean King National Tennis Center is open to the public seven days a week, 11 months a year,

New York Tennis Magazine • September/October 2014 • NYTennisMag.com

closing only on Thanksgiving, Christmas and New Year’s Day. The USTA Billie Jean King National Tennis Center has a staff of more than 20 USPTA and/or PTR-certified professionals conducting programs, clinics, private lessons, leagues and tournaments yearround. The NTC also supports all USTA Community Tennis and Player Development initiatives. Other tournaments held at the USTA Billie Jean King National Tennis Center include the Men’s and Women’s College Tennis Invitational (an ITA event) and other ITA college events and conference championships; the Jana Hunsaker Memorial Eastern Wheelchair Championships (an ITF event); the USTA Men’s and Women’s National Open Indoor Championships and a host of USTA Eastern sectional tournaments for juniors, adults and seniors as well as New York Junior Tennis League (NYJTL) and New York City Parks Foundation programs for junior and senior players. The USTA Billie Jean King National Tennis Center professional staff also conducts community tennis programs, including 10 & Under Tennis for children 10 years of age and under to learn tennis in a fun and dynamic way; USTA Junior Team Tennis for youth match play; USTA League Tennis for competitive, level-of-play competition, and an official Cardio Tennis site for on-court heart pumping fitness. Initiatives for USTA Player Development include an Invitational USTA Competition Training Center for ranked players, Player Development programs for top-ranking juniors residing in the Northeast, and a year-round USTA Tournament Training Program for ranked juniors. In addition, the USTA Billie Jean King National Tennis Center hosts events for coaches training and education, including United States Professional Tennis Association (USPTA) functions, four Certification Training Courses and Developmental Coaches Workshops each year, annual meetings and conventions and at least four

NEW YORK TENNIS MAGAZINE PRESENTS YOUR 2014 GUIDE TO

NEWYORKTENNISCLUBS Professional Tennis Registry (PTR) Teaching Essentials Workshops and Professional Development Workshops. The USTA Billie Jean King National Tennis also provides for diverse community outreach programs including; the New York Junior Tennis League (NYJTL), the NYC Department of Parks and Recreation, the Queens District Attorney’s Star Track/Say Yes to Tennis, No to Violence program for Queens at-risk youth, and free tennis clinics conducted for NYC Department of Education teachers/coaches. The NTC hosts various tennis opportunities for special populations, including wheelchair tennis instruction for the physically-challenged from the months of October through July, HERO (Help Expand Recreational Opportunities) for developmentally challenged adults and tennis for autistic children through NYFAC (New York Families for Autistic Children). There is an extensive summer camp program which provides basic tennis instruction, including the 10-and-Under QuickStart format for younger children, and basic fitness programs; encourages good sportsmanship; and leads to general character building for the children in the New York City area. These services are provided at nominal cost, making it affordable for youngsters who would not otherwise get the chance to attend camp or receive tennis instruction. Lastly, our Project ACES (Alternative Classroom Environment for Students) which was implemented at the NTC in 2009, is geared toward six- to 10year-old children from schools from the NYC Metropolitan Area. This program provides students the opportunity to visit the NTC and learn about the history and the game of tennis. The kids are given a walking tour of the entire site (excluding Stadium 2/3), including Center Court in Ashe, a video presentation in Interview Room 1 on the history and the game of tennis and the great players of the sport, a tour of the locker rooms, and roughly an hour of tennis instruction from the NTC’s pro staff, ending with lunch at the Indoor Training Center.

West Side Tennis Club 1 Tennis Place Forest Hills, N.Y. (718) 268-2300 www.ForestHillsTennis.com The West Side Tennis Club is well-known for hosting the U.S. Open Tennis Championships. Today, it is home to 830 members, maintaining the best of our celebrated past and rich history. The West Side Tennis Club often surprises first-time visitors. Anchored by its historic stadium, the renowned Tudor-style clubhouse, along with a junior Olympic pool complex, West Side’s 12 acres are both a majestic setting and a tranquil oasis in the heart of New York City. West Side Tennis Club is located just 20 minutes from the bustle of midtown Manhattan, easily accessible by car, bus, subway or the Long Island Railroad. West Side maintains 38 tennis courts on four different surfaces: Grass, Har-Tru, Red Clay and Deco-Turf and provides year-round tennis utilizing its 10-court indoor facility. Members can take advantage of group or private lessons, clinics, tournaments, ladders, arranged matches, round-robins and a year-round junior program, including summer camp, a pro shop and swimming lessons. West Side Tennis Club also offers a full-service restaurant and bar with spectacular sunset dining, and private party and corporate outing facilities. Platform tennis, bridge, and fun-filled activities and social events for all ages at all levels are sched-

uled year-round. On weekends and weekdays, it’s a fabulous warm weather getaway for families, with a tennis day camp that is the perfect summer activity for children. So convenient, what better way to end a day at work than with a game of tennis, a dip in the pool, and watching the sun set having drinks on the club house patio. And for getting business done in a special way, it’s a unique place to spend quality time with customers, business associates and colleagues. There is even wireless Internet access available anywhere in the clubhouse. Want to do a truly special event for a small or large group of people, West Side Tennis Club has everything you could want to create a special occasion. There is something for everyone at the West Side Tennis Club. For more information, visit www.ForestHillsTennis.com or call (718) 268-2300.

NYTennisMag.com • September/October 2014 • New York Tennis Magazine

The Next Genera of American Jun L I ’s Noah Rub i n e ar ns si ng le s a n d d o u b le s w ild c a r d s p o t s i n 2 0 14 BY ANDREW EICHENHOLZ

ong Island’s own Noah Rubin was in his third semifinal at the USTA Boys National Championships in the 18-year old division. The first two times, he fell short, failing to reach the final. Up 5-1 in the third set of a grinding battle against the 11th

ranked junior player in the world, Michael Mmoh, Rubin was on the verge of breaking his curse. In the blink of an eye, that 5-1 lead came apart and the scoreboard read 5-5. A double break lead had slipped away … a plot twist, to say the least. Scratching and clawing for every point, as he has become known for, Rubin fought back to defeat Mmoh and move on to the finals. A finals appearance in Kalamazoo guarantees a spot in the US Open Qualifying Tournament, a win in Kalamazoo, however, earns a wild card entry into the U.S. Open main draw. After being awarded a wild card into last year’s qualifying tournament, it is safe to say that Rubin did not go back to Kalamazoo, Mich. to do it again. He wanted to earn his shot in the main draw of the U.S. Open. Facing Collin Altamirano of Yuba City,

Calif., the defending champion at the tournament and a feisty competitor at that, the native New Yorker had himself a challenge. Yet, with timely spot-serving, patient baseline play and pure speed, Rubin found himself playing very solid tennis. In the first set, just like in the semis, Noah was up a double break. Again, it looked like it might disappear after losing one of the breaks. However, this time, the Wake Forest-bound freshman reversed the script, serving it out to grab a one-set lead. Second set? Pretty much exactly the same. Another double break lead for Rubin was nearly erased before he calmly held his second chance for the set at love with an impressive serving display to put himself on the verge of one of the biggest wins of his life. Early on in the third, Rubin looked like he

could run away with it. He broke Altamirano and consolidated it to lead 2-0, frustrating the defending champion to no end. Rubin is the one better known for his fiery attitude on the court, yet the University of Virginiabound Altamirano was chastising himself at every twist and turn. There had to be another shift in momentum, as Altamirano got his mental game together long enough to take his first lead in a set since 1-0 in the opener, grabbing a 32 third set lead. Once again, Rubin stayed calm to hold and grab the break back again. Yet another set, another chance to hold out for the victory. The very next game, Rubin faced 0-40, three break points for his opponent to

ation iors

U . S . O pen m a i n d r aw throw a wrench into his plans. However, this time, Rubin played extremely solid baseline tennis, hanging on in rallies which, at points, favored Altamirano. He would hold and break to win the best-of-five set match for the main draw wild card into the U.S. Open. Noah Rubin was the winner of the USTA National Championships, 6-4, 64, 6-3. He also won the doubles title with partner Stefan Kozlov, earning another wild card into the main draw of the Open. Noah will be duking it out with the very best in the world in two draws, with the possibility of getting drawn against the likes of Novak Djokovic, Roger Federer and the Bryan Brothers. In early July, Rubin defeated who would eventually be his doubles partner, Stefan Kozlov, in three tough sets that lasted over two hours 6-4, 4-6, 6-3 to win the Boys Junior Wimbledon Championship. Rubin

came to Wimbledon having played just one other junior event this season, the Junior French Open, as he had been playing Challengers and Futures. Due to the lack of junior tournaments this year, he was forced to qualify to earn a spot in the main draw of the Wimbledon Juniors. He took the challenge and breezed through qualifiers and then battled through the main draw enroute to eight total victories and the 2014 Junior Wimbledon Championship. The Boys Wimbledon Final marked only the second-ever all-American boys’ final at Wimbledon and the first since 1977 when Van Winnitsky defeated Eliot Teltscher, with Rubin becoming the first American to win the title since 2007 when Donald Young hoisted the championship. Three of the junior boys semifinalists at Wimbledon were American, including 16-year-old Taylor Fritz of Rancho Santa Fe, Calif.—the first such occurrence at a Grand Slam since the 2000 U.S. Open when Andy Roddick, Robby Ginepri and Ytai Abougzir were all in the final three. For now, the Wake Forest-bound Rubin is in the focus of the spotlight as he heads to play at Flushing Meadows, but recent outbursts of the red, white and blue show that there are plenty of youngsters fighting their way to the top of the game to join the likes of John Isner and the recent crop of Americans currently on the ATP Pro Tour. People question the state of American tennis, especially on the boys side, and soon slowly but surely, Noah Rubin and the emerging crop of American juniors will show that they have what it takes to change skeptics’ minds. In addition to Noah, here are a few other American juniors to watch out for:

Jared Donaldson Jared Donaldson, the Kalamazoo finalist

from a year ago has been on fewer radars than any other up-and-comer, yet he has the most physically mature game of any American. After suffering a pretty humbling loss in the final of the 18-year old National Championships in Michigan, which provides a wild card into the main draw of the U.S. Open for the champion and qualifying for the runner-up, Donaldson had a chance to show fans at Flushing Meadows who he is. Would he be the mentally fragile talent that he showed at Kalamazoo, or the mature tennis player that professionals aspire to be? Playing Farrukh Dustov, a physically imposing opponent to have to face in the first major tournament of Donaldson’s career, he passed with flying colors. He got a taste of what his career will consist of, guys that hit a bigger ball than juniors do, with more spin, location and depth. Donaldson impressed with his consistency, hitting a pretty heavy ball for his age, forcing Dustov into errors. Now what will translate best to the next level was the change of direction Donaldson showed. Players in the top-50 in the world even have a stroke that they aren’t willing to take to different areas of the court, yet Donaldson exudes a confidence in yanking the ball side to side, line to line whenever he wants. If one wanted to search YouTube videos of the youngster, they’d see that he quite frequently disengages cross court rallies to change direction, helping him open up the court. Perhaps one of the more important qualities of a player in today’s age is their serve. In an era in which so many giants rely on tiebreakers, it is important to have a holdable serve, especially after the first fault. Second serve points won is one of the more reliable storytellers of a match. Whoever takes a higher percentage of those points consistently wins the match, and Donaldson has a clean and efficient motion, allowing him to keep opponents off of the offensive, at least for the first shot of the rally. His biggest issue moving forward will be his mental game. Against Dustov, he showed tremendous positive emotion, keeping himself together in a three continued on page 22

the next generation of american juniors continued from page 21 set war. On other occasions, he will nitpick every shot he hits. Does Nadal complain about every shanked forehand? A mental game is arguably more important than any physical trait, and if Donaldson can pull a 180-degree turn in that department, something that many of today’s stars had to do at his age, he can be the next big thing in American tennis. Too many guys go out there without the fire needed to win battles on the court. At least he has it, Donaldson just needs to tame it.

Francis Tiafoe At the Citi Open in Washington, D.C., Francis Tiafoe made his ATP World Tour debut against a solid, under-ranked player in Russian Evgeny Donskoy. Donskoy will end up gaining notoriety as a wily veteran that is solid from the baseline and capable of causing trouble with his groundstrokes, albeit without the big frame usually needed to do so. Bottom line: Not the easiest first big-time match for the 16-year-old. Many will look at the final scoreline of 4 and 4 and see a routine match. In reality, it wasn’t, and the American had a lapse of concentration in each set that let him down. For the rest of the match, it is not out of the realm of reason to claim that he was the better player. Tiafoe has a ridiculous forehand, with racket head speed eerily close to that of the present “next big thing,” Jack Sock. Tiafoe’s ball is slightly flatter, with a bit less height over the net, which causes him to take the ball behind the baseline, when in reality taking it 22

early would be absolutely deadly. It is not crazy to say that if he gives the ball a bit more shape so that he can get it a tad deeper that he will have a top-20 forehand. Now, many will look at the shot and say that it isn’t conventional, with a very “torque-y” swing that as mentioned uses a lot of acceleration and arm. A lot of coaches may want to see a smooth motion like Roger Federer, but more and more guys are having success with a whippy motion. Even in America alone, Sock, Sam Querrey, Bradley Klahn, Steve Johnson and even to an extent, Rhyne Williams, all have very whippy forehands. They’re all playing Grand Slams, so they have to be doing something right. The only thing that may hold Tiafoe back is his serve. With pure athletic ability he hits it and hits it hard, but it is really inefficient, and can become much bigger than it already is. His shoulder turn is nonexistent, which is really the second place power comes from after the lower body pushes off the court. Furthermore, a lack of shoulder turn inhibits repeatability, as the toss being off just a slight bit would throw the whole plane of the serve off. Tiafoe is young, and everything is correctable, but this would improve his game greatly.

Stefan Kozlov Now, it is hard to continue without acknowledging the other young rising stars in our country that have a bright future in this game, but the most complete player, in my opinion, is Stefan Kozlov. Although Stefan is the youngest

New York Tennis Magazine • September/October 2014 • NYTennisMag.com

of this American bunch, he already has the most sound groundstroke game technique-wise. Keeping in mind he hasn’t developed an outstanding shot as of yet, like everything in the game of tennis, new things develop with age. One of those just happens to be explosiveness and power. Already known as a kid that hits an extremely heavy ball for his age, Kozlov, the constant practice partner for pros will eventually have just a little more pace and spin on his ball. At the “big boy” level, this translates to depth and jump onto the opponent. Right now, a big thing for Kozlov will be how his frame develops. If he grows, or works himself into a bigger frame, his ground game could very possibly be the best of any American on tour now, once he really gets into his career. His service motion will also greatly help him as the years tick on, as with the free-swinging, smooth motion that he has, Kozlov will only get more and more pop. Looking at the resumé of a lot of the top juniors, they all have won a big title. Tiafoe won the Orange Bowl, while Noah Rubin just won Wimbledon. Look at Kozlov, and he has had to settle with deep runs at the Slams. No question, those are great accomplishments, but he must be bummed to an extent to have not broken through. Come the U.S. Open, if he makes a run, gets a huge win or anything of the sort, look out for Stefan Kozlov. Andrew Eichenholz is a journalism student at Stony Brook University, where he currently is a staff writer for The Statesman, covering tennis amongst many sports. He grew up playing tennis at the USTA Billie Jean King National Tennis Center, where he learned to love the game, eventually becoming a part time tennis instructor, working for the most part with the QuickStart 10 & Under Program. Andrew has also served as a ballperson at the U.S. Open. He may be reached by e-mail at andrew.eichenholz@stonybrook.edu.

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NYTennisMag.com • September/October 2014 • New York Tennis Magazine

USTA Metro Region A Message From USTA Eastern Metro Region President Jackie Clark The USTA Eastern Metro Region Board would like to congratulate our grant recipients for this year. These community organizations and programs support and participate in our mission to promote and develop the growth of tennis in the Metro Region. It is an honor for us to support these programs and work with these organizations. We recognize the hard work and dedication that it takes to develop and expand these programs and events and it is clear that to do what they do it takes passion, vision and teamwork! We are focused on fostering participation in tennis and USTA programs with the USTA Member Organizations of New York City. Special consideration is given to organizations seeking to expand tennis programs to the following groups: 1. Special Populations 2. Minority Populations 3. Parks & Recreation 4. Community Tennis Associations 5. Schools/After School 6. Wheelchair Tennis 7. Senior Tennis

l Kings County Tennis League (KCTL): Daniel Shad— daniel.shad@nyu.edu l Tennis Saves (Esophageal Cancer): Jason Speirs— jspeirs@advantagetennisclubs.com l Bronx Better Learning: Maria Flanagan— mflanagan7@rochester.rr.com l South Brooklyn Tennis Association (SBTA): Pablo Sierra— psierra4@gmail.com l USPTA Eastern: Jason Speirs— jspeirs@advantagetennisclubs.com l Highland Park Tennis Association: Dion Lachmanen— dlachmanen@gmail.com l Selective Corporate Internship Program (SCIP): Steven Feldman—stevefeldm@aol.com l Tennis World NYC: Robert Bucheli— robertbucheli@gmail.com l TennisTIP: Brian Lutz—brian@tennistip.com l Taking it to the Streets (Tennis for NYC Youth in Crown Heights, Brooklyn): Daniel Arzuaga— arzuaga_daniel@yahoo.com Jackie Clark, President—USTA Eastern Metro Region

Rally for the Cause

Rally for the Cause was sponsored by USTA Eastern’s Southern Region. Many players from the Metro and Long Island Regions played in the Rally for the Cause Tennis Tournament, which raised more than $10,000 for cancer research. There are several other fun, one day tournaments like this that can be found on the Web at www.USTAEastern.com. 24

New York Tennis Magazine • September/October 2014 • NYTennisMag.com

USTA Metro Region Congratulations to the USTA Eastern Metro Region Grant Recipients Taking it to the Streets offers tennis for New York City youth in Crown Heights, Brooklyn

Taking it to the Streets was honored with a grant from the USTA Metro Region for their work Tennis Saves was a grant recipient of USTA Metro

Kids in Crown Heights enjoying some tennis courtesy of Taking it to the Streets

Kids from the Taking it to the Streets gather for a photo

The South Brooklyn Tennis Association (SBTA) were the recipients of a USTA Metro grant

Tennis Saves raises funds to find a cure for Esophageal Cancer NYTennisMag.com â&#x20AC;˘ September/October 2014 â&#x20AC;˘ New York Tennis Magazine

USTA Metro Region More Scenes of the USTA Eastern Metro Region in Action!

The Camp Eastern Awards ceremony SBTA teaching prospective players the game of tennis

Congratulations to TennisTIP on their honor

The Kings County Tennis League (KCTL) were among USTA Metro’s grant recipients

The KCTL uses tennis as an instrument to mentor underserved youth and strengthen communities in Brooklyn, N.Y.

Tennis World NYC brings together competitive or social players, singles or doubles, to enjoy the sport of tennis around New York City

USTA Metro grant recipients TennisTIP brings the online experience to the courts

SBTA members work with some youngsters on their 10 & Under game

Congratulations to Tennis World NYC on receiving a USTA Metro grant 26

New York Tennis Magazine • September/October 2014 • NYTennisMag.com

Centercourt Hosts Antigua Performance Apparel Men’s Tournament

Men’s 45s Singles runner-up Sadik Sendich in the championship match

Phil Mintz (far left) and Jeff Rothstein (far right) present the winning prizes to Men’s 45s Singles finalists Sadik Sendich (second from left) and Adrian Chirici (second from right)

he Antigua Performance Apparel $5,000 Men’s Tournament recently wrapped at Centercourt Athletic Club in Chatham, N.J. The tournament featured very strong draws, with 62 participants in the Men’s Open Singles, 24 in the Men’s 45s singles and 21 teams in the Men’s Open Doubles. Among the participants, the field consisted of many current and former college players, a few players that had ATP rankings and many tennis enthusiasts. Every player was provided with a gift bag with items provided by Antigua, Wilson and Centercourt. The results of the Antigua Performance Apparel finals at Centercourt Chatham are as follows:

l Men’s Open Singles: Carles Poch Gradin, the number two seed from Barcelona, Spain with his highest ATP pro ranking of 215th in the world, defeated Victor Pugliese, the number three seed from Paris, France, currently the number one player for Monmouth University, 6-2, 1-6, 6-1 Gradin, as champion received $2,000

Antigua Doubles Open Champs Carles Poch Gradin (serving) with Jason Prezant (at the net)

Men’s Open Singles winner Carles Poch Gradin (second from right) and runnerup Victor Pugliese (second from left), are congratulated by Executive Regional Director of JTL at Centercourt Jeff Rothstein (far left) and Sales Manager of Antigua Performance Apparel Phil Mintz

and Pugliese, the runner-up, received $800.

$600, while runner-up Sendich took home $250.

l Men’s 45s Singles: Adrian Chirici from Huntington, N.Y., the number one seed and former number one in Men’s 35s, defeated Sadik Sendich, the number two seed from Staten Island, N.Y., current number one in USTA Eastern 45s, 6-3, 6-4. Chirici, as champion, won

l Men’s Open Doubles: The team of Jason Prezant & Carles Poch Gradin defeated Steve Capo & Matt Sabo, 6-0, 6-2 to win the Men’s Open Double Championship. Prezant & Gradin took home $600 in prize money, while Capo & Sabo won $250 as runners-up.

TRAVELING TO ISRAEL? WHAT’S ALL THE RACQUET ABOUT? Israel Tennis Centers – Empowering Your Game! • State-of-the-art tennis facilities at 14 ITC locations throughout Israel • Play and learn alongside Israel’s elite Davis Cup Team members and future stars • Experience ﬁrsthand how the ITC empowers Israel's youth... beyond tennis Space is limited. Equipment is available. To make a reservation, call Jacqueline Glodstein, ITC VP/Development, at 646-884-7450 or email jglodstein@israeltenniscenters.org.

www.israeltenniscenters.org NYTennisMag.com • September/October 2014 • New York Tennis Magazine

courtsix New York Tennis Magazine’s Gossip Column By Emilie Katz Vacation time Maria Sharapova, along with her tennis star boyfriend Grigor Dimitrov, vacationed in Mexico after Wimbledon. The two were spotted by the pool and having drinks while enjoying the sun. Fernando Verdasco, who also saw first round defeat at Wimbeldon, was in Bastad preparing for the Swedish Open. On his downtime, he soaked in the rays from the beach.

Ana Ivanovic enjoys the sun as she tans by the water.

to the best male and female tennis players. Rafael Nadal took home the Best Male Tennis Player Award, beating out Andy Murray and Novak Djokovic, despite his recent struggles. On the women’s side, Russian Maria Sharapova won the award for Best Female Tennis Player.

And the ESPY goes to …

Tennis in the Swiss Alps anyone?

The 2014 ESPYs took place in Los Angeles, as the top athletes and celebrities from the world of sports and entertainment were in attendance to honor the best moments and players from the past year in sports. There were a number of tennis players who attended the event, as awards are given out

It all started with a Skype conversation between the Roger Federer and Olympic skier Lindsey Vonn regarding a tweet Vonn directed at Federer last October about how she would gladly play tennis with Federer if he would take to the slopes with her. Add in a clever promotion by a Swiss chocolatier, and the two pals recently played some tennis together atop a glacier smack dab in the Swiss Alps.

Wedding bells for the Djoker Wimbledon champion and world number one Novak Djokovic married his fiancée Jelena Ristic in a ceremony in Montenegro at a resort on the Adriatic Coast. Djokovic and Ristic, who first met back in high school, have been together for more than eight years. They are expecting their first child later this year. 28

New York Tennis Magazine • September/October 2014 • NYTennisMag.com

First pitch in Beantown After winning his first-round match at the Hall of Fame Tennis Championships in Newport, R.I., the event’s top seed John Isner headed off to nearby Fenway Park in Boston to throw the first pitch at a Red Sox game and watch the Sox in action against the Chicago White Sox.

Tweets from the pros l Novak Djokovic (@DjokerNole): Do we have @onedirection fans in our #nolefam crew? I got to practice with @niallofficial this weekend ;) #1DNews l Rafa Nadal (@RafaelNadal): Very happy for this award! Thanks to @ESPYS and to all of you for always supporting me. l Venus Williams (@VenusesWilliams): Join me at my favorite event in NYC @TasteofTennis #TOTNYC14 8/21 @aysworld cya there! l Chris Evert (@ChrissieEvert): Having a cocktail with @phshriver, my good friend …

l Nicholas Kyrgios (@NickKyrgios): Good preparation in Toronto. So far hit with Matosevic, Federer, Hewitt & Dancevic. Next will be Nole?? l Caroline Wozniacki (@CaroWozniacki): Thanks for the hit @ARadwanska! We always have a blast! Ps you owe me an ice cream?? #montreal l Aga Radwanska (@ARadwanska): Did someone say Oreo Dream Extreme? #SayCheesecakeContest @Cheesecake l Noah Rubin (@Noahrubin33): I came here with nothing, but I will leave with a legacy l Sloane Stephens (@sloanetweets): I’m excited! Today, we have a great day planned for NJTL kids with @USTA_Foundation #servingupdreams l Andy Roddick (@andyroddick): He just always does that on a stage … Unreal! #Jeter l John Isner (@JohnIsner): Oh NFL, I’ve missed you. l Roger Federer (@RogerFederer): Got schooled by some NHL players today. Had a blast! l Justin Gimelstob (@JustinGimelstob): Had a great time supporting @Bryanbros at their charity event over the weekend l Eugenie Bouchard (@GenieBouchard): On the cover of the August issue of @ElleQuebec :) l Serena Williams (@SerenaWilliams): My bestie @CaroWozniacki is doing the

l l l

l l

NYC marathon for @TeamforKids charity running team, to donations PLZ visit http://www.crowdrise.com/carolinew Milos Raonic (@MilosRaonic): Thoughts go out to @Paul_George24 A speedy recovery! Mardy Fish (@MardyFish): “@Noahrubin33: If you wear short socks to play tennis, I don’t respect you.” Ouch. Sabine Lisicki (@SabineLisicki): Well ... at least I broke the world record for fastest serve on @WTA ... ???? #131mph #history #record Gael Monfils (@Gael_Monfils): Very proud to become a new ambassador for @DeBethune Looking forward to a successful partnership :-) Victoria Azarenka (@Vika7): Having a little debate about superheroes movies … who is your favorite? Lindsay Davenport (@LDavenport76): Thanks! :) RT @AnaheimDucks: Congrats to diehard #NHLDucks fan @LDavenport76 on her induction into @TennisHallofFame!

SIGN UP NOW FOR OUR POPULAR TENNIS PROGRAMS! REGISTER ONLINE at www.gothamtennis.com Now accepting registrations for the Fall/Winter Programs Gotham Tennis Academy is dedicated to providing high-quality tennis instruction in the most conveniently located facilities in New York City. Our PTR-certified tennis professionals are some of the most talented, personable and engaging pros in New York City. For more information and to register, please visit WWW.GOTHAMTENNIS.COM or call (646) 524-7069 NYTennisMag.com • September/October 2014 • New York Tennis Magazine

2014 U.S. Open Preview A closer look at the 2014 U.S. Open men’s and women’s draws

On the heels of perhaps one of the most exciting Grand Slam tournaments in years at Wimbledon, the U.S. Open comes at a perfect time to answer lingering questions, pull the curtains open on unknown stars, and provide excitement that only tennis in New York City could provide. The Championships at Wimbledon left the tennis world with interesting storylines to ponder heading into the final major of the year. Could a legend maintain what some call his “resurgence?” Will arguably the best female tennis player to ever touch a racket bounce back from an underwhelming year? For the first time in years, both the male and female draws respectively have an air of openness about them. The so-called “Big Four” aren’t as untouchable as they might have been even last year, and the firm grasp that Serena Williams has had on the women’s game is not as concrete as it once was. Does that mean that the big names of the game will fail to take home the crown at Flushing Meadows? No, not at all, but the easy path to the second week of the big tournaments isn’t as breezy anymore. Who will come out on top? The world will have to wait and see, but here is what to look for when the tour takes over New York.

Contenders: The Men’s Draw

the event, perhaps this is the year Stan takes that next step and steps up out of the shadow of Federer and into the spotlight of his own.

Credit photo: Kenneth B. Goldberg

With Boris Becker in his corner, Novak Djokovic recently overcame what in his world may be a slump, taking his first Grand Slam title in nearly two years, winning the Wimbledon title. In arguably his best “big-moment” performance yet, Novak beat two opponents: Roger Federer and himself. Armed with the best return game of this generation, and possibly of all time, Djokovic should push every opponent he faces back right off the bat. For a man that hasn’t done worse than the quarterfinals at a slam in the last five years, the world number one’s title as “favorite” is well-deserved. 30

Photo credit: Adam Wolfthal

Coming into the Open, Switzerland’s Stanislas Wawrinka was ranked fourth in the world, one spot behind his fellow countryman, Roger Federer. He is also the second-ranked Swiss in his nation, right behind Federer. But will Wawrinka continue to play second fiddle to Federer? With a trip to the U.S. Open semis last year, where he lost to Novak Djokovic, Wawrinka built on that run by starting off the 2014 season in a big way, capturing the 2014 Aussie Open title over then number one Rafael Nadal in four sets. With Nadal having withdrawn from

New York Tennis Magazine • September/October 2014 • NYTennisMag.com

Credit photo: Kenneth B. Goldberg

What can be said about Roger Federer … the man who has won more Grand Slam titles than any male player in the history of tennis? For one, he knows what it takes to win a major championship. After pushing world number one Djokovic to the brink in the 2014 Wimbledon finals, Federer has shown his critics that he isn’t over the hill just yet. In fact, the father of four is playing better tennis than he has in years, and should be a threat on the fast courts of the Open.

2014 U.S. OPEN PREVIEW

Pretenders: The Men’s Draw

contend for a title at a place one has never won at before.

Credit photo: Adam Wolfthal

Tomas Berdych is one of the more confusing players on the ATP Tour. On any given day, he can serve and hit his forehand unlike anybody else on the Tour, much like Robin Soderling once did before his fight with various illnesses. The difference is, it seems as if Berdych has less of a feistiness to him than the top men in the game. This could be totally off base, but it isn’t out of the realm of possibility to see Berdych come up against a big server, and go out in a few tie-break sets before the big Czech could even react.

What a run it has been for Grigor Dimitrov, a guy that previously has been known as “Baby Fed” and the boyfriend of Maria Sharapova. Dimitrov has mentally improved his game to pair a formidable all-around repertoire that can match the shot making output of anybody on tour. Dimitrov will soon make himself known to the world, very probably entering the top five sooner rather than later, but there is something about New York that has troubled the youngster. Three appearances, zero wins. It’s hard to

Sleepers: The Men’s Draw

Credit photo: Adam Wolfthal

The rising Canadian is no up-and-comer anymore, as Milos Raonic has announced to the tennis world that he is in fact here. The giant man with a giant serve has shown that he is nearly unbreakable, hitting the biggest serve on tour, while backing it up with a strong forehand that gives opponents no times to react. Why is he a pretender? His overall defensive skills are not ready to beat the very best in the world. The best returners in the game could neutralize his serve, and is he willing to grind out a four hour win in a groundstroke battle against the likes of Djokovic? Not just yet, not with his backhand.

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The man has won a Gold Medal at the Olympics, multiple Grand Slams, yet outside of his hiring of new coach Amelie Mauresmo, Andy Murray has been somewhat out of the discussion. The second best returner in the game, Murray possesses a rare tool: The ability to win by defending. There are very few guys on the ATP Tour who can sit on their heels and still dominate a match. If he is to threaten the likes of Djokovic come the second week of the Open, the Scot, who has recently dropped to his lowest ranking in six years at 10th in the world, will have to be aggressive and attack, to regain the form that won him the Open just a couple of years ago.

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2014 U.S. OPEN PREVIEW

Contenders: The Women’s Draw

Marin Cilic was never a huge name for casual fans. The big-serving Croatian has spent his career in a ring of respectability, reaching the quarterfinals of a Grand Slam four times. After a positive drug test made the quiet Cilic fade further from the spotlight, he has come back quietly once again, this time with a vengeance. Goran Ivanisevic has gotten the slingshot server to somehow get more out of his biggest shot, allowing him to hit more aces than all but three other guys on Tour this season, while trailing only two in first serve points won. A dangerous forehand in his arsenal, an on-his-game Cilic will not be an easy out for anybody.

In 2003, Ivo “Dr. Ivo” Karlovic shocked the tennis community by beating thenworld number one Lleyton Hewitt at Wimbledon in the first round. Ever since then, everybody on Tour has feared one of the most intimidating serves in the game of tennis, shooting down from his six-foot, 11-inch frame. The thing is, the Croat now has more than just that in his game. Known for his weak backhand slice of the past, Karlovic has come a long way in hitting over it with his onehander, as well as more consistently thumping his previously big forehand. Forget winning a couple of rounds as he did in that Wimbledon, Karlovic can really go far with the fifth set tiebreak rule in effect. 32

Credit photo: Adam Wolfthal

The story heading into the 2014 U.S. Open for the 17-time Grand Slam champion is quite simple. If she plays well, there is nobody that can hit with Serena Williams off the ground, especially behind her massive serve. Add in the fact that Serena has not advanced past the Round of 16 at a Grand Slam this year, and she will have all of the motivation she needs to push for a good end to the season. An angry Serena is not somebody players want to deal with.

Credit photo: Getty Images Sport

For all intents and purposes, Maria Sharapova has done some things this season that don’t warrant the title of “contender.” Over 200 double faults on the season, the Russian has let her most inconsistent shot get to her, especially on the biggest of stages. Her Grand Slam serving statistics will wow nobody, but she has more than made up for it with her aggressive baseline play. With a second Roland Garros crown under her belt, Maria is hitting the felt off the ball, and with hopes of serving better in Flushing, she should be a favorite.

New York Tennis Magazine • September/October 2014 • NYTennisMag.com

Quarterfinals, finals and semifinals ... not a bad set of results at the Grand Slams for any player, let alone the Romanian, who has quietly risen to star status on the women’s tour. Simona Halep has an imposing baseline game that is eerily similar to that of Kim Clijsters, minus a couple of inches. In an era where controlled aggression is winning a lot of matches in the women’s game, Halep will have a chance come the second week, should the likes of Williams struggle.

Pretenders: The Women’s Draw

After Petra Kvitova won Wimbledon in 2011, she lost in the first round of the U.S. Open. Will she do so again? Probably not, but Kvitova’s inconsistent, albeit powerful, groundstroke game could falter at any moment. It would be no shock to see the Czech make a solid run, but if she doesn’t serve well, somebody will have a chance to pick her off.

2014 U.S. OPEN PREVIEW

in the road somewhere, and her hopes may be flying out of JFK at the end of the first week.

With all of this in mind, there is still one big thing to look out for…

Aussie, Aussie, Aussie Sleepers: The Women’s Draw Credit photo: Adam Wolfthal

They say that defense wins championships. Unfortunately, the same does not hold true in tennis. Although having the ability to cover the court and force opponents to play an extra ball can get players through the first week of a Grand Slam, it won’t help come the second week. If somebody is on their game, Agnieszka Radwanska’s defense will only hold on for so long, and they will be able to eventually end points on their own terms. Don’t expect a championship run this year.

Credit photo: Adam Wolfthal

Eugenie Bouchard’s second year of Grand Slam play has been a heck of a ride. For arguments sake, the Canadian sensation has outplayed every other female tennis player at the majors, making at least the semifinals of each of the three played so far this season. She has the game to win not a major, but multiple, but it is extremely hard to maintain the consistency she has shown on the big stage. She can hit the ball as well as many, but there has to be a bump

Credit photo: Getty Images Sport

It is extremely hard to call a seven-time Grand Slam champion a sleeper, but Venus Williams will be a very dangerous dark horse at this year’s Open. Serving as strongly as ever, Venus’ always powerful ground game almost eliminated eventual champion Petra Kvitova at Wimbledon. If Venus is firing on all cylinders, look out, she can go a long way.

Australian fans always make for a fun atmosphere at any tournament one of their favorites plays in. This year, the Aussies may have a lot to cheer for as they are playing better tennis than they have in a while. Lleyton Hewitt always brings tremendous fight, Bernard Tomic seems like he may finally be maturing, Samuel Groth fires one of the fastest serves in the game, Marinko Matosevic has recently broken his Grand Slam bugaboo and young guns Nick Kyrgios and Thanasi Kokkinakis are the future of the sport. A run by one of those guys will shock nobody.

Every so often, the tennis world sees former U.S. Open champion Svetlana Kuznetsova pop up. Sporting an explosive motor that propels one of the quickest movers in the game, Kuznetsova puts herself into position to hit a massive forehand. When she’s confident, Svetlana can uncork a ball that opens up the court like few other shots in the game. She hasn’t had the best of years, but it is about that time for her seemingly annual deep run at a Slam.

NYTennisMag.com • September/October 2014 • New York Tennis Magazine

2014 U.S. OPEN PREVIEW

Total U.S. Open Prize Money Hits Record Mark of $383 Million Photo credit: Eric C. Peck

The USTA has announced that the total purse for the 2014 U.S. Open will increase by $4 million, bringing the total purse for the tournament to a record $38.3 million, an 11.7 percent increase over the 2013 U.S. Open. Both the men’s and women’s singles champions will earn $3 million, the largest payout in U.S. Open history. Each round of the singles competition will see double digit percentage increases over last year’s record payouts. Total main draw prize money, which includes both the singles, doubles, and mixed-doubles competitions, has increased by 12.5 percent over last year. Both the men’s and women’s doubles champions will earn $520,000, the highest total in U.S. Open history. The U.S. Open qualifying tournament will now offer more than $1.5 million in prize money ($1,572,000) for the first time, an 11 percent increase over 2013. In the last three years, U.S. Open main draw prize money has increased by 64.6 percent. Round-by-round individual prize money for the US Open is as follows: Singles

Doubles (each team)

Winner ........................$3,000,000

Winners ..........................$520,000

Runner-Up ..................$1,450,000

Runners-Up....................$250,000

Semifinalist ....................$730,000

Semifinalist ....................$124,450

Quarterfinalist ................$370,250

Quarterfinalist ..................$62,060

Round of 16....................$187,300

Round of 16......................$32,165

Round of 32....................$105,090

Round of 32......................$20,060

Round of 64......................$60,420

Round of 64......................$13,375

Round of 128....................$35,750

“Last year, to recognize the importance of the players and the key role they have in building our sport, the USTA shared our vision to reach $50 million in prize money at the U.S. Open by 2017,” said Dave Haggerty, USTA chairman of the board and president. “This year’s prize money increase continues the commitment to make the U.S. Open one of the most lucrative purses in all of sports.”

New York Tennis Magazine • September/October 2014 • NYTennisMag.com

2014 U.S. OPEN PREVIEW

U.S. Open Timeline 1881

Begins as a singles men’s tournament, for entertainment purposes only. The United States Championship is held at The Casino in Newport, R.I. Richard D. Sears is the first champion.

1887

Ellen Hansel is the first female singles winner.

1915-1920

The tournaments are held at West Side Tennis Club in Forest Hills, N.Y.

1968

The Open Era begins. Professionals are allowed to compete with amateurs. Name changes to the U.S. Open. Arthur Ashe is the first winner of the newly-named tournament.

1973

The U.S. Open becomes the first Grand Slam tournament to offer equal prize money to male and female winners.

1978

The National Tennis Center at Flushing Meadows Corona Park becomes the site of the U.S. Open.

1997

The stadium used for the tournament inside the USTA National Tennis Center is named Arthur Ashe Stadium.

2006

The USTA National Tennis Center facility, home of the U.S. Open, is renamed the USTA Billie Jean King National Tennis Center.

Kids comment on the U.S. Open experience Every summer, New York Tennis Magazine visits dozens of tennis camps. This summer during our travels, we asked kids at all the camps the following question: “If you had a chance to play in the U.S. Open, how would you feel and who would you want to play against?” Here are some of the answers from our local tennis players: Diyna Agsieva (Go! Tennis): “Playing in the U.S. Open would be a dream come true … I would be ecstatic and excited. I would want to play against Ana Ivanovic in singles.” Ally Bertoldo (Centercourt in Chatham, N.J.): “I would feel nervous … really nervous. I would like to play the Williams Sisters in Canadian doubles.” Michael Heilweil (Riverside Park Clay Tennis Association): I would be excited to play at the Open and I would play Rafael Nadal because he isn’t clutch.” Taylor Hoffman (Go! Tennis): “It would be a dream come true to play at the Open … it’s

every tennis player’s dream. I would want to play against Roger Federer.”

a dream that I beat him. And Gill [Perrotta] was on the next court beating Rafa!”

Luiz Paula (West Side Tennis): “I would be excited and feel awesome to take part in the U.S. Open. I would want to play Roger Federer or Novak Djokovic if I had the choice.”

Masha Serjantov (USTA Billie Jean King National Tennis Center): “I would be overjoyed to play in the U.S. Open. I would want to play my sister [Elizabeth Serjantov] and anyone who would want to challenge me.”

Gill Perrotta (John McEnroe Tennis Academy): “I would be really nervous and overwhelmed to play at the Open. I’d like to play Genie Bouchard … she’s my favorite player and it would be cool. Christina Puccinelli (John McEnroe Tennis Academy): “I would feel both stressed and anxious to play at the U.S. Open! I would want to play Roger Federer because I had

Renee Shields (West Side Tennis): “I would probably be excited, but a little nervous to play at the Open . I would want to play against Roger Federer.” Aiden Simms (Centercourt in Chatham, N.J.): “ I would feel excited to play in the U.S. Open and would want to play Novak Djokovic, but I’d have no shot.”

NYTennisMag.com • September/October 2014 • New York Tennis Magazine

2014 U.S. OPEN PREVIEW

2014 U.S. Open restaurant guide Along with the best tennis and entertainment in the world, the U.S. Open offers premium dining experiences—from Mojito, the Cuban-inspired restaurant and bar, to Champions Bar & Grill, a classic American steakhouse. Whether you are in the mood for a light snack, lunch, dinner, meeting friends for cocktails or satisfying a sweet tooth, the U.S. Open’s restaurants can cure any craving.

Aces and Champions Bar & Grill: Vaulted ceilings, vibrant colors and a casual, but elegant wine and sushi bar, combined with superlative seafood offerings, makes Aces the ultimate dining experience. You can also enjoy Aces’ flavorful and sumptuous cuisine in your suite with the Aces Platinum Package Series. Join us for lunch, dinner or after the matches. A contemporary setting with classic leather and wood accents, Champions Bar & Grill is a modern take on the traditional clubhouse atmosphere. The Grill offers premium steaks, hearty chops, fresh seafood, salads and a wide variety of wines. Join us for fun, delicious menu items and the finest cuts of meat and more.

U.S. Open Club: The U.S. Open Club is located on the ground floor of Arthur Ashe Stadium. The Club is available to all Subscription Series ticket holders for the duration of the tournament for a nominal 36

entrance fee, and is included for Silver Loge Box seat holders. With its contemporary décor, the U.S. Open Club Presented by Emirates Airline is famous for its Chef’s Table and seasonal selections of eclectic American cuisine. Restaurant passes are required.

transports you to a dramatic setting in a tropical oasis reminiscent of 1950s Havana. Experience Mojito’s luscious flavors with Latin specialties and cool cocktails either inside or outdoors in our whimsical outdoor garden. Mojito is available for all ticket holders.

Patio Café & Bar: Soak up the beautiful surroundings of the U.S. Open grounds at the expanded outdoor café and bar located outside the U.S. Open Club Presented by Emirates Airline. Enjoy fresh selections of seasonal sandwiches and salads, paired with summer specialty cocktails. The Patio Café & Bar is available to all ticket holders.

Heineken Red Star Café: The Heineken Red Star Café is located next to the South Plaza Fountains. The Heineken Red Star Café sits on the top level of the two-story building, providing guests a spacious, ideal setting to unwind and keep track of the matches while enjoying the Café’s laidback atmosphere and enhanced menus. The U.S. Open Collection Store, located on the ground level, features a complete assortment of 2014 U.S. Open merchandise and mementos alongside a limited selection of Heineken-branded offerings.

Mojito Restaurant & Bar: Mojito, the Open’s Cuban-inspired restaurant,

Moët & Chandon Terrace: The Moët & Chandon Terrace, located next to the

New York Tennis Magazine • September/October 2014 • NYTennisMag.com

2014 U.S. OPEN PREVIEW

Patio Café & Bar, features Moët & Chandon Imperial Champagne, along with full-service bar options. Guests can relax and enjoy a glass of champagne in an outdoor lounge setting.

cocktail, along with Grey Goose specialty cocktails and a full-service bar.

Baseline Cocktails: Come quench your thirst with a full-service bar that includes premium wine upgrades. Food Village: Enjoy regional cuisine and specialty items at the U.S. Open Food Village. Rejuvenate by the Fountains: Visit the U.S. Open’s refreshing food destinations by the fountains, including the South Plaza Café, Cuppa Spotta, Carnegie Deli, and Ben & Jerry’s. Grey Goose Bar: Located in the Food Village, the Grey Goose Bar features the Honey Deuce, a U.S. Open signature

USTA Introduces Phase One of National Tennis Center Renovations The USTA has announced a series of physical improvements and new fan enhancements for the 2014 U.S. Open at the USTA Billie Jean King National Tennis Center in Flushing Meadows, N.Y. In the first phase of a five-year transformation of the site, new elevated seating has been constructed around the practice courts and tournament Courts 4, 5 and 6 to create a unique three-court stadium viewing experience for fans. For the first time, fans will be able to watch competitive action on three tournament courts simultaneously, and will have enhanced, unobstructed views of the player practice courts. The elevated viewing area will hold more than 1,300 fans, and fan amenities will be available on the ground level. Additionally, Court 5 now will be the U.S. Open’s seventh television court, and will feature two video screens and

electronic line calling. The completion of this area marks the first phase in a series of on-site improvements that eventually will include two new stadiums replacing the current Louis Armstrong Stadium and Grandstand Stadium, a retractable roof over Arthur Ashe Stadium, and a southern expansion of the existing campus that will ease crowding and provide additional fan amenities. The USTA is targeting completion of this transformation by 2018. To highlight these changes for fans in attendance, the USTA has created a new gallery—U.S. Open of Tomorrow—that showcases the future transformation of the National Tennis Center. Other new offerings at the 2014 U.S. Open will include the addition of the American Collegiate Invitational during the second week of the tournament. Eight American men and eight American women

will be invited to compete in the tournament which will take place on the new tournament courts from Thursday-Saturday, Sept. 4-6. The tournament was spearheaded by USTA Chairman, CEO and President Dave Haggerty who wanted to create a showcase event to highlight some of America’s best college players. Also, the USTA will schedule the Boy’s and Girl’s Juniors Singles Finals on Court 17 in order to increase the visibility and fan accessibility to these events. Both finals will take place Sunday, Sept. 7. The Finals will include a stadium announcer and other production elements for the first time. Also, the USTA will make additional grounds passes available for that Sunday, and all those attending the Junior Singles Finals will be invited to stay and watch the Women’s Singles Final on the video boards in Court 17.

NYTennisMag.com • September/October 2014 • New York Tennis Magazine

2014 U.S. OPEN PREVIEW

2014 U.S. Open Match Schedule Subject to change Date/Session

Day/Evening

Time

Monday, August 25

1 Day

11:00 a.m.

Men’s/Women’s 1st Round

Monday, August 25

2 Evening

7:00 p.m.

Men’s/Women’s 1st Round

Tuesday, August 26

3 Day

11:00 a.m.

Men’s/Women’s 1st Round

Tuesday, August 26

4 Evening

7:00 p.m.

Men’s/Women’s 1st Round

Wednesday, August 27

5 Day

11:00 a.m.

Men’s 1st Round/Women’s 2nd Round

Wednesday, August 27

6 Evening

7:00 p.m.

Men’s/Women’s 2nd Round

Thursday, August 28

7 Day

11:00 a.m.

Men’s/Women’s 2nd Round

Thursday, August 28

8 Evening

7:00 p.m.

Men’s/Women’s 2nd Round

Friday, August 29

9 Day

11:00 a.m.

Men’s 2nd Round/Women’s 3rd Round

Friday, August 29

10 Evening

7:00 p.m.

Men’s 2nd Round/Women’s 3rd Round

Saturday, August 30

11 Day

11:00 a.m.

Men’s/Women’s 3rd Round

Saturday, August 30

12 Evening

7:00 p.m.

Men’s/Women’s 3rd Round

Sunday, August 31

13 Day

11:00 a.m.

Men’s 3rd Round/Women’s Round of 16

Sunday, August 31

14 Evening

7:00 p.m.

Men’s 3rd Round/Women’s Round of 16

Monday, September 1

15 Day

11:00 a.m.

Men’s/Women’s Round of 16

Monday, September 1

16 Evening

7:00 p.m.

Men’s/Women’s Round of 16

Tuesday, September 2

17 Day

11:00 a.m.

Men’s Round of 16/Women’s Quarterfinals

Tuesday, September 2

18 Evening

7:00 p.m.

Men’s Round of 16/Women’s Quarterfinals

Wednesday, September 3

19 Day

11:00 a.m.

Men’s and/or Women’s Quarterfinals

Wednesday, September 3

20 Evening

7:00 p.m.

Men’s and/or Women’s Quarterfinals

Thursday, September 4

21 Day

11:00 a.m.

Men’s Quarterfinals

Thursday, September 4

22 Evening

7:00 p.m.

Men’s Quarterfinals

Friday, September 5

23 Day

11:00 a.m.

Women’s Semifinals/Mixed-Doubles Final

Saturday, September 6

24 Day

11:00 a.m.

Men’s Semifinals/Women’s Doubles Final

Sunday, September 7

25 Day

12:00 p.m.

Women’s Final/Men’s Doubles Final

Monday, September 8

26 Day

5:00 p.m.

Men’s Final

New York Tennis Magazine • September/October 2014 • NYTennisMag.com

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Not Every Point is Equally Important in Tennis How to improve your chances of By Cosmin Cotet A long battle of short battles Out of all the sports out there, tennis has one of the most complicated scoring systems. We have games counted as 1, 2, 3, etc., and we have points counted as 15, 30, 40. Every game can end with a very frequent “deuce” and “advantage” and deuce and advantage and back to deuce again. I’m sure we can all recall matches where this roller-coaster affair ended after a ridiculous amount of deuces—like 13 of them. All this to win one game! You have to win six of these to win a set. If you’re lucky enough and your opponent doesn’t decide that he would rather enter a tiebreak (best out of seven points that are now counted as 1, 2, 3, etc.) to see who deserves to win the set. And that is just the first one. At the Grand Slam level, the best of five sets wins the match. That’s a lot of points and time to be on the court. Tennis is a sport of many short-lived battles that speak with the highest of intensity about the on-court struggle of maintaining an advantage. But the nature of tennis makes it so that sometimes, you could win a match even if you won fewer points (or battles) 40

than your opponent. This means that some points are more important than others. We often hear post-match interviews of the pro players talking about how their opponent played better during the important points. Let’s not count Rafael Nadal in this equation because, according to him, every point is important. Sure it is. But again, no one can change the fact that some points are more important than others. If you can find a way to win the important points, then you will become a more efficient player who will achieve greater on-court success. Understanding the power of number two in tennis If I were to pick the most important score number in tennis, it would be number two. I often ask my students how many points it takes to win a game. They immediately say four. That is correct. Now, if your opponent also wins four points in that same game, can you still win the game? No, they say. It’s deuce. You have to win by at least two points. The same rule applies to winning a set (win by two games) and a tie-break (win by two points). The scoring system behind tennis has a lot to do with the number two. In order to prove yourself worthy of a victory at the expense of your opponent, you have to manage to win more batches of two points in a row than your opponent. It’s unrealistic to

New York Tennis Magazine • September/October 2014 • NYTennisMag.com

try to win every single point in a match, but not unrealistic to try to win two in a row more often than your opponent. Staying “up” in a game builds your momentum Because the game of tennis is structured around a scoring system that differentiates a winner from a loser by two points, or games, it is always more difficult to win the second point after already having won one. That is why it would be great if you were able to focus and try to stay “up” in games. Winning the first point in a game is not enough to “stay up” since your opponent could win the next one and the balance would be restored. The goal is to try to put two points together in a row at the beginning of the game to start with a 30-0 advantage. The third one is going to be tough to win if your opponent is decent enough. But losing that point will still keep you in control. Climb the mountain, then put the flag on top The closer you get to the end of a game, the more important the points become. Why? The tensions are higher when the end is near, and most of the drama of tennis is a product of having to close out a chapter in a match. Choking happens and

control. Exercise a constant level of focus throughout the match. A small deviation in focus as I like to call it. You need to sense the importance of a point, and work to raise your energy and intensity levels to points higher than that of your opponent. Climbing the mountain without putting the flag on the summit is not enough. You need to exercise a “thirst for the kill” and stop your mind from relaxing on those important moments. This is easier said than done of course. But if you manage to do so, at the junior level, you would probably need just a few games where you keep this focus. It would be enough to create an image of reluctance in your opponent’s mind that will on its own provide you with the mental advantage necessary to win the match. In the pros, it gets much harder.

f winning a match by playing the score natural instincts come into play when one is faced with losing or winning. Say you managed to get to a 40-15 lead in a game. Many times though, you end up losing that game. All you take from that game now is frustration and a feeling of remorse. Because of these regrets, this situation is more damaging than if you were down in the game the entire time. Let’s imagine what happens in your mind at 40-15. You have worked hard to get to that point. You are definitely in control of the game and (the most obstructive thought) you are far from losing the game. Naturally, your mind and focus achieves a well-deserved state of relaxation and diminution. On the other side of the net though, your competition is at the brink of losing the game. The opposition’s natural instinct is to fight back. Their senses are more acute, and their focus is more intense. During this next point, they have a game to lose and you don’t. They hit the ball better now and win the point, taking the score to 40-30. It’s okay, you still have one more chance of winning, and again, you are still far (three points) from losing it. Your opponent though, has contrasting feelings. She is still fighting for survival. It is now deuce. You now need two points to win the same game. The hardest part about being up in the game is to be able to maintain the same focus that brought you to that position of

Don’t forget the score When I talk to my students about the importance of playing the score and maintaining a manageable level of focus throughout the match, I ask them to show me a sign that they recognize the importance of a point. Whether I ask them to look at me or look at their racquet, I want them to feel the pressure and get used to it. There are different ways of scoring a tennis match: Eight game pro set, tie-break at five-all, 10-point tie-breaker in lieu of a third set, and no tie-break to decide the fifth set at the Australian Open, Roland Garros and Wimbledon. In fact, this year, the NCAA imposed a new rule that will eliminate the

deuce-advantage limbo and force the players to decide the game with one decisive point at 40-all. This “no-ad” rule is meant to make matches shorter and thus, more attractive to watch for the overwhelmingly impatient campus crowd who would otherwise love to come watch “the tennis.” The same rules apply with this new scoring system. The player who has the mental ability and understanding to play those points better will win the match. The players who manage to adapt to the change will be more successful than the ones who don’t. In fact, a few years ago, in order to make doubles matches more attractive, the ATP imposed a “no-add” rule. Did this change of scoring create a ripple in the rankings? Not at all. The same teams who used to win with the ad scoring system managed to win with the no-ad system. Some points are more important than others, especially when it comes to “close out” a game, set and match. But it is the player who recognizes and plays the important points with more lucidity and drive who will win the match. In tennis, winning two points in a row more often than your opponent will bring you victory. Cosmin Cotet is assistant Academy director at the John McEnroe Tennis Academy in New York City and a former ATP player and college standout at Texas Christian University. He can be reached by phone at (214) 476-9843 or e-mail at ccotet@gmail.com.

NYTennisMag.com • September/October 2014 • New York Tennis Magazine

Tips for Juniors Aspiring to be U.S. Open Players By John W. Sherwood The following is a simple and consolidated checklist for junior tournament players working their way along the developmental path to future U.S. Open tournaments. Big concepts 1. Don’t train in too small of a pond. Too many coaches and programs want to keep you to themselves. While it’s important to have a home base, you also need to practice and play with a wide variety of players and playing styles. Seek out hitting partners and develop several “practice pods” that you can train in. Be nomadic and expand your radius to match your level of competition. If you are competing locally, train closer to home, but consider using multiple facilities and programs. If you have a higher sectional or national ranking, expand your exposure accordingly looking for opportunities to train with your regional and national peers. 2. While using multiple programs you will be exposed to multiple coaches. While these different perspectives can be of value, it’s important to have a primary coach who communicates effectively with 42

these other coaches and establishes developmental priorities. 3. Learn to “play the game.” Too many players become solid technical ball strikers and are great in clinics, but struggle when in competition. You need to carve out independent practice time … you don’t always have to play with a coach or “in a program.” Play practice matches, sets or breakers with a variety of players. 4. Aim higher and practice tougher. In addition, seek out and hit with older and more experienced players, such as high school, collegiate or adult players at your club. Then, as you get older, don’t forget to give back to younger players. 5. Build a strong support team around you. This team should consist of parents, coaches, trainers, sports psychologists, nutritionists and older players you can emulate. All of these individuals have their place in your development. Prevent injury 1. Stay healthy. In order to progress along your developmental pathway, avoiding acute, short-term and chronic injury is key. Too many players and programs are “oncourt” too long, sacrificing quality and intensity, for selling more time “on-court.”

New York Tennis Magazine • September/October 2014 • NYTennisMag.com

The time you train should be intense, focused and with a purpose, thus challenging you both physically and mentally. In my opinion, too much unfocused time on-court builds mediocrity and can actually cause injury, not excellence! 2. As a young player, avoid too much heavy lifting in the gym. While I could go into great detail on this topic, consult a trainer who knows this sport and the needs of developing competitive players. 3. Play with the softest strings you can. As a junior player, avoid stiff poly strings. While you will restring more often, your arm and wrist will thank you. Always add a vibration dampener. 4. Tighten your laces. It amazes me how many top junior players don’t tighten their shoe laces. You don’t want your ankle rolling in your shoe and end up with a sprain. Pre-match 1. Develop proper sleeping habits. Approximately seven days before a tournament, start to pay extra attention to sleep levels, pre-match diet and hydration (you should already be watching these during your training cycles). These factors can affect your body’s performance many days

out. Be prepared to play multiple matches over multiple days. 2. Switch up your routine. Shift training cycle from drills to live ball point play, sets, tie-breakers and practice matches. 3. Do not over-exert. Avoid very heavy lifting, training or swimming before a tournament begins. 4. Get accustomed. Practice on the same surface as the tournament, and use the same ball type. If the tournament is a major change in surface, climate, altitude, geography or time zones, plan travel to allow practice time and acclimation to that environment. 5. Prep your body. Get up at least three hours before match time. Give your body time to fully wake up. 6. Mentally prep yourself. Positive mental preparation, maintain a professional mindset with positive mental imagery. Be excited to compete and enjoy every match! 7. Properly warm up. Warm up for your match as follows: Begin with a dynamic warm up (one before getting in the car and another at match site, if you’re traveling a long distance to the match site). Follow with a pre-match on-court warmup at the site if possible (for 15-30 minutes maximum, about 30 minutes to 90 minutes before match time). This may not always be possible. If you cannot warmup at the tournament site, an “on court” hit at an alternative site is recommended. In these cases, your pre-match dynamic warmup becomes more important. During match play 1. Go in prepared. Enter the match with a “game plan” based on your strengths and your scouting. 2. You are better. Know that you are better-trained, better-prepared, and are in better shape than your competitor for this and every match. 3. Your number one weapon is your mind!

4. Maintain focus. Keep your mind and eyes on your own court. Block out all other distractions (noise, fans, parents, etc.). This is a learned and practiced skill. 5. If necessary, adapt/change and problem solve. How are points being won or lost in your match? Is the match being won by you or is your opponent losing? Am I getting beaten or are you beating yourself? Problem-solve! The world’s best players are excellent problem solvers. This is also a learned and practiced skill set. 6. Have every shot in your toolbox. From lobs to overheads, drop shots, slices, etc., bring out all of your shots. 7. Control the rate/speed of play. 8. Be unpredictable. If unpredictability is part of your game, strategically change the pace and spin of the ball to disrupt your opponent’s rhythm. 9. Keep consistent. If you’re winning, you may wish to take less time between points and shorter changeovers … “stay on a roll.” Don’t give your opponent time to problem solve. If you are down, then slow down! Give yourself time to problem-solve, remain focused, go through your routines, and give time for your opponent to over think! Shift the momentum. 10. Use your routines and breathing to control emotions, both positive and negative emotions. Channel frustration or anger into fighting spirit and will to win! 11. Be positive and show only positive emotions and body language. Do not lose control or show negative behavior … it builds up your opponent’s confidence. 12. Have good match awareness. Understand your opportunities with break points, deuce games … know when to take chances and know when to play percentage tennis. 13. Never let things get to you! Bad line calls, call challenges, cheating, net cords, lets, your opponent’s parents and fans, etc. These things will happen. Know and accept that. Manage the

match and stop your opponent’s cheating within the rules, use available umpires. Stop play until an umpire can intervene. If the line judge leaves your court and the cheating continues, stop play again, and ask the umpire/line judge to return. Know that you are the better player win or lose for taking the high road. 14. Play to win! Do not play “not to lose.” 15. Never give up! Matches can turn quickly, as players can get tired or injured, etc. If you are down, the longer you are out there, the better your chances to come back. 16. Serve with a purpose. Have a plan for every serve (placement) and every return of serve. Ensure you are using your routines to prepare for the start of each point. 17. The “Six Ball Rule.” If you are having a tough day, focus on your footwork, breathing and routines. Use the “Six Ball Rule:” Get six balls in, before taking any chances, unless a clear opening presents itself. Play with shape and margin. 18. If you double fault, make sure you get your next first serve in! 19. Manage your body. Hydrate and eat during changeovers. Remember, you are managing your body for this match, the next match and the tournament. 20. Take advantage of changeovers. Use changeovers to build positives, pat yourself on the back and develop strategies. Analyze the match, become an ESPN commentator for yourself. 21. Record yourself. Have someone video and or chart your matches … use all the technology available to you! 22. You’re next match starts as soon as this one ends! Post-match and between matches 1. Log your activity. Keep a journal of the continued on page 44

NYTennisMag.com • September/October 2014 • New York Tennis Magazine

tips from the tennis pro continued from page 43 match and how you would play your opponent the next time. All of your matches, whether you win or lose, should be recorded in this log. 2. Know when to discuss results with parents and coaches. Some players need more time between their match and the time of analysis, while others are comfortable with post-match discussions. Know yourself and communicate this to your parents and coaches. 3. Study your stats and video. Use all technology available to your advantage! 4. Learn from every match. Develop practice plans from these lessons. 5. Make sure your body properly recovers. Use static stretching, massages, ice baths, etc. to help your body recover. Use the trainers at the tourna-

ment site if available. Never pass up their assistance. 6. Manage your body. Hydrate, eat, rest, and sleep. Manage your body for the tournament and future play. 7. Mentally relax. Scout, but never linger, at the tournament site after your work is done. Give your mind a rest. 8. Keep loose. A short hit between, or after, the day’s matches, is a great way to stay loose. Adjust your practice time based on your match time and match toughness. 9. Beware the sun! Never sit in the sun between matches … it will drain your energy. 10. Cool down properly. Take cold/cool showers between matches and change into fresh clothes.

Take time to discuss, practice and implement the above with your parents and coaches. It will help you become a better-prepared and better-educated player. Remember, your next match starts when the last point of the current match is finished! John Sherwood is a USPTA Elite Professional and USTA High Performance Coaching Graduate). He played Division I tennis for the University of Toledo, after which he embarked on a business career running national sales organizations, then structuring and operating small business turnarounds. He became chief club operating officer of Five Seasons Sports CC in Cleveland and Burr Ridge, Ill. He also served as director of high performance tennis at Centercourt Athletic Club in Chatham, N.J. He has coached and guided hundreds of junior players along the developmental pathway to major D1 college teams and into the professional ranks. He may be reached by phone at (216) 403-1374 or e-mail j1sherwood@aol.com.

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New York Tennis Magazine • September/October 2014 • NYTennisMag.com

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Robert Levine

A Player’s Perspective on High-Performance Development in New York City

Denise Starr

Denise Starr and Robert Levine, two elite players who reside in the New York City area, spent this past summer training at Gotham Tennis Academy/Stadium Tennis Center. While their opinions are unique, their perspectives are universal. Recently, they fielded questions from campers, as well as from parents of aspiring young players. Denise Starr is a sophomore at the University of California–Berkeley. She was a freshman standout, posting an 8-1 singles record and a 6-1 doubles record. As a junior, she reached a career high of 126th in the ITF World Junior Rankings. Robert Levine is a high school junior ranked 116th in the ITF World Junior Rankings. He has two ITF Singles titles, two ITF Doubles titles and has reached the semifinals of the 2014 Grade 1 Easter Bowl. What do you look for in a program? Robert Levine: Both general and specific training. Many big programs get a lot of hitting and points done, but rarely do they provide specific and individualized attention. I feel the combination helps me build skills which I can then integrate into my game. This facilitates my progress and makes a big difference over time. Denise Starr: I look for well-rounded training and to have fun. As an all-court player, I need to work on my baseline game and net play, so programs that play a lot of fun transitional games always catch my attention. Do you feel that you always need an equal level partner to get a good practice? Levine: Definitely not. I think it is important to train with players who have a wide range in levels. For example, if you are working on trying to incorporate something new into your game, it’s helpful to play with a player who is not as strong as you are. If you are getting ready to compete in a tournament, it’s helpful to play with someone of equal ability. Once you’ve mastered what you’re

working on, it’s helpful to test it out on a stronger player. Starr: No … a variety helps a lot. For me personally, I hate playing matches against people who are at a lower level than me because it makes my level drop. The positive in that is it makes me fight against myself more, and I find my weaknesses easier that way. It helps me discover more intangibles. How important are intangibles in a sport like tennis? Levine: Intangibles are a real advantage in tennis, as they can create a huge difference between people of similar tangible levels. If my game is exactly the same level as my opponent, it makes all the difference to make one more shot, or to make my opponent hit an awkward ball. It’s kind of like being able to improvise. Starr: Well I would say intangibles give you a different perspective that helps you analyze the match in a way that maybe you weren’t taught to. For instance, say you see something on the court and you adjust to it without being told to do so by your coach. How has playing competitive tennis helped you grow as a person? Levine: It has taught me to work extremely hard. I like how it forces me to look at my game realistically and be honest about what is good and what needs work. I feel like being able to do all of those things off court will help me excel at whatever I choose to do in life. Starr: Tennis forces you to make your own decisions because it’s a very independent sport. It creates self sufficiency in a way that you have to rely solely on yourself to get out of mental holes and win tough matches. Off the court, it’s the same, you cannot rely on someone to make decisions for you and tell you what to do. You don’t live with your parents forever. Then you have to decide for yourselves what you’re going to do day to

day and self sufficiency is one of the most important things you need to survive. What has motivated you throughout your development as a tennis player? Levine: I’ve been lucky enough to have great mentors throughout my junior tennis career. I’ve surrounded myself with a team of coaches and advisors who believe in me. I am motivated by them, as well as by my desire to reach my short- and long-term goals. Starr: I have a tough time staying still in general, and I love a good challenge. Being able to direct and use all of my energies in competition is really fun for me. As a result, I feel like it gives me purpose. How do you prepare mentally for a match? Levine: I like to do a bag check and make sure that I have everything I need, as it helps me complete my preparation. I know the majority of preparation is done weeks before the match, but having everything I need walking onto the court gives me a sense of finality. The only thing left to do then is to compete. Starr: I like to clear my mind and not think about the match actually. I’ll listen to music and juggle, or I’ll jump rope and do a planned dynamic warmup. Bottom line … I like to work off some of my nervous energy and keep my mind busy. As top players in our tennis program, you mentor younger tournament players. Can you talk about that? Levine: I grew up with the benefit of having a mentor, and I know that played a big role in developing my own game. I’m really happy to be able to do the same thing for the younger players. Starr: I have a lot of experience and knowledge to share. The “do’s” and “don’ts” can only be learned over time.

NYTennisMag.com • September/October 2014 • New York Tennis Magazine

: e v r Se e

a l F a t i H r Neve

By Lisa Dodson

hat’s a pretty bold statement: Never hit a flat serve again. If you follow that advice, then you will be on your way to major improvements with spin, speed and consistency of your serve. You will be forced to move your grip to the correct position: Continental. A flat serve (using a forehand grip) is low percentage, has no variety other than speed and holds you back from learning the important slice and kick serves. The slice is a much better choice for your base than a flat serve and is ideal for a second serve.

n i a g A e v r t Se

Here’s the scoop. The forehand grip (Eastern to Semi-Western), which many use for the serve, is specific only to the forehand (Incorrect grip: Picture 1). When you begin playing tennis, you get on the court and hit a lot of forehands because this is typically the most successful stroke. It gives you the ability to rally with another player, gain confidence, get some exercise and have some fun. In actuality, you are patterning a feel of the hand on the grip that corresponds to where you know the strings to be facing. If you do this enough, any other grip feels impossible. Simply put, if you move your grip right or left, this creates racket angle (the strings are now not squared up to and fully facing the ball) and you no longer know where your ball will go. So, what does this have to do with the

serve? Since we are accustomed to hitting every ball with the forehand grip, we assume that the serve should be hit this way as well. Today is the day to move your grip over in the direction of a Continental (Correct grip: Picture 2 ). The scary part is that the ball will no longer travel in the straight line that you expected it to, and it won’t sound or feel the same. Let’s examine why you need to do this. Let’s make this simple and list the benefits of holding the Continental Grip. These things will give you more pop on the ball with less effort. There is a corresponding drill below that will help you understand these three points. 1. The hitting hand will be able to move from an inward to an outward position by means of the elbow and forearm (known as pronation). This allows the racket head to travel faster than the hand (known as racket head speed). 2. The forearm and elbow will be able to move in a natural, powerful, efficient motion therefore adding flexibility and

New York Tennis Magazine • September/October 2014 • NYTennisMag.com

strength to the motion 3. Strain is taken off of the shoulder because a majority of the power and racket movement will come from momentum and speed of a weighted object (the racket head) and not from the shoulder joint. The shoulder really only attaches your arm to your body and is not a source of power. All serve types can be hit with a Continental Grip (just a little more extreme for the kick and topspin serves). If you begin experimenting with the grip and are willing to experience some failure in order to accelerate your serve improvement then you will soon realize the benefits. Remember … this grip is also supposed to be used for the volley, overhead and backhand. This is a real gamechanger, as the more you use it, the more versatile a player you will become. Changing your grip to a Continental Grip will force you away from the flat serve. The grip change puts the front edge of the racket forward towards the ball. In order to hit a slice serve, you need to strike the upper right part of the ball (some say 1:00) so this racket angle makes this possible instead of impossible. Your wrist and hand will be able to move more freely which creates more action on the ball with the racket head. Initially, your ball should curve sharply

right to left (righty) or left to right (lefty). After some practice, you’ll discover that you can actually hit a flat serve with the same grip by pronating your hand slightly more and earlier at contact. Here’s a great drill to do that will let you know if you are on the right track. The goal is to make the racket head move in a 180 degree arc with minimal movement of the hand. This particular part of the serve is, in my opinion, the most important to produce properly. Without the correct grip it cannot be done. Follow the six-picture sequence (Pictures 3-8) to see what it looks like. Practice this and your serve is guaranteed to improve. 1. Stand mid-way between the net and the service line. Prepare your racket in an abbreviated position starting with the tip pointing back and slightly down to the ground. 2. Toss the ball so that you have to reach up and lean forward. 3. Swing up to strike the ball and stop your hand at contact, while letting the racket head keep moving on the arc. 4. Finish with the racket head pointing towards the ground and your hand at shoulder height. You will notice that your upper arm, bicep finish in a slightly outward position and that your palm will be facing outward. The

racket will lower slightly more because of momentum. The bicep and upper arm area will help stop and tuck the arm against the body. 5. At this point, notice that the hand has only moved about two-feet, while the racket head has moved in a 180 degree arc. 6. The stopping of the hand allows the racket head move freely and faster than the hand. This is how you gain lots of power with little effort. 7. Aim to get the ball to bounce in the service box. This will activate your shoulder, bicep, elbow, forearm and wrist to go through the correct actions. If you are set on hitting a flat serve you are most likely holding a forehand grip and will not be able to perform the above movements. If you hold a Continental Grip, then you will be successful with the above drill and will allow yourself back to hit a big, varied and successful serve. Set yourself free on the serve by using a Continental Grip and kissing that flat serve goodbye! Lisa Dodson is owner of Servemaster at The Total Serve, a USPTA Elite Pro, a formerly world ranked player and radio show host. She may be reached by email at lisa@thetotalserve.com or visitwww.thetotalserve.com.

NYTennisMag.com • September/October 2014 • New York Tennis Magazine

Confidence

How to get (or reclaim) this tennis essential

By Xavier Luna Athletes generally perform at their best when they are playing with confidence. Tennis is no exception. Players with confidence believe they will succeed, while those lacking confidence don’t, causing their shots, decision-making and overall game to suffer. Anyone can go through rough stretches on the court where confidence is in short supply. So how do tennis players regain confidence? Or better yet, how can they sustain confidence and not allow doubt to creep into their mind in the first place? Let’s explore a few strategies. The mental side No player is in top form in every single match. How you respond to that makes all the difference. If you follow up with another poor match or a poor practice session, self-doubt can snowball, taking your remaining confidence with it. Here’s help avoiding that. l Have a short memory: If you play a poor match, put it behind you. Don’t dwell on your mistakes, but instead, look forward to the following match and let that motivate you to play your best next time out. l Surround yourself with the right people: If your peers, coaches and parents are starting to harp on your game, it’s going to drag you down. Seek out people who will support and encourage you when things aren’t going well. l Think “will” not “can:” Instead of telling yourself, “I can make that shot,” say “I will make that shot.” Believing you “can” do something hints at the possibility that you can also fail at it. But saying that you “will” do it eliminates doubt. The physical side Now let’s consider the physical aspects of confidence and how to optimize them for your on-court performance. l Practice: Learn from your mistakes and sharpen the skills that let you down. Mastering your shortcomings will improve your overall game and help you assure yourself that what you lacked the last time won’t be lacking again. l Go back to basics: In any game, even the best players need to take a step back sometimes and work on the fundamentals—from Tiger Woods to John McEnroe to Albert Pujols. In tennis, confidence is key. Make sure that you’re taking the proper mental and physical measures to keep it strong—even when you’re scuffling. And see what a difference it makes in your game! Xavier Luna is director of Advantage All-City Junior Programs (Roosevelt Island Racquet Club, Manhattan Plaza Racquet Club and New York Tennis Club). He may be reached by phone at (917) 570-9650 or visit www.advantagetennisny.com.

NCAA Singles Champs Giron and Collins to Take Part in Inaugural American Collegiate Invitational The USTA has announced that 2014 NCAA singles champions Marcos Giron of UCLA (21, Thousand Oaks, Calif.) and Danielle Collins of the University of Virginia (20, St. Petersburg, Fla.) will headline the American collegians competing in the inaugural American Collegiate Invitational Sept. 4-6 at the USTA Billie Jean King National Tennis Center in Flushing, N.Y., with possible 2015 U.S. Open main draw wild cards at stake. Eight men’s and women’s college players will compete in a singles tournament during the second week of the US Open, with the champions coming back to compete in the 2015 U.S. Open. If the men’s champion is ranked 250th or better and the women’s champion 150th or better, they’ll compete in the singles main draw. Otherwise, they’ll compete in Qualifying. The champions will also get wild cards into two USTA Pro Circuit events, while each runner-up will get one. “The American Collegiate Invitational

demonstrates the USTA’s commitment to college tennis by awarding the men’s and women’s champions a wild card into next year’s US Open, providing the additional opportunity for collegians to develop in the professional game,” said USTA chairman, CEO and president Dave Haggerty. Giron (who turned pro this summer after

his junior year at UCLA) and Collins (who just completed her sophomore season at the University of Virginia) also received wild cards into this year’s U.S. Open Singles Main Draws as American NCAA champions. The full Invitational fields will be announced along with the complete USTA Collegiate Team on Aug. 11.

NYTennisMag.com • September/October 2014 • New York Tennis Magazine

The Metro Corporate Tennis League, presented by Advantage Tennis Clubs, is a joint initiative of the Metrotennis Community Tennis Association (MCTA) and the USTA/Eastern Metro Region. The League is divided into three levels of play, Intermediate (3.0-3.5), Advanced Intermediate (4.0) and Advanced (4.5+). We also offer an Advanced Beginner Clinic program for teams not ready to compete. The League hosts more than 50-plus teams. However, during the Summer Season, only 22-plus teams can be accommodated.

The following is our roster for the season: Advanced Division 1. Bloomberg 2. Barclays 3. BNP Paribas 4. Cleary Gottlieb 5. Ernst & Young 6. Bank of America Intermediate Division 1 1. Bloomberg 2. Sullivan

3. Patterson 4. D.E. Shaw & Company 5. Neuberg Berman 6. Moody’s 7. Cleary Gottlieb 8. Deutsche Bank Intermediate Division 2 1. Bloomberg 2. Akin Gump 3. Nielsen

4. Bloomberg 5. Deutsche (Tony) 6. Google 7. Ipreo 8. BNP Paribas Advanced Beginner Program 1. Bloomberg 2. Bloomberg

The Summer Season runs from June 2-Aug. 20, culminating with an end-of-season party at Roosevelt Island Racquet Club. The Summer Season is entering its playoffs phase. The following are the brackets for the Advanced and Intermediate Divisions.

For more information regarding the Metro Corporate League, visit www.metrotennis.com under the “Corporate” tab. 50

New York Tennis Magazine • September/October 2014 • NYTennisMag.com

NYTennisMag.com • September/October 2014 • New York Tennis Magazine

The Pink Elephant is BACK on the Court: Five Mo By Rob Polishook, Mental Training Coach MA, CPC n the July/August 2014 issue of Long Island Tennis Magazine, I published “The Pink Elephant on the Court.” Since it appeared in the pages of this magazine, I have received an overflow of comments from kids who said “OMG, how did you know what I was thinking? This is exactly what I want to tell my mom and dad.” And then from parents, I have heard comments such as, “Really, I often wondered about what my son/daughter was thinking … wow, this is helpful.” Because of the number of responses, I have written a second part to this article. In this article, I have highlighted five more comments that kids share with me in my private sessions as a mental training coach. Hopefully, they are helpful to better understand what your kids might be thinking and best supporting their dreams, both on and off the court.

1. You think you re supporting me, but I need you to support me another way! Oftentimes, a parent will express to me or their child that they are doing everything they can to support their child. Usually what they talk about is the money being spent, the miles driven in the car, and the number of tournaments and lessons they registered for. However, from the child’s perspective, they don’t see this, they might say “Okay, I know that (and dismiss it), but when I look up from the court and you nod your head in disgust or throw your hands up after I miss an easy shot, that doesn’t feel like support! You never seem to be satisfied with how I play.” Clearly there are different definitions of “support” being used. The parents speak of support in regards to time and money spent, while the kids speak of support in regards to their emotions. 2. Just because I don’t get upset or fist pump doesn’t mean I don’t care! Sometimes a parent will come to me because they perceive their child lacks a competitive fire and want me to help bring that competitive nature out. I always mention to the parent how all kids show their competitive nature in a different ways. This is evident even at the professional level. Look at Rafael Nadal vs. Roger Federer vs. Lleyton Hewitt, or Maria Sharapova vs. Steffi Graff. All of these players express themselves differently on the court. There is not a right or wrong way as long as it is respectful to themselves, their opponent and the game. The key is to encourage your child to be themselves, while moving past adversity. 3. I know the ball was out, but I don’t want confrontation! Many times kids will not call out balls out, they will play on! Parents are wondering if the child cannot see the lines or if they need glasses? In reality, the problem is none of the above. The underlying issue is the child either does not want confrontation, and/or they do not want to be called a cheater. The ball not being called out is not really the issue here, but it is one of confidence and seeking to avoid confrontation. 52

New York Tennis Magazine • September/October 2014 • NYTennisMag.com

ore Things Your Child Won’t Tell You

pete.” Some parents keep it even more simple and just say, “I love you!” I know you all try to do the best you can do to help your child do their best in given situations. This parenting stuff is hard! Hopefully some of the “Pink Elephants” on the court from both parts of this story will provide you with some insight as to what your son or daughter may be thinking and also help put you at ease. They often don’t need your help in solving or fixing the situation, but just need to know you are with them.

4. When I’m quiet before a match, ally, it doesn’t work that way! More often than not, it just puts pressure on the child to perit’s because I’m nervous! The night before a match, or even on the car form. Their focus goes directly to the outride driving to a match, has your child ever come, a place they cannot control and been silent? It seems like they have clammed moves them away from the process of where up or gone into a shell. Don’t take this to mean anything other than they “THE KEY IS TO ENCOURAGE just need time to be with themselves Rob Polishook, MA, CPC is the YOUR CHILD TO BE and process their nervousness. The founder and director of Inside the T H E M S E LV E S , W H I L E M O V I N G best remedy is to just be there for Zone Sports Performance Group. P A S T A D V E R S I T Y. ” them and not to force conversation. As a mental training coach, he This will only facilitate short and edgy works with athletes and teams in all answers. The key is to help them just be they need to be—to compete … something sports and levels, helping them to gain the they can control. Additionally, The child thinks mental edge. He has spoken nationally and themselves. to themselves, “If I don’t win, I will disappoint internationally and has been quoted by 5. It’s not helpful when you tell me I my parents.” Certainly they don’t want to let ESPN, Sports Illustrated, The New York anyone down, therefore the pressure dou- Times and other major media publications. should win, I feel more pressure. Oftentimes, parents will think by telling their bles, and unfortunately on the court, the His new book, Tennis Inside the Zone has child they are the favorites or telling them child’s nerves get tighter. It’s never a good just been released. He may be reached by they have a better record/ranking than their recipe for success. Simply tell them to “Play phone at (973) 723-0314, e-mail rob@insidopponent, it will give them confidence. Actu- proud,” “Just be yourself,” or “Just com- ethezone or visit www.insidethezone.com.

Improve, compete or just enjoy the game! All-City Junior Tennis offers junior players everything they love. Here’s what makes our program so special: - Some of the ﬁnest coaches in the Eastern U.S. - For players as young as 4, recreational players, and tournament competitors - Convenient after-school and Saturday classes - Transportation available

All-City Junior Tennis, New York City’s oldest and most established junior program. At Roosevelt Island Racquet Club, just minutes from Manhattan. Fall programs start Sept. 11

Sign up today! Call 212.935.0250 Email gkent@advantagetennisclubs.com Visit www.advantagetennisclubs.com NYTennisMag.com • September/October 2014 • New York Tennis Magazine

New York Beach Tennis S

each tennis is a lot of fun to play, but just like anything else, things are more fun when you can enjoy them with your friends. The backbone of any sport is the sport’s competitors, and beach tennis simply needed more of them. Before this summer, there were no beach tennis leagues in New York, no weekly organized play, and tournaments had become extremely small. As winter turned to spring, there were many questions with few answers regarding what the summer of 2014 would bring for the sport within the Metropolitan area. Luckily, those questions were answered by a newly formed organization named New York Beach Tennis (NYBT). NYBT brought fun in the sun and many new “friends” out onto the sands of Crest Hollow Country Club in Woodbury, N.Y. NYBT was founded in the spring of 2014 by David Sickmen (owner of United Sports Publications). NYBT formed a partnership with Crest Hollow Country Club, a facility that boasts four beautiful sand courts in its backyard. NYBT found Crest Hollow to be the perfect site to host four tournaments, as well as weeknight “Under the Lights” league play and weekend organized practice sessions. Overall, NYBT formed a business plan, bringing in sponsors and players, while making sure communication, organization and marketing were all top notch to breed the growth 54

essential for sustainability of the sport. It didn’t take long for success to begin, as the organization, host facility and NYBT’s strong ties to the tennis community throughout the Metropolitan area brought players out in droves to the Crest Hollow’s sands. At the first tournament of the summer, Devin Wakeford from Westchester, N.Y. and Phil Stolt from New York City were crowned the Men’s Doubles Champions. After the tournament, Stolt had this to say: “A great tournament with great weather and an all-around great day! Thanks to NYBT, DJ Curtis McCalla, and all of the sponsors. I encourage everyone to join us and play NYBT. It will surely be a great day in the sun and the sand.” Phil’s sentiments were echoed by everyone who was on the sand that day, and it set the tone for what NYBT would bring to the table all summer long. “I had an amazing time playing in the NYBT tournaments at Crest Hollow,” said Jen Petersen. “The competition was great, the atmosphere and the music were amazing, and my doubles partner and I cannot wait until the next tournament!” Competition is always fierce on the court, but the camaraderie off the court is of major significance as well. The NYBT competitors get along really well and had tons of fun together. NYBT certainly made sure all the players and onlookers were entertained during

New York Tennis Magazine • September/October 2014 • NYTennisMag.com

tournaments. Music played in the background, courtesy of DJ Curtis McCalla, players mingled between the Jamba Juice Player’s Hut, which offered complimentary smoothies, the John McEnroe Tennis Academy beach games where Cornhole and the Ring Toss became big hits, and players even took a swim in the beautiful pool at Crest Hollow just steps away from the courts. The New York Islanders Ice Girls made an appearance, hitting a few shots on the sand and taking pictures with the players at tournaments, and there was never a shortage of good food to eat as the Crest Hollow staff had waiters/waitresses serving food to the players throughout the day. Players were always treated well and swag bags with tons of gifts from the many sponsors that NYBT worked with this summer were given out to players. During the weekly “Under the Lights” league play, there was often a great band playing (Tooty and the Mother Plucker, featuring two NYBT players who are also members of Crest Hollow, Barbara and Raf Pincon) and the Club had the food and pool open late night while NYBT brought in dozens of players to play each week. People would play late into the night, and everyone left smiling. “NYBT has infused life into the beach tennis community in New York this summer, using its vast resources to create a young,

hines on Crest Hollow CC

athletic and talented base of players that is growing daily,” said Sickmen. “There is such a positive buzz around what we are doing, and so many good tennis players and athletes are getting involved. To have full draws, professional organization, a beautiful club to play at and great people involved has made it a fun summer on the sand for myself and many others. Everyone is happy!” The partnership between NYBT and Crest Hollow allowed for a place for players to play

on weeknights and weekends. NYBT supplied the players and Crest Hollow provided the venue. NYBT players also volunteered their time to teach new players and train with players at no cost to anyone. This made Crest Hollow’s members quite happy as many joined the fun this summer for the first time. “I am really pleased with the turnouts of the NYBT tournaments, and to see so many new beach tennis players at Crest Hollow,” said

Brad Berger. “With so much new competition, we all had a great summer!” In its first summer, NYBT created the largest base of beach tennis members in the country. More than 100 new players took to the sand for multiple sold-out tournaments, an amazing feat from where things began in May. NYBT, Crest Hollow and its members, the NYBT players and the sport were all winners this summer despite the many obstacles that had to be overcome.

Visit NYBT at Instagram.com/NYBeachTennis or at Facebook.com/BeachTennis.NY.

T E N N I S

R U S H

Come play where the surf applauds every shot. The Seaside Tennis Club at the legendary Mauna Kea Beach Hotel on Hawaii Island. 1.866.977.4589 I MaunaKeaBeachHotel.com

NYTennisMag.com • September/October 2014 • New York Tennis Magazine

The Importance of the Continental Grip By Juan Oscar Rios I grew up playing tennis in the early 1970s where everyone played with wooden racquets and the majority of good players played with a Continental Grip. I was taught the Continental Grip for every stroke, including the forehand. World class champions who that use the Continental Grip include Ilie Nastase, John McEnroe, Jimmy Connors, Stefan Edberg, Pete Sampras and Roger Federer. It is interesting that one can hit every shot in tennis effectively with the Continental Grip, but this would be very difficult to do with a Western or Semi-Western grip. I believe that every tennis player should start with the Continental Grip. This is a powerful statement by which I am sure to receive a lot of criticism. In the mid-1970s, Jimmy Connors came to the scene with a metal racquet, the T2000 and shortly after, came the head master. This was the beginning of a new era in pro tennis. As tennis racquets and strings changed according to advances in technology, it gave the player more power and spin making the game faster. Why are the teachers today not teaching this essential technique? The reason why teaching pros stopped teaching the Continental Grip was because of the re56

birth of the forehand. The forehand became the most important shot in tennis. The game of tennis started to change when a boy named Jimmy Arias burst onto the scene at the age of 14, beating men and winning men’s open tournaments with his amazing forehand which he could hit from anywhere on the court. In my opinion, it is the biggest forehand the game has ever seen using an Eastern Grip. Arias used a Continental Grip for every other stroke. From that moment, on teachers began teaching the forehand first before the other strokes. I believe that the first grip to teach a kid at an early age is the Continental Grip. Every stroke, with the exception of the forehand, should be hit with the Continental Grip. Backhand, F&B slice, volleys, overhead, serve, drop shots and lobs should all be hit with the Continental Grip. It is a lot easier to change from the Continental Grip, to Semi-Western or Western for one stroke than it is to change from the Semi-Western or Western Grip to all the other eight strokes! The serve is the second most important shot in tennis; if it is not taught at an early age with the correct grip (Continental Grip), the student will have many problems with their game. Another thing I have seen in my 30 years of teaching is highly-ranked juniors

New York Tennis Magazine • September/October 2014 • NYTennisMag.com

with tremendous deficiencies in their net game. This is because they are taught the forehand first, and when it is time to volley, they cannot adapt to the Continental Grip, and thus never have good enough volleys to compete at a high level. In 2002, I hosted a clinic at a resort with Billie Jean King, and the first thing she said was “The importance of learning the volleys first.” I believe that if the student learns the Continental Grip first, then a transition to the forehand will be a lot easier than going from the Western Grip to the Continental Grip. Teaching the Continental Grip first will produce more complete players in the game and maybe we can bring another Grand Slam champion back to our country! Juan Oscar Rios is a native of Puerto Rico, where he was ranked number one in his nation from ages 10-18. Juan holds four national titles and three doubles titles. He played five years on the ATP Tour, achieving a top 300 ranking in both singles and doubles. He was selected to the Rio Piedras Hall of Fame, along with boxing champ Felix “Tito” Trinidad in 2010. In 2011, he was selected to the Puerto Rico Tennis Hall of Fame. He won Gold, Silver and Bronze Medals at the Centro American and Caribbean Games.

U S T A L E A G U E S U P D AT E The USTA Metro Region just finished up its 2014 Queens and Manhattan season. Regional Playoffs were held on Saturday, Aug. 2 at the USTA Billie Jean King National Tennis Center where there was some great tennis played. Congratulations to all of the playoff teams for advancing to Regional Playoffs. A special congrats goes out to the following teams for winning their level and advancing to the Sectional Playoffs. 18+ League l 3.0 Women: Captained by Leonila Jewell & Debbie Saccocio l 3.5 Women: Captained by Jean Chin & Tamasine Nee Wood-Creighton l 4.0 Women: Captained by Debra Bricker & Freddi Ford l 4.5 Women: Captained by Jennifer Reiner & Karen Urban l 5.0 Women: Captained by Chiara Ann Ciabatti & Sanae Oyama l 3.0 Men: Captained by James Snow & Adolfo Caballero l 3.5 Men: Captained by A. Dalla Ragione l 4.0 Men: Captained by Fred Derman & Mitchell Low l 4.5 Men: Captained by Michael Doane l 5.0 Men: Captained by Eric Tomasini 40+ League l 3.0 Women: Captained by Deborah Fantera & Karen Johnson l 3.5 Women: Captained by Diane Ventura l 4.0 Women: Lauren Schaffer l 3.5 Men: Captained by Michael Tarlow & Fred Derman l 4.0 Men: Captained by Ron Johnson & Roger Freed l 4.5 Men: Captained by Ian Katz Best of luck to all the teams representing the USTA Metro Region at Sectionals! The Mixed-Doubles season will be starting up in the fall. NYTennisMag.com â&#x20AC;˘ September/October 2014 â&#x20AC;˘ New York Tennis Magazine

Snacking Your Way to On-Court Success is loaded with potassium and is an excellent source of electrolytes.

By Irina Belfer-Lehat RD, CDN Following proper nutrition preparation will guarantee an improved tennis match. Packing your lunch box with proper snacks and fluids will help you to avoid fatigue and cramps, and will prepare you for any early, late or multiple matches. Here are some easy tips on what super snacks and drinks to have in your lunch box when playing in a tournament. l Freeze some water and Gatorade the night before and pack it with your snacks and drinks. It will help to keep your refreshments cool and fresh. Coconut water

COME PLAY TENNIS AT THE HOME OF THE US OPEN

l The myth about Vitamin Water and Smart Water … they have empowering flavor names like “Endurance,” “Energy,” “Essential” and “Focus.” Vitamin Water gives the illusion of a healthy, hydrating and rejuvenating miracle elixir. The bottles are beautiful, colorful, and the text on them is snappy and clever. However, they do not provide proper electrolytes and often are full of sugar that can lead to further dehydration. Low-calorie Gatorades, such as G2, do not provide proper hydration either. Regular water, Gatorade and coconut water are the best sources of hydration.

We are open to the public 11 months of the year and feature: • • • • •

Year round Programs for Adults and Juniors 10 and Under Tennis Summer/Seasonal Camps Open/Contract Court Time Corporate Events, Birthday parties, Field Trips, Tours and more • Private Lessons • Cardio Tennis

For more information call

718.760.6200 or visit ntc.usta.com

New York Tennis Magazine • September/October 2014 • NYTennisMag.com

l Fiber is a super nutrient that keeps you full for a long time. Look for snack bars that have more than five grams of fiber in them. Dry fruits such as dates and apricots are an excellent source of fiber, they will provide you with energy between sets. l Fruits are super snacks. Not only do fruits provide all kinds of vitamins and minerals, but the potassium in fruit helps to prevent muscle cramping. Bananas and oranges are the best sources of potassium and are the easiest to have on the run. Here is a tip … peel your orange in advance to avoid a mess on the court. Another perfect super snack after your match is a fruit smoothie with coconut water and two tablespoons of almond butter and a teaspoon of chia seeds! This super drink will quickly reload you and help you to properly recover for your next match! Always consult a registered dietitian if you are on a special diet. Irina Belfer-Lehat of Nutrition Solution Co. is a New York State-licensed dietitian and certified dietitian-nutritionist. Irina Lehat RD Nutrition Solutions offers group classes starting in September, for kids in kindergarten through high school. Small groups, affordable prices! Mention this article and receive 20 percent off any services. For more information, call (917) 769-8031, e-mail irinalehat@gmail.com or visit www.irinalehat.com.

NEW YORK TENNIS CLUB

Centercourt Performance Tennis Center Clay Bibbee—Managing Partner and Academy Founder 65 Columbia Road Morristown, NJ 07960 (973) 635-1222 clay@centercourtclub.com www.centercourtclub.com

Go! Tennis at North Shore Tennis & Racquet Club George Garland—Director of Tennis 34-28 214th Place Flushing, NY 11361-1720 (718) 224-6303 george@gotennisprograms.com www.gotennisprograms.com

Gotham Tennis Academy Eric Faro—Director of Tennis 358 W. End Ave #3A New York, NY 10024 (646) 524-7069 info@gothamtennis.com www.gothamtennis.com

Manhattan Plaza Racquet Club Gertrud Wilhelm—General Manager 450 West 43rd Stree New York, NY 10036 (212) 594-0554 gwilhelm@advantagetennisclubs.com www.advantagetennisclubs.com

DIRECTORY

Midtown Tennis Club

SPORTIME Harbor Island

Jennifer Brown—Director 341 8th Avenue New York, NY 10001 (212) 989-8572 midtowntennisnyc@gmail.com www.midtowntennis.com

Tennis Courts in Harbor Island Park Carlos Campo—General Manager Mamaroneck, NY 10543 (914) 777-5050 ccampo@sportimeny.com www.sportime.com/harbor-island

New Rochelle Tennis Club

SPORTIME Randall’s Island

Juan Rios—Tennis Director 114 Valley Road New Rochelle, NY (914) 633-3388 www.newrochelletennisclub.com

Manhattan Home of the John McEnroe Tennis Academy Felix Alvarado—Assistant Director of Tennis One Randall’s Island • New York, NY 10035 (212) 427-6150 falvarado@sportimeny.com www.sportimeny.com/manhattan

New York Tennis Club Lauren Hartman—General Manager 3081 Harding Avenue Bronx, NY 10465 (718) 239-7916 lhartman.nytci@gmail.com www.advantagetennisclubs.com

Roosevelt Island Racquet Club Tom Manhart—Membership Director 281 Main Street • Roosevelt Island, NY 10044 (212) 935-0250 tmanhart@rirctennis.com www.advantagetennisclubs.com

SPORTIME Lake Isle Westchester Home of the John McEnroe Tennis Academy Brian Inglis—General Manager 660 White Plains Road Eastchester, NY 10709 (914) 777-5151 binglis@sportimeny.com www.sportimeny.com/lake-isle

Stadium Tennis Center at Mill Pond Joel Kassan—Executive Director 725 Gateway Center Boulevard Bronx, NY 10451 (718) 665-4684 joel@gothamtennis.com www.stadiumtennisnyc.com

Tennis Innovators NYC Juan Andrade—Executive Director 520 2nd Avenue (Kips Bay Court) 899 10th Avenue (John Jay Court) New York, NY (646) 476-5811 www.tennisinnovators.com

USTA Billie Jean King National Tennis Center Whitney Kraft—Director of Tennis Flushing Meadows Corona Park Flushing, NY 11368 (718) 760-6200 kraft@usta.com www.usta.com

West Side Tennis Club Bob Ingersole—Director of Tennis 1 Tennis Place Forest Hills, NY 11375 (718) 268-2300 tennisdirector@foresthillstennis.com www.foresthillstennis.com/index.html

Cary Leeds Center for Tennis & Learning Preps for Winter Opening With a vision to serve the youth of New York City by creating a world-class facility for children and families, NYJTL is building the Cary Leeds Center for Tennis & Learning. The Center will provide youngsters, who would not otherwise have the chance, with opportunities to learn and play tennis. The public/private project, which was originally envisioned nearly 15 years ago, broke ground in 2013 and is scheduled to be completed during the winter of 2014. The Capital Campaign has raised $25 million out of the $26.5 million goal. The Cary Leeds Center, constructed in partnership with the NYC Department of Parks & Recreation, will house a 12,000-square-foot clubhouse and educational facility, which will be the flagship home for NYJTL coaches to provide free year-round instruction and play for young people from beginners to nationally-ranked junior players. The Center will serve more than 30,000 families and children in and around Crotona Park, annually providing more than 6,000 hours of free tennis court time to the community. But the tennis programs are only part of the story. The Center will also provide space for educators to help students improve their performance in school. With a library and study centers, as well as classroom space, teachers and counselors will offer young people a quiet and safe place to benefit from a wide range of programs centered on academics, healthy living and character education. Students will receive tutoring, homework assistance, SAT and Regents test preparation, and project-based learning opportunities. NYTennisMag.com • September/October 2014 • New York Tennis Magazine

NEW Boys & Girls Metro Rankings (as of 07/09/14)

BOYS Metro Boys 12 Singles Rank..Name................................City ..........Blake Frank ....................New York, N.Y. 2........Winter Fagerberg ..........New York, N.Y. 3........Brandon Torres ..............Bronx, N.Y. 4........Jasper August Hunt ......New York, N.Y. 5........Igor Maslov ....................Brooklyn, N.Y. 6........Daniel Gordon................New York, N.Y. 7........Bradley Bennett ............New York, N.Y. 8........Solomon Brown ............New York, N.Y. 9........David Krasner ................Staten Island, N.Y. 10......Daniel Leon Maseyev ....Brooklyn, N.Y. 11......Donovan Spigner ..........New York, N.Y. 12......Sachin Palta ..................Forest Hills, N.Y. 13......James Adamini ..............New York, N.Y. 14......Donald James Smith ....Roosevelt Island, N.Y. 15......Paul Elghouayel ............New York, N.Y. 16......Evan Friedmann ............New York, N.Y. 17......Kole Henry Moses ........New York, N.Y. 18......Kemal Aziz......................Staten Island, N.Y. 19......Donovan Brown ............New York, N.Y. 20......Jeffrey Yu........................Forest Hills, N.Y. 21......Michael Gechka ............Brooklyn, N.Y. 22......Ty Switzer ......................New York, N.Y. 23......Joakim Duffy ..................Brooklyn, N.Y. 24......Anthony Cataldo............Brooklyn, N.Y. 25......Dylan Lachmanen..........Brooklyn, N.Y. 26......Noah Eisenberg ............New York, N.Y. 27......Allen P. Brinzensky ........Staten Island, N.Y. 28......David Dove Hendon ......New York, N.Y. 29......David Alan Khaimov ......Jamaica, N.Y. 30......Dylan Conner Charles ..New York, N.Y. 31......Cooper Williams ............New York, N.Y. 32......Guy Ferrera ....................New York, N.Y. 33......Matthew Mosejczuk ......East Elmhurst, N.Y. 34......Hudson Beaudoin..........New York, N.Y. 35......Alfonso Laffont ..............New York, N.Y. 36......Eric Dubilirer ..................Little Neck, N.Y. 37......Nicholas Laffont ............New York, N.Y. 38......Caden Henry Hollander New York, N.Y. 39......Milan Jain ......................New York, N.Y. 40......Christopher Rojas..........Flushing, N.Y.

Metro Boys 14 Singles Rank..Name................................City 1........Robbie F. Werdiger ........New York, N.Y. 2........Blake Frank ....................New York, N.Y. 3........Jonathan Glinsky ..........Brooklyn, N.Y. 4........Igor Maslov ....................Brooklyn, N.Y. 5........Daniel Leon-Maseyev....Brooklyn, N.Y. 6........Derek Lung ....................Brooklyn, N.Y. 7........Jeffrey McCready ..........Brooklyn, N.Y. 8........Wiley Schubert Reed ....Brooklyn, N.Y. 9........Donald James Smith ....Roosevelt Island, N.Y. 10......Nicholas Pustilnik ..........Brooklyn, N.Y. 11......Tyler Kats........................New York, N.Y. 12......Christopher Tham..........Flushing, N.Y. 13......Max Schindel ................New York, N.Y. 14......David Krasner ................Staten Island, N.Y. 15......Kermal Aziz ....................Staten Island, N.Y. 16......Eli Taylor-Kerman ..........New York, N.Y. 17......Leonidas Vrailas ............New York, N.Y. 18......Gabriel Isaac Rissman ..Brooklyn, N.Y. 19......Leaf Fagerberg ..............New York, N.Y.

YORK

20......Peter Frelinghuysen ......New York, N.Y. 21......Daniel Davis ..................New York, N.Y. 22......Teddy Brodsky ..............New York, N.Y. 23......Michael Lee Jozoff ........New York, N.Y. 24......Alex Portnoy ..................New York, N.Y. 25......Dylan Conner Charles ..New York, N.Y. 26......Julian Szuper ................New York, N.Y. 27......Ameer Hosain ................New York, N.Y. 28......Ethan Finley....................New York, N.Y. 29......Henry Hochfelder ..........New York, N.Y. 30......Neil Agarwal ..................New York, N.Y. 31......Wesley Zhang ................Staten Island, N.Y. 32......Alexander Petrov ..........Middle Village, N.Y. 33......David Moldovan ............Brooklyn, N.Y. 34......Mizel Stevens ................New York, N.Y. 35......Donovan Brown ............New York, N.Y. 36......Isaac Lennon..................New York, N.Y. 37......Josh Aaron Kaneff ........New York, N.Y. 38......Teddy Friedman ............New York, N.Y. 39......Christian Rabinowitz......Bayside, N.Y. 40......David Dylan Pines..........New York, N.Y.

Metro Boys 16 Singles Rank..Name................................City 1........Adam Lane Bernstein....New York, N.Y. 2........Justin Arrington..............New York, N.Y. 3........Leonardo Escudero ......Ozone Park, N.Y. 4........Oliver Jaskowski............Bayside, N.Y. 5........Gabriel Sifuentes ..........Flushing, N.Y. 6........Andrew Zucker ..............New York, N.Y. 7........Leonard Margolis ..........Brooklyn, N.Y. 8........Nicholas Pustilnik ..........Brooklyn, N.Y. 9........Tanner Ross Bhonslay ..New York, N.Y. 10......Justin Belnavis ..............Jamaica, N.Y. 11......Igor Maslov ....................Brooklyn, N.Y. 12......Jordan Rey-Anatole ......Brooklyn, N.Y. 13......Barak Harari ..................Hollis, N.Y. 14......Kevin Yan ......................Brooklyn, N.Y. 15......Steven Serras ................Queens Village, N.Y. 16......Bryan Chu ......................Flushing, N.Y. 17......Bojidar Todorov..............Rego Park, N.Y. 18......Arthur Elghouayel ..........New York, N.Y. 19......Kyran Luke Somar ........Bronx, N.Y. 20......Horia Negru....................Middle Village, N.Y. 21......Jacob Daly ....................Oakland Gardens, N.Y. 22......Dan Ion Negru................Middle Village, N.Y. 23......Daniel Ertel ....................New York, N.Y. 24......Daniel Enrique Corona ..Fresh Meadows, N.Y. 25......Ameer Hosain ................New York, N.Y. 26......Wiley Schubert Reed ....Brooklyn, N.Y. 27......Neil Agarwal ..................New York, N.Y. 28......Jonathan Coden ............Bronx, N.Y. 29......Daniel Davis ..................New York, N.Y. 30......Dylan Friedman..............Brooklyn, N.Y. 31......Lantis Wang ..................New York, N.Y. 32......Nate Newhouse ............New York, N.Y. 33......Michael Dozortsev ........Brooklyn, N.Y. 34......Derek Lung ....................Brooklyn, N.Y. 35......Bogden Gechka ............Brooklyn, N.Y. 36......Michael Gardiner............New York, N.Y. 37......Lamar Hurt ....................New York, N.Y. 38......Tyler Kats........................New York, N.Y. 39......Noah Solano ..................Brooklyn, N.Y. 40......Arun Aditya Heeralall ....Jamaica, N.Y.

Metro Boys 18 Singles Rank..Name................................City 1........Adam Lane Bernstein....New York, N.Y. 2........William J. Trang..............Staten Island, N.Y. 3........Kumeil Hosain................New York, N.Y.

RANKINGS 4........Sam Krevlin....................New York, N.Y. 5........Marco Vonderheide ......New York, N.Y. 6........Arthur Elghouayel ..........New York, N.Y.

GIRLS Metro Girls 12 Singles Rank..Name................................City 1........Masha Serjantov............New York, N.Y. 2........Nadejda Maslova ..........Brooklyn, N.Y. 3........Amy Kaplan....................Brooklyn, N.Y. 4........Rachel Zhang ................Forest Hills, N.Y. 5........Sarah Lucy Youngberg..New York, N.Y. 6........Alyssa An........................New York, N.Y. 7........Rebecca Sitkovetsky ....Staten Island, N.Y. 8........Maryna Bohdanovska ..Brooklyn, N.Y. 9........Rebecca Izyayeva..........Staten Island, N.Y. 10......Katherine Krieger ..........New York, N.Y. 11......Naomi Park ....................New York, N.Y. 12......Natalie Eordekian ..........Woodside, N.Y. 13......Karolina Lankamer ........Brooklyn, N.Y. 14......Nathalie Williams............New York, N.Y. 15......Nicolette Fundator ........Brooklyn, N.Y 16......Shakima Hotaki..............Flushing, N.Y. 17......Nicole Koi Massa ..........Astoria, N.Y. 18......Medina Garunja ............Bronx, N.Y. 19......Sage Loudon ................New York, N.Y. 20......Isabella Hartman............New York, N.Y. 21......Niki Truszkowski ............Middle Village, N.Y. 22......Miriam Aziz ....................Staten Island, N.Y. 23......Ksenia Kulakova ............New York, N.Y. 24......Khyanna Singh ..............Queens Village, N.Y. 25......Elizabeth Serjantov........New York, N.Y. 26......Julia Gottschalk ............New York, N.Y. 27......Taylor Simone Williams..New York, N.Y. 28......Michelle Kleynerman ....Staten Island, N.Y. 29......Emily Moczulski ............Oakland Gardens, N.Y. 30......Beyonce Blake ..............Brooklyn, N.Y. 31......Maxie Molly Karen ........New York, N.Y. 32......Sheyna Esther Karen ....New York, N.Y. 33......Julia Dementyev ............Brooklyn, N.Y. 34......Josephine Kimball ........New York, N.Y. 35......Nadzeya Fliaha ..............Brooklyn, N.Y. 36......Sofia Allinson ................New York, N.Y. 37......Piper Sydney Brown......New York, N.Y. 38......Claudia Bayard ..............Arverne, N.Y. 39......Katie Finerman ..............New York, N.Y. 40......Sophia Cisse..................New York, N.Y.

20......Alexandra Coulombe ....New York, N.Y. 21......Miriam Aziz ....................Staten Island, N.Y. 22......Shakima Hotaki..............Flushing, N.Y. 23......Maxine Zaretsky ............Brooklyn, N.Y. 24......Nicole Mika ....................Staten Island, N.Y. 25......Naomi Park ....................New York, N.Y. 26......Barbara Podvorchani ....Bronx, N.Y. 27......Nicole Sin Ming Chu......Flushing, N.Y. 28......Julia Gottschalk ............New York, N.Y. 29......Nicolette Fundator ........Brooklyn, N.Y. 30......Diana McCready............Brooklyn, N.Y. 31......Joanna Urena ................Hollis, N.Y. 32......Mia Simone Parrish ......Queens Village, N.Y. 33......Masha Serjantov............New York, N.Y. 34......Nicole Koi Massa ..........Astoria, N.Y. 35......Bella Kaplan ..................New York, N.Y. 36......Anastasya Menshikova ..Brooklyn, N.Y. 37......Johnniesha Breiten........Bronx, N.Y. 38......Taylor Williams ..............New York, N.Y. 39......Yuhan Wang ..................Little Neck, N.Y. 40......Grace Caroline Feagin ..New York, N.Y.

Metro Girls 16 Singles Rank..Name................................City 1........Liana I. Weitzman ..........Whitestone, N.Y. 2........Gianna Gaudio ..............Staten Island, N.Y. 3........Alexandra Sanford ........New York, N.Y. 4........Kiara Rose......................New York, N.Y. 5........Lindsay Shan Jadow ....New York, N.Y. 6........Alesssandra Ricciardi ....Howard Beach, N.Y. 7........Sarah Hirschfield............New York, N.Y. 8........Rebecca Xinyue Zhou ..New York, N.Y. 9........Gabrielle Eitkas ..............Brooklyn, N.Y. 10......Nicole Khorosh ..............Brooklyn, N.Y. 11......Kayla Schumacher ........Brooklyn, N.Y. 12......Electra Frelinghuysen ....New York, N.Y. 13......Joanna Urena ................Hollis, N.Y. 14......Sophia Hartman ............New York, N.Y. 15......Anu Alalade....................Rosedale, N.Y. 16......Annie Reiner ..................New York, N.Y. 17......Amanda Solecki ............Brooklyn, N.Y. 18......Jennifer Reiss ................New York, N.Y. 19......Katie Pazz ......................Brooklyn, N.Y. 20......Keri Anne Picciochi........Flushing, N.Y. 21......Maria Kogarova..............Brooklyn, N.Y. 22......Isabella Rendon ............Oakland Gardens, N.Y. 23......Anastasia Lukyanovich..Brooklyn, N.Y.

Metro Girls 18 Singles

Metro Girls 14 Singles

Rank..Name................................City

1........Julia Zbarsky..................New York, N.Y. 2........Isabelle Rovinski ............New York, N.Y. 3........Gaelle Conille ................New York, N.Y. 4........Emi Lewis ......................New York, N.Y. 5........Jenna B. Borenstein ......New York, N.Y. 6........Kyra Bergmann..............Forest Hills, N.Y. 7........Emily Sham ....................Brooklyn, N.Y.

1........Amy Kaplan....................Brooklyn, N.Y. 2........Liana Weitzman..............Whitestone, N.Y. 3........Elizabeth Khusid ............Brooklyn, N.Y. 4........Maryna Bohdanovska ..Brooklyn, N.Y. 5........Veronika Semenova ......Brooklyn, N.Y. 6........Rebecca Izyayeva..........Staten Island, N.Y. 7........Caroline Paige Kantor....New York, N.Y. 8........Theodora Vrailas............New York, N.Y. 9........Nadejda Maslova ..........Brooklyn, N.Y. 10......Gianna Gaudio ..............Staten Island, N.Y. 11......Tomi Alalade ..................Rosedale, N.Y. 12......Kiara Rose......................New York, N.Y. 13......Jenelle Downer ..............Brooklyn, N.Y. 14......Amalia Parrish................Queens Village, N.Y. 15......Rebecca Sitkovetsky ....Staten Island, N.Y. 16......Karolina Lankamer ........Brooklyn, N.Y. 17......Sarah Anne Fassberg....New York, N.Y. 18......Kayla Schumacher ........Brooklyn, N.Y. 19......Diana Sosonkin..............Brooklyn, N.Y.

New York Tennis Magazine â&#x20AC;˘ September/October 2014 â&#x20AC;˘ NYTennisMag.com

NEW Boys & Girls Sectional Rankings (as of 08/05/14)

BOYS Sectional Boys 12 Singles— Metro Region Rank Name............................City 2........Jeffrey Fradkin ..............New York, N.Y. 5........Noah Edelman ..............New York, N.Y. 12......Brandon T. Cohen..........New York, N.Y. 15......Harry Portnoy ................New York, N.Y. 17......Ryan McCook................St. Albans, N.Y. 20......Robbie Werdiger............New York, N.Y. 24......Alex Portnoy ..................New York, N.Y. 26......Alexander Petrov ..........Middle Village, N.Y. 28......Joseph Wilkanowski......Long Island City, N.Y. 29......Wesley Zhang ................Staten Island, N.Y. 31......John-Thomas Bilski ......New York, N.Y. 32......Donovan Brown ............New York, N.Y. 35......Maxwell Kachkarov ......Flushing, N.Y. 36......Kai Yuminaga ................Little Neck, N.Y. 39......Oliver Obeid ..................New York, N.Y. 42......Charles Phillips ..............New York, N.Y. 46......Sebastian Sec................New York, N.Y. 51......Ty Switzer ......................New York, N.Y. 52......Marcos Souza Lee ........New York, N.Y. 53......Winter Fagerberg ..........New York, N.Y. 59......David Krasner ................Staten Island, N.Y. 60......Tyler Korobov ................Brooklyn, N.Y. 61......Anthony Cataldo............Brooklyn, N.Y. 68......Scott Fischer..................New York, N.Y. 70......Sidharth Chawla ............New York, N.Y. 72......Jasper August Hunt ......New York, N.Y. 79......Sachin Palta ..................Forest Hills, N.Y. 82......Hudson Beaudoin..........New York, N.Y. 83......Donovan Spigner ..........New York, N.Y. 84......Jace Alexander ..............New York, N.Y. 88......Nash Crofoot Johnson ..New York, N.Y. 92......Bradley Bennett ............New York, N.Y. 93......Solomon Brown ............New York, N.Y. 97......Mitchel Pertsovsky ........Brooklyn, N.Y. 102....Brandon Torres ..............Bronx, N.Y. 104....Evan Friedmann ............New York, N.Y. 116....Paul Elghouayel ............New York, N.Y. 122....Daniel Gordon................New York, N.Y. 124....Jack Benavides..............New York, N.Y. 133....Jeffrey Yu........................Forest Hills, N.Y. 136....David Dove Hendon ......New York, N.Y. 142....Nicholas Doupsas..........New York, N.Y.

Sectional Boys 14 Singles— Metro Region Rank Name............................City 12......Zachary Jordan Lieb......New York, N.Y. 15......Gary Fishkin ..................Staten Island, N.Y. 22......Lantis Wang ..................New York, N.Y. 24......Jeffrey Gorilovsky ..........Brooklyn, N.Y. 29......Igor Maslov ....................Brooklyn, N.Y. 33......Oliver Jevtovic................Astoria, N.Y. 34......Shawn Jackson ............Staten Island, N.Y. 35......Derek Raskopf ..............New York, N.Y. 37......Steven Nazaroff ............Brooklyn, N.Y. 38......Nicholas Pustilnik ..........Brooklyn, N.Y. 40......Ethan Leon ....................Woodhaven, N.Y. 43......Sam Vagner....................Staten Island, N.Y. 58......Jonah Jurick ..................New York, N.Y.’ 61......Shand Stephens ............New York, N.Y. 64......Dylan Friedman..............Brooklyn, N.Y. 66......Gabriel Sifuentes ..........Flushing, N.Y.

YORK

RANKINGS

70......Alexander Chiu ..............New York, N.Y. 71......Alexander Petrov ..........Middle Village, N.Y. 74......David Mizrahi ................Brooklyn, N.Y. 75......Jeffrey McCready ..........Brooklyn, N.Y. 77......Gabriel Isaac Rissman ..Brooklyn, N.Y. 89......Henry Hochfelder ..........New York, N.Y. 91......Robbie F. Werdiger ........New York, N.Y. 93......Kemal Irfan Aziz ............Staten Island, N.Y. 100....Jeffrey Fradkin ..............New York, N.Y. 102....Blake Frank ....................New York, N.Y. 108....Tristan Taylor ..................New York, N.Y. 109....William Phillips ..............New York, N.Y. 113....Richard Zusman ............Brooklyn, N.Y. 115....Dominik Pajor ................Brooklyn, N.Y. 117....Ameer Hosain ................New York, N.Y. 123....Tyler Kats........................New York, N.Y. 125....Peter Wernink ................New York, N.Y. 126....Christopher Tham..........Flushing, N.Y. 128....Daniel Leon Maseyev ....Brooklyn, N.Y. 129....Kai Yuminaga ................Oakland Gardens, N.Y. 135....Alexander Nielsen..........New York, N.Y. 136....David Dylan Pines..........New York, N.Y. 146....David Krasner ................Staten Island, N.Y. 148....Zachary Targoff ..............New York, N.Y. 150....Noah Edelman ..............New York, N.Y.

41......Ananth Raghavan ..........New York, N.Y. 51......Win Smith ......................Brooklyn, N.Y. 54......Artemie Amari ................New York, N.Y. 56......Alexander Pintilie ..........New York, N.Y. 61......Faris Nathoo ..................New York, N.Y. 62......James Wasserman........New York, N.Y. 72......Richard Sec....................New York, N.Y. 73......Alexander Thrane ..........New York, N.Y. 82......Steven Koulouris............Long Island City, N.Y. 84......Edan Lee Sossen ..........Oakland Gardens, N.Y. 94......William J. Trang..............Staten Island, N.Y. 95......Leonard Margolis ..........Brooklyn, N.Y. 96......Zachary Kaplan..............New York, N.Y. 97......Brett W. Jones................New York, N.Y. 125....Cameron Daniels ..........Oakland Gardens, N.Y. 127....Jack Haroche ................New York, N.Y. 129....Michael Anzalone ..........Howard Beach, N.Y. 150....Benjamin Gottschalk ....New York, N.Y.

Sectional Boys 16 Singles— Metro Region Rank Name............................City 10......Ananth Raghavan ..........New York, N.Y. 12......Aleksandar Kovacevic ..New York, N.Y. 34......Sumit Sarkar ..................New York, N.Y. 41......Mitchell Ostrovsky ........Brooklyn, N.Y. 44......Calvin Chung ................Bronx, N.Y. 53......Cole Gittens ..................New York, N.Y. 59......Noah Kyle Agarwal ........New York, N.Y. 61......Alex Chao ......................New York, N.Y. 66......Robert Kennedy ............New York, N.Y. 78......Xavier Pacthod ..............New York, N.Y. 82......Sam Vagner....................Staten Island, N.Y. 87......Leonardo Escudero ......Ozone Park, N.Y. 88......William Trang..................Staten Island, N.Y. 92......Nicholas Rudman ..........New York, N.Y. 94......Jeffrey Gorilovsky ..........Brooklyn, N.Y. 100....Gary C. Fishkin ..............Staten Island, N.Y. 107....David Mizahi ..................Brooklyn, N.Y. 108....Adam Bryan Borak ........Brooklyn, N.Y. 113....Allan Ethan Magid..........Brooklyn, N.Y. 115....Jared Fields....................New York, N.Y. 116....Christopher Kolesnik ....Staten Island, N.Y. 124....Adam Bernstein ............New York, N.Y. 126....Gabriel Sifuentes ..........Flushing, N.Y. 134....Ethan Moszkowski ........New York, N.Y. 139....Philip Belmatch..............Staten Island, N.Y. 141....Emil Nadyrbekov ..........Brooklyn, N.Y. 147....Jordan D. Jordan ..........Astoria, N.Y. 150....Robert Millman ..............New York, N.Y.

Sectional Boys 18 Singles— Metro Region Rank Name............................City 3........Daniel Kerznerman ........Brooklyn, N.Y. 8........Oliver Sec ......................New York, N.Y. 17......Victor Miglo ....................Kew Gardens, N.Y. 19......Felipe Osses-Konig ......Rego Park, N.Y. 20......Lucas Pickering ............Brooklyn, N.Y. 23......Christopher Auteri..........Staten Island, N.Y. 29......Ethan Nittolo ..................Flushing, N.Y. 31......Marcus T. Smith ............Little Neck, N.Y. 39......Maurice Russo ..............New York, N.Y.

GIRLS Sectional Girls 12 Singles— Metro Region Rank Name............................City 2........Rosie Garcia Gross........New York, N.Y. 6........Dakota Fordham............New York, N.Y. 8........Nadejda Maslova ..........Brooklyn, N.Y. 10......Elvina Kalieva ................Staten Island, N.Y. 12......Miriam Aziz ....................Staten Island, N.Y. 16......Marie Ivantechenko ......Brooklyn, N.Y. 19......Perene Wang..................New York, N.Y. 29......Khyanna Singh ..............Queens Village, N.Y. 33......Lorraine Bergmann........Forest Hills, N.Y. 34......Lena Kovacevic ............New York, N.Y. 35......Rebecca Eliana Fisch ....New York, N.Y. 36......Daniella Benabraham ....New York, N.Y. 37......Isabella Cooper..............Brooklyn, N.Y. 38......Shakima Hotaki..............Flushing, N.Y. 41......Zoe Kava........................New York, N.Y. 47......Carolyn Brodsky ............New York, N.Y. 48......Shawnte Beale ..............Bronx, N.Y. 52......Karolina Lankamer ........Brooklyn, N.Y. 54......Sabrina Boada ..............Woodhaven, N.Y. 55......Isabella Tushaj................Bronx, N.Y. 57......Emily Moczulski ............Oakland Gardens, N.Y. 58......Rachel Rubenzahl..........New York, N.Y. 61......Gabriella Eitkis ..............Brooklyn, N.Y. 63......Masha Serjantov............New York, N.Y. 64......Natalie Eordekian ..........Woodside, N.Y. 65......Michelle Kleynerman ....Staten Island, N.Y. 69......Anastasya Chesnokova ....Staten Island, N.Y. 81......Rachel Zhang ................Forest Hills, N.Y. 82......Elizabeth Serjantov........New York, N.Y. 83......Sarah Youngberg ..........New York, N.Y. 93......Alyssa An........................New York, N.Y. 102....Sage Loudon ................New York, N.Y. 106....Rebecca Sitkovetsky ....Staten Island, N.Y. 107....Michelle Tikhonko..........Forest Hills, N.Y. 116....Nathalie Williams............New York, N.Y. 120....Niki Truszkowski ............Middle Village, N.Y. 130....Kasia Ojar ......................New York, N.Y. 134....Katherine Krieger ..........New York, N.Y. 139....Piper Sydney Brown......New York, N.Y. 145....Nicolette Fundator ........Brooklyn, N.Y.

Sectional Girls 14 Singles— Metro Region Rank Name............................City 4........Shelly Yaloz ....................Little Neck, N.Y. 5........Michelle Sorokko ..........Little Neck, N.Y. 6........Dasha Kourkina ............Brooklyn, N.Y.

10......Aleksandra Bekirova......Brooklyn, N.Y. 12......Nicole Semenov ............Brooklyn, N.Y. 22......Anastasia Koniaev ........Forest Hills, N.Y. 26......Jennifer Yu ....................Forest Hills, N.Y. 28......Katherine Kachkarov ....Flushing, N.Y. 31......Christina Huynh ............Astoria, N.Y. 33......Sonia Tartakovsky..........New York, N.Y. 34......Lauren Munari................Middle Village, N.Y. 37......Stephanie Li ..................New York, N.Y. 39......Kyra Bergmann..............Forest Hills, N.Y. 40......Katelyn Walker ..............New York, N.Y. 45......Dakota Fordham............New York, N.Y. 47......Diana McCready............Brooklyn, N.Y. 48......Chelsea Williams............Brooklyn, N.Y. 53......Marie Ivantechenko ......Brooklyn, N.Y. 57......Barbara Podvorchani ....Bronx, N.Y. 64......Elvina Kalinova ..............Staten Island, N.Y. 68......Miriam Irfan Aziz ............Staten Island, N.Y. 73......Diana Sosonkin..............Brooklyn, N.Y. 76......Isabella Nicole Tushaj ....Bronx, N.Y. 78......Gabriella Eitkis ..............Brooklyn, N.Y. 80......Sofie Kate Levine ..........New York, N.Y. 83......Isabel Balilo....................Flushing, N.Y. 88......Audrey Pacthod ............New York, N.Y. 95......Amy Kaplan....................Brooklyn, N.Y. 98......Grace L. Kennedy..........New York, N.Y. 108....Isabella Cooper..............Brooklyn, N.Y. 111....Liana Weitzman..............Whitestone, N.Y. 112....Nadejda Maslova ..........Brooklyn, N.Y. 120....Emily Moczulski ............Oakland Gardens, N.Y. 122....Rosie Garcia Gross........New York, N.Y. 126....Caroline Paige Kantor....New York, N.Y. 134....Amalia Parrish................Queens Village, N.Y. 141....Rebecca Sitkovetsky ....Staten Island, N.Y. 142....Lauren Lee ....................New York, N.Y. 144....Anastasya Menshikova......Brooklyn, N.Y. 147....Maryna Bohdanovska ..Brooklyn, N.Y. 150....Shakima Hotaki..............Flushing, N.Y.

Sectional Girls 16 Singles— Metro Region Rank Name............................City 3........Sabrina Xiong ................Fresh Meadows, N.Y. 8........Jessica Livianu ..............Brooklyn, N.Y. 10......Brianna Williams ............Brooklyn, N.Y. 15......Michelle Sorokko ..........Little Neck, N.Y. 22......Alexus Gill ......................Brooklyn, N.Y. 23......Alexandra Koniaev ........Forest Hills, N.Y. 25......Isis Gill ............................Brooklyn, N.Y. 26......Sophia Kryloff ................Brooklyn, N.Y. 31......Aleksandra Bekirova......Brooklyn, N.Y. 32......Victoria Sec....................New York, N.Y. 37......Lauren Munari................Middle Village, N.Y. 46......Dakota Fordham............New York, N.Y. 49......Shelly Yaloz ....................Little Neck, N.Y. 55......Regina Furer ..................Brooklyn, N.Y. 56......Yuka Lin..........................Kew Gardens, N.Y. 61......Stephanie Li ..................New York, N.Y. 64......Sydney Lynn Katz..........New York, N.Y. 66......Patricia Obeid ................New York, N.Y. 76......Keren Khromchenko......Staten Island, N.Y. 83......Jennifer Yu ....................Forest Hills, N.Y. 85......Isabelle Rovinski ............New York, N.Y. 86......Jillian Auteri ....................Staten Island, N.Y. 87......Anastasiya Malinouskaya ..Staten Island, N.Y. 90......Brittny Jo Ferreira ..........Brooklyn, N.Y. 92......Isabel Balilo....................Flushing, N.Y. 101....Emma Kassan................New York, N.Y. 103....Dasha Kourkina ............Brooklyn, N.Y. 109....Nicole Khorosh ..............Brooklyn, N.Y. 114....Sabrina Lee Abrams......New York, N.Y.

NYTennisMag.com • September/October 2014 • New York Tennis Magazine

NEW 127....Kiara A. Rose ................New York, N.Y. 129....Liana Weitzman..............Whitestone, N.Y. 132....Katherine Kachkarov ....Flushing, N.Y. 144....Diana McCready............Brooklyn, N.Y. 150....Nicole Semenov ............Brooklyn, N.Y.

Sectional Girls 18 Singles— Metro Region

YORK

Boys & Girls National Rankings (as of 08/06/14)

BOYS National Boys 12 Singles— Metro Region

Rank Name............................City

Rank ..Name ..........................City

2........Sabrina Xiong ................Fresh Meadows, N.Y. 4........Anna Ulyashchenko ......Brooklyn, N.Y. 6........Arnelle Sullivan ..............Brooklyn, N.Y. 10......Ariana D. Rodriguez ......Bronx, N.Y. 13......Hannah Shteyn ..............Staten Island, N.Y. 15......Jessica Livianu ..............Brooklyn, N.Y. 24......Isis Gill ............................Brooklyn, N.Y. 28......Jessica Golovin..............New York, N.Y. 29......Christina Puccinelli ........New York, N.Y. 35......Shayna Spooner............New York, N.Y. 40......Nia Rose ........................New York, N.Y. 45......Alexus Gill ......................Brooklyn, N.Y. 50......Sofia Anouk Alsiks ........New York, N.Y. 52......Yuka Lin..........................Kew Gardens, N.Y. 63......Sophia Kryloff ................Brooklyn, N.Y. 67......Keren Khromchenko......Staten Island, N.Y. 68......Elizabeth Tsvetkov ........Brooklyn, N.Y. 70......Patricia Obeid ................New York, N.Y. 76......Annie Reiner ..................New York, N.Y. 82......Hediye Karabay ............Flushing, N.Y. 92......Anastasiya Malinouskaya ..Staten Island, N.Y. 101....Shelly Yaloz ....................Little Neck, N.Y. 112....Dakota Fordham............New York, N.Y. 113....Angeline Devanthiran ....Corona, N.Y. 118....Stefani Lineva ................Middle Village, N.Y. 124....Sophia N. Schlossel ......New York, N.Y. 125....Alexandra Koniaev ........Forest Hills, N.Y. 135....Lauren Munari................Middle Village, N.Y. 141....Jennifer Yu ....................Forest Hills, N.Y. 142....Emma Kassan................New York, N.Y. 150....Julia Zbarsky..................New York, N.Y.

4........Jeffrey Fradkin ..............New York, N.Y. 48......Noah Edelman ..............New York, N.Y. 102....Robbie Werdiger............New York, N.Y. 110....Harry Portnoy ................New York, N.Y. 120....Alex Portnoy ..................New York, N.Y. 126....Brandon T. Cohen..........New York, N.Y. 223....Ryan McCook................St. Albans, N.Y. 234....Max Kachkarov..............Flushing, N.Y. 285....Alex Petrov ....................Middle Village, N.Y. 291....Joseph Wilkanowski......Long Island City, N.Y. 341....Wesley Zhang ................Staten Island, N.Y. 567....John-Tomas Bilski ........New York, N.Y. 591....Oliver Obeid ..................New York, N.Y. 686....Kai Yuminaga ................Little Neck, N.Y. 699....Hudson Beaudoin..........New York, N.Y. 714....Nash Crofoot Johnson ..New York, N.Y. 724....Charles Phillips ..............New York, N.Y. 749....Tyler Korobov ................Brooklyn, N.Y. 764....Sebastian Sec................New York, N.Y. 882....Ty Switzer ......................New York, N.Y.

National Boys 14 Singles— Metro Region Rank ..Name ..........................City 109....Zachary Jordan Lieb......New York, N.Y. 129....Gary Fishkin ..................Staten Island, N.Y. 250....Lantis Wang ..................New York, N.Y. 282....Jeffrey Gorilovsky ..........Brooklyn, N.Y. 301....Shawn Jackson ............Staten Island, N.Y. 312....Derek Raskopf ..............New York, N.Y. 333....Nicholas Pustilnik ..........Brooklyn, N.Y. 360....Oliver Jevtovic................Astoria, N.Y. 371....Steven Daniel Nazaroff..Brooklyn, N.Y. 448....Igor Malsov ....................Brooklyn, N.Y. 564....Jeffrey Fradkin ..............New York, N.Y. 785....Sam V. Vagner................Staten Island, N.Y.

National Boys 16 Singles— Metro Region Rank ..Name ..........................City 122....Aleksandar Kovacevic ..New York, N.Y. 148....Ananth Raghavan ..........New York, N.Y. 592....Sumit Sarkar ..................New York, N.Y. 643....Calvin Chung ................Bronx, N.Y. 665....Cole Gittens ..................New York, N.Y. 808....Mitchell Ostrovsky ........Brooklyn, N.Y. 810....Alex Chao ......................New York, N.Y. 848....Xavier Pacthod ..............New York, N.Y. 851....Robert Kennedy ............New York, N.Y. 894....Sam V. Vagner................Staten Island, N.Y.

National Boys 18 Singles— Metro Region Rank ..Name ..........................City 6........Daniel Kerznerman ........Brooklyn, N.Y. 78......Oliver Sec ......................New York, N.Y. 162....Felipe Osses-Konig ......Rego Park, N.Y. 173....James Wasserman........New York, N.Y. 216....Lucas Pickering ............Brooklyn, N.Y.

RANKINGS 242....Christopher Auteri..........Staten Island, N.Y. 345....Artemie Amari ................New York, N.Y. 397....Win Smith ......................Brooklyn, N.Y. 443....Ethan Nittolo ..................Flushing, N.Y. 706....Maurice Russo ..............New York, N.Y. 780....Victor Miglo ....................Kew Gardens, N.Y. 879....Richard Sec....................New York, N.Y. 910....Alexander Pintilie ..........New York, N.Y. 999....Jeffrey Fradkin ..............New York, N.Y.

GIRLS National Girls 12 Singles— Metro Region Rank ..Name ..........................City 15......Rosie Garcia Gross........New York, N.Y. 51......Nadejda Maslova ..........Brooklyn, N.Y. 53......Elvina Kalieva ................Staten Island, N.Y. 67......Miriam Irfan Aziz ............Staten Island, N.Y. 70......Marie Ivantechenko ......Brooklyn, N.Y. 72......Dakota Fordham............New York, N.Y. 79......Perene Wang..................New York, N.Y. 325....Rebecca Eliana Fisch ....New York, N.Y. 421....Lena Kovacevic ............New York, N.Y. 423....Lorraine Bergmann........Forest Hills, N.Y. 482....Rachel Rubenzahl..........New York, N.Y. 542....Khyanna Singh ..............Queens Village, N.Y. 597....Isabella Nicole Tushaj ....Bronx, N.Y. 618....Daniella Benabraham ....New York, N.Y. 638....Shawnte Beale ..............Bronx, N.Y. 750....Anastasiya Chesnokova ....Staten Island, N.Y. 794....Shakima Hotaki..............Flushing, N.Y. 938....Isabella Cooper..............Brooklyn, N.Y. 955....Gabriella Eitkas ..............Brooklyn, N.Y. 956....Karolina Lankamer ........Brooklyn, N.Y. 975....Zoe Kava........................New York, N.Y.

National Girls 14 Singles— Metro Region Rank ..Name ..........................City 29......Dasha Kourkina ............Brooklyn, N.Y. 46......Shelly Yaloz ....................Little Neck, N.Y. 63......Michelle Sorokko ..........Little Neck, N.Y. 114....Nicole Semenov ............Brooklyn, N.Y. 197....Aleksandra Bekirova......Brooklyn, N.Y. 215....Anastasia Koniaev ........Forest Hills, N.Y. 252....Katherine Kachkarov ....Flushing, N.Y. 255....Jennifer Yu ....................Forest Hills, N.Y. 343....Lauren Munari................Middle Village, N.Y. 365....Christina M. Huynh........Astoria, N.Y. 432....Katelyn Walker ..............New York, N.Y. 462....Stephanie Li ..................New York, N.Y. 744....Chelsea Williams............Brooklyn, N.Y.

National Girls 16 Singles— Metro Region Rank ..Name ..........................City 24......Sabrina Xiong ................Fresh Meadows, N.Y. 72......Jessica Livianu ..............Brooklyn, N.Y. 175....Brianna Williams ............Brooklyn, N.Y. 283....Sophia Kryloff ................Brooklyn, N.Y. 300....Alexandra Koniaev ........Forest Hills, N.Y. 329....Isis Gill ............................Brooklyn, N.Y. 355....Michelle Sorokko ..........Little Neck, N.Y. 385....Alexus Gill ......................Brooklyn, N.Y. 509....Lauren Munari................Middle Village, N.Y. 518....Dasha Kourkina ............Brooklyn, N.Y. 654....Shelly Yaloz ....................Little Neck, N.Y. 702....Regina Furer ..................Brooklyn, N.Y. 738....Aleksandra Bekirova......Brooklyn, N.Y.

New York Tennis Magazine • September/October 2014 • NYTennisMag.com

770....Keren Khromchenko......Staten Island, N.Y. 786....Victoria Sec....................New York, N.Y. 902....Sarah Rahman ..............East Elmhurst, N.Y. 979....Dakota Fordham............New York, N.Y.

National Girls 18 Singles— Metro Region Rank ..Name ..........................City 71......Anna Ulyashchenko ......Brooklyn, N.Y. 73......Sabrina Xiong ................Fresh Meadows, N.Y. 81......Jessica Golovin..............New York, N.Y. 110....Arnelle Sullivan ..............Brooklyn, N.Y. 112....Jessica Livianu ..............Brooklyn, N.Y. 160....Ariana D. Rodriguez ......Bronx, N.Y. 245....Hannah Shteyn ..............Staten Island, N.Y. 362....Isis Gill ............................Brooklyn, N.Y. 613....Nia Rose ........................New York, N.Y. 730....Keren Khromchenko......Staten Island, N.Y. 804....Elizabeth Tsvetkov ........Brooklyn, N.Y. 810....Sophia Kryloff ................Brooklyn, N.Y. 829....Christina Puccinelli ........New York, N.Y. 902....Dasha Kourkina ............Brooklyn, N.Y.

USTA/Metropolitan Region

2014 TOURNAMENT SCHEDULE For detailed information on these and all USTA tournaments, visit tennislink.usta.com/tournaments. SEPTEMBER 2014 Saturday-Sunday, September 6-7 L3 Alley Pond TC Sept Series Alley Pond Tennis Center 7920 Winchester Boulevard Queens Village, N.Y. Divisions: Novice Boys & Girls Singles 78’ Green Ball 12, 78’ Yellow Ball 14 (RR) Surface Type: Hard Entry Fee: $43.50 per player (deadline for entries is Wednesday, Sept. 3 at 1:00 p.m.) For more information, e-mail hemco2@aol.com or call (718) 264-2600. Friday-Monday, September 12-15 & Friday-Sunday, September 19-21 L1B Sportime Randall’s Island Sept 2014 Challenger Sportime at Randalls Island 1 Randalls Island New York, N.Y. Divisions: Challenger Boys & Girls Singles 78’ Yellow Ball 12, 18 (SE) Surface Type: Clay, Hard Entry Fee: $54.25 per player (deadline for entries is Friday, Sept. 5 at 1:00 p.m.) For more information, e-mail tournamentsri@sportimetfm.com or call (212) 427-6150. Friday-Sunday, September 12-14 L1B Crotona Park Challenger Haffen Park Sports Association 2748 Eastchester Road Bronx, N.Y. Divisions: Challenger Boys & Girls Singles 78’ Yellow Ball 14-16 (SE) Surface Type: Unknown Entry Fee: $43.50 per player (deadline for entries is Saturday, Sept. 6 at 1:00 p.m.) For more information, e-mail ebwaldron@juno.com or call (347) 920-3038. Saturday-Sunday, September 13-14 L2O Metro Orange Ball Series #4 Stadium Tennis Center 725 Exterior Street Bronx, N.Y. Divisions: Intermediate Boys & Girls 10 and Under Singles: 60’ Orange Ball 10 (FMLC) Surface Type: Hard Entry Fee: $28 per player (deadline for entries is Monday, Sept. 8 at 1:00 p.m.) For more information, e-mail lauren@stadiumtennisnyc.com or call (718) 665-4684.

Friday-Sunday, September 19-21 L1 Stadium Tennis Center September Championships Stadium Tennis Center 725 Exterior Street Bronx, N.Y. Divisions: Championships Girls Singles 78’ Yellow Ball 16 (SE) Surface Type: Hard Indoor Entry Fee: $54.25 per player (deadline for entries is Friday, Sept. 12 at 5:00 p.m.) For more information, e-mail lauren@stadiumtennisnyc.com or call (718) 665-4684. Saturday, September 20 L2O Metro Region Orange Ball Tournament Series #5 Riverside Clay Tennis Association Riverside Park 96th Street Tennis Courts New York, N.Y. Divisions: Entry Level Boys & Girls 10 and Under Singles: 60’ Orange Ball 10 (FMLC) Surface Type: Unknown Entry Fee: $28 per player (deadline for entries is Sunday, Sept. 14 at 1:00 p.m.) For more information, e-mail mark@rcta.info or call (212) 870-3078. Friday, September 26 L3 Sportime RI September UPS Sportime at Randalls Island 1 Randalls Island New York, N.Y. Divisions: Boys & Girls Singles: 78’ Green Ball 12 (RR) Surface Type: Clay Entry Fee: $43.50 per player (deadline for entries is Friday, Sept. 19 at 1:00 p.m.) For more information, e-mail tournamentsri@sportimetfm.com or call (212) 427-6150. Friday-Sunday, September 26-28 L1B Stadium Tennis Center Fall Challenger Stadium Tennis Center 725 Gateway Center Bronx, N.Y. Divisions: Challenger Boys & Girls Singles: 78’ Yellow Ball 14-16 (SE) Surface Type: Hard Indoor Entry Fee: $54.25 per player (deadline for entries is Friday, Sept. 19 at 1:00 p.m.) For more information, e-mail lauren@stadiumtennisnyc.com or call (718) 665-4684.

Saturday-Sunday, September 27-28 L3 Bill Hollway Beginners USP Championships Harlem Junior Tennis Program 40 W 143rd Street • New York, N.Y. Divisions: Quick Start Boys & Girls 10 and Under Singles: 36’ Red Ball 8, 60’ Orange Ball 10 (FMLC) Surface Type: Hard Entry Fee: $33 per player (deadline for entries is Wednesday, Sept. 24 at 1:00 p.m.) For more information, e-mail dantebrown@hjtep.org or call (212) 491-3738. OCTOBER 2014 Friday-Sunday, October 3-5 L2O APTC Fall Open Alley Pond Tennis Center 7920 Winchester Boulevard Queens Village, N.Y. Divisions: Intermediate Boys & Girls Singles: 78’ Yellow Ball 14-18 (SE), Intermediate Boys & Girls Singles: 78’ Yellow Ball 12 (FMLC) and Intermediate Boys & Girls Doubles: 78’ Yellow Ball 14-18 (SE) Surface Type: Hard Indoor Entry Fee: $54.25 for first singles, $28 for doubles For more information, e-mail hemco2@aol.com or call (718) 264-2600. Friday-Sunday, October 10-12 & October 17-19 L2O Sportime RI October Open Sportime at Randalls Island 1 Randalls Island • New York, N.Y. Divisions: Intermediate Boys & Girls Singles: 78’ Yellow Ball 14-16 (SE), Intermediate Boys & Girls Singles: 78’ Yellow Ball 12 (FMLC) and Intermediate Boys’ & Girls’ Doubles: 78’ Yellow Ball 14-16 (SE) Surface Type: Clay Entry Fee: $54.25 per player (deadline for entries is Friday, Oct. 3 at 1:00 p.m.) For more information, e-mail tournamentsri@sportimetfm.com or call (212) 427-6150. Saturday-Monday, October 11-13 USTA National Selection Tournament-October Alley Pond Tennis Center 7920 Winchester Boulevard Queens Village, N.Y. Divisions: Boys Singles: 16 (FIC-R16) and Boys Doubles: 16 (SE) Surface Type: Hard Indoor Entry Fee: $134.88 for one event, $135.38 for two events (additional fees may apply if registered in three or more events) (deadline for entries is Thursday, Sept. 11 at 11:59 a.m.) For more information, e-mail hemco2@aol.com or call (718) 264-2600.

NYTennisMag.com • September/October 2014 • New York Tennis Magazine

USTA/Metropolitan Region

2014 TOURNAMENT SCHEDULE For detailed information on these and all USTA tournaments, visit tennislink.usta.com/tournaments. Friday-Sunday, October 17-19 L1B APTC October Challenger Alley Pond Tennis Center 7920 Winchester Boulevard Queens Village, N.Y. Divisions: Challenger Boys & Girls Singles: 78’ Yellow Ball 12-18 (SE) Surface Type: Hard Indoor Entry Fee: $54.25 per player (deadline for entries is Sunday, Oct. 12 at 5:00 p.m.) For more information, e-mail hemco2@aol.com or call (718) 264-2600.

Friday-Sunday, October 24-26 L1B APTC October Challenger Alley Pond Tennis Center 7920 Winchester Boulevard Queens Village, N.Y. Divisions: Challenger Boys & Girls Singles: 78’ Yellow Ball 12-14 (SE) Surface Type: Hard Indoor Entry Fee: $54.25 per player (deadline for entries is Monday, Oct. 20 at 1:00 p.m.) For more information, e-mail hemco2@aol.com or call (718) 264-2600.

Friday-Sunday, October 17-19 L2O NCT October Open North Shore Tennis-Go!Tennis 3428 214th Place Bayside, N.Y. Divisions: Intermediate Boys & Girls Singles: 78’ Yellow Ball 14-16 (SE), Intermediate Boys & Girls Singles: 78’ Yellow Ball 12 (FMLC) and Intermediate Boys & Girls Doubles: 78’ Yellow Ball 14-16 (SE) Surface Type: Clay Indoor Entry Fee: $54.25 for first singles, $28 for first doubles (deadline for entries is Friday, Oct. 10 at 5:00 p.m.) For more information, e-mail ncttennis@aol.com or call (718) 224-6303.

Friday-Sunday, October 31-November 1 Empire Cup National Doubles at APTC Alley Pond Tennis Center 7920 Winchester Boulevard Queens Village, N.Y. Divisions: Championships Boys Doubles: 78’ Yellow Ball 12-16 (FMLC) and Championships Girls Doubles: 78’ Yellow Ball 12-14 (FMLC) Surface Type: Hard Indoor Entry Fee: $33 per player (deadline for entries is Friday, Oct. 24 at 1:00 p.m.) For more information, e-mail hemco2@aol.com or call (718) 264-2600.

Friday, October 24 L3 Sportime at Randall’s Island October 2014 UPS Sportime at Randalls Island 1 Randalls Island New York, N.Y. Divisions: Entry Level Boys & Girls Singles: 78’ Green Ball 12 (RR) Surface Type: Clay Entry Fee: $43.50 per player (deadline for entries is Friday, Oct. 17 at 1:00 p.m.) For more information, e-mail tournamentsri@sportimetfm.com or call (212) 427-6150.

Friday-Sunday, October 31-November 1 L1B Stadium Tennis Center October Challenger Stadium Tennis Center 725 Exterior Street Bronx, N.Y. Divisions: Challenger Boys & Girls Singles: 14 (SE) Surface Type: Hard Indoor Entry Fee: $54.25 per player (deadline for entries is Friday, Oct. 24 at 1:00 p.m.) For more information, e-mail lauren@stadiumtennisnyc.com or call (718) 665-4684.

Friday-Sunday, October 24-26 L1B Stadium Tennis Center Challenger Stadium Tennis Center 725 Gateway Center Bronx, N.Y. Divisions: Challenger Boys & Girls Singles: 78’ Yellow Ball 16-18 (SE) Surface Type: Hard Indoor Entry Fee: $54.25 per player (deadline for entries is Friday, Oct. 17 at 1:00 p.m.) For more information, e-mail lauren@stadiumtennisnyc.com or call (718) 665-4684.

New York Tennis Magazine • September/October 2014 • NYTennisMag.com

From Tennis Whizz to the John McEnroe Tennis Academy, SPORTIME has a player pathway for children of everyy age g and level! Tennis Whizz is a complete preschool tennis program that fosters the healthy mental, physical and emotional growth of our youngest players. Tennis Whizz is offered at all SPORTIME and JMTA locations.

Preschool Tennis Ages 3-5

SPORTIME U10TENNIS

SPORTIME U10 Tennis Pathway Ages 5 - 10

SPORTIME U10 Tennis is comprised of Red and Orange levels and trains our players under 10 to become well-rounded competitive athletes. Using the appropriate sized courts (36’ - 60’) and balls (low compression Red and Orange), the U10 Tennis Pathway provides the best start for young athletes, allowing them to serve, rally and actually play the game of tennis quickly. SPORTIME U10 Tennis is offered at all SPORTIME and JMTA locations.

JUNI R

TENNIS KINETICS

Junior TK Pathway Ages 9 - 11 and 12 and Up

JMTA Pathway Ages 9 - 11 and 12 and Up

SPORTIME‘s trademarked green to yellow ball junior development program, dedicated to meeting the instructional and recreational needs of our junior members by providing an excellent learning environment, creating important social interactions, and offering challenging and fun competitive opportunities. Junior TK is offered all all SPORTIME and JMTA locations. The John McEnroe Tennis Academy (JMTA) is the New York region’s #1 green to yellow ball program for developing serious players - like JMTA’s 2014 Wimbledon Boys’ singles champion and 2014 USTA Boys’ National singles and doubles champion Noah Rubin. Conceived, developed and directed by John McEnroe and his world-class staff, JMTA boasts players that have won titles at sectional, national, intercollegiate and international levels. JMTA’s original location is at SPORTIME’s flagship club on Randall’s Island in NYC, with JMTA Annexes on Long Island and in Westchester.

SPORTIME HAS IT ALL THIS FALL! S S SPORTIME Randall’s Island, our flagship site, is home of the John McEnroe Tennis Academy and features 20 indoor and Jo outdoor tennis courts, a well-equipped fitness center and stateo of-the-art club amenities. Our tennis programs and services for o juniors and adults, including Adult Tennis Kinetics Clinics, Private and Semi-Private Instruction and USTA and Corporate Leagues, are some of the world’s best.

REGISTER FOR OUR FALL PROGRAMS TODAY! Our new Junior Pathway Programs and Adult Programs are filling up fast. Call 212/427-6150 or visit us online to find out more!

www.SportimeNY.com/Manhattan

NYTennisMag.com • September/October 2014 • New York Tennis Magazine 94 www.JohnMcEnroeTennisAcademy.com

Cary Leeds Center for Tennis & Learning Scheduled to Open Winter 2014 New York Junior Tennis & Learning is pleased to announce the opening of its new flagship home in the South Bronx, one of the poorest Congressional districts in the nation. The Cary Leeds Center will serve more than 30,000 children and their families from the community surrounding Crotona Park. The 12,000-square-foot clubhouse and educational facility will offer after-school programs and provide over 6,000 hours of free court time on its 22 tennis courts annually. To learn more, visit CaryLeedsTennis.org

New York Tennis Magazine â&#x20AC;˘ September/October 2014 â&#x20AC;˘ NYTennisMag.com