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Table Of Contents
Finalist Once Again
8Junior Player Spotlight: Valentina Singh Carvajal, Centercourt Tennis Academy By Brian Coleman 12At The Net w/ Jeremy Victoria, Cary Leeds Center for Tennis & Learning By Brian Coleman 18Beyond the Baseline: Johnny Mac Tennis Project By Brian Coleman
Eastern Welcomes In Members From All Regions For Annual Eastern Tennis Conference
to the Top Tennis Camps
Photo credit: Dustin Satloff/USTA
Roosevelt Island Racquet Club
Hosts Anne Hobbs Tournament
Roosevelt Island Racquet Club hosted another one of its Women’s Doubles Tournaments run by world class doubles expert Anne Hobbs. These friendly events have been a welcome addition to the players at RIRC, and Hobbs helps the players by providing tips and guidance at the conclusion of each event.
“Matchplay is an important vehicle to further your understanding of your own game, the doubles game itself and building confidence under pressure. The latter is developed from not only your own experience but from studying other successful teams”, Hobbs said.
The next tournament is scheduled for Monday, May 5. You can e-mail Anne@AnneHobbsTennis.com for more information.
National Tennis Center Hosts ‘Tennis Is All Love’ Event
In honor of Black History Month and American Heart Month, the USTA Billie Jean King National Tennis Center held a “Tennis Is All Love” event in conjunction with USTA Eastern. The event allowed people to play for an hour-anda-half at no cost and have a fun tennis experience.
Nikolovski Wins L5 Tournament
Wallin Earns L5 Title in Minnesota
Across Metro N
Across Metro N
Filip Nikolovski brought home the title of the L5 February Open in Pittsford, N.Y. The CourtSense player came back from a set down in the finals to earn the championship in the Boys 18s Singles division.
Harrison Wallin of Centercourt Tennis Academy was the Boys 12s singles champion at the L5 Sweet 16 event in St. Louis Park, Minnesota. Wallin won each of his matches in straight sets, dropping a total of just eight games in the entirety of the tournament.
Grant Brings Back L7 Championship
Bear Brings Home Boys 12s Title
Felix Grant who trains at the Cary Leeds Center for Tennis & Learning won the L7 Open tournament in the Boys 12s singles division at Point Set Tennis on Long Island. Grant won all four of his matches to bring the title back to the Bronx.
Ashwin Bear, a native of New York City who trains at the John McEnroe Tennis Academy at SPORTIME Randall’s Island, was victorious at the L4 Open in Manchester, Massachusetts. Bear came back from a set down in the semifinals before winning 6-0, 6-1 in the championship.
The Importance of Junior Tournaments for New York City Players
By Josie Underwood
Growingup in Massachusetts, I had the privilege of playing tennis on free public courts at local parks and high schools.
Learning the game in New York City, however, is an entirely different experience. Here, tennis isn’t something you simply stumble into. With Manhattan’s limited space, there are no sprawling parks with a dozen courts or easy-access public facilities. A true NYC tennis player is a rare breed—one who finds their way to the game despite the city’s challenges.
Yet, those who do grow up playing in New York are among the sport’s most devoted fans. Having the U.S. Open in their backyard fuels their passion, and despite the lack of open space, they embrace the game with unwavering dedication and classic New-York-City grit.
Ask any NYC tennis native about their junior days, and you’ll likely hear:
“Oh yeah, I remember playing a tournament on Roosevelt Island.”
One player once told me,
“I had just switched to contact lenses when I played there. I’ll never forget your club’s green clay—it got stuck in my eye! But I still won my match. I remember that.”
Even Adam, one of our top coaches and a former pro tour player, recalls competing at Advantage Tennis Clubs as a junior. Now, he’s training the next generation on the very courts where he once battled for wins.
And it’s with that in mind that Roosevelt Island Racquet Club is excited to get back in the business of running USTA Tournaments, to provide not just our members, but all junior tennis players more competitive opportunities.
With junior tournaments returning to Roosevelt Island, now is the perfect time to understand the USTA ranking system. Parents often ask, “How can my child take the next step in their tennis development?” If your young player is thriving in practice, the next
move is entering USTA-sanctioned tournaments.
The junior tournament system, structured from recreational play to elite competition, allows players to earn points contributing to sectional and national rankings. These rankings, in conjunction with the Universal Tennis Rating (UTR), Tennis Recruiting Network (TRN), and the World Tennis Number (WTN), provide college coaches with accurate performance metrics and player profiles—crucial for scholarship and career opportunities.
The Roosevelt Island Racquet Club and Advantage Tennis Clubs have long been a cornerstone of New York’s junior tennis scene. Be part of the revival of true New York tennis tradition. See you on the courts!
Josie Underwood is the Sales and Communications Director for Advantage Tennis Clubs. A life-long passionate tennis player. Growing up in Massachusetts, she played varsity tennis for her high school team in Cambridge. After moving to New York City, she rediscovered her love for the game and is now both a dedicated player and a junior coach. Specializing in early development for 10-and-under red ball players, Josie is committed to creating a fun, supportive environment for young athletes. She can be reached at junderwood@advantagetennisclubs.com.
•We offer a full-range of junior and adult programs for recreational and tournament players in partnership with Gotham Tennis Academy, a leader in developing and operating tennis programs in New York City and the Hamptons.
•Our professional tennis staff has some of the most talented, personable and engaging tennis professionals in NYC. For more information about our pros, please visit www.stadiumtennisnyc.com
•Sign up now for our popular Junior Programs, Adult Clinics, Private Lessons, and Seasonal Courts.
•Sixteen US Open style deco turf tennis courts with spacious backcourts. Twelve courts are indoors from October through April.
•For the convenience of our regular players and their families, the Tennis Center offers complimentary on-site parking and Transportation referrals.
•An adjacent clubhouse features a pro shop, light snacks and beverages, complimentary Wi-Fi, and workspaces for schoolwork.
•Please see our Safe Play Procedures summarized at www.stadiumtennisnyc.com
Just Minutes from Manhattan Near Yankee Stadium
By Brian Coleman
spotlight Junior Player
Valentina Singh Carvajal Centercourt Tennis Academy
Atthe end of 2024, Valentina Singh Carvajal put together an impressive run of results across multiple USTA tournaments. She brought home the title at the L4 Turkey Bowl at Centercourt Chatham, a girls doubles and mixed doubles title at the L3 event in Mountainside, New Jersey prior to that, and before that, the singles titles at both the L4 Closed tournament in Matawan, New Jersey and the L4 Open event in Chestertown, Maryland.
In the latter two tournaments, Singh Carvajal came back from a set down in the finals, demonstrating a remarkable mental toughness that you don’t often see in young players. Much of that is a product of her training and development as a full-time athlete of the Centercourt Tennis Academy.
“I’m trying to be mentally stronger when I am on court, and we do mental training sessions here at Centercourt,” said Singh Carvajal. “There was times in the past where maybe I would break down on court if things weren’t going right, but doing these seminars helps a lot and keeps me in a good state of mind during a match. One thing we learned is that when you are on court sitting down on a changeover, look at
something on court that can’t move, like the court number on the fence. If you look at that, it doesn’t move, and it helps you refocus and stay on task.”
It’s one of the many things she has improved on over the last few years, and at just 11-years-old, the future is bright for Singh Carvajal because of that desire to get better, and to do so in an environment like Centercourt.
She is the daughter of Centercourt CEO Conrad Singh, who brought his international tennis experience from places like Australia, Japan, China, Western Europe and more to the New Jersey-based academy. And despite his position as a coach and director, Valentina found her footing in tennis the natural way, never getting pushed into it by her father, but instead falling in love with it on her own.
“I tried other sports growing up like Ninja Warrior, softball and soccer, but the only sport that stuck out to me was tennis,” she says.
“I loved the competition, the feeling of beating my opponents, the feeling that comes with playing aggressively, fist bumping after winning a point, that sort of stuff. I just loved the whole feeling of those things.”
Her father can recall a time during COVID, where people
were stuck inside for the most part and Valentina was just starting out in Red Ball. She would go outside every day and hit thousands of balls against their house to hone her technique, and play as much as she can.
“There was no paint left on the side of the house because I could not get her to stop,” Conrad says. “We had to repaint the wall.”
Valentina turned 11 just before the end of 2024, but has been competing in the Girls 12s singles events, which has enabled her to test herself against girls who are older than her and most of the time bigger than her.
“It teaches me how aggressive they can be, and shows me how aggressive I need to be in order to play with and beat them,” she said. “I know a lot of them are taller and
stronger, so it makes me want to improve my game and play aggressively.”
She hasn’t only learned more about herself in this experience, but
she is also winning. She ranks number one in New Jersey for her age group, and fourth nationally, and she just recently signed a full sponsorship deal with the tennis brand HEAD.
That success is the result of her dedication to the sport. She’s a member of the Full-Time Academy at Centercourt and she plays tennis six days a week, and this past year began doing online schooling, which allows her to spend more time at Centercourt working on her tennis while not sacrificing her academics.
“The coaches here are really caring and smart, and I’ve been able to learn a lot from them,” Valentina explains. “With all my coaches I work on different things, and every time I get on court they give me
junior player spotlight
continued from page 9
really good advice, and really push me to be the best I can be.”
For Conrad, striking the balance between being a father and a coach can sometimes be difficult, but for the most part, the two are able to compartmentalize that.
“I try not to be on court with her during those times she is training, and let the other coaches do their job,” he says. “I do work with the coaches on delivering the right message, but they do the talking to her. I let them take control and Valentina does connect with them extremely well. And my wife is essentially her manager in terms of tournament booking, arranging the travel, and even does a lot of the mental work with Valentina. It’s a good system we’ve been able to work out.”
He says sometimes he has to remind her what hat he is wearing at a
particular time, sometimes it’s the coaching hat, other times it’s the father hat. But even at a young age, Valentina is able to distinguish between that, which is extremely important.
“She made a cool comment to me the other night when we were just hanging
at the house playing with our dog Izzy and watching tv. She mentioned how cool it is to be able to see all the different sides of dad,” Conrad recalls. “She gets to see the dad side when we are at home, and at Centercourt she sees the professional side. Because she’s full-time at Centercourt she is in my office during lunchtime, and can see me talk to other coaches and things like that. So she recognizes that, and I give all the credit to Valentina for understanding the difference.”
Valentina won’t turn 12 until later this year but has already established herself as one of the top players in that division. She is looking forward to playing more Level 1 tournaments to try to build up her experience in those top events, and her main goal for the time being is to simply train harder, and do what she can to be the best version of herself.
at the
By Brian Coleman
Jeremy Victoria Cary Leeds Center for Tennis & Learning net
Ifyou look on the Scholar Athlete Program section of the New York Junior Tennis & Learning’s website, you’ll see a collage of players who represent that program.
One of those faces is that of Jeremy Victoria, a longtime player at the nonprofit’s flagship facility, the Cary Leeds Center who is a shining example of its benefits, and representative of the immense impact that the facility that sits in the heart of the Bronx’s Crotona Park has had on the City’s youth.
He is a native of the Bronx and has been going to the Cary Leeds Center since he was a little kid. In his time there, he has developed from someone who was a “knucklehead”, as he says, into one of the leaders that the youngest players in the program look up to.
“Jeremy’s time in our program shows how tennis can develop discipline and dedication that applies off the court as well,” said Raiyan Nafee, the Academic Program Director for the Scholar Athlete Program at the Cary Leeds Center. “When Jeremy focused on his college pursuits, he focused on school work and could often be found completing schoolwork between practices. He also works with younger students during programming, offering tips based on his own experiences.”
When he was younger, Victoria’s first athletic endeavors involved swimming, and he was very talented. As a kid, he
became a junior Olympian, but despite his success in the pool, the sport didn’t elicit any passion or love from him.
“You always need to learn how to love something,” he says. “That’s something I looked back on over the years. My mom had to literally drag me by my backpack to go to swimming practice every day. I loved the sport because my parents loved it, not because I truly did. With tennis though, from the beginning, it felt right. I’ll never forget going home after the first tennis practice I had, and I told my mom that I wanted to quit swimming
and play tennis. It was a radical change, but as I look back, I don’t exactly know why I made the decision except for the fact that I remember how tennis made me feel. I knew from the first time I picked up a racquet that it was going to stick.”
And from that point forward, tennis became the focal point of Jeremy’s life. He began playing in NYJTL's ACES Afterschool Program at his school, eventually progressing into more advanced tennis programs through the non-profit. Ultimately, he worked his way up into the junior tennis tournament circuit and rose through the rankings. He would then be selected to be a part of the Scholar Athlete Program, which provides its participants with in-depth tennis and education instruction as well as college preparedness to create the pathway to college.
“It’s more like a scholarship program that has benefits even beyond tennis,” said Victoria. “It includes players from different programming at the Cary Leeds Center, and is more than just tennis. In addition to the academic and athletic emphasis, they teach a lot of life skills. I learned there that the same things that work on the tennis court can translate to off the court, and the importance of building yourself as a person outside of tennis.”
His as a person and tennis player is proof positive of the impact of these programs, and he is now a freshman at
Jeremy Victoria won the Varsity Doubles title at the 2024 NYJTL Mayor Dinkins Cup to cap off his junior career on the courts of the Cary Leeds Center for Tennis & Learning
Fordham University, where he has become an A student in his first year, and competes on the men’s tennis team.
Just recently, he played his first collegiate match, which was a monumental moment for him.
“It was a tough match but a great experience. I was so happy, and I’m being sincere when I say this, I remember I started crying,” he recalls. “I couldn’t believe I had gotten to this point in my life, to be playing college tennis. Just the latest chapter of my book.”
It’s a chapter that even he himself would not have believed could have been written many years ago, and he attributes that to the warmth and welcoming environment at the Cary Leeds Center.
For youth in the Bronx specifically but also throughout NYC’s four other boroughs, the Center is more than just a place to play tennis. The staff there is supportive of their students, whether that means helping them with school work, teaching proper tennis technique, preparing them for tournaments or just
helping them deal with issues that arise off the court.
“Everybody there has had a pivotal role in shaping who I am, and if I’m being honest I have to put the spotlight on two people specifically, Jay Devashetty and Victor Ayudant, they were like my tennis fathers,” says Victoria. “They’ve supported me through the worst times of my life but also the best. And in general Cary Leeds Center has taken me under their wing, whether it was free court time, free private lessons, free programming, discounts on things, paying for travel etc. I couldn’t be more grateful for the people there that have shaped me into the person I am.
It’s a home-away-from home, a place to go after school and see friends, a spot where they can do homework and, quite simply, somewhere they can go to keep them out of trouble.
“It’s always been a home for me, no joke,” Victoria confesses. “I’ve never taken it for granted. Sometimes I would go there just to study, or if I didn’t want to go home to my house. It’s a second
resort and for a lot of people it’s a first resort. If you wanted to chill out after school, you could. We’ve been so fortunate to have this right here in the Bronx, because Crotona Park was known for a lot of gang activity and didn’t have a great reputation. I think about all the things that have happened in my life, and a lot of bad situations or mishaps that have happened, and what could have been had it not been for the Cary Leeds Center.”
Victoria has taken all the lessons and life skills he learned through his time at the Cary Leeds Center in what he does today. He is excelling in the classroom and on the court, and because he is at Fordham, he remains in the Bronx and oftentimes goes back to the Cary Leeds Center to train.
“Jeremy stays in contact with many of the progam’s students now despite starting his college journey,” Nafee added. “As he spent time in the program, Jeremy matured into someone with a strong character and a leader on and off the court.”
Finalist Once Again
After falling in another final, Alexander Zverev looks for answers in quest for first major title
By Brian Coleman
TheAustralian Open Men’s Singles final pitted the top two ranked players in the world back in January, as defending champion and world number one Jannik Sinner took the court against Alexander Zverev, the second-ranked player in the world
But as the match would soon illustrate, there is a significant gap between the one and two sports in the ATP World Tour rankings. Sinner cruised to the third major title of his career with a 6-3, 7-6(4), 6-3 victory over Zverev, which left the latter doing a lot of introspection of his own game.
“In general, Jannik is better than me at the moment,” he reflected in his postmatch press conference. “It’s as simple as that...at the end of the day, he deserves to win. He’s the best player on hard courts right now.”
Zverev heaped a lot of praise onto Sinner, and deservedly so, as the Italian has a firm grip on the world number one spot and has won the last three hardcourt majors. Zverev had to stand there during the ceremony while someone else was handed the trophy, something he has done three times in his career, having fell in the 2020 U.S. Open final and the 2024 French Open.
In that same press conference, he discussed how painful those moments are.
“I think it’s very difficult to give an on-court speech after you lose a Grand Slam final,” he said. “I’m doing everything I can. I’m working as hard as I ever did. I think I’m doing all the right things off-court. I think I’m practicing the right things, but I lose in straight sets today. Those are the facts.”
A helpful moment came on that stage, when Sinner turned to Zverev, and offered him some helpful, and much-needed, words of encouragement.
“I was quite down. I was also quite emotional in that stage,” Zverev recalled. “I think he [Sinner] saw that. He said that I would definitely lift one of those trophies in my career. I’m too good not to. That’s his words.”
continued on page 16
He continued:
“It was a little bit of a tough moment for me because I really went into the final and also the preparation today, I really thought I had a very good chance because I was feeling good. I was feeling the ball quite well. I was feeling like I can compete. It was just a difficult moment for me. I mean, now for the third time, seeing somebody lift the trophy, me standing next to that is difficult because there’s nothing more I want than to be able to hold one of those trophies in my hands.”
Zverev now hopes he builds off of runs like this, and lean into the old sports cliché that you can learn more from your losses than wins. But it is a hard pill to swallow in the moment, and he has to be left wondering how he can get over that proverbial
hump.
Andy Roddick, the 2003 U.S. Open champion who also lost his fair share of major finals, discussed the predicament Zverev has in his recent podcast.
“Imagine you winning that competition for two weeks and then losing to one person and people [saying] that’s a failure,” said Roddick. “That’s a weird place to be and that is kind of where Zverev is right now.”
Zverev remains one of the best players in the world. He is one of six players all-time to climb as high as number two in the world without having lifted a major trophy, and his problem doesn’t seem to be one of confidence, however, it’s a lack of conviction in the biggest moments of those matches that have left him on
the losing side of the net in those three matches.
Famed tennis coach Patrick Mouratgolou offered his thoughts on what is holding Zverev back.
“I don’t think that Sascha loses this Grand Slam final, at least the last one, because he doesn’t believe enough. I think he does believe,” he said. “But I think that there’s still things he’s lacking in his game. He improved, for sure. He’s No. 2 in the world now, he came back stronger, and I think he added a lot of things to his game. When it comes to the big moments, he lacks being bold, being aggressive, taking the risk, and taking the match; really taking it. He pushes himself to do it, but it’s not natural yet. I think he needs more time. I think he needs to do it more and
more, and find better efficiency.”
Despite not winning a major yet, Zverev’s resume is impressive. He was the youngest player since Novak Djokovic to crack inside the Top 20, and has gone on to win the end-ofyear ATP Finals twice (2018 and 2021), an Olympic Gold Medal in singles in 2020 (played in 2021 due to COVID-19), and 23 tour-level singles titles which includes seven Masters 1000s events. There is just one thing missing from that cache of accolades.
The first step in achieving something is having the belief that you can do it, which is something Zverev has, despite his shortcomings thus far. And just like in every sport, there comes a time when playing to win instead of playing not to lose has to happen, which is the part that Zverev has struggled with in the biggest moments of those three major finals.
If Zverev can channel the best
TENNIS A FUL L CENTE R
version of himself, and throw caution to the wind when he is competing against the Sinner’s, Alcaraz’s and Djokovic’s in the late stages of those tournaments, then there is no reason he can’t be on the better side of the Grand Slam trophy ceremonies
beyondthebaseline
Johnny Mac Tennis Project
By Brian Coleman
At the annual USTA Eastern Tennis Conference each January, the Section holds its Awards Dinner and Ceremony, at which it honors individuals and organizations that have made a substantial impact in our community.
This year’s recipient of the Corporate Service Award, which goes to an organization whose sponsorship of tennis and tennis programs has helped grow the sport in the Section, was the Johnny Mac Tennis Project (JMTP), the charitable arm of SPORTIME and the John McEnroe Tennis Academy.
“To be recognized by USTA Eastern is truly meaningful,” said Ryann Cutillo, the JMTP’s Executive Director. “It validates the work we do every day and is a testament to the dedication of our team, partners and supporters, as well as the commitment of the young athletes and families we serve. We are proud of how JMTP has evolved and how many lives we’ve been able to impact.
The award is another motivator to keep moving forward, and it inspires us to continue expanding our outreach, strengthening our
programs, and ensuring that every child we meet, regardless of financial background or situation, has the chance to access tennis and to thrive. We are grateful for the recognition and are excited for what’s ahead.”
Cutillo joined the SPORTIME & JMTA team in 2021 and a year later was named as the Executive Director of the JMTP. She has seen first-hand how the organization has developed. What began as a scholarship-based initiative has transformed into a comprehensive development program that helps
athletes both on and off the court.
The mission of JMTP is to break down the economic, racial and social barriers to success, using tennis as the vehicle to do so. It first introduces tennis to children from underserved communities throughout New York City as a way to help them stay healthy and remain socially active
“The key to our growth has been the expansion of our Community Programs, which are at the core of our mission,” Cutillo added. “In the post-Covid era alone, we have grown our outreach by over 500 percent. We are currently working with 4,000 kids every week and our community kids receive a consistent, weekly tennis experience across the school year. This occurs through partnerships with 32 public schools, charter schools and likeminded organizations across Harlem, the Bronx, Brooklyn and Queens. We offer programming six hours a day, Monday through Friday, including our School Day Community Programming and After School Community Programming. These kids are learning a game that they likely would not have been exposed to otherwise, broadening their horizons and providing them with opportunities. Some of them will
become lifelong players or even college scholarship recipients through their tennis, which is the ultimate goal”
And the heart of JMTP’s work is exposing NYC kids to a sport they otherwise would not have been able to play, primarily due to the economic hurdles that exist for many of the City’s youth.
When Claude Okin, SPORTIME Founder & CEO, partnered with tennis legend and New York native John McEnroe to launch the JMTA in 2010, this was a shared goal from the start.
“From the moment that John and I began discussing the creation of the John McEnroe Tennis Academy in 2009, our foundational promise to each other was that access to JMTA programs would not be limited to a wealthy few,” Okin explained. “We were committed to finding a way to build substantial access for those who could afford to pay very little, or nothing at all, and especially for NYC kids from the neighborhoods surrounding Randall’s Island, like East Harlem and the South Bronx. These are some of the country’s most under-resourced communities and we knew we had to build bridges with our neighbors. We wanted to offer tennis as a pathway to health,
education and opportunity to kids in those communities and beyond, and JMTP was created to support that essential goal.”
For more than 10 years now, that is just what they have done, and the date on the impact is remarkable. Through its community programs, more than 16,500 students have been reached, with 540 scholarships being awarded to players which allow them to train at the JMTA. This is more than $10.7 million awarded, with more than 41 college scholarships earned by players in these programs.
Two of those JMTP/JMTA players, who will be heading off to play collegiate tennis in the fall of 2025 are Christasha McNeil and Lara Afolayanka, who were honored at JMTA’s College Signing Day earlier this year. McNeil and Afolayanka are two of the many success stories of the JMTP, and their development, both as tennis players and young people, is representative of what the JMTP sets out to accomplish.
“College Signing Day is one of my favorite days of the year. In the midst of the daily grind–always working on the next project, finding ways to improve, and pushing for
beyond the baseline
continued from page 19
growth–this is a moment for us to pause and celebrate the incredible achievements of our athletes following years of hard work on and off the court,” said Cutillo. “This is what it’s all about for us. Using tennis as a vehicle to create these life-changing opportunities that set our players up for long-term success. We are so proud of Lara and Christasha and also proud that we have had the opportunity to support them through their junior tennis careers. Seeing them accomplish their goals is incredibly rewarding. Both of these young ladies are talented and hardworking, and we are thrilled to see what they will accomplish in the future.”
The future is bright for all of the players who are part of the JMTP, and Cutillo and her team, a small but dedicated group of three, are excited to continue and expand upon the great work it does. Helping in that cause was the recent expansion of the Randall’s Island complex, which included building an additional 10 indoor tennis courts, among other improvements.
While the JMTP and JMTA do
operate independently of each other, their partnership means that when JMTA grows, so does the JMTP.
“We are incredibly fortunate to have access to JMTA’s world-class facilities, coaching staff and support system,” said Cutillo. “JMTP has our Community & Excellence Programs, but, with the exception of our After School Community Programs, which brings tennis off-site to underserved communities, all of our programming takes place at the incredible SPORTIME JMTA facilities, primarily at SPORTIME Randall’s Island, and our kids are coached by the amazing team of JMTA coaches. Our Scholarship Program is the final stage of our developmental pathway, providing full scholarships for the most talented and dedicated players to train at JMTA. While JMTP funds and supports these athletes, they are seamlessly integrated and treated no differently than any other child training at the Academy.”
To be able to raise the funds necessary for all the work it does, JMTP hosts a number of important fundraising events throughout the year. This spring, the annual JMTP
Comedy Night will bring tons of laughter to Sony Hall at the Paramount Hotel in Manhattan, where John and Patrick McEnroe will be joined by comedians for an unforgettable evening, all in benefit of a great cause. The annual JMTP Pro-Am, the largest of its kind in the country, will return to SPORTIME Amagansett in The Hamptons on August 16, and JMTP is also excited about its newest event in partnership with the International Tennis Hall of Fame at Randall’s Island on September 6.
Although fundraising is essential, the day-in-and-day-out work of JMTP is to continue to grow the sport of tennis in its communities, impacting the lives of New York kids to create a new generation of champions, on and off the court.
Cutillo concluded:
“We believe that investing in young athletes in this way not only enhances their athletic potential but also equips them with the skills, confidence and resilience to succeed in any endeavor they choose to pursue.”
To learn more about the JMTP, visit JMTPNY.org.
SHow To Choose The Right Doubles Partner For You
By Anna Morgina
electing the right partner in tennis doubles can significantly influence your performance and enjoyment of the game. Here are some key factors to consider when choosing a doubles partner:
Skill Level: Look for someone with a similar skill level to yours (or slightly higher). Playing with a partner who matches your abilities ensures a balanced competition and enhances the overall experience. If one player is significantly stronger or weaker, it can lead to frustration and an unproductive game from both of you.
Playing Style: Understand your own playing style and find a partner whose style complements yours. For example, if you are a baseline player, consider teaming up with someone who dominates at the net. This combination can create a well-balanced team, allowing you to cover the court space more effectively.
Communication: Good communication is essential in doubles. Choose a partner with whom you can easily discuss strategies, call plays, and provide feedback. Being able to communicate openly will help build trust and improve teamwork on the court.
Experience: Experience can play a crucial role in doubles success. A partner with prior experience in doubles play may bring valuable insights and strategies that can enhance your performance. They may also handle pressure situations more effectively.
Compatibility: Consider your personal chemistry with potential partners. A good connection can lead to a more enjoyable experience, even during challenging matches. Look for someone with a similar attitude towards competition and sportsmanship.
Commitment: Ensure that your partner is committed to practicing together and playing regularly. Consistency in practice helps build synergy and improves overall performance.
In conclusion, choosing the right doubles partner in tennis involves considering skill level, playing style, communication, experience, compatibility, and commitment. By carefully selecting a partner who meets these criteria, you can enhance your chances of success and strengthen your own game even more.
Anna Morgina is a current resident of the Centercourt Tennis Academy in New Jersey. A native of Russia, she climbed as high as 316th in singles and 165th in doubles on the WTA Tour. She also won 13 singles titles and 39 doubles titles on the ITF circuit. As a coach, she has helped dozens of junior tennis players achieve their first WTA doubles points.
USTA Eastern Metro Region
Metro Region Volunteers Awarded at
USTA Eastern’s Annual
Awards Dinner
USTAEastern held its Annual Awards Dinner January 24, 2025 at the Genesis Health Club at Saw Mill in Mount Kisco, N.Y. The yearly fete honors those who have made remarkable contributions toward growing and promoting tennis at the grassroots level, and five Metro Region volunteers, coaches and organizations were honored for their efforts. Metro Region Council member Doriana Noel was recognized as the Metro Region Volunteer of the Year; Jay Devashetty—currently the vice president of tennis pathways at NYJTL’s Cary Leeds Center in the Bronx—received the prestigious George Seewagen Award, bestowed upon an exceptional teaching professional; Mike Barrell, the executive director of tennis for Sportime Clubs, was named the Clinician of the Year; NYC teacher Alexander Dobrin accepted the Service to People with Disabilities Award; and the Johnny Mac Tennis Project—a nonprofit organization based out of Sportime Randall’s Island founded by John McEnroe—was awarded the Corporate Service Award. Below, read a little more about each of their accomplishments in the sport.
Barrell, center, with USTA Eastern President Ari Roberts and USTA Eastern
Mike Barrell, Clinician of the Year: Mike Barrell has served as the executive director of tennis for Sportime Clubs since 2022, but his time as a renowned coach extends over 30 years. He is one of the foremost experts on teaching the sport to young players of all ages. Hailing from the United Kingdom, he has worked in 80 different countries and offered his support to just about every major tennis federation, including the USTA. For all these reasons and more, he was
named the PTR World Professional of the Year in 2007, and he received the PTR International Master Professional designation in 2022. Since joining Sportime, Barrell has refreshed and updated the curriculum at its various locations throughout the tri-state area. He has also focused on enhancing in-service training for Sportime’s coaching staff in an effort to upgrade coach engagement. He champions a holistic coaching philosophy that balances technical and tactical skills development with a fun, welcoming environment.
Jayadeva Devashetty, George Seewagen Award: Jayadeva “Jay” Devashetty has been a coach in the Eastern section for many years. He led the high-performance unit at Hardscrabble in Brewster, New York and then served as a New York-based national coach for USTA Player Development for the better part of a decade. Today he is in charge of player development at the Cary Leeds Center for Tennis & Learning in the Bronx. Over the course of his career, he has helped get the absolute best out of some of the top players in the country. During his time at Hardscrabble, he served as primary coach to four different USTA National Champions and four players who reached the top 100 in the ITF World Junior Rankings. As a USTA National coach, he worked with a wide range of recognizable names and top talent: Kristie Ahn, Christina McHale, Ann Li, Eliot Spizzirri, among many others. All these athletes have scored impressive results thanks in part to Devashetty's efforts. Devashetty considers it a privilege to help young athletes on their journey as they grow up, and he
Executive Director & CEO Jenny Schnitzer
Devashetty, center, with USTA Eastern President Ari Roberts and USTA Eastern Executive Director & CEO Jenny Schnitzer
USTA Eastern Metro Region
is proud of the fact that many stay in touch as they become adults. Indeed, many have grown up to become coaches themselves and they cite him as an inspiration and mentor.
Alexander Dobrin, Service to People with Disabilities Award: Alexander Dobrin was born and raised in Flushing, New York, about three miles from the National Tennis Center. Growing up, he played tennis in public parks throughout New York City, and he eventually played with the New York Junior Tennis & Learning (NYJTL). He credits the organization with not only helping him to improve his tennis, but also teaching him many life skills necessary for long-term success—including the importance of giving back. After playing tennis at Binghamton University, where he was named the America East Conference Rookie of the Year, Dobrin worked for a short time as a banker. But he eventually decided that banking wasn’t the right career path for him and decided to go back to school to obtain a degree in teaching. He specifically wanted to focus on special education, as both his parents worked in that field while he was growing up. He eventually became a P.E. teacher at the Queens Transition Center, which services students with special needs. Being a lifelong tennis player, Dobrin hoped to integrate tennis into his curriculum. In a full-circle moment, he went back to NYJTL to take a professional development course that showed how to teach the sport to kids. Then, he worked with USTA Eastern to obtain equipment and jumpstart the tennis program at his school. Recently, Dobrin competed with a former Queens Transition student in unified doubles at the Eastern Adaptive Sectional Championships. They ended up finishing in the Top 2 and went on to represent the section at the National tournament.
Doriana Noel, Metro Region Volunteer of The Year: Noel is an attorney and member of the Metro Regional Council. She is an enthusiastic tennis aficionado whose love of the game has compelled her to do what she can to grow and promote the sport locally. She is heavily involved with the Lincoln Terrace Tennis Association in Brooklyn, where she volunteers as a peewee coach. As a council member, she has volunteered her time at various community events, including the Metro Region’s Essential Workers Clinic and the Play in Pink Event to support breast cancer awareness. Noel is also an accomplished player, having led her league team to the USTA National Championships.
Dobrin, second from left, with USTA Eastern President Ari Roberts (left), USTA Eastern Metro Region Council Director Sharon Simmonds and USTA Eastern Executive Director & CEO Jenny Schnitzer (right)
Noel poses with former world No. 8 professional player John Isner, who served as the keynote speaker for the Eastern Tennis Conference and Annual Awards Dinner
JMTP Executive Director Ryann Cutillo, second from left, with USTA Eastern President Ari Roberts (left), USTA Eastern Metro Region Community Tennis Coordinator Neil Thakur and USTA Eastern Executive Director & CEO Jenny Schnitzer (right)
Johnny Mac Tennis Project, Corporate Service Award: The Johnny Mac Tennis Project (JMTP) is a
USTA Eastern Metro Region
continued from page 00
nonprofit organization founded in 2012 by seven-time Grand Slam singles champion and New York City native John McEnroe. It is dedicated to breaking down economic, racial and social barriers through the sport of tennis. JMTP primarily serves East Harlem and the South Bronx, two of the most under-resourced neighborhoods in the country. The JMTP Community Program brings elementary classes from those areas of New York City to Sportime Randalls Island throughout the school year to participate in weekly tennis lessons. Through this initiative, as well as on-site afterschool
programming, JMTP serves over 4,000 kids annually. Enthusiastic participants from the community program are invited to join the JMTP Excellence Program, which puts them on a pathway toward obtaining full scholarships to the John McEnroe Tennis Academy. The ultimate goal is for these kids to progress in the sport and earn college scholarships. In the last three years alone, JMTP has seen more than 100% growth. Today, nearly all of JMTP’s annual budget is dedicated to delivering tennis programs and scholarships for kids.
USTA Eastern Offers Grants To Local Tennis Providers
We’re all in this together. Every year, USTA Eastern works in partnership with an eclectic number of organizations—parks, schools, facilities, community tennis associations (CTAs), police athletic leagues (PALs), public school athletic leagues (PSALs)—to make tennis a more accessible sport for everyone in local communities. Interested in working with us? We offer funding to non-profits who want to run tennis programming. Visit USTA.com/gttgrant to learn more about the 2025 Growing Tennis Together grant and other ways we can support your efforts to bring more players into the game. Hurry! The deadline to apply is April 4. Additionally, organizations in the Metro Region can
apply for regional grant funding to support programming aimed at increasing tennis participation in the community. Special consideration will be given to: school and afterschool programming; junior competitive play; adult competitive play; diversity and inclusion initiatives; Community Tennis Associations (CTA) & National Jr. Tennis and Learning (NJTL) Programs; special populations and wheelchair tennis programming; and innovative programming.
Regional grant awards are up to $1,000 and are for tennis programs and events operating in 2025. To learn more about eligibility requirements please visit USTA Eastern’s website.
adult leaguewrap-up
By Ainslie Ellis
Itis hard to believe that outdoor tennis is right around the corner! We look forward to beginning our busy Spring/Summer leagues in April and thank all of our captains who are hard at work planning the upcoming season. Until then, we are wrapping up our fall and winter leagues.
In mid-January, both of our Men’s and Women’s 3.5/4.0/4.5 tri-level teams traveled through snow and sleet to participate in the Sectional tournament. Both teams competed until the bitter end, finishing second. Congrats to our captains Huan Zhou, Matt Murphy and Todd Mekles.
Our 18 & Over Manhattan Mixed Doubles league regular season has wrapped up with local championships soon to be played. Congratulations to those teams that have
already clinched their local leagues: 18 & Over 6.0 Mixed Doubles captained by Lulu Huang and 18 & Over 9.0 Mixed Doubles captained by Rob Moynihan and Amy Untch.
Finally, thanks to those league players and captains that participated in this year’s Eastern Tennis Conference at the Saw Mill club in Westchester. We were thrilled to welcome volunteers, players, coaches, juniors, facility providers and more to celebrate our mutual love of the sport. Highlights included on court demos with John Isner, our Metro league players more than held their own!
As always, if you have an interest in learning more about USTA league play in Metro, please reach out to Ainslie Ellis at ellis@eastern.usta.com.
USTA Eastern Welcomes In Members From All Regions For Annual Eastern Tennis Conference
Each year, the USTA Eastern Section brings together the members and industry leaders from all of its regions for the Eastern Tennis Conference, an all-encompassing weekend that features everything from workshops and clinics, to an awards dinner that honors those who made significant contributions to tennis in our Section.
This year’s event was held at the Saw Mill Club in Mt. Kisco, and provided invaluable experiences for all who attended.
“We were thrilled with how the weekend went,” said Jenny Schnitzer, USTA Eastern Executive Director & CEO. “First and foremost, we are very grateful to the team at the Saw Mill Club for their support in hosting our conference. When you are managing so many moving parts as you are with an event like this, it helps to work with partners who are as invested in the outcome as you are. This event was a massive
success in large part due to their warmth in welcoming us and willingness to go above and beyond as the weekend unfolded.”
That welcoming nature went a long way, and with the Conference being held at a centrally-located venue in the Section, it made for a better experience for all the attendees.
“We enjoyed holding the conference at a local tennis facility in our Section for the first time, and many of our attendees agreed considering the feedback we received,” Schnitzer added.
“Given the venue we were able to develop a strong schedule that featured more on-court sessions, always the most-highly-rated sessions of our conference.”
Those sessions included a variety of topic including PTR-certified instructor Mauricio Doria Medina emphasizing the return of serve; Somadi Druker and Bob Bynum (college tennis), Jackie Clark (high school tennis), and Martin Miedzowicz (USTA and inter-club
teams) talking about the power of collaboration, accountability and mutual support in building cohesive teams; and USTA Eastern Director of Adult Competition Susan Friedlaender and several adult league coordinators answering all questions related to Adult League Tennis.
On Friday night, a ceremonial dinner was held as USTA Eastern honors those who have made remarkable contributions toward growing and promoting tennis at the grassroots level.
One of the highlights of the weekend was the inclusion of one of the best American tennis players of the last 30 years in John Isner, who was the keynote speaker, plus former Eastern standout and Top 150-ranked tour professional Noah Rubin. Both of them provided the attendees with insights from their playing careers with Isner providing an on-court workshop, as well as the two sitting down for a in-depth conversation to discuss an array
“John and Noah added immense value to the event. John is an absolute pro and we honestly can’t thank him enough. He was unbelievably generous with his time—leading three sessions, posing for photos with all of our annual award recipients, and even playing a little red ball tennis with our guests,” Schnitzer said. ‘And we couldn’t be prouder of Noah, who incidentally was one of our junior sportsmanship winners back when he was a young player in our Section. We’re so grateful that he was able to come out to interview John in our final session of the conference. He did such a fantastic job. One of my favorite moments of the entire weekend was when these two accomplished
pro players reminisced about the time Noah’s shoes exploded on court while they were playing a match in Washington, D.C. You always hope that the people you bring in to lead sessions will really engage and delight your audience, and these two really delivered on that front.”
The weekend proved to be a huge success, and with tennis continuing to grow both nationally
and in the Eastern Section specifically, the Conference was the ideal springboard for what should be another great year of tennis here.
“We were thrilled to bring together providers from all across the Section to not only share ideas about how we can continue to grow, but also to celebrate them for everything they’ve already achieved,” Schnitzer concluded.
2025 New York Tennis Magazine Camp Guide 2025 New York Tennis Magazine Camp Guide
Advantage Junior Tennis Camp - Two Great Locations
Roosevelt Island Racquet Club (RIRC)
281 Main Street l Roosevelt Island, N.Y.
Contact: play@advantagetennisclubs.com l (718) 239-7917 l AdvantageTennisClubs.com
Manhattan Plaza Racquet Club (MPRC) 450 West 43rd Street l New York, N.Y.
Contact: play@advantagetennisclubs.com l (718) 239-7917 l AdvantageTennisClubs.com AdvantageTennisClubs.com/camps-overview l play@advantagetennisclubs.com
Advantage Junior Tennis Camp is “tennis heaven for kids”–giving players ages seven to 17 more drills, more skills and more time on the courts!
The City’s oldest and most-established junior tennis program. Girls and boys learn from a team of pros— including some of the finest coaches in the East. Campers use 12 Har-Tru indoor courts and three outdoor courts to improve their game with instruction, match play and crosstraining. And if you’re looking for more tennis instruction, we can arrange a private lesson with the RIRC coach of your choice during your Camp week.
Choose single or consecutive weeks—and ask about the sibling discount! Advantage Jr Tennis Camp is hosted by the Roosevelt Island Racquet Club and Manhattan Plaza Racquet Club. Lunch included in a full day of camp. Sign up today!
Advantage Red Ball Tennis Camp - Three Great Locations
Manhattan Plaza Racquet Club
450 West 43rd Street l New York, N.Y.
Contact: play@advantagetennisclubs.com l (718) 239-7917 l
Roosevelt Island Racquet Club
281 Main Street l Roosevelt Island, N.Y.
Contact: play@advantagetennisclubs.com l (718) 239-7917
advantagetennisclubs.com/tennis-camps
Upper East Side: Wagner Middle School
220 East 76th Street l New York, N.Y.
Contact: play@advantagetennisclubs.com l (718) 239-7917
advantagetennisclubs.com/tennis-camps
Advantage Red Ball Tennis Camp delivers a super summer for kids ages four through eight, with tennis customized for age, ability—and fun! During half days from 9:00 a.m.-noon, campers love playing with smaller racquets and slowerbouncing balls that make the game accessible. Engaging drills and games mean there’s always something new to learn and enjoy. Camp is led by an all-star tennis pro who specializes in teaching kids. And our coaches receive intensive specialty training in teaching the Net Gen 10 & Under curriculum. Sign up today!
Advantage Day Camp - Two Great Locations
Roosevelt Island Racquet Club (RIRC)
281 Main Street l Roosevelt Island, N.Y.
Contact: play@advantagetennisclubs.com l (718) 239-7917 l AdvantageCamps.net
Upper East Side: Wagner Middle School
220 East 76th Street l New York, N.Y.
Contact: play@advantagetennisclubs.com l (718) 239-7917
advantagetennisclubs.com/day-camps
Advantage Day Camps are recognized as some of the best day camps in New York City. We strive for excellence and consistency in our teams and facilities. Our commitment to providing a safe and enriching environment for your child ensures their summer is filled with growth, skill-building, and most of all – fun!
Join us for an unforgettable experience, where our dedicated staff and innovative programs set the standard for day camps in the heart of the city. Your child will enjoy a variety of camp activities including Tennis, Robotics, STEAM Programs, Athletic Sports, Arts & Crafts, Chess, Magicians, Planetarium, Nature, Water Play, and many more! Enroll your child today for a summer of trusted excellence at Advantage Day Camps!
Atlas Tennis
Director: Ben Shapiro l Ben@Atlas.tenis (914) 462-6406 l atlas.tennis
Atlas Tennis creates 2-3 week, once in a lifetime experiences in Europe for teenage tennis players of all levels to train, compete in tournaments, get immersed in different cultures, make new connections, and explore some of the world’s most iconic destinations.
Each trip departs from New York and travels to 2-3 different countries, including France, Italy, Spain, Switzerland, and the UK, where players will compete against locals in tournaments and organized matches, with many of the results counting for UTR and/or WTN.
Different itineraries are available for a range of players, from nationally ranked juniors preparing for USTA Clay Courts, to high school and sectional tournament competitors, to those newer to the game. The only requirement is an excitement about exploring new countries through a passion for tennis and travel!
Players will have the opportunity to train and compete mainly on European red clay, which is excellent for development thanks to the slower pace and emphasis on patience, point construction, and footwork.
Off the court, in addition to team bonding and socializing with the European players we meet, our trips also feature sightseeing excursions like a day at Wimbledon, seeing the Eiffel Tower in Paris, a canal cruise in Amsterdam, and La Sagrada Familia in Barcelona.
Our trips can also be perfect for those considering college tennis. Our practices are run college-style, with live ball drills and high energy, and most of our staff are current or former college coaches or players. Our staff also provides guidance and help with the college process, from identifying schools to connecting with coaches.
Each trip has approximately 10-15 players and 2-3 professional coaches and chaperones who are with the group 24/7 to ensure their safety and supervision. Each coach passes an extensive reference check and background screening, and must complete CPR/First Aid and USTA SafePlay compliance certifications.
All the logistics are taken care of by our experienced staff, including flights, accommodations, meals, transportation, tournament registrations, and court bookings.
Atlas Tennis was founded by a respected and experienced group of influential tennis executives. The group includes:
Eric Butorac, Senior Director of Business Development and Player Relations at the US Open and 2014 Australian Open Men’s Doubles Finalist
Megan Mouton-Levy, Vice President at Junior Tennis Champions Center and Vice President of the USTA Board of Directors. Former top-50 WTA Player.
Andrew Chmura, President of Grand Slam Tennis Tours.
Sam Duvall, President of Topnotch Management, agent of pros including John Isner, Caroline Garcia, Reilly Opelka, and more.
Ben Shapiro, Director of Atlas Tennis, former NCAA Champion and ITA Coach of the Year at Wesleyan University
For additional info including trip details and FAQs, visit our website at www.atlas.tennis. To learn more, contact Director Ben Shapiro at Ben@Atlas.Tennis or call (914) 462-6406..
2025 New York Tennis Magazine Camp Guide
Cary Leeds Center for Tennis & Learning 2025 Summer Camp
1720 Crotona Avenue l Bronx, NY l (718) 247-7420
car yleedsinfo@nyjtl.org l caryleedstennis.org
Summer Camp at the Car y Leeds Center
The Cary Leeds Center for Tennis & Learning offers Summer Camp, for juniors ages five to 18 years old. All levels are welcome from beginners in the development level program to advanced players in the high performance level program. Players will train to develop necessary tennis technique, improve consistency and create basic patterns of play for effective point construction. Included is a fitness component designed to improve players’ footwork, balance, speed and overall strength. Camp hours run from 10:00 am to 4:00 pm.
NYJTL Community Tennis Program
The Cary Leeds Center is the flagship home of New York Junior Tennis & Learning and offers free programming as a part of its commitment to the community. The summer Community Tennis Program is coming soon! NYJTL offers free programming throughout all five boroughs. Please check our website, nyjtl.org to find a location near you. NYJTL’s mission is to develop the character of young people through tennis and education for a lifetime of success on and off the court. All proceeds from the Cary Leeds Center fund its mission.
Centercourt Tennis Academy High-Performance Full-Time Academy & Elite Camps Of fered Weekly, Annually and for Specific Periods required Chatham l Florham Park l Gillette l Drew University l Marlboro l Just 25 miles from Manhattan (862) 308-3029 l Centercourtcta.com l Conrad@Centercourtclub.com
Our commitment to Excellence at Centercourt Tennis Academy has earned our reputation as the Toughest Playground in the Northeast. With a passion for Elite Player Development and with a dedicated High-Performance Team as well as our multiple World-Class facilities from Indoor and Outdoor Clay & Hards to our Strength and Conditioning Institutes.
Our players experience Only the Best in Competitive Training and an array of Tournaments and Events in one Academy.
Based just 25 Miles from Manhattan Players come from International as well as the Tri - State area. We offer Additional Homestay and Transportation Options upon request.
The Centercourt Tennis Academy Points of Difference
l Attention to detail allows athletes to improve in multiple dimensions: Technical, Tactical Fitness, Emotional & Mental
l Centercourt’s list of events including USTA, ITA & official UTR tournaments provide opportunities for athletes to compete weekly and improve UTR ratings quickly.
l Centercourt is dedicated to meeting the individual needs of each one of our players. We use cutting edge technology for Match Play Analytics, Mental Toughness Training & SMAP Video Technical Analysis with our resident Biomechanist
l Centercourt puts the needs of the player first, in a development-focused model of training. Our Partners offer Medical, Rehab and Prehab services as well as Nutritional and Sports Dietetics.
l Athletes are grouped in level by UTR; featuring small group training, match play, individualized fitness plans, Mental Toughness Training and On the Spot video analysis.
l Our Environment shows our commitment to develop players Holistically - we believe in shaping people from the Inside Out and guide our team in our Team based Academy setting.
In addition to the High Performance Tennis Camp, Centercourt Chatham, offers the best summer camps in the area, providing skill-building, active fun, and memorable experiences for kids all summer long. Choose from its exciting Ninja Adventure, Tennis, Combo, and Explorer camps tailored to every age and interest! The camp runs from June 9 through August 29.
Chris
Lewit Tennis Academy
Manchester, Vermont l (914) 462-2912 l ChrisLewit.com l Chris@ChrisLewit.com
Why Train at CLTA?
No Rainouts—Ever! Train seriously in the picturesque Green Mountains of Vermont with indoor courts on-site.
Join elite coach Chris Lewit at the Chris Lewit Tennis Academy (CLTA) Summer Camp, a high-performance sleepaway and day camp designed for serious players. Train in a natural paradise while receiving world-class coaching in small groups, directly from Chris—one of the top junior development coaches in the U.S.
Chris has personally developed multiple juniors to #1 national rankings and has coached numerous top 10 U.S. players, many now competing on the pro circuit. A leading expert in technique, biomechanics, and Spanish training methods, Chris is the author of Secrets of Spanish Tennis and is currently pursuing an advanced degree in kinesiology and biomechanics.
l Ages 8-18 | From serious beginners to nationally and ITF-ranked players
l Day camp or full boarding in a charming Vermont inn
l Exclusive use of CLTA Vermont—a private club featuring:
l Outdoor red clay courts
l Indoor hard courts (rain or shine!)
l Gym, yoga studio, and clubhouse
l Majestic river for swimming and 50 acres of scenic nature
Elite Training with a European Influence
Chris has spent the last 20 years studying in Spain and Europe with legendary coaches. He is the only U.S. coach certified in three distinct Spanish methods:
l Toni Nadal Method (Rafa Nadal’s uncle and longtime coach)
l Bruguera Method (Developed by Luis Bruguera, father of two-time Roland Garros champion Sergi Bruguera)
l William Pato Álvarez System (The foundation of Spanish high-performance training)
CLTA’s unique hybrid training system combines these Spanish influences with modern sports science and biomechanics, ensuring players receive cutting-edge instruction.
More Than Just Tennis
l Character and mindset training inspired by Toni Nadal
l Daily yoga & mindfulness with a certified master instructor
l Injury prevention program overseen by an NSCA-certified strength coach from NYC
l Onsite UTR tournaments held every weekend for campers
Train Year-Round!
In addition to our summer camp, CLTA offers:
l Holiday and school break camps throughout the year
l Year-round training with boarding, available for both short-term and long-term stays
Train with one of America’s leading coaches in an elite, small-group setting—and take your game to the next level!
CourtSense Tennis Training Center at Bogota Racquet Club (home of the High Performance program)
156 West Main Street l Bogota, N.J. l (201) 366-2898
CourtSense at Tenafly Racquet Club (Home of the Performance program)
195 County Rd. l Tenafly, N.J. l (201) 254-5836
Cour tSense.com l Info@CourtSense.com
With CourtSense, you’ll achieve your personal best, because our training is of the highest professional caliber and easily tailored to suit your age and skill level. We use tennis as a vehicle to teach life lessons by tapping into the spirit of every player, with lots of passion, expertise and character. Students have access to 17 outdoor and 16 indoor tennis courts, so regardless of the weather conditions the players are guaranteed their practice sessions.. High Performance Summer Tennis Camp at Bogota Racquet Club. This camp is geared towards High Performance Tournament and high-level High School players for UTR level 4 and above and age group 11 and older. CourtSense has trained and is currently training players who have become ATP- and WTA-ranked players, U.S. Olympians, as well as many college scholarship athletes. CourtSense’s International High-Performance Coaches, in collaboration with the fitness staff and a sports psychologist, have developed a program that maximizes all athletes’ strengths, both on and off court.
l Full Day High Performance Tennis Camp at Bogota Racquet Club runs from Monday-Friday, June 23Aug. 22 (nine weeks), featuring 10 hours of tennis training; 5 hours of fitness and 8 hours of match/point play) for players ages 11 and older, and UTR level 4.00 and above. Campers will have access to outdoor and indoor hard and clay courts, with a 3:1 student-to-coach ratio. Weekly dual matches with other academies, and mental toughness training are also included, along with daily/weekly journaling of activities. Evaluation is required prior to enrollment. Transportation service between locations is provided.
l Full Day Performance Tennis Camp at Tenafly Racquet Club runs from Monday-Friday, June 23-Aug. 22 (nine weeks), featuring 8 hours of tennis training; 4 hours of fitness and 6-8 hours of match/point play) for players ages 8-12, and UTR level under 4.00. Campers will have access to a premier and very unique facility where they will be able to experience playing on all grand slam surfaces (European red clay, grass, hard court), with a 3:1 student-to-coach ratio. Mental toughness training is also included. Evaluation is required prior to enrollment.
Ed Krass' 37th Annual College Tennis Exposure Camp® & Clinics (813) 684-9031 l CollegeTennis.com
Coach Ed Krass’ 37th Annual College Tennis Exposure Camp & Clinics, for ages 14-18, are taught exclusively by head college coaches who will work with you oncourt to improve your singles and doubles match play strategies and provide college recruiting advice. Instructional drills and match play competitions will be conducted in the same style and intensity as a college team practice. Coach Krass’ camps are still the world’s only tennis camps taught exclusively by all head college coaches!
The two-day College Tennis Exposure Camp will be offered at the USTA National Campus in Lake Nona, Fla., SaturdaySunday, May 31 – June 1; Massachusetts Instiute of Technology, Cambridge, M.A., Saturday-Sunday, June 28 - 29;
2025 New York Tennis Magazine Camp Guide
Lehigh University, Bethlehem, Pa., Saturday-Saturday, July 12 - 13; Mercer County Park Tennis Center, Windsor, N.J., Saturday-Sunday, July 19 - 20; Wesleyan University, Middletown, CT; Saturday-Sunday, July 26 – 27.
Coach Ed Krass, Founder and Director of College Tennis Exposure Camp & Clinics, has coached varsity tennis teams at Harvard University, Clemson University and the University of Central Florida prior to founding the College Tennis Academy. For more information, call Coach Krass at (813) 684-9031 or visit CollegeTennis.com. Look for more camp locations at CollegeTennis.com.
l May 31 - June 1: The USTA NATIONAL CAMPUS, LAKE NONA, FL.
l June 28 – 29: Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT), Cambridge, Ma.
l July 12 – 13: Lehigh University, Bethlehem, Pa.
l July 19 – 20: Mercer County Park Tennis Center, Princeton, N.J.
l July 26 – 27: Wesleyan University, Middletown, Ct.
Evert Tennis Academy
10334 Diego Drive South l Boca Raton, Fla. l (561) 488-2001 Ever tAcademy.com l Evert@EvertAcademy.com
The Evert Tennis Academy is located in sunny Boca Raton, Fla., and is considered by many as one of the best tennis camps in the country. John and Chrissie Evert set out to continue their father’s legacy 22 years ago by installing core values: Excellence, Resilience, Integrity and Leadership. “Our core values are the roadmap to coaching every student-athlete towards reaching their full potential.”–John Evert Evert Tennis Academy clinics will focus on technical development, tactical training and competitive settings. Players will experience a typical Evert program that includes tennis lessons, strength and fitness conditioning, mental conditioning and competitive match play against players from all over the world. Players will get a coach’s evaluation during their stay here to review at home.
Top four reasons why to attend this summer (Monday-Sunday, May 26-Aug. 17):
1. Coaches/program: Our coaching staff continues to put a program together that is second to none. Each program is designed so that each player will get the personalized attention needed to improve his or her game while having fun. Whether you are an intermediate player looking to fine tune your game or a high-level nationally ranked player we have the program for you.
2. Facility/boarding: Evert Tennis Academy is one of the only academies to provide boarding services for any student wishing to stay only steps away from the courts. Its eight-acre facility provides a safe environment nestled in the beautiful and secure Mission Bay residential neighborhood, surrounded by lakes, manicured lawns and lush Floridian foliage.
3. Competition: The Evert Tennis Academy provides match play for each student every day and all levels are welcome. Although the tournament schedule is not yet confirmed, we normally host three UTR tournaments throughout the summer for any player looking to get match play prior to the Clay Court & Hard Court Nationals, Zonals or just get access to players of equal playing level.
4. Family Oriented and Personal: The Evert Tennis Academy in known worldwide for a family oriented atmosphere and a place where players enjoy both on-court training and off-court activities. Students that choose the Developmental Program will receive a tailor made personalized program that is second to none in the industry.
5. Location: Located in the beautiful town of Boca Raton, Fla., the Evert Tennis Academy is located only a few minutes away from the beach and only 30 minutes away from the Fort Lauderdale and West Palm Beach airports making it an easy trip from the northeast.
Extreme Tennis Academy
@ Michael-Ann Russell Jewish Community Center (MARJCC) 18900 NE 25th Avenue l Miami, Fla. 33180 l (786) 290-1546 (Freddy) l (786) 290-1546 (Carlos) ExtremeTennisAcademy.com
Extreme Tennis Academy Summer Camp 2025 is the best place for you to take your tennis game to the next level this summer!
At Extreme Tennis, we are coaches, trainers, and counselors not a tennis factory. We are not committed to building tennis players but athletes and great individuals. We coach players that learn discipline not just how to play the game of tennis to just hit the ball, but by putting together the right components to reach every individual's goals, such as the high school team, a university scholarship, or professionally.
Camps are available for kids eight-years-old and older. The High Performance Tennis Camp is run by Freddy Azucey and Carlos Maehama and their dedicated staff of top coaches.
Azucey is a PTR & Competitive Junior &Professional development coordinator, Dominican Republic Davis Cup, Former ATP/ITF Circuit Player who faced opponents such as Hernan Gumy & WayneFerreira among others, and helped develop Junior and Professional Players such as: Eddie Herr Winner Roy Lederman (USA) #1 National, Gabriela Paz (VEN) Top 10ITF and US Open Junior Finalist, Adriana Perez (VEN) ITF 21, Sofia Melikishvili (GEO) WTA 250.
Maehama is an Academy Director, PTR International tester – former Japanese Junior team Traveling Coach & National Coach, USTA Junior Team Tennis Coordinator (North Miami Dade), and has helped develop numerous College and Junior players, as well as Finalist of French Open Mariano Puerta, PTR International Tester, is also fluent in Japanese, Spanish, and English. Housing is available for players traveling to the camp. Sign up by May 31 to receive 20 percent off. Come train with the best tennis camp in South Florida! Visit ExtremeTennisAcademy.com for more information, see you on the courts!
Gotham Stadium NYC Summer Camps at Mill Pond Park
Minutes From Manhattan Next to Yankee Stadium (718) 665-4684 l www.StadiumTennisNYC.com l Reservations@StadiumTennisNYC.com
Stadium Tennis Center offers a unique array of summer camp programs designed for tennis players of all levels to experience. Through our partnership with Gotham Tennis Academy, a leading operator of innovative tennis programs and camps in NYC and the Hamptons, some of the most talented and engaging tennis pros in New York City have been assembled. Our pros share a passion to work closely with players of all levels and ages to help them develop to their fullest potential.
Gotham Stadium Red and Orange Ball Junior Summer Tennis Development Program (Ages 5-10): Designed for beginner, intermediate and advanced players. A great way to keep your child active and improve his or her tennis in a fun and supportive environment. The camp is designed to take your child to the next level towards tennis proficiency in our fun and supportive environment. Certified tennis instructors with international backgrounds excel at teaching junior players at this formative stage of development. Your child will not only have lots of fun, but also gain confidence, learn appropriate tennis fundamentals and make new friends.
Gotham Stadium Summer Elite Yellow Ball High Performance Tennis Academy (Ages 7-15): Designed for those juniors who aspire to become more competitive tournament players and prepare them for more competition and advanced play. On-court drills, match play, conditioning and mental toughness training fitness will
2025 New York Tennis Magazine Camp Guide
prepare your child for the next level of advanced play. If your child is ready to reach for new heights on the tennis court, then you owe it to yourself to experience high performance summer training at the Stadium Tennis Center. Your child will learn proper stroke production fundamentals, strategy, match play, conditioning and footwork.
We have a flexible enrollment policy with full and half day options all summer long. Round-trip door-to-door transportation from points in New York City, Westchester and New Jersey may be arranged.
Hampton Racquet Club
172 Buckskill Road l East Hampton, NY 11937 l (631) 324-0297 admin&hamptonracquet.com l HamptonRacquet.com
At Hampton Racquet, we ignite a lifelong love for tennis and all racquet sports in players of every age and skill level. Our vibrant, inclusive atmosphere is designed to help campers build athletic skills, boost confidence, and foster a passion that endures for a lifetime.
Camp Programs
Game On (Ages 4–8)
A dynamic, fun-filled program that builds essential skills through engaging games—ideal for young players who are new to tennis or have 1–2 years of experience.
l 4–5 years old: Red ball
l 6–8 years old: Orange ball
Development (Ages 9+)
A comprehensive program that hones technique, strategy, fitness, and mental strength. Campers also explore a variety of racquet sports, including tennis, pickleball, beach tennis and padel. Campers are grouped by age and skill level to ensure they receive the most effective coaching and development.
Every camper is an official Hampton Racquet member! When you enroll in our camp, you automatically unlock full club membership benefits, including, Access to the Spa, Court Rentals, Clinics & On-Site Restaurant (open Monday–Friday), Family Inclusion: Campers can invite their parents as their special guests, so the whole family can share in our dynamic club experience.
This exclusive membership is only valid while enrolled in camp, ensuring that both campers and their families enjoy premium, integrated sporting and leisure experiences during their active camp enrollment.
Our camp experience goes well beyond the court. Campers enjoy a rich mix of activities designed to complement their tennis training: Racquet Sports: Tennis, Padel, Pickleball, & Beach Tennis, Fitness: Ninja Bootcamps and other energizing sessions, Creative Arts: Arts & Crafts activities, Mind Games: Chess challenges
Balanced, nutritious meals are prepared daily on-site by our expert kitchen staff, ensuring campers have the energy they need for an active day.
l Pre-Camp: Begins on June 2
l Summer Camp: 8 action-packed weeks from June 16 through August 8
l Post-Camp: Additional activities from August 11 through August 29
Join us for an unforgettable summer filled with tennis, racquet sports, and endless fun—where campers become proud members of the Hampton Racquet family with exclusive benefits available only while they’re enrolled in camp!
2025 New York Tennis Magazine Camp Guide
John McEnroe Tennis Academy Summer Tennis Training Camps
Locations on Long Island including the Hamptons, in Manhattan and Westchester:
JMTA New York City l SPORTIME Randall’s Island l (212) 427-6150
JMTA Long Island l SPORTIME Syosset l (516) 364-2727
JMTA Long Island l SPORTIME Port Washington l (516) 883-6425
JMTA Hamptons l SPORTIME Amagansett l (631) 267-3460
JMTA Westchester l SPORTIME Lake Isle l (914) 777-5151 Camps@Spor timeNY.com l SportimeCamps.com/JMTA
No one knows junior tennis training better than SPORTIME! And, with multiple tennis camp locations across Long Island, including in the Hamptons, and in New York City and Westchester, aspiring tennis players can enjoy John McEnroe Tennis Academy and SPORTIME tennis training programs throughout the region, this summer.
SPORTIME’s and JMTA’s innovative tennis training approach is rooted in competitive games, underpinned by technical development and tennis-focused athletic training. We present tennis so that players quickly develop an understanding of winning tactics and learn skills that help them achieve their goals, all in age and level- based groups.
Our more advanced juniors receive enhanced training to prepare them for the physical, mental and emotional demands of match and tournament play. SPORTIME’s international coaching staff is dedicated to turning weaknesses into strengths and strengths into winning games.
Our younger players work through clearly defined stages of development that make it possible for kids to start to construct points and play tennis from early in their tennis journeys. With our unique “gamification” approach, junior players don’t just take lessons—they go on missions, acquire skills, collect points and achieve milestones. Campers also enjoy instruction and competition in a variety of team sports activities that help to enhance their coordination and athletic skills.
Visit SportimeCamps.com to find the SPORTIME EXCEL or JMTA Summer Tennis Training Camp nearest you, or e-mail Camps@SportimeNY.com to find out more. Programs vary by location.
MatchPoint NYC
Three Brooklyn Locations l (718) 769-0001 l (718) 443-3600 findyour game@matchpointnyc.us l https://matchpoint.nyc/summer-camp
The most immersive, joyful, and thrilling Summer sports experience in Brooklyn is back this summer at MatchPoint NYC! We are excited to make our club your child’s second home this summer, as well as to help them make new friends & develop long-lasting friendships with other participants.
Our Tennis, Swimming, & Rhythmic Gymnastics FullDay Programs help young athletes learn, excel, and master the sports they’re devoted to. For those who are not devoted to a single sport, we offer a Multi-Sport FullDay Program, that introduces kids to a wide range of sports, including tennis, soccer, basketball, boxing, swimming, and more!
Each Full-Day Summer Program is run & coordinated by professional, certified coaches who are devoted to the safety and athletic development of each participant. Each program includes drills, match play, and fitness sessions, along with healthy lunches served each day. Snacks & plenty of water are also provided keep our athletes energized to play their favorite sports.
2025 New York Tennis Magazine Camp Guide
MatchPoint NYC is the sports and fitness destination for the entire family. It is located in Brooklyn – just 20 minutes away from downtown Manhattan. Spread across 120,000-square feet, MatchPoint NYC’s premier health and fitness complex features a cutting-edge tennis facility that includes eight gorgeous indoor tennis courts.
Additional features include full-sized gyms for weight lifting, cardio, and CrossFit training, three group fitness studios, a Junior Olympic pool, a rhythmic gymnastics center, yoga studio, and a variety of youth & adult competitive & recreational training programs.
For more information about MatchPoint NYC and its Full-Day Summer Programs, visit matchpoint.nyc/summer-camp or call (718) 769-0001.
Let us help you find your game. Sign up today!
Ross School Tennis Center and Ross Summer Camp
20 Goodfriend Drive l East Hampton, NY l 631-907-5162 ross.org/tennis l tenniscenter@ross.org
Ross School Tennis Center (RSTC) is a beautiful tennis facility in the Hamptons that is open to the public and located on the Ross Upper School campus in East Hampton, NY. The tennis center features six Har-Tru courts that are enclosed by a bubble from mid-fall through mid-spring, allowing for year-round play. There are also two hard courts for junior tournament training. The courts are directly adjacent to a state-of-the-art Field House, featuring amenities such as locker rooms, lounge, snack bar, and ping-pong tables. The staff here provides a fun and supportive atmosphere that allows for the greatest amount of success.
Summer Tennis Training
Monday–Friday, June 23–August 15: From specialized U10 programs with orange and green dot balls designed for developing competitive tennis players to our high-performance training with live ball drills and match play series, this 8week all-encompassing summer program is our most intense and complete junior tennis education offered.
Players considering this program should be serious about their commitment to tennis, consistently practicing at least two days per week year-round. All training in each age and development level includes daily fitness and match play components.
Players can sign up for this program weekly, but space is limited. Tryouts are required (videos accepted). Visit ross.org/summer for more information.
SPORTIME Summer Tennis & Sports Camps and John McEnroe Tennis Academy Training Camps
Locations across Long Island, in Manhattan and Westchester and in Schenectady:
SPORTIME Amagansett l JMTA Hamptons l (631) 267-1038
SPORTIME Bethpage l (516) 933-8500
SPORTIME Hempstead Lake l (516) 282-7222
SPORTIME Kings Park l (631) 269-6300
SPORTIME Lake Isle l JMTA Westchester l (914) 777-5151
SPORTIME Lynbrook l (516) 887-1330
SPORTIME Port Washington/JMTA Long Island (516) 883-6425
SPORTIME Quogue l (631) 653-6767
SPORTIME Randall’s Island/JMTA New York City (212) 427-6150
2025 New York Tennis Magazine Camp Guide
SPORTIME Roslyn l (516) 484-9222
SPORTIME Schenectady l (518) 356-0100
SPORTIME Syosset/JMTA Long Island l (516) 364-2727
SPORTIME Harbor Island Westchester l (914) 777-5050
EHSC@SPORTIME Amagansett l (631) 267-2267
SPORTIME Volleyball Camps l (515) 731-4432
Camps@SportimeNY.com l SportimeCamps.com
“Last year, I had the best summer ever!” Who said that? Every kid who attended a SPORTIME Summer Camp last summer! That’s because at SPORTIME summer camps, our staff of teachers, coaches and counselors makes sure that every camper has a positive and memorable experience. SPORTIME knows how to make camp fun and safe!
How does SPORTIME do it? Our experienced, enthusiastic and caring staff members are skilled at providing camp programming that is challenging, innovative and educational, all at facilities that are state-of-the-art, safe, and easily accessible.
From preschoolers to pre-teens, kids who enjoy tennis, sports, friendship and fun love coming to SPORTIME summer camps. With camp programs tailored to every age group, at locations across Long Island, including in the Hamptons, and in New York City and Westchester, we’ve got your summer covered!
Go to SportimeCamps.com to find the perfect camp for your child, or e-mail us at Camps@SportimeNY.com for personal assistance. We are here to help!
Programs and facilities vary by location.
USTA Billie Jean King National Tennis Center
Flushing Meadow-Corona Park l Flushing, N.Y. l (718) 760-6200 l NTC.USTA.com
The USTA Billie Jean National Tennis Center will once again offer funin-the-sun tennis day camps starting in June. Enrollment will soon be available online for the weekly programs:
Please note that the camp will be held both indoors and outdoors this summer.
June 2025 - August 2025
We offer summer camps for all ages and levels from 10 and under tennis to recreational juniors to high-performance players. Space may be limited so register early.
The weekly full-day program runs Mondays through Fridays, 8:30 a.m.-4:00 p.m., with a one-hour lunch break or a twilight session from 4:30 p.m.-7:00 p.m. Campers work on the development of tennis techniques, tactics, sports conditioning, multi-sports, and strategy geared toward maximizing the learning experience in a fun presentation.
As the juniors develop, they are advanced to more challenging groups. Tennis activities include Stroke of the Day, team games, and competitive match play.
The camp also offers cross-training activities, such as soccer, softball, and basketball and other multisport training activities. Along with many fun activities on the grounds of the USTA Billie Jean King National Tennis Center, we also offer on site spirit days, talent contests and other on site activities designed for camper involvement and team building. The program accepts junior players, ages four- through 10-years-old for the 10 & Under programs.
Recreational players 11-years-old and up are enrolled in the Junior Camps (8:30 a.m.-4:00 p.m. or 4:30 p.m.-7:00 p.m.). Advanced High-Performance Tournament training campers will also be invited to participate in an intensive Tennis Academy training program.
The National Tennis Center has 18 outdoor courts, 12 indoor courts, and four stadium courts. Also on-site are ping-pong tables, ball machines, a fitness center, and other age-appropriate fun activities like arts, multi-sports, arts and crafts, and other engaging sporting events. The primary focus will be on developing tennis skills while offering other activities to enhance the learning and summer camp experience. Also offered are junior evening and weekend programs, as well as adult daytime, weekday evening, and weekend camps. Subject to change.
2025 New York Boys’ High School PREVIEW
Aswe begin to thaw out of the winter months here in New York, it signifies the upcoming return of the outdoor tennis season, and that means a new season of high school tennis in New York City.
A year ago, the Bronx Science Wolverines upended defending champion Hunter, defeating the Hawks in a thrilling 3-2 match win to claim the PSAL 2A Division Championship. The victory capped off an undefeated season for Bronx Science. In the PSAL’s 1A Division, Leon Goldstein edged the High School for American Studies at Lehman College 3-2 to earn its first city title since 2001.
The Individual Championships saw the Brooklyn Tech pairing of Lukasz Rossochacki & Samuel Ginsburg win the doubles title, while Vincent Chang from Benjamin Cardozo, a sophomore, won the singles championship.
All of that leads us into the spring, where the boys will compete to see who will be the 2025 team and individual champions. The season gets underway on Monday, March 17, while the annual NYJTL Mayor Dinkins Cup is set for May 31 - June 8 at the Cary Leeds Center for Tennis & Learning in the Bronx.
Below are teams and players to watch in New York City this spring.
*All players and dates are subject to change. Please visit NYTennisMag.com for the latest information on players, teams, key dates and more!
Teams to Watch
Bronx
Science
The aforementioned Wolverines of Bronx Science will be out to prove its 2024 title was no fluke, and it has the roster to do so. Despite losing first singles Colin Hui to graduation, the remaining starters from the championship squad will be back this spring. That includes sophomore Kevin Diao, who played a vital role in the championship match at second singles, as well as all four doubles starters, Henry Bardey, Ishaan Bhagat, Leif Emery and Shaunak Thamke. The talented and experienced roster gives Bronx Science the tools it needs as it embarks on its title defense.
Hunter
Much like their championship opponent from last year, Hunter returns all of its starters besides its first singles player, and while they will have to make up for that loss, it has the depth to handle that challenge. Kyler Swiatocha has since graduated, but the Hawks will have its other two
singles starters back, Neel Mathur and Jeffrey Tsai, which gives it a formidable duo atop the lineup. Christopher Lee, Mark Chklowskii and Gabriel Fang will be back and compete for the final singles spot in the lineup, and with young up-and-comers like Nathan Lee and Kevin Tsai ready to assume bigger roles, Hunter has plans on reclaiming their spot atop the City.
Neel Mathur has been a key component to Hunter’s success these last few seasons
Bronx Science
Leon Goldstein
Townsend Harris
Townsend Harris was one court shy of playing for the City Championship in 2024, and with its three-headed monster that is its singles lineup returning, the Hawks will be back in 2025. Joseph Au and Leo Huang played first and second singles, respectively, in their junior seasons last year and will try to lead their team to the city title in their senior campaigns. Freshman, Dennis Jeffrey II was at third singles a year ago, and is back to round out the singles play. The first doubles pairing of Austin Huang & Vincent Yip have graduated, but George Jong & Justin Xia, who played second doubles, will assume larger roles, giving Townsend Harris the roster capable of competing with anyone in NYC.
Brooklyn Tech
A year ago, Brooklyn Tech made its way into the quarterfinals of the playoffs despite not having a single senior on its roster. With another year of experience under their collective belt, the Engineers will be in contention this spring. Itsuki Kuramato, Oliver Foronda and Ivan Yang all return to create a difficult singles lineup to compete against, while Samuel Ginsburg & Lukasz Rossochacki, the PSAL Doubles Champions from a year ago, will be back for their junior seasons, aiming to repeat as the individual winners but also try to lead their Brooklyn Tech squad to greater heights. The now-senior pairing of Charles Smith and Philippe Krasnov, who played second doubles in 2024 also return to provide significant depth.
High School for American Studies
The Senators enjoyed one of the best seasons in program history last spring with their squad coming up just short in the city championship. With all of its starting lineup back this year, the High School for American Studies is ready to avenge that defeat. In singles, the Senators will have a senior trio featuring Aidan Hammer, Isaac Lipman and Santiago Efron at first, second and third singles, respectively. Its doubles pairings will also be back, including Adam Ripp and Ezra Dipietra, first doubles, and Mateu Rothman Simon and Zachary Brem, second doubles. After a season where the team gained valuable
playoff experience and were forced to perform in pressure matches, the Senators will be battle-tested heading into this spring as it aims to go one step further than it did a year ago.
Beacon
One of the most dominant programs in New York City tennis, 2024 proved to be a bit of a disappointing season for the Blue Demons. The team was bounced in the second round of the playoffs after earning the 11th seed, but this season should be different. While it will have to do without graduated senior Arjun Agostinho, who played first singles, Beacon will have Kento Smith and Sandro Buskhrikidze, who played second and third singles, respectively, last year back. In doubles, the senior pairing of Wylie Lerner and Barrett Davis will contribute as will Henry Haas and Nash Zakashansky, who played second doubles last spring. With a lot of its starters back, the highly-motivated Beacon team will be out to reclaim its spot as one of the top teams in NYC tennis.
Additional Players to Watch
• Vincent Chang - Cardozo
• Viktor Zima - Eleanor Roosevelt
• Pablo Gonzalez Ibarra - Christopher Columbus
• Nathan Yuen - Francis Lewis
• Jeffrey Safir - Staten Island Tech
• James Xu - Stuyvesant
Samuel Ginsburg & Lukasz Rossochacki won the PSAL Individual Doubles Championship a year ago and will look to lead Brooklyn Tech to a deep playoff run this spring
Cardozo’s Vincent Chang was the 2024 PSAL Individual Singles Champion
JMTA Hosts Annual College Signing Day
SPORTIME honored 20 outgoing seniors at its annual College Signing Day hosted at SPORTIME Randall’s Island. The athletes gathered to be recognized for their hard work over the years and sign their National Letters of Intent to the colleges they will be attending later this fall.
“This is really what it’s all about,” said Patrick McEnroe. “It’s a culmination of a lot of years for the kids and their families, as well as our staff. There’s a lot of heart and
soul that go into helping these players as much as possible. This event has grown every year since I’ve been here, the numbers keep increasing, and I give a lot of credit to our staff and the work they do at all of our academies.”
The players were lined up at a table with their names and the schools they will be attending in front of them. Directors and coaches from across the SPORTIME family spoke about how proud they were to see how
much these athletes have grown over the years, a list that included Mike Kossoff, Director of Tennis at SPORTIME Syosset, Jay Harris, Director of Tennis at SPORTIME Port Washington, both facilities that are the Long Island annexes of the JMTA, as well as Richard John-Mensing, Director of Sports Performance, Talent Development & Nutrition for JMTA.
Both Patrick and John McEnroe also spoke about the importance of college tennis and gave wise
words of advice to the players.
“I think it’s a great thing to recognize the efforts that everyone has put in, from the parents and the kids to the staff here,” said John. “This is a big moment in any kid’s life. I remember how important making that decision was for me. I think college tennis is critical because not everyone develops at the same rate, and it can take longer for some than it does others.”
Jordan Reznik, Lucas Frankenberg, Andy Yim, Sam Saeed, Giana Marks, Sophia Holod, Tara Kurepa, Darren Huang, Joshua David, Ryan Adesso, Andrew Ena and Theo Murphy.
“It was a huge honor to be recognized by JMTA for a sport I dedicated my whole life to,” said Eric Jud. “Getting to play on a college team is something I’ve dreamed about since I was little and I’m very excited and grateful to continue my career at Springfield College.”
Sophia Holod said:
“Being recognized by JMTA at signing day meant a lot to me,
especially since this has been a moment I have been looking forward to since the recruiting process started. I am beyond excited for the next step of my tennis journey and experiences that are to come in the next four years at Notre Dame.”
Patrick McEnroe added:
“This is a very special day,” Patrick added. “For the kids and their families, it’s the result of many years working not only on their tennis and fitness, but their academics. We see a lot of great schools represented here, so we are proud of this group, and proud of the fact that this continues to grow.”
A Look At The Mental Side of Tennis
Sometimes,as a tennis player, you exist on an island. Alone, solo, under the lights of your local club or drenched in the sun, there you are … between the lines, either gaining the accolades of glory hitting the winning shot or facing the weight of defeat. There are no teammates to pass to; no backup in case you throw a bad pitch or have a bad shift; no defense to pick you up after the offense turned the ball over…it’s just you who must deal with the adversity of this individual sport.
Mental toughness is what gives top players a competitive leg up over the opposition. Training one’s mind to deal with nerves, anxiety and quickly move onward past mistakes can be the difference between being crowned “champion” and “finalist.” These individuals help players focus, find their groove and enter the zone to success. It’s the ability of the player to quickly get back on track once rattled that can make the difference between bowing out in the first round of a tournament or hoisting the trophy at the end of the day.
New York Tennis Magazine was fortunate enough to sit down and chat with two prominent experts in the field of sports psychology to pick their brains and gain insight into their role as one of the most vital members of a tennis player’s support staff.
Dr. Tom Ferraro is a sport psychologist with a Ph.D. from SUNY Stony Brook, with more than 25 years of experience working with professional teams, coaches and Olympic athletes across a broad range of sports. Dr. Ferraro is a board-certified psychoanalyst, which allows him to properly diagnose and treat the symptoms an athlete may bring to his him and help them understand any underlying reasons for self-defeat. He has been published internationally and has been featured in the New York Times, The Wall Street Journal, The London Times, and is a regular contributor to this publication.
Rob Polishook, MA, CPC is the founder of Inside the Zone Sports Performance Group. Rob is author of 4 best-selling books including: Tennis Inside the Zone, Pickleball Inside the Zone, Golf Inside the Zone and Baseball Inside the Zone. All books are available on Amazon. Rob actively plays Tennis, Pickleball, Table Tennis and Beach Tennis and loves the “Spirit of the Swing.”
Do you think playing other sports in addition to tennis can help your players avoid stress/burnout?
Ferraro: Of course! Cross training is good for the mind as well as the body
Often times the young competitive tennis player will enjoy the fun and carefree environment of a second sport. In today’s world, the young elite tennis player is grinding and feels pressure in every tournament so experiencing the fun of sports in a second endeavor is good for the body and the mind. However, if the young player is obsessive/compulsive, perfectionist and a workaholic then they will treat the next sport in the way they treat tennis and will grind away once again. This can lead to injury or burnout. Parents can help the young player by having a fun loving attitude towards the second sport and helping the athlete to translate the fun attitude to tennis.
How do you teach someone to focus on the present point rather than dwell on past points, whether they won or lost the previous point?
Polishook: Firstly, I would discuss with my client that the definition of focusing or concentrating is the choice to focus on what you can control and let go of what you can’t. When a player understands that they have the choice to focus on the present, they begin to realize that they have control over the moment. Secondly, I would divide a piece of paper or word document in half; on one side the player can make a list of what they can control,
ROB POLISHOOK TOM FERRARO
things such as: effort, attitude, adaptability, making a choice and more. Then I would help them work through what’s uncontrollable; things such as the past, the outcome, the opponent, seeding and more. Lastly, I would explain, now that they understand what they can and can’t control, if they want to play in the moment, they need to make the choice to do so. They can also do exercises like breathing, creating between point rituals and somatic exercises to stay present.
Do you recommend players visualizing future success? How important is that in preparation for a match?
Ferraro: Visualizing success is crucial to winning in tennis. The more a player thinks about victory the better they will play. There is new research out of Stanford University that suggests ‘manifesting’ victory is useful. When working with athletes, negative thinking is an exceedingly common thing to see and the cause of the negative thinking is crucial in addition to creating a positive mind set.
How would you advise someone who is playing a match against a “weaker” opponent? On the inverse, how would you advise if they are playing against a “stronger” opponent?
Polishook: I would explain to my client that Rafael Nadal, Roger Federer, Novak Djokovic and other top players don’t get caught in the trap of looking at matches or opponents this way. No matter who they play, their job is to focus on “What’s Important Now” (ironically, W.I.N). If they look through the lens of W.I.N., they will shift their focus to three things: First, focusing on the challenge not the threat of a match; second, focusing on competing and not expectations of a match; and third, focusing on what they can control and letting go of what they can not.
Why don’t quick fixes ever last?
Ferraro: Every athlete on earth wants a quick fix and they all eventually realize that quick fixes do not work. They have all been exposed to behavior techniques like deep breathing, goal setting, positive self talk and visualization techniques. But every one of them soon realize that the quick fix that worked so well yesterday seems to evaporate into thin air the next day and they are back to square one. The process of learning anything that is difficult requires three things. One needs techniques, a guide and a community to support this process. This is similar to the Three Gems of Buddhism which calls for the practice of meditation, the guidance of a guru and a community of like
minded people that practice their craft over time. Depth sport psychology is similar to this by emphasizing regular visits in order to slowly uncover insight with the help of a trained psychoanalyst. This produces ego strength, confidence and the ability to bounce back from mistakes as insight into the unconscious is discovered. Quick fixes sound great in theory but in reality they rarely last more than two days. Real growth of the mind is like real growth of the body. It takes a pretty long time to acquire these skills and a long time to get to the top of the mountain. But in the end, the effort is worth it.
What would be a good book for my child to read on tennis? I have to recommend Tennis Inside the Zone. Now…full disclaimer, I wrote it! However, it is a unique book because the book talks about specific experiences junior players encounter and specific questions they may ask before, during and after matches. Questions such as: Oh my god…I’m nervous what do I do? Or how do I get the Mental Edge? Or How to Tame Negative self talk? Or I’m Better, How Did I Lose? Each chapter asks and answers a specific mental question and allows the player to journal/answer questions around their specific experiences. It also includes top quotes, ideas and principles from the pros and how they manage the mental game.
Tennis and the Piano How Musical Training Can Sharpen Your Game
By Chris Lewit
Tennisand the piano may seem worlds apart, but the link between the two is stronger than you might think. Over the years, as I’ve coached numerous young tennis champions—including national and international standouts—one surprising trend I’ve noticed is how many of these prodigies played the piano as part of their upbringing. At first, I chalked it up to coincidence, but as I delved deeper, the connection became clear. The skills required to master the piano—fine motor control, hand-eye coordination, proprioception, and even mental discipline—translate beautifully to the tennis court.
In fact, incorporating piano exercises into a tennis player’s training regimen can unlock a whole new level of performance, enhancing both physical and mental aspects of the game. Let’s explore how these seemingly unrelated activities intersect and how players at any level can benefit from the crossover.
The Physical Connection: Fine Motor Control and Proprioception
Tennis is a game of precision, requiring players to adjust their grip, angle, and pressure on the racquet within milliseconds. Similarly, playing the piano demands exceptional fine motor control, where each finger must move independently with the right amount of pressure and timing.
Through piano exercises, players can develop:
• Finger Independence: The ability to isolate and control each finger—a skill that directly enhances grip adjustments and shot variety in tennis.
• Proprioception: Piano playing hones an acute awareness of where your fingers and hands are in space without relying on visual input, a vital skill for refining volleying and touch shots.
• Coordination: As piano players often manage different rhythms and movements between the left and right hands, this ambidexterity mirrors the dual-handed coordination required in tennis strokes and footwork.
Mental Benefits: Focus and Pattern Recognition
Piano training isn’t just physical; it’s a mental workout, too. The cognitive demands of reading music, memorizing patterns, and executing them flawlessly under pressure build mental resilience and focus. These skills are invaluable on the tennis court, especially when anticipating an opponent’s moves or strategizing during a match.
Additionally, piano players are accustomed to practicing repetitive drills to perfect a piece, fostering a level of discipline that translates directly to tennis training. Learning scales on the piano feels remarkably similar to perfecting forehands or serves: focused repetition leads to mastery.
Why Some of the Best Players Played Piano
The crossover benefits of piano training aren’t just theoretical. Many of the young champions I’ve coached have credited their musical background for sharpening their game. These players often excelled in areas like timing, rhythm, and composure under pressure. Whether they were mastering a Chopin étude or preparing for a high-stakes match, they developed a similar approach to practice and performance: a blend of creativity, technical precision, and mental toughness.
Practical Applications:
How Piano Exercises Can Help Tennis Players
Even if you’ve never touched a piano,
incorporating piano-inspired exercises into your routine can yield surprising benefits. Here is a sample of practical ways to apply these principles:
1. Finger Dexterity Drills
• Exercise: Place your hand on a flat surface and lift one finger at a time while keeping the others steady. Start with your thumb and work through to your pinky.
• Tennis Benefit: Builds finger independence for more precise grip adjustments during strokes.
2. Rhythmic Patterns
• Exercise: Practice tapping your right hand in a steady rhythm while alternating irregular patterns with your left (e.g., 3 beats in the right hand for every 2 beats in the left).
• Tennis Benefit: Enhances coordination and mental focus for reacting to unpredictable ball patterns.
3. Pressure Sensitivity Training
• Exercise: On a piano or keyboard, play a single note repeatedly, starting softly and gradually increasing pressure to make the sound louder. Then reverse the pattern.
• Tennis Benefit: Teaches control over force application, critical for finesse shots like drop volleys and lobs.
Stretching and Strengthening Routine for Tennis Players
Inspired by Piano Techniques
Stretches
1. Finger and Hand Stretch
• Extend one hand forward, palm up. Use the other hand to gently pull back on the fingers, stretching the wrist and fingers. Hold for 15–30 seconds per hand.
• Why It Works: Increases flexibility for better racquet grip and reach.
2. Thumb Stretch
• Place your palm on a flat surface and gently press the thumb away from the fingers. Hold for 10–20 seconds.
• Why It Works: Improves thumb mobility, crucial for grip control.
3. Wrist Flexor Stretch
• With your arm extended in front of you, palm facing down, use your opposite hand to pull your fingers downward toward the ground. Hold for 15–30 seconds.
• Why It Works: Reduces tension in the forearms, preventing overuse injuries from repetitive strokes.
Strengthening Exercises
1. Rubber Band Resistance
• Wrap a rubber band around your fingers and thumb. Slowly open and close your hand against the resistance.
• Why It Works: Strengthens the small hand muscles for better racquet stability.
2. Ball Squeeze
• Use a stress ball or tennis ball. Squeeze and hold for 5 seconds, then release. Repeat 10–15 times per hand.
• Why It Works: Improves grip strength, which translates to more powerful strokes.
3. Isometric Holds
• Place your hand flat on a table and press one finger at a time into the surface, holding for 5 seconds.
• Why It Works: Develops finger strength and endurance, essential for maintaining control during long matches.
Conclusion
Whether you’re a seasoned pro or an aspiring junior, the piano offers a surprising source of inspiration for tennis training. By adopting stretches, strengthening exercises, and mental practices inspired by music, players can improve their dexterity, focus, and overall performance. If you’re already playing piano, keep at it—your time at the keyboard is building skills that will serve you on the court. And if you’re not, it’s never too late to start incorporating these elements into your training.
After all, just like in music, mastering tennis is about finding the perfect balance of precision, rhythm, and artistry. So why not let the piano be your secret weapon?
Chris Lewit is a leading high-performance coach, educator and author of the best-selling book, The Secrets of Spanish Tennis, and a new technique book, Winning Pretty, which will be published in 2025. Secrets of Spanish Tennis, Second Edition will be published in September 2024. As a coach, he has trained hundreds of nationally ranked juniors. He directs a full-time academy for homeschool/online players and a high performance summer camp program, as well as bespoke high performance training for all ages and levels, all at his club in the beautiful green mountains of Vermont. Contact Chris directly by phone/WhatsApp 914-462-2912 or chris@chrislewit.com.
Importance of Youth Competition
By Dijana Stojic
Introducing competition early on in a kid’s life gives them the opportunity to develop tools that will serve them well in many areas of life, not just in sports. Competition puts kids in situations where they need to learn ways to stay motivated and enjoy the journey, rather than just focusing on winning and other short term goals. While the benefits of youth competition are significant, as coaches, parents, and other adults guiding kids to slowly transition to adulthood, maintaining a healthy relationship with sports by balancing competition with fun and enjoyment off court is necessary to prevent burnout and other negative outcomes. Here are some benefits of youth competition:
1. Sportsmanship and Respect: Kids not only learn to respect the game, but also themselves and others. Competition teaches kids how to win graciously and lose with dignity, both of which help develop strong character.
2. Time Management: Being successful on court requires an understanding that you have to balance and make time for training, recovery, tournaments, and, of course, school. As they balance everything, they develop discipline and a strong work ethic that helps them prioritize and organize what matters most.
3. Sense of Achievement and Progress: Champions and well rounded people aren’t created overnight, the progression through the levels of red curriculum to orange ball tournaments to national tournaments is an amazing way to build confidence by reaching and achieving milestones along the way. As they climb the ladder, they learn how to set goals, work towards them, and feel that sense of pride when they complete them.
4. Improved Skill Development: Early exposure to competition helps young players refine their technical and tactical skills. Competing regularly
provides opportunities to learn how to perform under pressure, identify areas for improvement, and develop better strategies. Just like in a tennis match, you can’t just use the same one shot to beat every opponent. As they add more tools to their toolkit, they learn how important it is to develop additional tools and they learn how to choose and combine those tools to be successful.
5. Social Interaction: While tennis can be an individual sport, the old saying, “it takes a village,” is often forgotten. This includes coaches, parents, and other support systems, but also the kids they train and compete against. It serves as a great way for kids of a similar age to bond with other players, who share similar interests, and are facing the same challenges. These interactions also lead to growth in emotional intelligence: recognizing and managing emotions (such as frustration, excitement, and disappointment). These are skills that
6. Mental Toughness: Competing forces kids to learn how to handle pressure, stay focused, and deal with setbacks. It’s not just about physical skills, but also about being mentally stable, which carries over into other aspects of life. In any tournament they play, there is only one winner; most weeks will end in a loss, this forces kids to build resilience which is surely applicable to life beyond the court.
7. Building Confidence: On the flip side of mental toughness, early competition gives young players the chance to experience the rewards of hard work, whether that’s improving their ranking, winning a match, or seeing progress in their game. These successes help boost self-esteem and confidence, which are essential for personal and athletic development.
8. Physical Health and WellBeing: Providing kids with ways to channel their energy into activities that are beneficial to their health is easier said than done. As there is only a single player who can say that they’re number one in the world, there is always something to improve and train towards. Even if they are the best, if they don’t continue training and growing, someone else will take their spot.
9. Coaching and Parental Role: It is important to remember; we are still talking about kids. They need good coaches and supportive parents to guide them through it all. Both of
them can help children deal with setbacks and failure in a way that encourages learning, rather than making them feel discouraged. Nurturing a love for what you’re doing alongside competitive spirit ensures that the young athletes have a healthy and balanced approach to life.
Introducing competition early teaches kids to stay motivated, enjoy the process, and balance the pursuit of goals with fun. Overall, competition helps kids grow into wellrounded individuals, equipped with skills to thrive both on and off the court.
night of fun, networking, and tennis with
Dijana Stojic is the Director of JMTA Mac Red Ball and Orange Ball Programs at SPORTIME Randall’s Island & John McEnroe Tennis Academy. A native of Bosnia-Herzegovina, she was a member of the Fed Cup team from 2003-2008. She played collegiate tennis at the University of South Carolina where she was one of the top Division I tennis players in the country, graduating in 2012 with a double major in business marketing and management, and a minor in hotel management. She joined the SPORTIME/JMTA team in 2014. She can be reached at dstojic@sportimeny.com. Co-Ed, No-Ad, and all fun!
The Education Of A Tennis Player
By Dr. Tom Ferraro
Inthe A Look At The Mental Side of Tennis (page 44), the first question asked was, “Do you think playing other sports in addition to tennis can help your players avoid stress/burnout?”
I want to expand on that question for a moment. I will suggest that learning other skills is crucially important if you expect to grow. Cross training is a good idea not only to avoid burnout and do reduce stress, but also in order to learn things.
Tennis and Football
Let’s take football as a sport you can learn from. In 2018 I published a piece in this magazine titled “Tennis Players Can Learn From Football Players” where I discussed what I learned from an NFL player, who told me the outcome of a football game is determined within the first three plays. When I asked how that was possible, he explained that during the first few plays the linesmen are sizing each other up and by the third play one linesman realizes that he will be able to dominate his opponent. As a result, he becomes more focused, determined, confident and willful. Conversely, if he sensed his opponent is stronger and faster, than his willpower will be diminished and he and his team are headed towards a loss.
Tennis players can learn from this. It suggests that the first three points in any tennis match will have a big impact on the outcome. One player will quickly feel empowered and the other will feel weakened and diminished. This means that one ought to warm up well and display extreme focus, intensity and fortitude on the first three points. This establishes momentum and confidence. And then the player must maintain that attitude throughout the match.
Tennis and Literature
Tennis players can learn from any number of arenas. They can even learn about how to win at tennis by reading Virginia Woolf, one of history’s greatest writers. Her essay “A Room of One’s Own” is a foundational work of feminism. A lesser known essay by her is, “Professions for Women” where she outlines the most important approach to take for women hoping to succeed in any profession. She said the most crucial approach is to kill off any hint of feminine kindness, niceness, empathy, sympathy or sweetness. She referred to this as “killing the angel of the house” a popular term used in Victorian England to proscribe the way women were to act. Woolf believed that the feminine mandate to be sweet, sacrificial and kind must be demolished if you are to succeed. In other words, one has to tap into your selfish aggression to win. I call this approach “identification with the aggressor” and I describe this trait in detail in my last book on “The Athlete and Their Mechanisms of Defense.”
This approach is useful for both men
and women and suggests that winners must be aggressive, selfish and ruthless. They must use all of their focused aggression to defeat the opponent.
How a visual artist can teach you how to get into the zone
A tennis player can also learn to win by modeling the character of Jasper Johns, one of America’s greatest living artists. From an early age Jasper Johns trained himself never to a think about the future, never to get ahead of himself, never to fantasize about a pleasant future occurrence. In other words he unwittingly trained himself to never to go beyond the present moment. He may have learned this because he experienced lots of disappointment in his childhood but he adapted to these things traumas in such a manner that he became a truly successful and wealthy American artist. One could say that he was able to enter the zone, the blank minded focused place where one stays in the present and does not get ahead of yourself in the match. This trait is crucial when you are in the lead. Many tennis players begin to see the end in sight and lose focus, get tight and get defensive in strategy. And when that happens, momentum changes quickly and the lead slips away. The tennis player needs to be just like Jasper Johns and learn to live only in the present, with no past and no future. Just the next stroke of the brush or stroke of the racket.
So you see, there are many ways to grow and learn if you play tennis. Playing another sport, reading another book or even looking at a painting can all teach you more than you would ever think.
There are many ways to learn how to win
Asparents, we often seek activities that not only keep our children physically active but also contribute to their cognitive development. Recent scientific findings shed light on the profound impact that tennis training can have on enhancing executive functions in children, a crucial aspect of their overall development.
Executive functions encompass a set of cognitive skills that include inhibitory control, cognitive flexibility, and working memory. These skills are essential for children as they navigate academic challenges, social interactions, and everyday decision-making. While many parents are aware of the physical benefits of sports, the cognitive advantages of engaging in structured physical activities like tennis are gaining recognition.
A recent study aimed to explore the relationship between tennis training experience and executive functions in children aged 8 to 12. The researchers recruited sixty children and divided them into two groups based on their training duration: a short-term (ST) group with less than 12 months of experience and a long-term (LT) group with more than 12 months of experience.
The study employed various tasks to measure the children's cognitive abilities. The Stop-signal task assessed inhibitory control, the Switching task evaluated cognitive flexibility, and the N-back task
Unlocking Potential The Impact of Tennis Training on Children's Executive Functions
By Dr. Donald Shrump, CSCS
measured working memory. While the results revealed no significant differences in accuracy for the Stopsignal task or the Switching task, there were notable findings regarding reaction times.
Children in the LT group demonstrated a significantly shorter reaction time in the Switching task compared to their ST counterparts (731.69 ms vs. 857.15 ms). This indicates that those with more extensive tennis training exhibited better cognitive flexibility, allowing them to adapt and switch between tasks more efficiently. Similarly, in the N-back task, the LT group showed improved reaction times, suggesting enhanced working memory capabilities.
These findings suggest that the duration of tennis training plays a vital role in developing executive functions in children. The study concluded that children who have trained for over a year in tennis exhibit better performance in cognitive flexibility and working memory than those with less
experience. This positive association highlights the potential of tennis as a tool for cognitive development alongside physical fitness.
As tennis parents, this research underscores the importance of encouraging your child to engage in the sport for the long haul. Not only does tennis provide an excellent avenue for physical exercise, but it also fosters critical cognitive skills that will benefit them in various aspects of life.
So, whether your child is just starting their tennis journey or has been playing for a while, remember that every lesson on the court is not just about perfecting their serve or backhand; it's also about building the mental agility and resilience that will serve them well beyond the game. By investing in their tennis training, you are not only nurturing their athletic abilities but also empowering their minds for future success.
Encourage your child to embrace the game, and watch as they grow both on and off the court!
Donald Shrump is the Director and General Manager at Magnus Sports Performance. Magnus Sports Performance operates and oversees all the strength and conditioning, and mental strength programming of CourtSense. Dr. Shrump has been the driving force behind Magnus SP for over 5 years now, while he continues to assist in injury prevention and optimizing performance for ATP, WTA, MLB, NBA, NHL, NFL, WBA, Olympians, High School, and Youth Athletes as a Strength Coach, Sports Scientist, Educator, and Chiropractor.
In the Kitchen
An in-depth look at Pickleball
Sold-Out Winter Pickleball Challenge Kicks Off 2025 Event Series
New York Tennis Magazine kicked off its 2025 Event Series with a sold-out Pickleball Tournament at SPORTIME Kings Park. The Winter Pickleball Challenge brought nearly 70 players together for a great night of Pickleball competition and fun on and off the court.
The tournament featured four levels of play and players competed in group play rounds, which were followed by the knockout rounds in each respective
division. During the evening, there was a festive atmosphere off the court despite the intense competition on it. Players enjoyed pizza, snacks and a happy hour throughout this Saturday night event, helping to create the unmatched tournament experience the NYTM Event Series has become known for.
“The Winter Pickleball Challenge was a success! We had a waiting list of players so it’s a great sign of what’s to come, as we head into a
full season of events. Our team has run events for a long time and do so professionally. We know how to keep everything moving and keep the event in the promised time span, and the Winter Pickleball Challenge was a prime example of that.”
For Hunter Isnardi & Juliana Keenan, one of the highlights of the tournament was being able to play against new players. The duo did more than just play against fresh competition, they won the
Men’s 3.5 Gold Medal Winners Richard Nessim / Nick Gamerina
Men’s 4.0 Gold Medal Winners Miguel Cobbs / Luis Ludena
Women’s 3.5 Gold Medal Winners Hunter Isnardi / Juliana Keenan
Gold Medal in convincing fashion against Rebecca Torres / Rachel Aronoff in the Women’s 3.5 division.
“We made sure that if we made a mistake to just forget about it and move on,” said Keenan.“In the past we may have dwelled on losing a point, but you have to have that goldfish mentality and move on to the next point, and I think we did a good job of that tonight.”
Isnardi added:
“We play with the same group a lot so being able to expand beyond that and meet some new people was a great experience. We had so much fun, and we’ll be coming back next time for sure.”
In the Women’s 4.0 Division, the pairing of Jennifer Walsh & Corinne D’Andrea saved their best pickleball for last, playing a dominant match in the championship match to defeat Karen Willmont & Jaclyn Kramer 15-2 and bring home the Gold Medal.
We tried to keep our opponents moving side to side and opening up the center of the court to hit winners,” Walsh said of their strategy. “We’ve played a ton together, so our communication is good and that was key.”
Asked about their favorite part of the night, D’Andrea said:
“Winning the Gold. With the margaritas being a close second.”
Last summer, Richard Nessim & Nick Gamerina teamed up at the Long Island June Pickleball Challenge.
“We played the one other tournament together, last summer, and won Gold, so we decided to come out here and give it another shot,” said Nessim.
The pairing would win this event as well, defeating Joe Burton & Steven Kozak to earn the title in the Men’s 3.5 Division.
Full Results
Men’s 3.5
GOLD: Richard Nessim / Nick Gamerina
SILVER: Joe Burton / Steven Kozak
BRONZE: Kevin Stanis & Ryan Casserly
Men’s 4.0
GOLD: Miguel Cobbs / Luis Ludena
SILVER: Brad Berger / Nelson Shin
BRONZE: Rob Falvo / Anthony Diguiseppe
Women’s 3.5
GOLD: Hunter Isnardi / Juliana Keenan
SILVER: Rebecca Torres / Rachel Aronoff
BRONZE: Lisa Ciangetti / Jordan Leventhal
“I think it was about being aggressive,” Gamerina said of their approach. “We can play as defensive players and just hit balls back, but it’s important to dictate points, especially against good teams like the ones here today.”
Women’s 4.0
GOLD: Jennifer Walsh / Corinne D’Andrea
SILVER: Karen Willmont / Jaclyn Kramer
BRONZE: Emilie Katz / Val Bogard
In the Men’s 4.0 Division, Miguel Cobbs & Luis Ludena got off to a slow start, which resulted in them finishing fourth place in their division to be the final team to advance into the knockout rounds.
It was then that they found their groove advancing their way to the final where they defeated Brad Berger & Nelson Shin 15-10 in the championship match.
“We learned our lesson and next time we’ll get here earlier so that we can have more practice before the tournament,” Ludena joked. “We started off very cold but were able to turn it around. I come from the tennis world so I was a little too pumped up and trying to hit everything too hard, but Miguel did a good job of calming me down.”
Cobbs added:
“The matches were a lot of fun, the people were great and it was a
really high level of play. Winning the Gold was the best part of the night.”
The Winter Pickleball Challenge was the ideal way to get the 2025 New York Tennis Magazine Event Series going, and sets the stage for a great year of tournaments.
“Having gotten all positive feedback from the great group of players who joined us, we are excited for our next Pickleball Tournament,” Sickmen added. “We have at least four more planned for 2025, so be on the lookout for the announcement of our next event. I also want to thanks SPORTIME Kings Park for being a perfect host, my cotournament director Michelle Stoerback for all of her hard work and preparation, and iPlayMe 2 for utilizing their software to showcase our tournament results.”
Women’s 4.0 Gold Medal Winners Jennifer Walsh / Corinne D’Andrea
page 53
Inside the Zone: What’s Your Secret Weapon?
By Rob Polishook
Motivation is a key factor in the success of both recreational and professional pickleball players. Exploring and nurturing motivation is a key element to every player's growth, development, and success. Lasting motivation ultimately comes from within and is rooted in a player’s 'Big Why’ - a personal and powerful source of inner drive that is entirely within their control. The Big Why is like a “secret weapon”; just like a secret, it is quite personal. And, just like a weapon, it’s very powerful.
The “Big Why” refers to an individual player’s intrinsic reason for playing, which is not related to winning, losing or the outcome. Once this reason is identified, no matter what happens on the courtwhether it be a big win, a devastating loss, an injury, or a disagreement with others, (note: these are all out of a players control) - the player can come back to their Big Why to reconnect to their true north. Making time to recognize and align with one's 'Big Why' is crucial and can enhance a player's mental game in pickleball. It helps the player stay calm, centered, and mentally balanced.
Think of the Big Why as a rudder on a boat; it keeps the boat on the proper course. Similarly, it does the same for the pickleball player. No matter what happens during a game, the player’s Big Why will always remain. Big Whys can help players take the focus off of the score, a bad shot, or even an annoying opponent. After a game, they can help players get back on course if they
have lost their way. Whether you’re a tournament player or an everyday recreational player, living and playing according to your Big Why may require a shift in perspective. When things don’t go your way, you can come back to your core reason for playing, your Big Why. Admittedly, between drilling, game play and post play activities, one’s Big Why can seem stronger at certain times than others, and it can also seem a bit elusive, or even lost. However, the key is to remain true to your main reason for playing, no matter the situation.
So, what’s your Big Why? Why do you play pickleball? What’s your intrinsic reason for playing that has nothing to do with the outcome? It's different for everyone. For some, it’s the challenge of the game; for others, it’s the social aspect or the fitness benefits. Some players enjoy the problem-solving aspect of the game. For me, Rob Polishook, the author, my Big Why for playing is
the challenge of the game, specifically, the ongoing process of understanding the best way to play in different situations and with different opponents. Whether to dink or drive, to play soft or speed up - these are the challenges that keep me coming back for more. Another Big Why of mine is the synergy of playing with a partner. Together we find the best strategy, and work through obstacles, adversity, and successes. Lastly, it’s the process of striving to be my best, which includes balancing drilling, recreational play, and tournaments.
It’s important to take the time to reflect on your "Big Whys" - the core underlying reasons you play pickleball. To do this, it's essential to be open, truthful, and honest with yourself. Perhaps, you will find that your focus has been all about winning, trying to prove yourself to others, or showing off your skills. This approach is not sustainable because we will all come against opponents who can
beat us. Even the top players in the world experience losses. On the other hand, some players started playing Pickleball because it’s fun and adds a new dimension to their daily routines. But after a series of defeats, they may have lost sight of their Big Whys and become increasingly frustrated. Only by
recognizing this loss of focus and rededicating themselves to the activity’s fun factor, were they able to regain their motivation. Ultimately, identifying your Big Whys requires quiet reflection, but the reward is a stronger sense of purpose and motivation.
In summary, to achieve long-term
success in Pickleball, it's essential to understand that motivation is not a fleeting feeling; it’s a quality that must be uncovered, developed and nurtured independent of external factors or other people. Motivation is not something that happens to you; it is something that comes from within when you know your Big Why.
