New York Tennis Magazine March / April 2018 by United Sports Publications

FREE TRIAL LESSONS FOR CHILDREN AGES 7 AND UNDER ON SATURD T AY FROM 2-3PM

Su ummer Camp through

Au ugust 31st

Get Ready for Summer Tennis with our Adult Spring Programs Tennis College for Beginners to Intermediate Tennis Camp for Advanced Players Friday Night Round Robins Stroke of the Week Clinics Junior Camp by The Manhattan Tennis Academy

Same Day Reservation Specials Call Early For Reservations!

nytennis New York Tennis Magazine

MAGAZINE

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

Staff David Sickmen Publisher (516) 409-4444, ext. 309 • david@usptennis.com Joel M. Berman President (516) 409-4444, ext. 310 • joel@usptennis.com

MAR/APR 2018 • Vol 8, No 2

Table Of Contents

Woes No More By Brian Coleman

Caroline Wozniacki battled through injury over the past few years to capture her first career Grand Slam earlier this year in Melbourne. See page 28

Highlights

Eric C. Peck Editor-in-Chief (516) 409-4444, ext. 312 • eric@usptennis.com

Brian Coleman Senior Editor (516) 409-4444, ext. 326 • brianc@usptennis.com

Joey Arendt Managing Art Director

40 52

Francine Miller Advertising Coordinator (516) 409-4444, ext. 301 • francinem@usptennis.com Emilie Katz Assistant Marketing Coordinator Scott Koondel VP of Operations (516) 409-4444, ext. 324

Sidney Beal III Staff Photographer

Lee Seidner Staff Photographer

4 6 8 10

23 24 32

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

Nearly 4,000 Attend the New York Tennis Expo to Kick Off New York Open New York Tennis Magazine’s 2018 Boys High School Preview By Brian Coleman 2018 New York Tennis Magazine Camp Guide Anderson Crowned Inaugural New York Open Champion By Brian Coleman Your 2018 Guide to Court Builders and Suppliers

Features

Advertising To receive any information regarding advertising rates, deadlines, and requirements, call (516) 409-4444 or e-mail info@usptennis.com.

Photo credit: Sidney Beal III

34 36 39 56 62 64 67 68 70 73 74 75 76 78 80

Across Metro New York When Parents Try to be Tennis Coaches By Vinicius Carmo New York Tennis Charitable Initiatives: Johnny Mac Tennis Project Hosts Charity Event Prior to New York Open Launch NYTM Coaching Spotlight: Liezel Huber, The Cary Leeds Center for Tennis & Learning By Brian Coleman Junior Player Spotlight: Nadejda Maslova, MatchPoint NYC By Brian Coleman Making the Most of Your Child’s Summer Tennis By Eric Faro USTA Eastern Metro Region Update: March/April 2018 Why Tennis Players Should Consider the Ketogenic Diet By Dr. Rob Silverman Takeaways From the 2018 Australian Open By Peter Mendelsohn The Importance of Footwork and Movement Training By Chris Lewit Mastering the Approach Shot By Antonio Glionna Proposed New Rule Changes: Good or Bad for Tennis? By Gilad Bloom The Jensen Zone: Court Conditions By Luke Jensen Getting Attacked at the Net Instead of Being the Attacker? By Lisa Dodson More Than an Athlete: Person First—Federer Style By Rob Polishook Does Your Child Lack Confidence? By Todd Widom The Expert’s Guide to College Tennis Success By Steven Kaplan Pony Up and Bring the Balls By Barbara Wyatt Metro Corporate League Recap, Presented by Advantage Tennis Clubs It’s Okay to Feel Disappointed–In Fact, It’s Vital By Amanda Ferranti One Coaches’ Rallying Cry for Success By Lonnie Mitchel Your Family Legacy By Dr. Tom Ferraro USTA/Metropolitan Region 2018 Tournament Schedule

ALL-CITY JUNIOR TENNIS CAMP. BEST TENNIS CAMP IN NYC!

Where players focus on tennis, up close and all summer long! Starting June 11, kids ages 5 to 17 get more drills, more skills, more time on the courts. • Expert instruction, drills & games • Match play & cross training • 12 Har-Tru indoor courts & 3 outdoor courts • Swimming in the afternoons • Choice of single or consecutive weeks • At Roosevelt Island Racquet Club, easy to reach by Tram, F train or car

Sign up today! Go to advantagetennisclubs.com/camps For more details contact Gordon Kent at gkent@advantagetennisclubs.com, 212.935.0250. Or Dave Gilbert at dgilbert@advantagetennisclubs.com, 212.935.0250.

Meet Xavier Luna, Advantage All-City Junior Tennis Camp Director For over 30 years Xavier has inspired and taught recreational players, tournament players and everyone in between.

NYTennisMag.com • March/April 2018 • New York Tennis Magazine

Across Metro Ne MatchPoint NYC’s Okhtenerg Captures Girls 12s Title

CourtSense’s Pilipovic Takes Home National Title in Cincinnati

Nicole Okhtenerg of MatchPoint NYC took home the title in the Girls 12s draw at the L2 Sportime Syosset February Open on Long Island. She notched a tight 5-3, 54(2) victory over Aishika Yadav in the finals to capture the championship.

Chris Lewit Tennis Academy’s Vasilescu Wins Sportime Lake Isle Open

Astro Pilipovic, a student at CourtSense Tennis Training Center, continued his excellent play in USTA National tournaments. He took home the title at the USTA National L2 in Cincinnati, coming back from a set down in his opening round match before winning his final four matches in straight sets. It is his second title in a national tournament in 2018.

Sportime and JMTA Welcomes Newest Mac 1 Members

Chris Lewit Tennis Academy’s Margaux Vasilescu captured the championship at the L2 Sportime Lake Isle February Open. Vasilescu fought hard to advance past the semifinals with a 1-4, 4-1, 10-7 victory, before winning 4-1, 5-3 against Elena Sobouti in the title match.

Ross Academy’s Teixeira Wins Orange Ball Tourney Luma Teixeira of the Ross School Tennis Academy (RSTA) won the title at the USTA Youth Progression Orange Ball tournament. Playing on her home courts at the Ross School, Teixeira did not drop a set throughout the tournament.

Sportime and the John McEnroe Tennis Academy welcomed in the newest members of Mac 1, its invitation-only program designed to recognize a group of top-tier JMTA students who will serve as role models for the rest of the academy. The group featured top players from Long Island, as well as throughout New York.

New York Tennis Magazine • March/April 2018 • NYTennisMag.com

New York

… News and notes from across the New York Metro tennis community

West Side Tennis Finds Success in First USTA JTT Match

Centercourt Chatham Spotlights Princeton and Ole Miss

The Junior Team Tennis Orange Ball U10 team from West Side Tennis Club competed in its first USTA JTT match recently. The squad played tough and won 14 games overall.

Columbia Men’s Tennis Climbs in ITA Rankings The Columbia Men’s Tennis team climbed to number five in the Intercollegiate Tennis Association (ITA) Rankings, following its showing at the ITA Team National Indoor Championships. The ranking is the highest in program history, with its previous high of 11th overall in the ITA Rankings.

Centercourt Chatham hosted a College Tennis Night featuring a match between Princeton and Ole Miss (pictured above). Guests and fans enjoyed drinks and catered food, while taking in a highly-competitive college match where Ole Miss would come out on top, defeating Princeton, 5-2.

EVERTACADEMY.COM

NYTennisMag.com • March/April 2018 • New York Tennis Magazine

When Parents Try to be Tennis Coaches By Vinicius Carmo he USTA Eastern Section is one of the most competitive tennis Sections in the country. The Eastern Section also has one of the worst reputations in the nation in terms of parental and player behavior, in my opinion. Parents today are getting out of line in regards to their children’s tennis results. The result of this behavior is that fewer children are competing in tournaments. The amount of players competing, not only in the Eastern Section, but, all over the country, has been declining. We can blame that children today don’t have American idols anymore, such as Andre Agassi, Pete Sampras, Jim Courier, Michael Chang, Chris Evert and others. But the truth is that tennis is an individual sport with no teammates, no referees and no coaching allowed during the matches. Tennis parents are putting a lot of pressure on their children to win in hopes that they become scholar athletes or professional tennis players. It is important to be

a competitive player and learn how to compete, but parents need to be guided on how to be parents of tennis players and not tennis coaches. The term “burnout” is only used in individual sports such as tennis, gymnastics, swimming or golf. You don’t see children saying that they are “burned out” in team sports. The reason is because they are sharing their frustrations and failures with other teammates and coaches. If you are having a bad day in team sports, a substitution can be made and the “burned out” child can support the team from the bench. The biggest mistakes that parents make is to compare their children with others who they are competing against. They tell their children how much money they are investing in them, judging them on things that they are not doing right, and not being a role model for their children at home. The child’s success, or lack of success, doesn’t indicate the kind of parents we have out there, but having a child that is coachable, respectful, tough, resilient and tries their best is a reflection of good parenting. Parents need to focus on teaching their children how to be confident, determined,

New York Tennis Magazine • March/April 2018 • NYTennisMag.com

engaged and how to control their emotions, both on and off the court. These qualities can be taught and are very important to the development of a player. Coaches need to have more time to teach the children tennis skills, tactical movements on the court, along with all of the mental strength that the child can learn at home. I recommend that all parents choose a coach and an academy very carefully. Beyond that, the parents’ only focus should be on being supportive and giving the child the love and respect they need. Let the coaches be coaches, and then we will have more players competing and enjoying the game of tennis. Vinicius Carmo is Founding Director of Ross School Tennis Academy (RSTA). Vinicius finished among the top five in Brazil’s 1996 Junior National Ranking and he attended the University of Tennessee on a full tennis scholarship. He directed prestigious tennis programs in the Hamptons before coming to Ross, where he continues to develop exciting events, tournaments and competitive training techniques for players of all ages.

NYTennisMag.com • March/April 2018 • New York Tennis Magazine

charitable initiatives Johnny Mac Tennis Project Hosts Charity Event Prior to New York Open Launch

rior to the Opening Night Premiere of the inaugural New York Open in February, Sportime members, John McEnroe Tennis Academy (JMTA) students, and their friends and families, enjoyed a great night out to benefit the Johnny Mac Tennis Project (JMTP). Before the evening’s matches, 250 JMTP supporters and guests enjoyed a private, VIP reception in the Grant Thornton Lounge of NYCB Live, home of The Nassau Veterans Memorial Coliseum. Guests were treated to food, refreshments and a meet and greet with JMTP Founder John McEnroe, American great James Blake, 2017 U.S. Open Champion Sloane Stephens and former world number five Eugenie Bouchard, who were competing in an exhibition. “The Johnny Mac Tennis Project was created in 2012, two years after we created 8

the John McEnroe Tennis Academy,” said Claude Okin, Sportime Chief Executive Officer. “We wanted to provide JMTA access to kids from all means. We go into the communities that surround Sportime Randall’s Island and we give thousands of kids’ tennis experiences through their schools and community-based organizations. Hundreds of kids come every week to free programs at Randall’s Island; they come for the whole school year and hopefully get the tennis bug and want to continue playing. We have an Excellence Program that bridges the gap between the recreational experience and our more advanced training experience. We also offer scholarships, and have spent approximately $5.5 million to date since 2012 between the community programs and scholarships, and have sent hundreds of kids to college as a result.” Kids 10 and under had a great time

New York Tennis Magazine • March/April 2018 • NYTennisMag.com

participating in a tennis clinic, led by Sportime coaches on the Grandstand Court, while JMTP scholarship recipients Lara Afolayanka, Summer Chandler, Ari Cotoulas and Jesse Yang put on a mixeddoubles exhibition match on the Stadium Court, officiated by JMTA Co-Director Lawrence Kleger. Guests then enjoyed courtside seating to singles matches featuring John McEnroe vs. James Blake, followed by Sloane Stephens vs. Genie Bouchard, with the nightcap a fun-filled, mixed doubles match featuring all four tennis stars. All proceeds from the JMTP Night at the New York Open will benefit the Johnny Mac Tennis Project, and will help to fund free Community Programs and Scholarships. To find out more about the JMTP and upcoming events, visit JMTPNY.org or email Info@JMTPNY.org.

ACADEMY AND HIGH PERFORMANCE SUMMER TENNIS CAMPS Sunday, June 10th - Sunday, June 17th, 2018

WORLD CLASS TENNIS ACADEMY + SUMMER CAMP FUN = CHILDHOOD UNLIMITED

At IHCTA we believe every child should have the opportunity to enjoy the game of tennis, that’s why our program welcomes a wide range of playing levels and experiences. Our programs will fit the tennis enthusiast who is only starting to take the sport seriously, the intermediate player thinking about trying out for their school varsity team, and all the way up to the high performance player currently training every day and competing in USTA and ITF tournaments.

ACADEMY

HIGH PERFORMANCE

Beginner to Advanced competitive players. intermediate levels. A different tennis experience in an incredible setting, located in the beautiful Pocono Mountains of Pennsylvania.

Diego Marquina

• 17 indoor & outdoor state-of-theart courts • Fully equipped fitness center & yoga studio • Lakefront watersports and pool • 5-part zip line & ropes course

tennis director.

www.indianhead.com/tennis 914-345-2155

3287 HANCOCK HWY, EQUINUNK, PA 18417

Internationally recognized coach, consultant, and

Snap me to watch our short movie!

NYTennisMag.com • March/April 2018 • New York Tennis Magazine

Credit photo: Alex Liu

NYTM Coaching Spotlight: Liezel Huber, The Cary Leeds Center for Tennis & Learning By Brian Coleman hen she was just five-yearsold in her native South Africa, Liezel Huber’s mother put a tennis racket in her hand for the first time. From that moment on, Huber was in love with tennis, and throughout her life, has used the sport as a vehicle to give back and help others. She now does so as the Executive Director of Tennis at The Cary Leeds Center for Tennis & Learning in the Bronx, a fulltime position she took upon last fall. Huber, the owner of seven career Grand Slam Doubles Titles, got her start in tennis because of her parents, and from an early age, it was evident that she had a special talent. “I was learning a lot quicker than the other kids,” Huber recalls. “Becoming a pro was never the thought, but I thought I could be a good, disciplined tennis player.” But as she got older, she got better, and when she was 15-years-old, she moved to the United States to compete in the Orange Bowl. There, she was noticed by Dennis Van Der Meer, Founder of the fa-

mous Van Der Meer Tennis Academy in Hilton Head, S.C., who offered Liezel a scholarship to train at the Academy. It was a difficult transition for Huber, being in a new country and in a completely different environment at such a young age. “You learn to grow up fast,” Liezel said. “I didn’t know how to cook, so I ate a lot of cereal and eggs. And going into a training environment of six hours a day, and coping with what kind of person you are going to be. People assume you go to an academy and automatically become pro, but you are still a kid. So I grew up fast, and I am ever so grateful for the opportunity I was given at that point.” Huber would go on to have a decorated playing career, winning three WTA Tour Doubles Finals titles and reaching the world number one doubles ranking, in addition to those seven Grand Slams. But she was always grateful for the opportunity she was given when she was younger, and thought about what she would do to give back after her playing career ended.

New York Tennis Magazine • March/April 2018 • NYTennisMag.com

“While I was playing, I was always doing other things,” said Huber. “I started my own non-profit, and my own health and nutrition company, so I always had things going on when I was playing.” Along with her husband Tony, who is now the Director of High Performance Tennis at Cary Leeds, the two wanted to create their own tennis center. “The thought was never to become the teacher, but really to pay forward the knowledge I had,” Liezel said. “It would be a waste of our talents if we didn’t share the knowledge we had with others.” And last summer, the perfect opportunity to “pay it forward” arose when the two joined Cary Leeds as the top tennis directors. “Cary Leeds was put here for a reason. We were brought here for a reason, and we are so lucky to be able to work in this $28 million facility in a location that has such a special ability to reach people in the community,” said Liezel. “We work with local school and it is a privilege. We don’t know the daily struggles of what these kids go through and what they see, so it really is a

privilege to help them.” Liezel and Tony have brought their passion and enthusiasm to Cary Leeds, and have developed the programs very rapidly in recent months. One of the first things Liezel and Tony wanted to do was to grow their Red, Orange, Green, Yellow or “R.O.G.Y” Program. That program has quadrupled in size, as Cary Leeds has embraced what the USTA is doing in developing 10 & Under Tennis. “It is about exposing the kids to tennis,” Liezel said. “The future of the tennis center is the young ones, and developing it from a grassroots level.” The focus of the Hubers and The Cary Leeds Center for Tennis & Learning is to continue to not only serve the community, but be a part of changing people’s lives for the better. “We truly are a community center,” said Huber. “I want people to know that your needs will be met here. Our mission is very clear: To change peoples’ lives through tennis and education. Going beyond tennis, we want to have computers here so kids can get work done, and to

have S.A.T prep classes for the students. The need will be there for the commercial client, but the true need is for the community, and we have seen the difference that The Cary Leeds Center has made in the community. And we feel that need: Our donors, our board, our staff. Everybody comes to work at Cary Leeds and

NYJTL knowing that we have a jewel to polish. And every day I come to work, I am grateful for this opportunity.” Brian Coleman is Senior Editor for New York Tennis Magazine. He may be reached by phone at (516) 409-4444, ext. 326 or email BrianC@USPTennis.com.

www.hartru.com NYTennisMag.com • March/April 2018 • New York Tennis Magazine

Nearly 4,000 Attend the New York Tennis Expo to Kick Off New York Open

ore than 3,700 attendees came out for the New York Tennis Expo on Feb. 10 at NYCB Live, home of the Nassau Veterans Memorial Coliseum in the largest event of its kind in the country. This marked the fifth New York Tennis Expo, the first held in conjunction with a professional tournament. This year’s in12

stallment of the Expo came together after it was announced that the Memphis Open would be relocating to Long Island. Based on the previous success of the Expos and the large amount of people the event attracts, Long Island Tennis Magazine knew it would be the perfect kickoff event for the inaugural New York Open. The event was free to attend, and more than 60 exhibitors and sponsors from the

New York Tennis Magazine • March/April 2018 • NYTennisMag.com

tennis world and beyond filled the Expo Hall to showcase their companies and services to the attendees. “I am amazed at how many kids and parents came out today and are so excited about tennis,” said Edmee MorinKougoucheff, Director of Sales for the Evert Academy, who came up from Florida for the event. “The organizers of the event did an amazing job. This is my first time here,

and we will come back for sure. We were giving out bags, and I should have brought more!â&#x20AC;? There were fun things to do and events all day-long, highlighted by the Expoâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s array of activities. The tennis teams from Fordham University, New York Institute of Technology (NYIT), Farmingdale State and Nassau Community College were on the Grandstand Court throughout the day, conducting clinics and playing points with attendees. The Activity Zone was located inside the Expo Hall, and featured a multitude of things to do. New to the Expo was a Beach Tennis Arena, which was packed all day long and run by New York Beach Tennis pros, giving guests a sense of summer fun in the middle of winter. There were two 10 & Under mini courts, sponsored by USTA Eastern, where pros would work with kids as a part of Net Generation Clinics. â&#x20AC;&#x153;I would say our favorite part has been the activities for the kids,â&#x20AC;? said Simone Martin of Queens, who brought her two

children to the Expo. â&#x20AC;&#x153;They loved the 10 & Under courts, and they also got to play on the court where the professionals are going to play. The interactive activities going on here have been great.â&#x20AC;? The Expo had the tennis world covered for all ages and levels, ranging from 10 & Under Tennis, all the way through the pro-

fessional ranks, as throughout the day, guests were able to watch professional players, including Kei Nishikori and the Bryan Brothers, practicing on the Stadium Court as they trained ahead of the start of the New York Open. continued on page 14

Have You Played Forest Hills? Tennis Memberships Social Memberships Program Memberships

Tennis Programs for Ages 4-18 Mommy, Daddy & Me Classes 10 & Under Progression Program Tournament Training Program

The West Side Tennis Club -268- NYTennisMag.com â&#x20AC;˘ March/April 2018 â&#x20AC;˘ New York Tennis Magazine

the new york tennis expo continued from page 13

The New York Islanders ICE Tour had a bouncy house and a Slap Shot Booth for some non-tennis-related fun for guests to take part in, while Sportime set up a Speed

Serve Booth for folks to try to dial up their fastest serve. The Expo covered the fashion aspect of tennis, as well with a Tennis Fashion Show

New York Tennis Magazine • March/April 2018 • NYTennisMag.com

in the afternoon, which showcased some of the latest trends in tennis apparel and accessories featuring a number of the top brands in the industry, including 30fifteen, inPhorm, Vibe Tennis, Lucky in Love, Faye & Florie, Denise Cronwall, Up or Down Spin and Corey Paige Designs. The apparel was modeled by the boys and girls from the Roslyn and Syosset tennis teams. Some of the sport’s top local coaches and minds took part in two Speaker Seminars during the Expo. The first was “The Road to College Tennis,” headlined by former collegiate stars and current ATP Tour players Chris Eubanks and Cameron Norrie. The second panel focused on “Taking Your Game to the Next Level,” and featured ATP player Dudi Sela of Israel joining a renowned panel of coaches and experts. The center of the Expo hall was home to the New York Tennis Expo Broadcast Plaza, where video and radio interviews with exhibitors and attendees were conducted throughout the day. As the lead-in event for the New York Open,

the tournament’s Draw Ceremony was held at the Broadcast Plaza and featured appearances by Ryan Harrison, Jared Donaldson and Sebastian Korda. Canadian star Eugenie Bouchard, who participated in the New York Open’s Opening Night Premiere, stopped by for a meetand-greet with guests and signed autographs. “The Expo was a wonderful event,” said Sports Psychologist Dr. Tom Ferraro, who was an exhibitor and also spoke about mental toughness in tennis on the “Take Your Game to the Next Level” panel. “I met some great people from the world of tennis, and I felt the buzz of the event was great. I look forward to doing it again next year.” The New York Tennis Expo was a celebration of tennis that brought together the community for a free day of family fun and ushered in the debut of the New York Open. It could not have been possible without local support, and the support from many companies and people nationally and internationally, in addition to the nearly 4,000 attendees who came out to make the event such a success.

“This was a special day for tennis. With close to 4,000 attendees, we saw tremendous support for our efforts,” said David Sickmen, Publisher of Long Island Tennis Magazine and New York Tennis Magazine. “Hoards of families were smiling and enjoying all the activities, and we received positive feedback from both at-

tendees and exhibitors. The platform we created over the last 10 years, in terms of the publications and our event series, has enabled businesses to reach new players and to get in front of the community. This event should serve as a springboard for a successful tennis year in 2018!”

NYTennisMag.com • March/April 2018 • New York Tennis Magazine

Scenes From 2018 New Y

February 10, 2018 • NYCB Live, home of Th

New York Tennis Magazine • March/April 2018 • NYTennisMag.com

om the w York Tennis Expo

of The Nassau Veterans Memorial Coliseum • Uniondale, N.Y.

NYTennisMag.com • March/April 2018 • New York Tennis Magazine

What They Are Saying ... “The New York Tennis Expo was a wonderful event. I met some great people from the world of tennis, and I felt the buzz of the event was great. I look forward to doing it again next year.” —Tom Ferraro, Ph.D., Sport Psychologist “I had high expectations and they were exceeded. Really incredible … sincerely.”—Peter Kaplan, Owner/Operator, Peter Kaplan’s Westhampton Beach Tennis Academy “The New York Tennis Expo was great. I was able to meet a lot of parents and kids who want to play college tennis. It’s fantastic. What was done at the Expo is unique to the tennis industry, and the best run Expo I have ever been to.”—Ed Krass, College Tennis Exposure Camps “What an amazing job. This is my first time here, and we will come back for sure.”—Edmee Morin-Kougoucheff, Director of Sales, Evert Academy “The New York Tennis Expo was the perfect venue for Saddlebrook. The location was terrific and the organizers of the event did a great job … professional execution from start to finish. We will be back next year.”—Howard Moore, Tennis Program Director, Saddlebrook Tennis “Being a vendor at the 2018 New York Tennis Expo was a top rate experience. The organizers at Long Island Tennis Magazine run a first-class event and are highly organized, innovative and understand what the customer and the vendor want to get out of a tennis show. I was busy with strong sales from start to finish and made several important vendor contacts. There was ample room for display and demonstration, and the venue layout had a good flow. The other vendors I spoke with were also very happy and plan to attend again next year.”—Lisa Dodson, Founder/Inventor, ServeMaster “The event exceeded our expectations in every way. Not only did we interact with tennis families and enthusiasts from the local area, but we also made fantastic new connections with other professionals in the tennis industry. We were thrilled with the amount of traffic at our table, and the level of interest in our tennis travel programs. We 18

anticipate that the event will yield many new clients and partners for Elite Tennis Travel, and we will surely be back next year. Congratulations to the team at Long Island and New York Tennis Magazine for executing such a fun and professionally rewarding event!”—Lisa Scholtes, Managing Partner, Elite Tennis Travel “The New York Tennis Expo was the perfect introduction to NYCB Live for people interested in the tournament. It truly was a firstclass, professionally-run event. It was the best fan experience from an interactive standpoint. It served as the best way to present tennis on Long Island in a way that even I underestimated.”—Josh Ripple, Tournament Director, New York Open “The New York Tennis Expo was clearly the place to be for tennis enthusiasts. The atmosphere was exciting, with lots of familyfriendly activities and exhibitors from all facets of the industry. A well-attended event, providing us the exposure and brand awareness we were hoping for.”—Ian McCormick, Vice President Sales and Marketing, The Farley Group “It was great being a part of the New York Tennis Expo and meeting so many people from the community, while also being a great kick off to the 2018 New York Open. Thanks to David and his staff at Long Island Tennis Magazine for making the day such a success!”— Kathy Miller, Club Manager, Carefree Racquet Club “The events were carefully planned, lively and had the feel of being both an intimate community event, as well as a major tennis happening. Every other vendor I spoke with, as well as the people I had encouraged to attend, were very pleased. Bravo to Long Island and New York Tennis Magazines. The local area needs your unifying presence.”—Steven Kaplan, Managing Director, Bethpage Park Tennis Center “This is an event we take part in every year because it reaches new players and current players and allows us to be face to face with them. We support things that grow tennis and this event does that for every level and age group, more so than anything New York has had. More than 3,800 people ...Wow! Great job everyone!”—Mike Kossoff, Director of Tennis, JMTA Long Island and Sportime Syosset/Bethpage

New York Tennis Magazine • March/April 2018 • NYTennisMag.com

Special Thanks To Our

SPONSORS PLATINUM SPONSORS

GOLD SPONSORS

SILVER SPONSORS 1917

NYTennisMag.com • March/April 2018 • New York Tennis Magazine

New York Tennis Magazine’s

2018 Boys High Schoo Beacon Seeks 11th Consecutive NYC Championship

Beacon is seeking to repeat as PSAL Champions and to extend their reign for the 11th consecutive season

Senior Felix Levine will look to lead Beacon to its 11th consecutive New York City Championship

Beacon junior and 2017 New York City Singles Champion Ethan Leon The road to the New York City Championship in Boys High School Tennis has gone through Beacon for a decade. And that may be an understatement. Beacon defeated Bronx Science 4-1 in last year’s PSAL Championship to claim its 10th City Title in a row, a mark of its incredible consistency year-in and yearout. That consistency comes from the top of the program and longtime Head Coach Bayard Faithfull, who will be entering his 18th season at the helm of Beacon. “We are going to work hard and we are going to have fun,” Faithfull said of his team’s approach to the 2018 season. “That’s what we try to do each year. We’re excited about a few new freshmen coming up to the team, as well some seniors who 20

provide incredible leadership, especially my two captains. I’m looking forward to another good season.” Beacon is the favorite to defend its title and maintain its remarkable streak as we head into the Spring 2018 campaign. The school returns all of its starters from last year’s team, anchored by seniors Julian Szuper and Felix Levine, and juniors Ethan Leon and Marcos Lee. Leon, Lee and Levine make up Beacon’s top three singles players, in that order, and provide talent and leadership at the top which has a ripple effect on all of their teammates. “What’s been exciting about this particular group is that we have about six or seven players who are really competing

New York Tennis Magazine • March/April 2018 • NYTennisMag.com

with each other pretty hard,” said Faithfull. “We also have a group of 10th graders who were a little young last year, and not quite as strong physically. But the leadership that comes from the top pushes everybody to be better, and we have been lucky enough to have kids who are willing to push and help other kids move along.” While still just a junior, Leon will again lead the Beacon lineup at the first singles spot. He captured the PSAL Singles Title a year ago, and while he has achieved a great deal of individual success thus far in his career, Leon is still focused on leading his Beacon team. “I think the confidence we have as a unit makes the team stronger,” Leon said of the team consistency. “The confi-

ool

PREVIEW By Brian Coleman

dence we embody overwhelms any expectations or pressures that we are supposed to feel. I think that we are comfortable with winning and put all of those pressures aside.” The ability to handle winning and success, yet maintain the desire to work hard in each practice and in each match has been a major factor in Beacon’s incredible run, and is something that is passed down

from the older players to the younger players each season. Another key to Beacon’s success over the years has been its depth, and it has no shortage of that coming into the 2018 season. Noah Edelman, Donovan Brown and Joseph Wilkanowski were all freshmen last season and played prominent roles in doubles. Now a year older and with that championship experience, the

doubles tandems for Beacon should be even stronger. “The three sophomores are all going to be big players this year,” said Faithfull. “And we have at least three freshmen who I think are going to make an impact on the team this year: Sebastian Sec, Arnav Aghostino and Hyat Oyer. It’s nice to get some of these kids in here and see what they can do for us.”

New York Players to Watch in 2018 l Kemal Aziz—Staten Island Tech l Shawn Jackson—Susan Wagner l Jonah Jurick—Bronx Science l Ethan Leon—Beacon

l Daniel Maseyev—Brooklyn Tech l Aleksa Pljakic—Townsend Harris l Nicholas Pustilnik—Stuyvesant l Kai Yuminaga—Cardozo

CHRIS LEWIT TENNIS SUMMER BOARDING HIGH PERFORMANCE CAMP SUMMER ADULT BOOT CAMP CUSTOMIZED SHORT-TERM TRAINING ALL IN THE BREATHTAKING BEAUTY OF VERMONT

TRAIN WITH CHRIS LEWIT EXPERT IN SPANISH TRAINING EXPERT IN TECHNIQUE AND BIOMECHANICS FOR YOUNG PRODIGIES

CHRISLEWIT.COM

914.462.2912 CHRIS@CHRISLEWIT.COM

NYTennisMag.com • March/April 2018 • New York Tennis Magazine

NEW YORK TENNIS MAGAZINE’S

J U N I O R P L AY E R S P O T L I G H T BY BRIAN COLEMAN

N ADEJD A M A S L O VA , M AT CH P OI N T N YC adejda Maslova was crowned as the top player in New York City high school tennis last year as she defeated the top-seed Christina Huynh of Bronx Science 6-1, 6-4 in the Public School Athletic League (PSAL) Individual Singles Championship. Playing in the top singles spot for James Madison, Maslova enjoyed an excellent freshman season. After winning the PSAL title, Maslova went on to defeat Association of Independent Schools Athletic Association (AISAA) champion Gibson Thomas of Horace Mann 6-0, 6-4 to win the New York State Federation Cup title. “I didn’t really expect much going in. I actually didn’t know about the tournament before my coach [Nino Muhatasov of MatchPoint NYC] signed me up for it,” said Maslova, referring to the PSAL tournament. “He told me it would be a good opportunity for me. There were some pretty tough matches, and I was extremely proud that I won. I was shocked.” Maslova has been working with Muhatasov since she came to MatchPoint when the club opened up in Brooklyn about four years ago. She first started playing tennis when she was a little kid, while also doing gymnastics and being a top swimmer. But when she suffered a leg injury during gymnastics, her dad steered her towards tennis primarily. An aggressive player, Maslova says she needs to work on her consistency in order to take her game to the next level. “I’m very aggressive, but I still have weak-

nesses,” a self-reflective Maslova said. “Nino has me focusing on my footwork, and he got me a fitness coach. He has helped me get a jump on my serve. He is filling in all the gaps of my game.” Maslova credits a lot of her progress to the amenities at MatchPoint which allow athletes to thrive in when training there. “It’s really amazing for serious athletes,” said Maslova. “There is a huge swimming pool and a fantastic gym with all the machines you could need. There are classes for yoga, zumba and more, and a big lounge with healthy, organic food. All the coaches take everything seriously and it is just a nice environment to be around. They focus on what you need and will correct you right away, and not let you repeat your mis-

New York Tennis Magazine • March/April 2018 • NYTennisMag.com

takes over and over.” Through training in that type of environment and getting better consistently, Maslova has continued to see results. She has performed very well in USTA tournaments over the winter. She started 2018 by competing at the Eastern Super Six in Port Washington, Long Island and battled her way into the semifinals. Maslova followed that up by reaching the finals of the Eastern Super Six in Glen Cove, Long Island, compiling positive results against some of the section’s top competition. Maslova will continue to use MatchPoint and her coaches to improve her game, and build off of the success she has already achieved. She will be a sophomore next year, and hopes to defend both her PSAL title and her New York State Federation title.

Making the Most of Your Child’s Summer Tennis By Eric Faro An extremely common question that the parents of our tennis academy students ask our coaches around this time every year is, “How can our children improve their game this summer?” They want to know if it beneficial to send their child to a tennis camp in Florida, California, Maine or Europe. There are so many camps and different options available to everyone, and it can be very confusing to parents and students. Our students have gone to different camps to train and we have always gotten mixed reviews. The biggest issue with sending players away from home is that tennis camps can sometimes seem like a factory. There are so many kids coming in and out of these various camps. The question is, do they really give individual attention to the students? Do they really understand what your child’s needs are? It seems as though many of

these camps can be very generic in nature. Yes, we as coaches have all called these various camps to talk to the directors about our students and what needs to be worked on. The million-dollar question is, “How do we actually know what’s going on?” After many years spent as a tennis coach, I’ve come to the conclusion that the best thing for a player’s development is to spend a significant chunk of time at home to train with a coach or a team of coaches who already know the player and their individual needs. The summertime is a huge part of a child’s development, no matter what age or level of play. It is a time to focus on their game without having to worry about the pressures of school, homework and tests. This is a critical time where coaches can go beyond technical development. It is a time to ramp up focus on on-court situations, strategies and tactics, as well as off-the-court fitness, and building up mental toughness. Summer is an ideal time for coaches to bond with their students off the court as well, and

develop a deeper student-coach relationship. In my experience, the process of pushing oneself to attain new heights as an athlete occurs first and foremost through hard work. Having a coach who understands a student and knows exactly which buttons to push is critical in getting the most out of a player and providing motivation to reach full potential. Eric is a Director of Tennis at Gotham Tennis Academy. Eric grew up in Riverdale, N.Y. and attended Horace Mann, where he played number one singles all four years and subsequently at Ohio State University. Eric brings a wealth of coaching experience from his extensive background at Stadium Tennis Center, NYC’s newest indoor/outdoor tennis center and home to one of the world’s largest, state-of-the-art tennis bubbles covering 12 indoor courts, along with four outdoor courts. He may be reached by phone at (718) 665-4684 or email Eric@GothamTennis.com.

NYTennisMag.com • March/April 2018 • New York Tennis Magazine

USTA Metro Region USTA Eastern Gets “On the Fast Track” at Annual Conference

Each year, USTA Eastern hosts its Annual Conference in Westchester, N.Y. to bring together members and organizations from its many regions, and the Section did so once again in late January at The Renaissance Westchester Hotel in White Plains, N.Y. The theme of this year’s conference was “On the Fast Track of Tennis Innovation,” and featured customized workshops using the 24

latest teaching techniques and networking opportunities in a more user-friendly format. “For the first time, we were able to offer customized content tracks for our providers within three distinct areas: Business Development, Player Development and Community Development,” said Monica LaMura, Senior Manager, Marketing and Communi-

New York Tennis Magazine • March/April 2018 • NYTennisMag.com

USTA Metro Region cations for USTA Eastern. “This allowed us to provide an opportunity for optimal personal growth and development for our valued tennis providers from across the Section.” The weekend consisted of multiple workshops and guest speakers covering an array of topics related to tennis in the Eastern Section, and introduced innovative ways on how to continue growing the game. The Conference was highlighted by the Junior Awards Lunch and the Cocktail Hour and Adult Awards Dinner, where those who were successful and/or made positive contributions in tennis in the Section over the past year were honored and recognized for their outstanding achievements. Below are the Junior Award Winners: l Boys 10 Sportsmanship Award: Ian Yakovlev (Jersey City, N.J.) l Girls 10 Sportsmanship Award: Isabelle DeLuccia (Livingston, N.J.) l Richard D. Lynch, II Boys 12 Sportsmanship Award: Connor DuVally (Pound Ridge, N.Y.)

l Richard D. Lynch, II Girls 12 Sportsmanship Award: Erin Ha (Tenafly, N.J.) l E. Hawley Van Wyck Junior Boys 14 Sportsmanship Award: Kris Sethi (Livingston, N.J.) l Edith Martin Girls 14 Sportsmanship Award: Anne Moody (Bedford, N.Y.) l Lawrence A. Miller Boys 16 Sportsmanship Award: Kieran Foster (White Plains, N.Y.) l Lawrence A. Miller Girls 16 Sportsmanship Award: Perene Wang (New York, N.Y.) l Lt. Frederick M. Scribner Jr. Boys 18 Sportsmanship Award: Finbar Talcott (Sea Cliff, N.Y.) l Edith Martin Girls 18 Sportsmanship Award: Cynthia Huang (Montville, N.J.) l Henry Benisch Scholarship Award: Daniel Pellerito (Syosset, N.Y.) l Ron Smyth Parent Sportsmanship Award: Shelly Ann Panton (Mount Vernon, N.Y.) l Tournament Director of the Year Award: Clark Crawford (Binghamton, N.Y.) and Arthur Falkson (Ithaca, N.Y.)

Brooklyn’s Kings County Tennis League Named Eastern Member Organization of the Year

The growth of tennis in New York City has always been, and always will be, dependent on people in the community identifying a need, and deciding to do something about it. One of the most prominent examples of this can be found in the Kings County Tennis League (KCTL), which was founded by Michael McCasland in 2010

and whose vision is to bring tennis directly to kids as a tool for youth development and community building. When McCasland moved to the Bedford-Stuyvesant neighborhood of Brooklyn after taking a job as a DNA Forensic Scientist for the City of New York in 2010, he noticed a tennis court near his apartment and adjacent NYTennisMag.com • March/April 2018 • New York Tennis Magazine

USTA Metro Region

to the Marcy Houses Housing Development was in terrible shape. “I thought that having a tennis court in such proximity to a New York City Housing Authority housing development was an opportunity to bring tennis—a sport typically thought of as the preserve of the middle and upper classes—to underserved kids,” said McCasland. “Having tennis courts situated in parks all across the city, sometimes unnoticed—in wealthy neighborhoods as well as working class and modest communities inspires me to bring the style of programming I grew up on others.” With that idea in mind, McCasland began to take matters into his own hands and started posting handwritten flyers around the neighborhood and trying to assemble a group of local kids who would be interested in free tennis instruction on Saturdays. “During our first class, no one showed up,” said McCasland. “It wasn’t until we started handing out flyers and talking to community leaders and parents that attendance started to pick up. We started with no children on day one, but ended that first season with more than 25 kids. Once people realized what we were doing and we built up a reputation, the commitment began to build. I think that the biggest barrier for tennis is that it takes some individualized instruction and patience to gain proficiency, and thus become fun. Once the parents and children realized they could learn tennis on their doorstep for free and with few barriers, they discovered tennis to be a very rewarding and enjoyable sport. ” As word got out about the program, young professionals from the area began coming forward to volunteer, and little by little, the program grew. To date, KCTL now has over 120 active volunteers in the organization. “We have an amazing group of volunteers,” said McCasland. “We do all we can to engage and celebrate our volunteers and provide a social aspect offering chances to meet and mingle, play in tennis tournaments and compete on the KCTL Vols tennis team. One new initiative will enable volunteers to expand their knowledge and networks in their own work industries as we plan to offer seminars and guest speakers to further enhance their experience with us.” One of those volunteers is David Webley, who began volun26

teering with KCTL in 2016, and knew immediately it was something he wanted to continue to be a part of. “I was so impressed with the vision and the mission,” said Webley. “I have been extremely fortunate to have a lot of opportunities in life and most have stemmed through tennis. I saw a chance to be involved in something that would create such opportunities for children with fewer opportunities to play and learn the sport.” That vision has helped KCTL grow at an incredible rate over the last eight years. What was once just one program at the court near the Marcy Houses has expanded to five public housing developments located in central Brooklyn, with programming being added to: Tomkins House, Lafayette Gardens, Summer House and the Brevoort Houses. At a few of the locations, the organization either renovated the courts or created them completely from scratch. Each location serves as its own “tennis club,” with all five of them together forming the Kings County Tennis League. What began as a seasonal program has now become a yearround one, offering after school programs at Marcy Houses in the fall and at the Pratt Institute in the winter, serving over 150 children. As a result of their dedication and commitment to growing the game, and using tennis as a tool for underprivileged children to grow, KCTL was named the USTA Eastern 2017 Member Organization of the Year at the annual USTA Eastern Conference in January. “As a supporter of many tennis and learning programs, the KCTL story is one of our section’s favorites,” said Jenny Schnitzer, USTA Eastern’s Executive Director and Chief Operations Officer. “We are beyond proud of what Michael McCasland started and the continued work of KCTL’s staff and volunteers in making tennis more accessible to children who may not otherwise had an opportunity to play our sport.” The work done by the KCTL has had a remarkable impact on the community in which it operates, and it is not done yet. Just this past year, KCTL introduced a Go Girls Go Program to encourage female participation, and an Upswing Program for the more committed students. Those two initiatives are the first phase in launching a KCTL Academy, which is set to be launched in 2019.

New York Tennis Magazine • March/April 2018 • NYTennisMag.com

NYTennisMag.com • March/April 2018 • New York Tennis Magazine

New York Tennis Magazine • March/April 2018 • NYTennisMag.com

Woes No More Relentless Wozniacki captures first career Grand Slam By Brian Coleman

owards the end of 2010, Denmark’s Caroline Wozniacki joined an exclusive club of players whom have achieved the number one spot atop the WTA Women’s Singles Rankings. She was the 20th woman ever to reach the world’s top spot, and just the fifth to do so without winning a Grand Slam title. The latter was something that still plagued Wozniacki. While she held the number one ranking for 67 weeks, she was still badgered with questions regarding her lack of a Grand Slam on her resume. But that would change over the course of a fortnight in Melbourne, Australia in late January, culminating in an epic final that saw Wozniacki outlast then number one Simona Halep, 7-6(2), 3-6, 6-4, to win the 2018 Australian Open title. “Honestly, I think that’s one of the most positive things about all this,” said Wozniacki, half-joking. “I’m never going to get that question again … ‘When are you going to win a Slam?’ I’m just waiting for

the question, ‘When are you going to win the second one?’” Wozniacki persevered through nearly three total hours of up-and-down tennis to defeat Halep and hoist her maiden Grand Slam trophy. “It was such a tough grind,” said Wozniacki. “It was very hot out there … both of us were very tired in the end. At the same time, we fought our hardest, and I’m very proud to be here with the trophy.” “Daphne here is going home with me tonight,” she said referring to the trophy awarded to the Women’s Singles Champion, known as the Daphne Akhurst Memorial Cup. “I’ll be cuddling with her.” It had been a long time coming for Wozniacki, who has experienced many highs and lows throughout her professional career. The match against Halep, and her run in Melbourne, was indicative of the peaks and valleys that have defined her career to date. She jumped out to a 5-2 lead in the opening set, only to see Halep fight back

and force a tie-breaker. Wozniacki was able to play her best tennis in the tie-break to win the first set, but the match was just getting started. Despite setting herself up with four break point chances early on in the second set, Wozniacki was unable to secure any of those break points, and Halep won the set to force a deciding third set. Halep would jump out to a 4-3 lead in the decider, but Wozniacki had one last push left inside of her, and rattled off the final three games to win the title. “She was better. She was fresher,” Halep said of what made the difference in the end. “She had more energy in the end.” The match was symbolic of the twists and turns that have taken place throughout her career. She reached the number one ranking when she was just 20-yearsold, and held that spot for more than a year, finishing 2010 and 2011 as the yearcontinued on page 30

NYTennisMag.com • March/April 2018 • New York Tennis Magazine

woes no more continued from page 29 end number one in the WTA Women’s Singles Rankings. But as 2012 began, Wozniacki’s singles game began to take a hit. She was bounced in the first round of a Grand Slam for the first time in five years when she fell to Tamira Paszek in the opening round of Wimbledon, and things got worse when she was defeated by Irina-Camelia Begu in the first round of the U.S. Open, dropping her outside the Top 10 for the first time since 2009. The year 2012was the first of a couple that saw a decline in Wozniacki’s tennis career. She captured just one title in 2013, and entered 2014 searching for answers. Her play picked up in 2014, as she seemed to relocate the form that catapulted her to number one. She would reach the U.S. Open final, but ultimately came up short against Serena Williams. Once again, however, the valleys appeared. Injuries plagued her 2016 season and forced her to miss time, which resulted in her ranking dropping outside of the top 50 for the first time since she was a teenager. But a determined and relentless Wozniacki would resurrect her career and 30

return to the top of the women’s game. With her health back in tow, she reached the U.S. Open semifinals, and would later win a title at the Toray Pan Pacific Open, her first title since March of the year prior. The win at the Toray Pan Pacific Open set the stage for a wonderful 2017 season. She finished as runner-up in seven finals, and concluded the year by taking the title at the BNP Paribas WTA Finals Singapore with a 6-4, 6-4 win over Venus Williams, dropping just one set in her five matches there. The most impressive part of Wozniacki’s success in Singapore was the fact that she played a more offensive style of play. Usually known for her superb defense and counterpunching, Wozniacki served extremely well throughout the tournament in displaying a new facet of her game. “I couldn’t be happier right now,” Wozniacki said of winning the WTA Finals in Singapore. “It’s been an amazing year. Last year was tough with injuries, but I fought my way back and to stand here and win the title means a lot to me.” That fight is at the heart of who

New York Tennis Magazine • March/April 2018 • NYTennisMag.com

Wozniacki is as a player and person. She often recalls the sacrifices her father and coach, Piotr, had to make when she was a younger player, and she uses that as fuel and motivation to keep going. Her career has seen many ups and downs, but the Dane has always remained grounded, which has allowed her to reemerge as one of the top players on the WTA Tour. She has been ranked as high as number one, but also fell to as low as 74th, yet has dealt with that adversity to make her even stronger. The peak of that reemergence was her triumph in Melbourne to start off this season, which vaulted her back to number one in the world. “I dreamed of this moment for so many years,” said Wozniacki. “To be here today is a dream come true. I never cry, but today is an emotional moment.” The only thing left to ask now, as Wozniacki has said herself, is: When will she win another Grand Slam? Brian Coleman is Senior Editor for New York Tennis Magazine. He may be reached by phone at (516) 409-4444, ext. 326 or email BrianC@USPTennis.com.

C O M I N G I N M AY 2 0 1 8

Distribution scheduled for 05/01/18

This edition will feature: • Tennis in the Hamptons • French Open Preview • Guide to New York’s Top Tennis Apparel Stores • Boys High School Tennis

Distribution across New York at 300+ locations: • Indoor tennis clubs • Country clubs • Restaurants and health food stores • Tennis camps • Retail stores • Gyms • Supermarkets and • Many more!

Don’t miss the advertising opportunities in the next edition of New York Tennis Magazine May/June 2018! Facebook-www.Facebook.com/NYTennisMag Instagram-@NYTennisMag • Twitter-@NYTennisMag Submissions for both advertisingNYTennisMag.com and editorial• are due by 1, 2018 March/April 2018April • New York Tennis Magazine 31 For more information, please call 516-409-4444 or e-mail Advertise@NYTennisMag.com

Why Tennis Players Should Co

By Dr. Rob Silverman hile the wildly popular Ketogenic Diet has proven effective in weight management, studies also demonstrate a variety of health benefits that don’t include weight loss. For competitive athletes specifically, the Ketogenic Diet can help increase energy levels and improve brain function–enhancing your performance both on and off the court.

What is the Ketogenic Diet? The Ketogenic Diet, or Keto Diet, is based on the idea that eating mostly healthy fats, consuming high-quality protein in moderation, and restricting carbohydrates, provides your body with the fuel you need to lose body fat without hunger, weakness and fatigue. The reduction in carb intake puts your body into a metabolic state called “Nutritional Ketosis.” During Ketosis, your body no longer relies on glucose as a primary energy source. Instead, your liver converts 32

fat into Ketones—which are a great source of fuel for your brain. What do I eat on the Ketogenic Diet? On the Ketogenic Diet, you’ll get most of your calories from healthy fats found in foods like avocados, grass-fed butter, olives, olive oil, MCT oil, coconut oil, nuts and seeds. However, keep in mind that some nuts and seeds are better than others. You’ll want to choose those that are high in fats and lower in carbs; brazil nuts, almonds, walnuts, chia seeds and flaxseed are all good options. You can also eat all the non-starchy, leafy vegetables (like spinach) you want, as well as other low-carb vegetables like broccoli, peppers, cauliflower, green beans, asparagus, cucumber, and zucchini. In moderation, eat protein in the form of grass-fed meats, pasture-raised poultry, cage-free eggs and wild-caught fish. When it comes to fish, choose fatty fish by remembering the acronym “SMASH:” Salmon, Mackerel, Anchovies, Sardines and Herring. Finally, if you want to reach for something sweet,

New York Tennis Magazine • March/April 2018 • NYTennisMag.com

90 percent dark chocolate is your best option. On the list of what not to eat? For starters, remember that the Ketogenic Diet restricts the intake of carbohydrates to achieve a shift from glucose to Ketones as a primary fuel source. In order to avoid food high in carbs, limit fruit consumption as it’s higher in sugar content—and forego fruit juice altogether. You should also avoid grains or starches such as rice or pasta; beans or legumes; root vegetables; and any low-fat or diet products, as they are typically highlyprocessed and high in carbs. Why is this diet ideal for tennis players? While dietary needs vary across gender, sport and individual athlete, the Ketogenic Diet has proven advantages for performance athletes. When athletes burn Ketones instead of glucose, they experience increased cognitive and physical performance. Cognitively, the brain operates better on Ketones versus glucose from sugar or carbs—leading to heightened levels of concentration and

d Consider the Ketogenic Diet longer periods of focus. Physically, a Ketogenic Diet minimizes the breakdown of lean muscle tissue and increases the body’s ability to maintain lean body mass, while burning fat, which is beneficial for performance athletes’ body composition. Additionally, Ketones feed the mitochondria better, thus leading to quicker recovery times. However, the greatest outcome I’ve seen athletes—especially tennis players—experience is improved performance endurance. Tennis players who have adapted to the Keto Diet experience increased endurance across sets. The body has learned to rely less on carbs and tap into fat storage, which prevents tennis players from “Hitting the Wall.” This is especially beneficial to those players who don’t eat between

sets or cannot easily digest foods while exercising. With the absence of glucose to burn, tennis players won’t experience the peaks and valleys of varying blood sugar levels. Outside of competitive performance, practicing while glycogen storage is low is a key strategy tennis player can utilize if they’re looking to improve endurance. The Ketogenic Diet is suitable to adapt during the offseason, too. It’s proven to help athletes maintain their health while they’re taking some much-needed rest. Before starting any diet or nutrition program, you should consult a functional medicine practitioner to ensure your individual dietary needs are met. As a performance athlete, working with this type of practitioner can be as ben-

eficial as working with your coach—it’s all about optimizing your performance. Dr. Robert G. Silverman is a White Plains, N.Y.-based sports chiropractor and certified clinical nutritionist, specializing in functional medicine and the treatment of joint pain with innovative, science-based, nonsurgical approaches. He is also on the advisory board for the Functional Medicine University and a health contributor to various major TV networks. He is the author of Amazon’s Number One Best-Seller, Inside-Out Health. In 2015, he was honored with the prestigious Sports Chiropractor of the Year award by the ACA Sports Council. He can be reached by phone at (914) 287-6464, e-mail Info@DrRobertSilverman.com or visit DrRobertSilverman.com.

NYTennisMag.com • March/April 2018 • New York Tennis Magazine

Takeaways From the Roger Federer: The ageless wonder After winning two Grand Slam titles in 2017, Roger Federer showed the world that he’s not going away anytime soon. Roger dominated the opposition at the 2018 Australian Open, reaching the Finals without dropping a set. He then outlasted Marin Cilic in five sets to successfully defend his title and win his record 20th Grand Slam Singles Title. At 36-years-old, Federer became the second oldest male Grand Slam winner in the Open Era, a year younger than Ken Rosewall, who won the Australian Open at the age of 37. Roger’s coming for you Ken! Injuries continue to wreak havoc on the Men’s game As Federer continued his assault on the record books, his younger rivals continued to struggle with

injuries. Kei Nishikori (right wrist) and Andy Murray (hip) withdrew from the Australian Open before it began. Rafael Nadal retired in the fifth set of his quarterfinal match with a right leg injury, while Novak Djokovic was able to compete, but struggled with a right elbow injury in a fourth round loss to Hyeon Chung. Hyeon Chung When the 2017 Next Gen ATP Finals got underway last November, players like Andrey Rublev and Denis Shapovalov were hailed as favorites. But a 21-year-old Korean named Hyeon Chung defeated them both on his way to winning the inaugural event. In Australia, Chung continued to make his name known, beating Alex Zverev and Novak Djokovic, and making it all the way to the semifinals. Chung became the first Korean to ever make the semifinals of a Grand Slam, and will be a force to be reckoned with in the coming years.

• Indoor sessions at NYTC and Cary Leeds Tennis Center • Groups, Private lessons, Tournament Travel, 7 days a week • Certiﬁed ATP coach with 20 years of HP experience • 13 years on the pro tour playing ATP, Davis Cup and Olympics • Former 3 time Israeli singles champion

Training Camp in Israel June 28-July 9 Call 914-907-0041 or E-mail BloomGilad@gmail.com 34

New York Tennis Magazine • March/April 2018 • NYTennisMag.com

201

Third time’s a charm for Caro In her 43rd career Grand Slam appearance, and her third final, Caroline Wozniacki finally won the big one. After losing twice in the U.S. Open Final, Caro vanquished her demons with a 7-6 (3), 3-6, 6-4 win over Simona Halep to become the first Danish player to win a Grand Slam singles title. With the title, Wozniacki also overtook Halep for the number one spot in the WTA Women’s Singles Rankings. “World number one and new Grand Slam Champion sounds pretty good,” Wozniacki exclaimed. More heartbreak for Halep While it was euphoria for Caro, it was more heartbreak for Simona Halep, who is still looking for her maiden Grand Slam Title. Halep lost in the Finals of the 2014 and 2017 French Open, before being narrowly defeated by Wozniacki in Melbourne in January. “Maybe the fourth one will be with luck,” said Halep following the match. Halep fought valiantly throughout the tournament, staving off a combined five match points in two matches just to make it to the finals, but came up just short against Wozniacki. Halep-Davis’s marathon match Three of those match points that Halep saved came against 24-year-old American Lauren Davis, who Halep defeated 15-13 in a back-and-forth third set which lasted two hours and 22

018 Australian Open BY PETER MENDELSOHN

minutes on its own. “I have never played a match like that before where it went so long in the third set,” Davis said. “We were both fighting our hearts out.” Davis fought through a bloody toe on each foot, and broke Halep’s serve three times when Halep was serving for the match. The Romanian finally prevailed after three hours, 45 minutes and earned a well-deserved standing ovation from the crowd. Good thing she didn’t book a flight! American Bernarda Pera was making travel arrangements to leave Melbourne after losing in the final round of qualifying. “I was checking the ticket to fly back,” Pera said. But then, she received some unexpected news. Pera was granted a Lucky Loser spot into the Main Draw after Margarita Gasparyan withdrew. She would not let her good fortune go to waste. After winning her first round match, Pera stunned the ninth-seed Johanna Konta in the second round. After Konta’s overhead shot sailed long to give Pera the unlikely win, she immediately dropped her racket, and covered her face with her hands in shock. Sebastian Korda Whenever 17-yearold American Sebastian Korda needed motivation, he would watch clips of his father Petr’s 1998 Australian Open title on YouTube. Well, Sebastian decided to add some Aussie Open hardware to the family collection. Korda won the Boys Singles

Championship at the 2018 Australian Open, defeating Tseng Chun-Hsin in the finals. Korda celebrated the win with a scissor kick, a Korda family tradition. “My dad won his only Grand Slam title here, so it’s very special,” said Korda post-match. Lleyton Hewitt turns back the clock When Sam Groth announced that he would be retiring after the 2018 Australian Open, Lleyton Hewitt couldn’t resist the urge to play with him one last time. Hewitt came out of retirement to play doubles at the Australian Open with his old friend. The Aussie pair went on a magical run in front of a raucous home crowd, upsetting third-seeded JeanJulien Rojer & Horia Tecau in the second round on their way to reaching the quarterfinals.

Tennys Sandgren makes waves on and off the court Entering the Australian Open, Tennys Sandgren had never won a main draw match at a Grand Slam, and was most known for his unusual first name. Things were about to change for Tennys. Sandgren defeated Stan Wawrinka and Dominic Thiem, and made it all the way to the quarterfinals in Melbourne over the course of his unexpected fortnight. However, Sandgren faced significant criticism off the court for controversial comments that he’d posted on social media accounts which marred his performance on the court. It will be interesting to see how Sandgren can build off his Australian Open performance going forward. Peter Mendelsohn is the Owner of TennisDork.com. He is currently pursuing a degree in sports journalism. He previously spent five years as a personal injury lawyer in Toronto, Canada. He may be reached by phone at (647) 984-5509 or e-mail at Peter.R.Mendelsohn@gmail.com.

SERIOUS. FUN.

NIKE TENNIS CAMPS

JUNIOR OVERNIGHT & DAY CAMPS | BOYS & GIRLS | AGES 8-18

ROBBIE WAGNER TOURNAMENT TRAINING CAMPGlen Cove, NY THE LAWRENCEVILLE SCHOOL-Lawrenceville, NJ COLGATE UNIVERSITY-Hamilton, NY CHIRICO COHEN TOURNAMENT TRAINING CAMP AT CHESTNUT HILL COLLEGE-Philadelphia, PA

JULIAN KRINSKY SCHOOL OF TENNIS Villanova University and Haverford College AMHERST COLLEGE-Amherst, MA WILLIAMS COLLEGE-Williamstown, MA

1.800.NIKE.CAMP | USSportsCamps.com All Rights reserved. Nike and the Swoosh design are registered trademarks of Nike, Inc. and its afﬁliates, and are used under license. Nike is the title sponsor of the camps and has no control over the operation of the camps or the acts or omissions of US Sports Camps.

NYTennisMag.com • March/April 2018 • New York Tennis Magazine

The Importance of Footwork and Movement Training By Chris Lewit t the most recent PTR International Symposium for coaches, featuring more than 600 coaches from around the world, I was a presenter on the topic of Spanish exercises and principles. One of the main points of the presentation was the importance of footwork and movement training in the Spanish system and how here in the United States—and many other countries—players are often not taught how to move fluidly and efficiently. In the U.S. in particular, it’s still surprising to me how many times I observe lessons and classes that do not incorporate good movement and footwork drills, and how many players are basically taught to

swing from primarily static or stationary positions. Frequently, players drill a shot repeatedly from a singular spot on the court, with little emphasis on reading the incoming ball or proper body positioning with the feet. The stroke starts to look decent, but the movement to the ball and a dynamic shot is never emphasized, and the shot will break down under movement pressure. This is a huge mistake. Training the hands, feet and eyes: Mind in concert In Spain, the coaches have a philosophy that incorporates the hands (strokes) and the feet (footwork and movement), as well as the eyes and mind (anticipatory reading and tactical decisions-making). The goal is to develop players who are competent in all three areas and also to develop har-

New York Tennis Magazine • March/April 2018 • NYTennisMag.com

mony between all three areas. Often, what I see in the U.S. is an obsession with the hands part—the strokes. While strokes are important, you cannot hit the ball well if you are not in a good position to receive it. In Spain, a lot of the drill time is focused on reading and receiving the ball well, with good anticipation by the eyes/mind and movement by the feet. In fact, this positioning is an absolute obsession in the Spanish method. Moving well in 360 degrees I have many players coming to me whose strokes look decent enough, but as soon as we start to play, they break down and make mistakes when moving forward and back or left and right. It’s very common to see players who can rally well from the middle of the court, but who make errors when stretched to the far reaches of the court. Players need to be taught to move in all

directions with speed and efficiency. They need to learn to set up for a difficult shot with balance, and control their body posture during the stroke. Players need to learn to hit shots from uncomfortable positions, including defensive and counter-punching positions. While some players do this well intuitively, most do not and they need to be specifically taught by their coaches. I find it remarkable that parents paying for expensive lessons do not realize this important tenet of the modern game of tennis: That the importance of movement is at an all-time high and is a premium quality to develop. Coaches cannot just develop nice strokes and neglect the movement skills needed to be consistent and rally well, defend well and counterpunch effectively— and parents should demand better. The scene in New York I see this failure particularly with our New York high school junior varsity and varsity players who are rarely asked to RUN! And more importantly perhaps, are not taught HOW to run and set up well with their feet. The result is a lack of consistency and shot

tolerance, which means these players cannot rally for very long, and cannot really structure points well tactically because an unforced error arises too early in the point. Many younger children, under the age of 10 and 12, are also not taught good movement skills at a time when their motor and nervous systems are primed to receive speed, agility and coordination training—which is a vital lost opportunity. Compounding the situation, these same players, who cannot rally very long due to their poor movement skills, are taught hyperaggressive games where they must attack every ball. They adopt a very risky style and strategy, and their tactical decision-making skills deteriorate. Often, they will rush haphazardly to the net because they know that, on the baseline, they are toast if the rally extends relatively long. I’ve discussed the danger of rushing to the net irresponsibly in my article “Lessons I’ve Learned From Spain” in the January/February 2018 issue of New York Tennis Magazine. The end result is that we are left with many New York players who are inconsistent because they do not move well and play with very high-

risk games. A double whammy! Of course, this is anathema to how they develop players in Spain, where the coaches are obsessed with developing good movers who can make a lot of balls over the net and rally well. Consistency is prioritized over power shots. Defense is of equal importance as compared to attack. Great praise is placed on players who run well and suffer well to make one extra ball. I think it’s ironic that our ultra-disciplined New York area high school kids—who are going to some of the toughest academic schools in the country, studying extra hours late into the night to score top grades, and juggling intense school and extracurricular activities—are not asked to channel some of that discipline into their footwork and movement on the tennis court. These are successful human beings—future champions of the world, who understand what it takes to be a winner off the court. On the court, however, the standard they are asked to uphold is surprisingly low. If the coaches demand it, these kids can supply it! continued on page 38

NYTennisMag.com • March/April 2018 • New York Tennis Magazine

footwork and movement training continued from page 37 Around the country Around the U.S., it is common to see a lack of good defense, especially to the backhand corner and weak backhand acceleration. In addition, players often struggle to use a good open stance backhand for defense and emergency shots. This can be seen all the way to the pro level with many well-known American players struggling with their movement, their footwork and running stroke mechanics to the backhand side, such as past champions like Andy Roddick, and currently, Francis Tiafoe, among many others. This phenomenon has been noted by Tim Mayotte in a previous article for New York Tennis Magazine— and he is correct. At the junior development level, it is remarkable how many kids come to me from around the U.S. with stiff twohanded backhands and an inability to load and play off the open stance. Those two skills, in particular, need to be trained better. We need to develop better acceleration on the backhand and better movement laterally. This is an area that USTA Player Development, under the guidance of Jose Higueras, has started addressing and we now have more players with better running backhands, acceleration and footwork.

Lateral sliding and moving forwards diagonally I also see many players from all over the U.S. who have rarely, if ever, played on clay, and they don’t know how to slide laterally or move forwards diagonally to retrieve short balls. If we want our players to compete well internationally and win at clay court events in Europe, these also are essential skills. There are pockets of the country that just don’t have many clay courts and rarely have a clay court tournament. This is another area where the USTA is facilitating change across the U.S., by installing many green and red clay courts at the new National Campus in Lake Nona, Fla., and promoting more clay court events around the country at the junior and pro level. When players play more on clay, they tend to develop better balance and agility, sliding and defensive skills, and their acceleration is enhanced because the courts are slow and the players must inherently learn to generate more spin and racket speed in order to survive. Conclusion It’s a disservice not to teach good movement and footwork skills to our American players around the country. Because speed and movement is at a special premium on the international level, we cannot compete

Get Your Game On O AT TENNIS @ROS SS IN EAST HAMPTO ON • Academy programs for advanced players ages 6–18 • Private lessons and court rentals • Adult clinics for all levells • Adult game arranging fo or players 3.5 or above

CALL TODAY! 631-90 07-5162 TENNIS@ROSS.ORG WWW.ROSS.ORG/TE ENNIS

New York Tennis Magazine • March/April 2018 • NYTennisMag.com

as a nation without better movers. On a local and individual level, players will also always have holes in their games if they are not taught these important skills. Especially at the high school level in the Eastern Section, it’s currently a travesty how poorly our junior varsity and varsity kids are moving. Their footwork, in particular, really needs to improve. In addition, be on the lookout for stiff two-handed backhands on the run and make sure your player is comfortable loading with an open stance when necessary in emergency situations, especially laterally. Moreover, sliding and lateral movement forwards to short balls is another commonly-neglected area of movement skills that needs to be improved upon. When a country comes together to build better movers and stresses greater emphasis on the importance of movement and footwork skills, players at all levels will improve. A rising tide will lift all boats. Chris Lewit, a former number one for Cornell and pro circuit player, coaches in the New York City area and also runs a high-performance boarding summer camp in Southern Vermont. He specializes in training aspiring junior tournament players using progressive Spanish and European training methods. His best-selling book, Secrets of Spanish Tennis, has helped coaches and players worldwide learn how to train the Spanish way. He may be reached by phone at (914) 462-2912, e-mail ChrisLewit@gmail.com or visit ChrisLewit.com.

Mastering the Approach Shot By Antonio Glionna The era of the serve and volley is pretty much over. Today's tennis pros are stronger, faster, hit harder groundstrokes and return serves better than ever. These factors, combined with slower courts and improved string technology, have allowed players to easily pass their opponents at the net after the serve or make them play difficult volleys and pass them right after. Does this mean we don't need to get to the net anymore? Not really. Today, tennis pros have developed a more all-around style game and have mastered the approach shot to perfection to be even more aggressive. Thus, it is time to use and improve the "approach shot" if you want to hit like the pros. Remember, the approach shot is a transition shot (not necessarily a winner) that will allow you to go to the net effectively and make the opponent play a difficult shot so that you can finish the point with an easy volley or overhead. The best moment to start the approach shot is when the opponent's ball lands short around the service line or just before it. Turn your body sideways with shoulders and torso perpendicular to the net and move quickly towards the ball. Then, transfer your body weight on your front leg, have your knees bent with your head steady, strike the ball and keep the momentum going forward. At this point, the biggest mistake players can make are either hitting and stopping at the service line and watching the ball landing or running back to the baseline. At the striking zone, two common scenarios might happen: l The ball is very low, and I would recommend to strike it by using a slice shot with a Continental Grip (with Carioca Step); l The ball is high at the hip level, and I would suggest using a top spin shot with a Semi-Western Grip. In both cases, instantly recognize you and your opponent’s position so that you can drive the ball deep with a smooth swing down the line or in a corner away from the opponent followed by a split-step. Your shot should be followed by a split-step. At this point, you have forced the opponent to hit on the run or play a weaker passing shot. You should still track the ball in the air and look at your opponent’s court position again. Be in a ready position with a Continental Grip and cover down the line. But also be prepared to take away with a volley or possible cross-court passing shots or to smash a lob with the overhead. Lastly, keep the opponent guessing by varying your approach shot placement. Antonio Glionna trained professionally in Europe and Australia. He has more than 20 years of international coaching and training experience, and he is also PTR-certified. Currently, Antonio provides private and group lessons at the Midtown Tennis Club and coaches kids and juniors at The Manhattan Tennis Academy in New York City. NYTennisMag.com • March/April 2018 • New York Tennis Magazine

2018 New York Tennis Magazine

2016 Guide to the Top Clubs/Programs for New York Tennis Players

Camp Guide

Advantage All-City Junior Tennis Camp Roosevelt Island Racquet Club 281 Main Street l Roosevelt Island, N.Y. (212) 935-0250 l AdvantageTennisClubs.com/Camps/Tennis-Camps Advantage All-City Junior Tennis Camp delivers more drills, more skills and more time on the court! It’s “Tennis Heaven” for kids! Directed by Xavier Luna, it’s the City’s oldest and most-established junior tennis program. Boys and girls, ages five to 17, learn from a team of pros—including some of the finest coaches in the East. Using its 12 Har-Tru indoor courts and three outdoor courts, campers improve their game with tennis instruction, match play and cross-training. While the focus is on tennis, the Camp offers swimming, too! Choose single or consecutive weeks—and ask about the sibling discount! Camp is at Roosevelt Island Racquet Club, an oasis adjacent to the Tram, and just two blocks from the F Train.

Advantage QuickStart Tennis Camp Manhattan Plaza Racquet Club l 450 West 43rd Street l New York, N.Y. The Beacon School l 522 West 44th Street l New York, N.Y. Contact: Gabe Slotnick (212) 594-0554, ext. 20 l AdvantageTennisClubs.com The Advantage QuickStart Tennis Camp delivers a super summer for kids ages four- through eight-years of age, with tennis customized for age, ability—and fun! From noon to 4:00 p.m., campers love playing with smaller rackets and slower-bouncing balls, engaging drills and games and an all-star tennis pro who specializes in teaching kids. The Advantage QuickStart Tennis Camp’s Play More Sessions make practice fun and Athletic Zone Sessions help develop agility, balance and more. Choose only the weeks you need– and the more you choose, the lower the weekly rate! FREE late pickup is also offered! There are two convenient Manhattan locations, and transportation is available, as well.

New York Tennis Magazine • March/April 2018 • NYTennisMag.com

2018 New York Tennis Magazine Camp Guide Cary Leeds Center for Tennis & Learning 2018 Summer Camp 1720 Crotona Avenue l Bronx, N.Y. 10457 Contact: Liezel Huber at (718) 247-7420 l CaryLeedsInfo@NYJTL.org l CaryLeedsTennis.org Summer Camp at the Cary Leeds Center Led by seven-time Grand Slam Champion and Executive Director Liezel Huber, the Cary Leeds Center for Tennis & Learning offers Summer Camp from June 11-Aug. 24 for juniors ages fivethrough 18-years-old. All levels are welcome, from beginners in the development level program to advanced players in the competition 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 9:30 a.m.-4:00 p.m. and transportation is available from Queens, Manhattan and the Bronx. Summer Camp prices begin at $500 per week. NYJTL Community Tennis Programs The Cary Leeds Center is the flagship home of New York Junior Tennis & Learning and offers free programming as part of its commitment to the community. The summer Community Tennis Program will begins the week of July 2. NYJTL offers free programming throughout all five boroughs. For specific program days and times, please visit 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 Performance Tennis Academy 65 Columbia Road l Morristown, N.Y. (973) 539-2054 l (973) 855-3111 l CentercourtAcademy.com l Info@CentercourtClub.com A commitment to excellence! Centercourt Performance Tennis Academy has quickly earned the reputation as one of the sport’s premier destination for player development in the Northeast. With access to 50 tennis courts (hard, Har-Tru, red clay and indoor hard), Centercourt’s tennis camps are a perfect opportunity for players to refine and develop their skills in a short period of time. Why choose Centercourt? l Train in a world-class environment with high-performance level coaches from around the world. l Achieve significant individual improvement in all facets of the game, including technical, physical and mental aspects. l Centercourt is dedicated to meeting the individual needs of each and every one of its players. l Academy players are among some of the top Sectional-, National- and ITF-ranked players from around the country. l Centercourt puts the needs of the player first, in a development-focused model of training. l Each camp is tailored to the skill levels and goals of the players; featuring small group training, match play, individualized fitness plans, mental coaching and video analysis. l Tournament coaching and travel. l Players who commit to Centercourt’s training will see themselves develop life skills that will enable them to become champions, both on and off the court. Centercourt Performance Tennis Academy provides a superior junior player pathway that satisfies the needs of Sectional- and Nationally-ranked juniors. Centercourt Performance Tennis Academy offers programs with rolling admissions year-round and Summer Camp from June 11-Aug. 31.

NYTennisMag.com • March/April 2018 • New York Tennis Magazine

2018 New York Tennis Magazine Camp Guide Chris Lewit Tennis Academy 3997 VT-100 l Londonderry, Vt. (914) 462-2912 l ChrisLewit.com l Chris@ChrisLewit.com Chris Lewit Tennis Academy (CLTA) Summer Camp is a serious high performance sleepaway and day camp set in the natural paradise of Vermont. Players have the opportunity to train personally in very small groups with Chris Lewit, one of leading high-performance junior development coaches in the United States. Chris is known as an expert in technique and biomechanics, and in Spanish training methods. He has developed numerous top 10 nationally-ranked juniors, many of whom are now graduating to the pro circuit. He also has experience building the foundations of many young prodigies. Campers live in a charming Vermont Inn and have exclusive use of a private tennis club, CLTA Vermont, which offers both outdoor red clay courts and indoor hard courts in the event of rain, gym, yoga studio and clubhouse. The camp features daily morning yoga and mindfulness training from a certified master yoga instructor and an injury prevention program overseen by a former Canadian Olympian. CLTA offers a unique teaching system based on the Bruguera Method from Spain, as well as other European influences based on Chris Lewit’s travels abroad. Author of the best-selling book, The Secrets of Spanish Tennis, Chris has spent the last 11 years studying with many of the legendary coaches in Spain and Europe. He brings the most cutting-edge training methods from Europe back to the U.S. for his students. All students receive personal coaching and mentoring directly from Chris Lewit, and are supported by his trained staff of top college and ATP players. For more information, contact Chris directly to discuss your player’s summer development plan by email at Chris@ChrisLewit.com, call (914) 462-2912 or visit ChrisLewit.com.

CourtSense Tennis Training Center at Bogota Racquet Club 156 W Main Street l Bogata, N.J. CourtSense at Ramapo College 505 Ramapo Valley Road l Mahwah, N.J. (201) 489-1122 l CourtSense.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. Our students have access to 32 outdoor and 15 indoor tennis courts and to the revolutionary PlaySight smart court system. High Performance Summer Tennis Camp at Bogota Racquet Club and/including Overnight option at Ramapo College. This camp is geared towards High Performance Tournament and high level High School players. We have trained and currently are training players who have become ATP- and WTA-ranked players, U.S. Olympians, as well as many college scholarship athletes. Our International High Performance Coaches, in collaboration with our fitness staff and a sports psychologist, have developed a program that maximizes all our athletes’ strengths both on and off court. l Full Day High Performance Tennis Camp at Bogota Racquet Club runs from June 25-Aug. 24 (nine weeks), featuring 10 hours of tennis training; five hours of fitness and eight hours of match/point play) for players ages 11-18. 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. Transportation service provided from Bogota Racquet Club. l Sleepaway Option at Ramapo College runs from June 25-July 20 (four weeks), featuring 10 hours of tennis training; five hours of fitness and eight hours of match/point play) for players ages 11-18. Campers will have access to outdoor and indoor hard and clay courts, with a 3:1 student-to-coach ratio on a beautiful college campus. Campers will have access to an indoor swimming 42

New York Tennis Magazine • March/April 2018 • NYTennisMag.com

2018 New York Tennis Magazine Camp Guide pool and lunch is provided at a brand new, air-conditioned cafeteria. Two players per fully air-conditioned room with their own shower and bathroom. Round-trip transportation service from Tenafly and Bogota Racquet Clubs. l Depending on the needs of the players and based upon their tournament schedule, the first four weeks, the high performance players will train either on outdoor clay courts or on outdoor hard courts, and in case of inclement weather on indoor hard courts at Bogota Racquet Club.

Ed Krass’ 30th Annual College Tennis Exposure Camp® Coastal Carolina University: June 23-24 Old Dominion University: June 30-July 1 Lehigh University: July 15-19 & July 21-25; July 15-25 (10-day program) Brandeis University: July 28-29 (813) 684-9031 l CollegeTennis.com Coach Ed Krass’ 30th Annual College Tennis Exposure Camp, for ages 1418, offers intense instruction and on-court coaching during match play competition by head college coaches representing every level of the college game. Players interact on-court with head college coaches as they work to improve their tournament game and receive college recruiting guidance during classroom sessions. To help players enhance their UTR ratings, singles and doubles matches played during afternoon sessions at Lehigh University as well as matches played during the second day of camps at Coastal Carolina University and Old Dominion University will be reported to the UTR. Head college coaches will provide on-court coaching to all players during their match play competitions, including matches played for UTR reporting. Coach Ed Krass, Founder and Director of the College Tennis Exposure Camp, has coached varsity tennis teams at Harvard University, Clemson University and the University of Central Florida prior to founding the College Tennis Exposure Camp. During the Summer of 2018, Coach Ed Krass will offer two-day camps at Coastal Carolina University, near Myrtle Beach, S.C., from June 23-24; at Old Dominion University, near Virginia Beach, Va., from June 30-July 1; and at Brandeis University, near Boston, July 28-29. Hotel group rate discounts are available for families enrolled in all two-day camp locations. Four-day overnight camps will be offered at Lehigh University in Bethlehem, Penn., July 15-19 and July 21-25, as well as a 10-day overnight camp July 15-25, for players seeking maximum instruction, match play and exposure to college coaches. The residential camp at Lehigh University includes air-conditioned dormitory accommodations, healthy cafeteria meals and 24-hour adult supervision. For more information, call (813) 684-9031 or visit CollegeTennis.com.

NYTennisMag.com • March/April 2018 • New York Tennis Magazine

2018 New York Tennis Magazine Camp Guide Evert Tennis Academy 10334 Diego Drive South l Boca Raton, Fla. (561) 488-2001 l EvertAcademy.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 five reasons why to attend this summer (June 3-Aug. 18): 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. Our 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. The Evert Tennis Academy will also be hosting two UTR tournaments this 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. All levels are welcome. Dates: July 6-7 and July 27-28. 4. College Showcase: The Evert Tennis Academy will be hosting a College Showcase on Friday, July 13 and Saturday, July 14 for any student interested in attending for the week of July 9. 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.

Future Stars Summer Camps (914) 273-8500 l FSCamps.com Purchase College SUNY 735 Anderson Hill Road l Purchase, N.Y. l (914) 251-6541 The College at Old Westbury 223 Store Hill Road l Old Westbury, N.Y. l (516) 876-3490 Farmingdale State College 2530 Broadhollow Road l Farmingdale, N.Y. l (631) 609-0438 Future Stars Tennis Club 1370 Majors Path l Southampton, N.Y. l (631) 287-6707 St. Joseph’s College-Patchogue 155 West Roe Boulevard l Patchogue, N.Y. l (631) 609-0438 Future Stars Summer Camps offer the finest weekly tennis day camps at five outstanding locations: Purchase College SUNY, The College at Old Westbury, Farmingdale State College, St. Joseph’s College-Patchogue and Future Stars Tennis Club in Southampton, N.Y. Programs are directed by experienced and qualified teachers and coaches who share a passion for working with children. Weekly programs are offered for boys and girls entering grades K-12. Tennis camps offer the perfect mix of match play, drill work, strategy 44

New York Tennis Magazine • March/April 2018 • NYTennisMag.com

2018 New York Tennis Magazine Camp Guide sessions and off-court activities to challenge players of all levels. The program is designed to improve every facet of the game, including technical, tactical, physical and mental components under the guidance of our experienced and enthusiastic tennis professionals. Campers will be carefully grouped according to skill level and age and will be encouraged to enhance their strokes and strategies via group lessons, skill building drills organized play, target training, fitness routines and more. At Future Stars Summer Camps, we play with confidence, enthusiasm and a genuine love of the game! Stop by our regular on-campus open house events to view the facilities, meet the directors, and take advantage of enrollment savings.

Gotham Stadium NYC Summer Camps at Mill Pond Park Next door to Yankee Stadium (718) 665-4684 l StadiumTennisNYC.com l Info@StadiumTennisNYC.com Stadium Tennis Center offers a unique array of summer camp programs designed for tennis players of all levels to experience. Through a partnership with Gotham Tennis Academy, some of the most talented and engaging tennis pros in New York City have been assembled. The pros share a passion to work closely with players of all levels and ages to help them develop to their fullest potential. Stadium Tennis Center offers two distinct summer tennis camp experiences to choose from: l The Summer Elite High Performance Tennis Academy: Designed for those juniors who are ranked in the top 30 or better in their Section. It includes a low player-to-coach ratio, on-court drills, match play, video analysis, mental toughness training and an extensive fitness program to prepare for sectional and national events. l The Junior Summer Tennis Development Program: Designed for beginner, intermediate and advanced players. Ages five through 14 are welcomed to enroll. Your child will learn proper stroke production fundamentals, strategy, match play, conditioning and footwork. Round-trip transportation from points in New York City, Westchester and New Jersey may be arranged.

Gotham Tennis Academy Morning Summer Camp at Equinox Sports Club/NY 160 Columbus Avenue l New York, N.Y. (646)-524-7069 l Info@GothamTennis.com l GothamTennis.com Dates: Mondays, Wednesdays, Thursdays and Fridays starting in June, from 10:00 a.m.-Noon The Gotham Tennis Academy Morning Summer Camp at Equinox Sports Club/NY (Upper West Side) is a great way to keep your child active and improve his or her tennis in a fun and supportive indoor atmosphere. Indoor tennis offers a safe, sun/rain/bug-free environment so children can really enjoy the sport! The Gotham QuickStart Tennis Program emphasizes skill development and fun on a specially equipped tennis court at the Equinox Sports Club/NY. In friendly, small group tennis lessons, Gotham Tennis Academy’s certified professional instructors utilize foam balls and pressure-free balls, mini-nets, and age- and level-appropriate miniature rackets to accelerate the development of early muscle memory. In no time, your child will learn to swing the racquet and move his or her feet like a tennis prodigy! For beginners and advanced beginners between the ages of three to nine, you can expect your child to have fun, develop self-confidence and learn tennis fundamentals.

NYTennisMag.com • March/April 2018 • New York Tennis Magazine

2018 New York Tennis Magazine Camp Guide Manhattan Tennis Academy Summer Camp 2018 at Midtown Tennis Club 341 8th Avenue (between 26th & 27th Streets) l New York, N.Y. (212) 989-8572 The Manhattan Tennis Academy’s (TMTA) Summer Tennis Camp is a great way to keep your child active and improve their tennis skill 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. TMTA-certified tennis instructors excel at teaching junior players of all levels and ages. Whether your child is a beginner or advanced level player, they will gain confidence and learn appropriate stroke production fundamentals, strategy, match play, conditioning and footwork during the camp … all while having a super-fun summer tennis experience! TMTA Summer Camp will utilize a combination of indoor and outdoor courts, depending on the weather. The goal is to be outside in the sunshine every day, thus camp/lesson plans will be designed based on an outdoor camp day. All campers should bring sunscreen, hats/visors, and lite/cool clothing for hot/sun-filled camp days. Should there be a rainy day, campers will be inside doing a combination of indoor tennis, tennis video analysis, fun games, arts and crafts, movies, etc. Camp will be held daily, rain or shine. All campers are responsible for their own lunch. TMTA recommends keeping brown bag lunches in insulated cooler packs/bags until lunch time. TMTA is not responsible to make up missed classes.

MatchPoint NYC 2781 Shell Road l Brooklyn, N.Y. (718) 769-0001 l MatchPointComplex@gmail.com l MatchPoint.NYC/Camp Grab your tennis racket and get ready for a great summer at Camp MatchPoint NYC! The summer tennis and multi-sport camps for kids are a great way to help them learn, excel and master the game, as well as make new friends and develop long-lasting friendships. MatchPoint’s program is committed to developing young players to their peak potential, providing them with the best chance at tournament success. For those just starting out in the sport, MatchPoint offers a multi-sport program that includes tennis, swimming, basketball, stretching and lunch. All programs include drills, match play and fitness sessions. MatchPoint NYC is the sports and fitness destination for the entire family, located in Brooklyn, only 20 minutes away from downtown Manhattan. Spread across 120,000-sqare feet, MatchPoint’s premier health and fitness complex features a cutting-edge tennis facility that includes nine indoor tennis courts. Additional features include a full-sized gym with top of the line fitness equipment and three group fitness studios, a Junior Olympic pool, a rhythmic gymnastics center, a basketball court, yoga studio, and a variety of youth and adult competitive and recreational training programs. For more information, visit MatchPoint.NYC/Camp or call (718) 769-0001. Sign up today and find your game!

New York Tennis Magazine • March/April 2018 • NYTennisMag.com

2018 New York Tennis Magazine Camp Guide Nike Tennis Camps USSportsCamps.com l (800) NIKE-CAMP (645-3226) Come join the fun and get better this summer at a Nike Tennis Camp! With more than 80 locations nationwide, both overnight and day options, there is a camp for everyone. Nike Tennis Camps provide young players the opportunity to improve their tennis skills, work hard, make new friends and have a lot of fun. Dedicated camp directors have a passion for teaching and a gift for helping you take your game to the next level. Locations include: Robbie Wagner’s Tournament Training Camp (Glen Cove, N.Y.); Lawrenceville School (Lawrenceville, N.J.); Julian Krinsky School of Tennis (Villanova University and Haverford College); Randy Mani Tennis Academy at Hardscrabble Club (Brewster, N.Y.); Colgate University (Hamilton, N.Y.); and Chirico-Cohen Tournament Training at Chestnut Hill College (Chestnut Hill, Pa.). Who says that only kids can go to camp? The Nike Adult Tennis Camp at Amherst College has hosted more than 30,000 adult tennis players since 1972. Camp Director Reiny Maier is an outstanding teacher who inspire all players to get better and love the game. Multiple camp options and dates offered throughout June and July.

Peter Kaplan’s Westhampton Beach Junior/Adult Tennis Academy 142 Montauk Highway l West Hampton, N.Y. (631) 288-4021 l (914) 234-9462 l WestHamptonBeachTennis.com l PeterKaplan2002@yahoo.com Peter Kaplan’s Westhampton Beach Junior/Adult Tennis Academy, and the affiliated Grassmere Inn, is a wonderful destination for beginners to nationally-ranked players of all ages. Private instruction, clinics, one to seven full- and half-day camps are offered. The flexibility of the programming enables participants to enjoy the nearby beautiful ocean beaches, charming village, Performing Arts Center, movie theatre, wine country, shopping, cafes, restaurants and nearby water park. Resident students/families/teams stay at the historic, newly-renovated and highly-honored Grassmere Inn, located on quiet, tree-lined Beach Lane, 50 yards from the beginning of the charming village, yet less than one mile from a beautiful ocean beach. The Grassmere’s 22 guest rooms all have air conditioning, WiFi, cable TV and private bathrooms. Ideal for families, are two suites or interconnected rooms. A delicious breakfast is included daily. The Tennis Academy features 12 soft courts and features an enthusiastic staff, renowned for its high-quality instruction with an average student/staff ratio of 2:1. Most participants seek a less intensive program of three to five hours of instruction daily. Visiting tennis pros bring students with Kaplan’s staff available to supplement the pros. Here, you can play tennis during the day, go to the beach and have a glass of wine at sunset, and then dine at a great restaurant, or take in a movie or a show at the Performing Arts Center. We are the only academy in the world the USTA selected for the members benefits program for both juniors and adults. And we are annually selected among the top 25 in the world and number one in the East by TennisResortsonline.com. “Packages including accommodations, breakfast, instruction, begin at $99… Also, we will once again be offering partial and full scholarships to both adults and juniors, for our tennis academy. These are for beginning tennis players who have made contributions to their community, and are in the names of two of Peter Kaplan’s Cornell roommates. NYTennisMag.com • March/April 2018 • New York Tennis Magazine

2018 New York Tennis Magazine Camp Guide Sportime NYC and Westchester Summer Programs and Training Camps Sportime Randall’s Island, NYC Home of the John McEnroe Tennis Academy One Randall’s Island l New York, N.Y. (212) 427-6150 l SportimeCamps.com/NYC l GEvans@SportimeNY.com Sportime Amagansett JMTA Tennis Training Camp 320 Abrahams Path l Amagansett, N.Y. (631) 267-3460 l SportimeCamps.com/JMTA-AMSDelara@SportimeNY.com Sportime Lake Isle, Westchester Home of the John McEnroe Tennis Academy 660 White Plains Road l Eastchester, N.Y. (914) 777-5151 l SportimeCamps.com/Lisle l Fritz@SportimeNY.com Sportime Harbor Island EXCEL Tennis Training Camp Harbor Island Park l Mamaroneck, N.Y. (914) 777-5050 l SportimeCamps.com/Harbor-Island l CCampo@SportimeNY.com John McEnroe Tennis Academy (JMTA) Training Camp Sportime JMTA Tennis Training Camps/EXCEL Camps John McEnroe Tennis Academy (JMTA) Training Camp is located at Sportime’s NYC and Westchester locations, and the EXCEL Tennis Training Camp is offered at Sportime Harbor Island. Camp is specifically designed for players competing in or striving to compete in USTA Sectional, USTA National and ITF tournaments, and those interested in playing high-school tennis, college tennis and beyond, as well as players at any level who want to be the best they can be. Our world-class Sportime/JMTA tennis and performance directors and coaches carefully evaluate students, place them in small age- and level-appropriate groups, and customize programs to meet their developmental needs. All levels welcome! This summer, train where top players like Noah Rubin, Jamie Loeb and others train … JMTA! Highlights (offerings may vary by JMTA/SPORTIME site): l For committed players, ages seven through 18 l Athletic performance training l Mental toughness training l Video analysis l Player development plan

Sportime Randall’s Island, Lake Isle and Harbor Island Present Sportime U10 Tennis and Sports Training Camps Tennis Whizz Preschool Camp For ages three to five at Sportime Randall’s Island and Sportime Harbor Island Sportime’s Tennis Whizz Preschool Camp includes specialized tennis instruction, a variety of multi-sport lessons and games, and arts and crafts. U10 Red and Orange Ball Tennis and Sports Camp For ages five through 12, offers young athletes high-quality, professional tennis instruction by Sportime/JMTA coaches. The program features Sportime’s U10 Red and Orange Ball curriculum, and to complement on-court tennis training students receive ageappropriate athletic training designed by Sportime/JMTA’s Performance department. Campers also receive instruction in and enjoy playing a variety of team sports activities like basketball, soccer, kickball, flag football and softball. To cool off between activities, some locations offer a slip-and-slide water feature and outdoor swimming pools. Programs, amenities and services vary at each location. 48

New York Tennis Magazine • March/April 2018 • NYTennisMag.com

2018 New York Tennis Magazine Camp Guide Summer Camp at Tenafly Racquet Club 195 County Road l Tenafly, N.J. (201) 569-1114 l CourtSense.com CourtSense at Ramapo College 505 Ramapo Valley Road l Mahwah, N.J. (201) 569-1114 l Info@CourtSense.com Weekday Summer Tennis Camp at Tenafly Racquet Club and Ramapo College Camps are open to all levels, from beginners to advanced players. Participants are grouped according to age and ability. CourtSense’s worldclass staff provides comprehensive tennis instruction, along with fitness and mental strategy education, in a fun, supportive environment. l Half-Day Indoor Summer Camp at Tenafly Racquet Club (June 25-Aug.24): Morning and afternoon sessions available, 2.5 hours of tennis and 30 minutes of fitness daily. Featuring an air-conditioned facility. For boys and girls ages five through 18, featuring newly resurfaced hard courts; world-class tennis teaching professionals; a 4:1 studentto-coach ratio; PlaySight videos for each player; with an emphasis on fundamental strategy, exercise and fun! l Full-Day Outdoor Camp With Sleepaway option at Ramapo College (June 25-July 20): Five hours of tennis, 30 minutes of fitness and two hours of other sports and fun games daily. For players ages seven to 18; featuring world-class tennis teaching professionals; a 4:1 student-to-coach ratio; natural surroundings on a beautiful college campus; access to an indoor swimming pool; lunch provided at an air-conditioned, brand new cafeteria; two players per fully air-conditioned room with own shower and bathroom; round trip transportation service from Tenafly and Bogota Racquet Clubs. Sign up today to secure your weeks! For more information visit CourtSense.com or call (201) 569-1114 and (201) 489-1122.

Tennis @Ross-Summer 2018 20 Goodfriend Drive l East Hampton, N.Y. (631) 907-5162 l Ross.org/Tennis l Tennis@Ross.org Tennis @Ross 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 tennis courts that are enclosed by a bubble from mid-fall through mid-spring, allowing for year-round play. The courts are directly adjacent to the state-of-the-art Field House, featuring amenities such as locker rooms, lounge, snack bar, and ping-pong tables, and the staff provides a fun and supportive atmosphere that allows for the greatest amount of success. After-school programming, a dynamic program for junior tennis players, and specialized summer programs are offered to make Tennis @Ross the place to play tennis in the Hamptons. Summer: June 25-Aug. 31 l Grades 1-4, Monday-Friday from 8:00 a.m.-12:30 p.m. (Lunch not included) l Grades 5-12, Monday-Friday from 8:30 a.m.-3:00 p.m. Youth Tennis Academy for Grades 1-4 This is a specialized U10 training program designed for our youngest serious tennis players entering grades 1-4 who already play more than two times per week. All training is with orange and green dot balls and includes a daily fitness and match play component. Players must be able to serve and keep score. Space is limited and tryout required. Junior Tennis Academy for Grades 5-8 and Tennis Academy for Grades 9-12 l Train on six impeccably maintained Har-Tru courts and two hard courts in preparation for USTA tournaments. l Four hour tennis practice daily (plus one hour of fitness) in small group and private sessions with the highest level players and coaches from around the world. l Daily Match Play component and weekly Interclub tournaments for maximal competition practice. NYTennisMag.com • March/April 2018 • New York Tennis Magazine

2018 New York Tennis Magazine Camp Guide l Daily lunch at the renowned Ross Café featuring the healthiest and most abundant variety of locally grown, farm-to-table style, delicious food. Boarding Available for Tennis Academy Grades 9-12 Players reside in luxurious boarding houses with students from around the world and take part in weekend and evening excursions to local Hamptons activities or New York City. Program runs rain or shine–there is always a new part of the game to discover and explore. Additional private training, sports psychologist sessions and coaching are available for a fee. Options to add an Academic Morning including Math, ESOL, and Test Prep is available.

Tennis Innovators Tennis & Sports Summer Camp 2018 Contact: Juan Andrade l (646) 476-5811 l TennisInnovators.com l JAndrade@TennisInnovators.com Cutting Edge Flagship Location: Delfino Park l White Plains, N.Y. Upper Westside Location: 59th Street and 10th Avenue l New York, N.Y. Eastside Location: Kips Bay 33rd Street and 2nd/3rd Avenue l New York, N.Y. Tennis Innovators is proud to once again provide your junior with one of the top tennis camps in New York City. The Tennis & Sports Summer Camp 2018 begins June 12 and runs through Sept. 1. Tennis Innovators offers your junior a daily dose of stroke development, private instruction, fun drills and games. The Summer Camp ensures a successful experience developing tennis skills and coordination, while enjoying a fun and exciting summer camp day. Outdoor fields are available for multi-sport activities, where players can enjoy soccer, basketball, baseball and more to keep each camp day fresh and exciting. Tennis Innovators offers: Indoor and outdoor locations; tennis lessons and games; multi-sport activities; arts and crafts; and sprinklers and a trip to the pool. A typical summer camp day at our camp runs from 8:45 a.m.-4:00 p.m., and features yoga-infused stretching; tennis instruction, drills and games; multi-sport activities; lunch; and a cool down at the pool or in the sprinklers. Full-day, half-day or weekly enrollment is available. For more information, call (646) 476-5811 or visit TennisInnovators.com.

The West Side Tennis Club–Summer Camp 2018 One Tennis Place l Forest Hills, N.Y. (718) 268-2300, ext. 127 l ForestHillsTennis.com l JuniorProgram@ForestHillsTennis.com The West Side Tennis Club offers a fun-filled Summer Camp boasting top-notch coaching at the most historic tennis venue in the United States. Former home of the U.S. Open, The West Side Tennis Club still maintains eight grass courts, three synthetic grass courts, three hard courts, two red clay courts, 21 Har-Tru courts and the Forest Hills Stadium court. The club facilities also include a Junior Olympic Size Swimming Pool, the beautiful Rose Garden and of course, the historic Club House itself. The Summer Camp is led by Junior Program Director Gus Alcayaga. Gus was a world-ranked ATP Tour player, whose expertise for the last 25 five years has been with junior tennis. He currently works with Eastern-, and Nationallyranked players and has an outstanding record developing junior talent throughout the tennis industry and at The West Side Tennis Club. The 2018 Summer Camp Program starts on June 18th and runs for 11 weeks. Camp is open to junior players of all ages and levels (ages four through 17; beginners through tournament-level players). Camp days run Monday through Friday from 9:00 a.m.-4:00 p.m. A camp day starts with warm-up drills and stretching, followed by tennis instruction from certified professionals. A snack and lunch will be provided each day by the West Side Tennis Club’s renowned restaurant. After lunch, campers can either challenge each other at match play, challenge themselves at advanced training, engage in other sport activities (soccer, basketball, flag football, ultimate frisbee, etc.), or cool off in the pool. 50

New York Tennis Magazine • March/April 2018 • NYTennisMag.com

2018 New York Tennis Magazine Camp Guide Advanced training is also offered in the afternoons via The West Side Tennis Club’s Tournament Training Program. The Club’s elite coaching staff will work with tournament level players from 1:00 p.m.-4:00 p.m. with high intensity drills and physical conditioning. The program is offered for Regular Ball tournament players, as well as Green Dot Advanced players. USTA Billie Jean King National Tennis Center Flushing Meadow-Corona Park l Flushing, N.Y. (718) 760-6200 l NTC.USTA.com The USTA Billie Jean National Tennis Center will once again offer seven weeks of fun in the sun tennis day camps starting in June. Enrollment will soon be available online and you may choose registration for one, two or as many as seven weeks. The weekly program runs Mondays through Fridays, 8:30 a.m.-5:30 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 in the park or at the Corona Park multi-purpose recreational facility, off-site field trips include ice skating, Mets games, and more, and full access to the many fun activities on the grounds of the USTA Billie Jean King National Tennis Center. 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.-5:30 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 22 outdoor courts, 12 indoor courts, and four stadium courts. Also on-site are pingpong 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. Detailed information will be available soon at NTC.USTA.com. You may contact the USTA Billie Jean King National Tennis Center at (718) 760-6200 for more information about year-round and summer day camp programs. Windridge Tennis and Sports Camps 1215 Roxbury Road l Roxbury, Vt. (802) 860-2005 l WindridgeCamps.com l Misha@WindridgeCamps.com Windridge ... a tradition of tennis, soccer and horseback riding and so much more for 50 years. Located in the Green Mountains of Vermont, the Windridge Tennis and Sports Camps stand unique in that they feature specialized sports programs within the framework of a traditional New England camp setting. Since 1968, children have come to Windridge from most of the 50 states and many foreign countries to share in the Windridge experience. Campers make a commitment to hard work, good sportsmanship, and wholesome fun and laughter. Within a warm and friendly environment, campers make lifelong friends while learning skills for life. Windridge offers two- and three-week coed sessions from June through August, serving ages seven through 15. Windridge’s 4:1 camper-to-counselor ratio is an important factor in its warm and nurturing environment. In addition, we offer three 10 day Rookie Camps for seven- to 10- year-old first-time campers. Windridge offers “majors” in tennis, soccer and horseback riding, and also offers many elective programs, such as golf, mountain biking, archery, a ropes course, basketball, volleyball, arts and crafts, and more. Windridge adds to this, a wide variety of exceptional evening activities and special events to create a well-rounded experience for each camper. For more information, visit WindridgeCamps.com or contact Camp Director Norbert Auger at NAuger@WindridgeCamps.com. NYTennisMag.com • March/April 2018 • New York Tennis Magazine

Anderson Crowned New York Open Cha

ATP stars return to Long Islan he much-anticipated New York Open made its debut on Long Island in mid-February, as professional tennis returned to the area in a big way with starstudded draws, entertaining events and community interaction at NYCB Live, home of the Nassau Veterans Memorial Coliseum. The week-long event kicked off with the return of the New York Tennis Expo, as more than 3,700 people came out on the Saturday afternoon before play began for a free day of family fun, celebrating the sport of tennis and ushering in the tournament’s debut. The Opening Night Premiere brought out one of the game’s all-time greats and Honorary Ambassador of the tournament, John McEnroe, to compete with James Blake, Eugenie Bouchard and Sloane Stephens in an exhibition match on the courts of NYCB Live. “It’s really exciting for me, especially to be a part of this opening year,” Blake, a Yonkers native, said of being a part of the New York Open. “I remember growing up and going to the U.S. Open with my dad and seeing tennis up close. Hopefully, this tournament can create some more fans like myself. I think it’s a great thing for the sport and a great thing for this community.” The action then heated up throughout the week, with some of the top players on the ATP Tour battling it out on the New York Open’s unique black courts. The theme of the week seemed to be matches that went the distance and played all three sets, with

South African Kevin Anderson battled through multiple three-set matches to win the inaugural New York Open Singles Title 15 of the main draw singles matches going three, including the Men’s Singles final matchup between Kevin Anderson and Sam Querrey. Anderson and Querrey, the tournament’s top two seeds, met in an intriguing matchup between two players with similar

New York Tennis Magazine • March/April 2018 • NYTennisMag.com

styles of play. They entered the title match with a long history, having played 15 times prior, with Querrey slightly leading the head-to-head 8-7. But Anderson would record his eighth career win over Querrey, playing a dominant third-set tiebreaker to win the inau-

d Inaugural hampion

and

By Brian Coleman

gural New York Open Title, 4-6, 6-3, 7-6(1). “One of the big goals I had for this year was to try to be a bit more successful in

that final stage,” said Anderson. “It feels great to come through and get the win here at the New York Open. It gives me

The team of Philipp Oswald & Max Mirnyi won the first ever New York Open Doubles Title, their second title together

Long Island’s Noah Rubin was happy to be competing in the building just minutes from where he grew up, battling the fifth-seeded Kei Nishikori tough in the first round, but ultimately fell to the former U.S. Open finalist

a lot of confidence for the year.” The title was the fourth in Anderson’s career, and his first since Winston-Salem in 2015. “I’ve had two good outings in New York the last two times I’ve been here,” Anderson said, referring also to his U.S. Open finals appearance in 2017. “So I’m definitely all for a tournament being here, and I’m looking forward to coming back next year.” Belarusian Max Mirnyi was competing in the 100th title match of his career, combining both singles and doubles, when he reached the doubles final alongside his partner Philipp Oswald of Austria. The second-seeded pair battled through three straight third-set super tiebreakers in the quarterfinals, semifinals and finals, culminating in their 6-4, 4-6, 10-6 victory in the championship against the duo of Wesley Koolhof of the Netherlands & New Zealand’s Artem Sitak. “I’m thrilled that we got through a couple of tough matches. I felt like the match yesterday [the semifinals], we kind of got lucky toward the end. They [Ryan Harrison and Steve Johnson] were a better team than us,” said Mirnyi. “Today (the final) was maybe 50/50, and it was definitely some magic for us in New York. I’m thrilled about that.” Mirnyi entered the inaugural New York Open having had success in New York in his career. He is a two-time U.S. Open Doubles Champion, who loves his time in New York. “It’s very exciting for me to be back to New York. I have a lot of history in New York, and for this event, a Tour-level event to be in New York, is very special, even with its new surroundings being on Long Island,” said Mirnyi. “I am not very familiar with the area, but I still have so many friends here … so many people that I have known over the years. And just the overall feeling of waking up and getting a New York bagel … it brings back so many great memories for me.”

NYTennisMag.com • March/April 2018 • New York Tennis Magazine

The title was the second for Mirnyi & Oswald together, and they hope it is the start of many more coming. “I’m really happy that we took the second title because we had many wins together already, but it’s on a 250 level and we want to get up in the rankings to play the bigger events,” said Oswald. “I think this tournament is really important for us for the next few weeks. There are some big tournaments coming up and we have to beat the cut.” Anderson gave the tournament rave reviews, on its preparation and accommodations, and the overall atmosphere of his week on Long Island. “I think it’s really exciting to be here,” Anderson reflected in the postchampionship press conference. “It’s a huge tennis market. Obviously, you have New York [the U.S. Open], but to have the ATP Tour back here, I think it’s very special. Often when it’s your first week, and the first time you put on an event, it can be quite challenging. I must say, I feel like things went really smoothly. From a players’ standpoint, it didn’t feel like a first-time event at all, and that bodes well for the future.” One of the highlights of the tournament’s debut for the community was a USTA Adult League tournament being played on Saturday before the semifinals, where local

Native New Yorkers James Blake and John McEnroe helped kick off play at the New York Open during the Opening Night Premiere exhibition with Eugenie Bouchard and Sloane Stephens competitors battled on the same courts the professionals were playing on. In the Men’s Final, Daniel Burgess Jr. &

New York Tennis Magazine • March/April 2018 • NYTennisMag.com

Frank Fattizzi defeated Paul Schnabel & Brian Connor, while Michelle Shain & Jennifer Einhorn beat Tatyana Battaglia & Lisa Goldberg in the Women’s Final. “Being able to play out here was a lot of fun,” said Burgess. Fattizzi added, “It was truly a blast!” The reaction from the players, and the community, regarding the tournament’s first year breeds optimism for the future. “From a production standpoint, it exceeded expectations,” said Tournament Director Josh Ripple. “The response and reaction from the Tour, the players and the sponsors were positive. I don’t think anyone had an exact idea of what to expect, even us to a certain extent, because we didn’t have a clear idea on how the courts would play and sustain themselves throughout the week, or how the overlook [above both courts] would come to fruition. I think overall, from a production stand-

Nearly 4,000 attended the 2018 New York Tennis Expo, kicking off the inaugural New York Open at NYCB Live, home of the Nassau Veterans Memorial Coliseum point, it was a home run.” Ripple acknowledged that work still needs to be done as we look ahead to 2019 to continue to grow and build on the success of 2018. “It’s clear to me that there needs to be some greater support for the marketing effort for the event. There may have been

some underestimation that a Tour event coming to town would naturally attract people,” Ripple said. “We did grind it out to a certain extent, but we clearly learned what we have to do to engage the community for 2019. So we’re very excited, and we’ve already started to work on it.” The 2019 New York Open is scheduled for

Feb. 9-17, 2019, and Ripple and his team are already hard at work putting together next year’s installment of the tournament. Brian Coleman is Senior Editor for New York Tennis Magazine. He may be reached by phone at (516) 409-4444, ext. 326 or email BrianC@USPTennis.com.

WEEKL LY Y SE SSIONS S daily swimming • ages 4-16 door to door transportation

914.273.8500 • fscamps.com

Y.. Y

NYTennisMag.com • March/April 2018 • New York Tennis Magazine

Proposed New Rule Changes: Good or Bad for Tennis? By Gilad Bloom ecently, there is a lot of talk about new rules that will be introduced to the pro circuit. Some of these rules are revolutionary and are almost unheard of for an “old schooler” like myself. But then again, when I played in the Davis Cup for Israel back in the 1980s, we played no tie-breaker sets in a best of five sets. In fact, I played the first tie-break in Davis Cup history when it was introduced in 1989 in Tel Aviv against Yannick Noah from France. In contrast, Davis Cup competition today has been reduced to two days and is played in a best-of-three format, making it a much less grueling encounter for the players, a more digestible experience for the fans, and a much more marketable product to sell to sponsors and TV stations.

The market also dictated that the ATP Tour experiment with some rule changes during the inaugural Next Gen ATP Finals. This came after a realization that the game is not attracting enough new fans. In fact, the average tennis fan is over the age of 50! A big part of the decline is due to the length of the matches, mainly the “dead time” during a tennis match which is about 80 percent! Think about it … most points are between one and seven seconds, and then there is a 25-second break between points, plus the 90-second changeover break. Most people, especially younger players, cannot endure those marathon matches that last into the night. Even the major tournaments, ran by the ITF and known for their conservatism, are considering heavily to shorten the first rounds of the majors to a best-of-three sets format until the final rounds. Despite the argument by the traditionalists, it seems like it’s only a matter of time

New York Tennis Magazine • March/April 2018 • NYTennisMag.com

until those changes are implemented. Tennis, as a product, is re-inventing itself, gearing up for the post-Federer/Nadal Era which will end at some point, although they remain at the top of the rankings today. As a coach, like in the past, I will have to adjust to the new changes in the game that will no doubt affect the way I teach . First of all, the ability to talk to a student during a match is a huge change. So many times, I have watched students throw away matches and wished that I could just talk to them for one minute and help them get through the match. Also, with the new shorter sets the importance of holding serve becomes an even bigger issue, and so is dealing with high pressure points, … this will have to be addressed. I’m sure that there will be other side effects to those new rules, in the meantime, here are my pros and cons on the new rules and how they would affect the game”

1. Best of five short sets to four games (a tie-break at 3-3) Pros: It makes the game more interesting and dramatic for the spectators, there is a higher chance for tie-breaks, it also means that there are no â&#x20AC;&#x153;garbage points.â&#x20AC;? A player cannot lose their concentration because every break of serve can cost you the set, it will reduce the chance of a tank. Cons: It favors the big server who usually has an edge if the set gets to a tie-breaker because the short set doesnâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t give the receiver enough chances to break. 2. An automatic line calling machine that call all lines, eliminating the need for linespeople Pros: It will be more accurate and give the players a sense of fairness, also saving the time wasted now on challenges. Cons: Less work for linespeople. 3. No let rule Pros: It will save time, add drama and also prevent missed let calls. Cons: I donâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t see any, it adds a luck element to the game, but it can go both ways, so itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s fair.

4. Allow coaching during the game (this is a rule that is already in effect in ITF Junior matches) Pros: It will improve the playerâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s performance and help improve and achieve better results. Getting advice in real-time will enable players to make adjustments to their game, it will make the coachâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s role more important, and it will help players make comebacks and deal with stressful situations. Cons: If one player doesnâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t have a coach, it can be unfair. It can make players less independent and self-thinking, relying on the coach too much. It is against the original spirit of the game, which is, you are on your own once the match started. This is a very strong argument in my opinion, however, all other sports have coaching, so why not tennis? 5. A clock that measures 25 seconds between points Pros: It makes the game faster and easier for the audience to watch. It favors the player who is in shape, and favors the receivers, because it might cause lower first serve percentage due to fatigue and rushing.

Cons: None that I see â&#x20AC;Ś this is in the best interest of everyone. 6. A â&#x20AC;&#x153;no adâ&#x20AC;? system (play a final point at deuce) Pros: It will make the games shorter and shorten match time substantially. It will create a mini-drama almost every game, making every point count even more than before, making it gut-wrenching for the players and fun for the crowd. Cons: It brings an element of luck to the game. It makes it easier to break serve. It favors the less fit player because of the shorter match time. Gilad Bloom, former Israeli Davis Cup player and two-time Olympian, played on the ATP Tour 1983-1995, reached the fourth round of the U.S. Open in 1990, reached a highest ranking of 61 in singles, was Israel Singles Champion three times. Bloom has been running his own tennis program since 2000 and also was director of tennis at John McEnroe Tennis Academy for two years. He can be reached by e-mail at Bloom.Gilad@Gmail.com.

Newport w Be each, Ju uly 4 4-8

New York New o August 20-25

Palm Beach Gardens, Nov 30 Dec 5

WIN THE T TA ALLEST TROPHY IN JUNIOR R TENNIS - 6' tall! In honor of Maureen "Little Mo" Connolly's G Grand Slam win in 1953 Open to playe ers worldwide / Ages 8-12

â&#x20AC;&#x153;Little Moâ&#x20AC;? Slam WINNER

"Big Mo" divisions (ages 13 and 14) will

To T o register: w www.mcbtennis.org g Contact: cartennis@aol.c @ om

NYTennisMag.com â&#x20AC;˘ March/April 2018 â&#x20AC;˘ New York Tennis Magazine

Bieber Lighting LLC P.O. Box 280212 Northridge, Calif. (855) 321-5337 Bieber.Lighting Info@Bieber.Lighting Bieber Lighting is a family-owned business since 1929, manufacturing lighting solutions with factories overseas and in the U.S. We service all makes of tennis and sport lighting, offering in-house refinishing services for your lighting system poles, arms and fixtures. Courts for tennis paddle and sports play are still a popular option for backyard fun, either for the serious player or just a place to keep an eye on the kids as they play and exercise in a safe environment. The correct lighting system for your particular court can vary widely as to level of play, frequency of use, and even the neighborhood where the court is located. We take all this into account, and make your dreams come true. We are a progressive lighting and fabrication company that specializes in providing our customers with the highest quality work in the industry. Our capabilities are endless and no job is too big or too small. With over 85 years’ experience in lighting, we guarantee that our work will be flawless and performed to your highest satisfaction.

New York Tennis Magazine • March/April 2018 • NYTennisMag.com

Century Tennis 56 Brook Avenue Deer Park, N.Y. (631) 242-0220 CenturyTennis.com Since 1965, Century Tennis has been dedicated to the growing sport of tennis by building quality tennis courts and providing a specialized service to the tennis club industry, as well as the private community. By maintaining a high-quality of service and customer satisfaction over the years comes a trust that is ever so hard to attain. “We simply want to be the best at what we do.” In order to build great tennis courts, you have to start at the bottom with an understanding of soil conditions and converting it to a good base. Laser-controlled road graders enable Century Tennis to build with accuracy. Building Post-Tensioned Concrete instead of the old asphalt type courts are proving to be a great alternative for “crack-free” tennis courts. Whether it is a hard court with the softness of Deco-Turf or Classic Turf Rubber or whether it is a soft court like Har-Tru or Hydro Court, or a surface that offers a little of both like Nova Synthetic Turfs, Century Tennis can deliver. The company is a member of the American Sports Builders Association (ASBA), Better Business Bureau (BBB) and the Long Island Builders Institute (LIBI). Century Tennis’ building techniques meet and or exceed those of the ASBA and the USTA and with its “Certified Tennis Court Builder” staff assures this quality. The company’s intention is to deliver the very best tennis courts for the most demanding players and tennis club owners. “Expanding the game of tennis, one court at a time.”

Classic Turf Company LLC P.O. Box 55 Woodbury, Conn. (800) 246-7951 ClassicTurf.org Classic Turf Company specializes in the design and construction of sports facilities, including tennis courts, basketball courts and running tracks. Classic Turf Company was one of the first to introduce post-tension concrete technology to the sports industry in New England and has pioneered its use in the construction of tennis courts, basketball courts and running tracks. For more than three decades, Classic Turf Company has created, manufactured, and installed its sports surfaces through North America and the Caribbean, and has revolutionized the sports surface industry with its patented, innovative surfaces for tennis courts, basketball courts and running tracks. Post Tension Concrete, combined with one of the Classic Turf Company’s sports surfaces, is a one-time investment. Classic Turf Company is a family-owned enterprise, with over 35 years of experience backing up our guarantee. We employ staff with Level 1 and Level 2 Certifications from PTI (Post Tensioning Institute) as well as an ASBA (American Sports Builders Association) Certified Tennis Court Builder to ensure your facility is constructed to the highest standards in the industry.

FX Design Team Mt. Sinai, N.Y. (631) 882-1932 FXDesignTeam.com What’s in your backyard? For more than 20 years, FX Design Team’s talented staff has transformed the landscape of many Long Island homes. Whether you enjoy spending hours with friends on your multipurpose game court, practicing your short game on your own putting green or entertaining around your outdoor living space, let FX Design Team’s creative design team build it for you! FX Design Team specializes in: l Extreme waterfalls, grottos and slides l Multi-purpose courts l Outdoor kitchens, fireplaces and pizza ovens l Adventure-themed landscapes Call (631) 882-1932 today to schedule your transformation.

NYTennisMag.com • March/April 2018 • New York Tennis Magazine

Har-Tru LLC

Lux-Craft Inc.

2200 Old Ivy Road, Suite 100 Charlottesville, Va. (877) 4HARTRU HarTru.com

101 Bloomingdale Road Hicksville N.Y. (718) 934-3600 LuxCrafters.com LuxCrafters@gmail.com

Har-Tru LLC is a global tennis company based in Charlottesville, Va. It is the world’s leading provider of clay court surfaces, court consultation, court equipment and accessories. The company strives to help others build and maintain the best courts in the world, leveraging its products, knowledge, and experience to most effectively meet the needs of each customer. Har-Tru stays active in the in the industry as an advocate for the sport and sponsor of tennisrelated activities.

New York Tennis Magazine • March/April 2018 • NYTennisMag.com

Lux-Craft Inc. is a leader LED lighting manufacturer for indoor and outdoor sports facilities. Located in Hicksville, N.Y., Lux-Craft Inc. is dedicated to the latest technological advances, resulting in the most advanced LED solutions for the sports industry. Lux Craft’s third-generation 540-watt fixture outperforms all other competitors. In 2016 company introduced highly advanced outdoor fixtures. The indirect nature of the outdoor model reduces glare and improves playability like no other fixture on the market. Lux-Craft is continuously working to make improvements and advances in LED lighting technology. The company is determined to manufacture high-quality luminaires for sports facilities. All assembly and testing is done locally in New York, and with a five-year standard guarantee, the Lux Craft is confident that they can vastly improve the lighting systems at tennis clubs. All of that, combined with substantial energy savings, is guaranteeing that we are going to see more LED technology in the future of the tennis industry. Local clubs have greatly benefitted by converting to LED and ability to have relationship with local manufacturer has the confidence and convenience as a major decision factor. For more information, call (718) 934-3600.

The Farley Group– Air-Supported Structures 6 Kerr Crescent Puslinch, Ontario, Canada (888) 445-3223 TheFarleyGroup.com The Farley Group has installed more than 20 tennis bubbles in the New York City and Long Island areas, helping tennis facilities extend their season into the winter months. For seasonal or permanently installed tennis bubbles, The Farley Group is your number one source for quality, service and dependability. As a manufacturer, supplier, installer and service provider of air-supported structures, The Farley Group works with you from conception to implementation and beyond. The company’s philosophy is built around the belief that a customer never leaves The Farley Group—from project planning and installation to ongoing service and maintenance, we become a trusted member of your team. The company’s expert staff of sales consultants, designers and highly-skilled production and service professionals are well-experienced in all facets of air structure technology, ready to help you through every phase of your tennis bubble project.

Velvetop Products 1455 New York Avenue Huntington Station, N.Y. (631) 427-5904 Velvetop.com VelveTop Products is a family-owned and operated business since 1968. We are a stocking distributor of a full line of tennis court materials and equipment. Our brands include: l Deco Turf: Cushioned Tennis Surface of Champions l Har-Tru: Developing Champions Since 1932 l Douglas Sports: Nets, Windscreens, Divider Nets l RiteWay Crack Repair Systems l Deep Root: Tree Root Barriers l Hadeka Red Clay For more information, call (631) 427-5904, e-mail BWalsh@VelveTop.com or visit VelveTop.com.

NYTennisMag.com • March/April 2018 • New York Tennis Magazine

Court Conditions By Luke Jensen hope this finds all of you hitting a little closer to the lines! The northern part of the country is thawing out from a long winter. The arrival of spring means that competition is heating up, from league matches to tournaments. On the Pro Tour, the American swing is just one of the best times of year for the players. Indian Wells and Miami are the tennis version of “March Madness,” but without the pressure of preparing for a Grand Slam. The Aussie Open was way back in January, and the French Open won’t roll around until the end of May. Like all of you, spring tennis for the pros means dealing with spring condi-

tions … the ultimate neutralizer! Spring tennis tips There are two types of players in our game: The ones who put the ball in the court and the ones who don’t. The players who win by extending points and the ones who want to end points. Do you know what your style is? If you have mastered this game, you can do both, depending on the situation. Both styles are effective. I like to start the warm up and the match trying to be the player who doesn’t miss … the one trying to extend points just to see if my opponent will be nervous and make a ton of errors. As the match progresses, I may shift to more of an attacking mode to finish the match, but if the opponent is giving you the match with unforced errors … let them!

www.inphormnyc.com TENNIS & ACTIVE

New York Tennis Magazine • March/April 2018 • NYTennisMag.com

Now that is the same in doubles. I wanted to start the match with consistency just to make my opponents deal with a high percentage of first serves and a ton of returns put in play. So much of the doubles game is about short burst points—two to three shots, and with consistency from your serve and return game, you are going to win a bunch of points just by being more consistent than the other side. Now with the elements in play during outdoor tennis, make sure you play with more margin in windy conditions. Bring in your targets, so the wind does not impact your consistency. Make sure you lob a bunch in windy conditions. Lob high with the wind and the wind will carry your lob effectively to the other baseline. Lob when your opponent is

looking into the sun, and lob low and firm against the wind so your ball cuts through the stiff breeze. Finally, I leave you with an overlooked tip that was always very helpful. I like to play many of my volleys and groundies down the middle. These shots go over the low part of the net and force the other side to decide who is going to take the shot. Many league teams are first-time partners, so use that inexperience to your advantage and go down the middle. Even if your opponents are in a one up at the net and one back at the baseline formation, hitting the ball down the middle can still cause confusion with your opponents. This is a high percentage shot with big margins for your side and forces the other side to cover that area of the court. When they do that, go down the line! Two players will not be able to cover the entire court, so make them adapt to your play and keep them guessing! Remember, make sure you call out

the score before each point and change the score cards on changeovers! Iâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;ve seen a ton of fuzzy score-calling in matches. Make sure the score is never in doubt before every point is played! Now just go out and go for it! Born in Grayling, Mich., Luke Jensenâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s resume includes 10 ATP Tour doubles

titles and singles victories against Andre Agassi, Pete Sampras, Ivan Lendl, John McEnroe, Bjorn Borg, Jimmy Connors, Boris Becker, Stefan Edberg and Jim Courier. Jensen and his brother, Murphy, won the 1993 French Open doubles title. Luke is currently Director of Tennis at Sea Island Tennis Center in Georgia. He may be reached by phone at (315) 443-3552 or e-mail LukeJensen84@yahoo.com.

POWEERED BY CENTERCOURT

LEAGUE PLAY

EVERY SA S TURDAY AND SUN NDAY

Advantages g of the Centercourt UTR League

Centercourt UTR U League g vs USTA A Tour o naments

â&#x20AC;˘ Makes your player a better comp petitor. The results of these highly competitive matcches are submitted $ #"$#! $ $ $ $ #$ $ # $ $ $$ good loss can improve a playerâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s rating.

â&#x20AC;˘ STOP Chasing g USTA Points. UTR is what college coachees are looking at for recruiting.

â&#x20AC;˘ Opportunities to play a full two out o of three set matches. FULL THIRD SET T!

â&#x20AC;˘ STOP playing abbreviated scoring systems. 10 point third set tiebreakers and 4 game sets will make your player a compeetitor. The most learning in tennis happeens in the third set!

â&#x20AC;˘ Better value for time. No need to o spend your entire weekend at a tournament!

â&#x20AC;˘ STOP being mandated m by the USTA to play orange & green ball $ $ $ $#" # $ $ $ $ $ $ $"

Located L t dO Only l 25 miles from Manhattan

Registration is week to week. To register email Ari Zuckerman at ari@centercourtclub.com

www.centercourtacademy . . m .com NYTennisMag.com â&#x20AC;˘ March/April 2018 â&#x20AC;˘ New York Tennis Magazine

Getting Att of Being th

By Lisa Dodson he main objectives of playing the net in doubles is to be helpful to your partner, be a threat to the opponent and to finish points. But it can also turn into something else: YOU being a target. Getting hit at the net or being attacked by the opponent can be dangerous and a real problem. Sometimes players even fall down trying to dodge being hit. There are a couple of solutions to this problem, three requiring positioning and tactics and one that will require some technical help. Typically, players get attacked or hit at the net for one of the following reasons:

1. Poor ready position (Positioning) 2. Standing too close to the net (Positioning) 3. Too many weak balls to the receiver or attacker (Tactical) 4. Volleying with a forehand grip (Requires a technical change or component) 64

1. Poor ready position Look around. Most players stand at the net with the racket tip across the body, their hands in close to their body and the racket held low. For a right-handed player, this would mean that the racket crosses the body and the tip is across and in front of the left shoulder, and that the left hand is uninvolved. With this stance, only a floating ball will give the volleyer time to respond. They will have a very difficult time handling and controlling any other volley. To fix this, players need to have both hands extended out forward and at least one foot from the body. The tip of the racket, the nose on your face and the toes of both feet all point in the direction of where the ball is coming from. The feet are shoulder width apart with body weight slightly forward. The knees and ankles are flexed to provide a powerful push off. Now, a player can be effective at net and will be able to defend with a prepared stance. 2. Standing too close to the net Many players think that standing very

New York Tennis Magazine • March/April 2018 • NYTennisMag.com

close to the net is a good thing. Sometimes it is because players can intercept more volleys from this position. If it’s working, then go ahead, but if the opponent is attacking you, then it’s not a good move. Players standing too close become either automatic targets for a lob, or a target for a big-hitters’ return or groundstroke. You might only start and stand close to the net if your partner has a very big serve that produces a lot of weak returns. You’ll never stand close to the net with a weak serving partner. That’s a recipe for getting hurt and for unnecessarily losing lots of points. If you like to stand in, okay. But if you are getting abused at the net or lobbed, then you must take a step back to allow some reaction time. The best place to start (when you partner is serving) is smack in the middle of the service box. From there, you can adjust to what the opponent is receiving, move closer, shift to the left or right, poach, or go back for an overhead. No sense in standing there and getting killed. You have to adjust. This brings us to point number three.

Attacked at the Net Instead the Attacker? A few good fixes 3. Too many weak balls to the attacker Sometimes, you cannot help the fact that your opponent has received a weak serve or shot to their big forehand. If this happens, and the player likes to come at you, then you better adjust position and be in a great ready stance. A great solution is to simply get the ball deeper so that they cannot attack so easily. On groundstroke rallies, make sure the ball goes deeper into the court by aiming higher over the net. Balls don’t need to cross low over the net, they just need to be away from the net person. The same goes for the serve. Hitting a serve that crosses the net with more margin automatically drives the opponent back and doesn’t allow an attack. If you are or your partner are serving and

have a particularly weak second serve, the net person has a few choices. First, the net person can start in the middle of the service box in ready stance to hold their ground for the volley. Second, the net person can move all the way back to the baseline, or 3/4 of the way back. This will give more reaction time. Lots of players like a target, so the net person standing in is easy to aim for. If the net person moves back, then the opponent has no target and they also have more time to react to the ball. 4. Volleying with a forehand grip This is the biggest factor and ties directly into the first three problems … Most recreational players hold an incorrect grip (forehand) for the volley. This

may make it possible to hit some successful forehand volleys, but it makes it impossible to hit backhand volleys. Technically, we should hit more backhand volleys than forehand volleys in the game of tennis. If you are a right-handed player, then every volley that comes to the left of your right shoulder/hip line should be a backhand volley. So that means all balls at your body should be hit with a backhand volley. You cannot hit backhand volleys with a forehand grip. This is the major cause of players leaping out of the way of balls coming to the body. If you are being attacked to the body, you must handle this as a backhand volley. Otherwise, you will be throwing yourcontinued on page 66

NYTennisMag.com • March/April 2018 • New York Tennis Magazine

getting attacked at the net instead of being the attacker? continued from page 65

self out of the way to avoid getting hit. This can cause dangerous falls and accidental injury. A body volley is relatively simple to handle with a good grip and a little practice. Not only will you handle uncomfortable volleys well, but you will also maintain better court position. Most players are unaware that they are “looking for” forehand volleys because of their grip (forehand). Learning to use one grip for forehand and backhand volleys can be a challenging proposition. Both the forehand and backhand volley need to be hit with the same Continental Grip. There is not enough time to adjust grips from forehand to backhand or backhand to forehand for the volley. Summary Hopefully, players can see how all four elements work together. Your stance, with the racket across the body, is a clear sign

of an incorrect grip; standing too close to the net is an aggressive position dominated by forehand volley thoughts; weak balls to the opponent provide easy opportunities to the attacker; a forehand volley grip won’t allow any ball (to the left of the righty shoulder or to the right of the left shoulder for the lefty) to be volleyed well or at all. Stop stalling and get some help with the volley grip. The correct grip is needed to be successful in all volley situations. Your club pros know all about this so take a lesson on using the correct grip for the volley. You will quickly become the aggressor at net instead of the target. Practice receiving some volleys that are right at your body, learn a better stance and court position, hit some deeper shots and you’ll find a lot more safety and success.

New York Tennis Magazine • March/April 2018 • NYTennisMag.com

The other bonus of learning the correct volley grip is that you’ll start to serve better. Most players with a forehand volley grip also use that grip for the serve, which is also incorrect. If you have been trying to change your serve grip to Continental and are not having success, it’s simply because your hand doesn’t like the feeling of that grip. If you use it for the volley, too, then your hand will have more experience with the grip and it won’t feel so strange. Give it a try! You’ll be a volley attacker before you know it. Lisa Dodson is the Developer and Owner of ServeMaster, a USPTA Elite Professional and a former WTA world-ranked player. She is currently the Director of Tennis at Shenorock Shore Club in Rye, N.Y. She may be reached by e-mail at Lisa@TheTotalServe.com or visit TheTotalServe.com.

More Than an Athlete Person Firstâ&#x20AC;&#x201D;Federer Style By Rob Polishook, Mental Training Coach MA, CPC Over the last two years, I have received countless emails about my first book, Tennis Inside the Zone: 32 Mental Training Workouts for Champions. I have enjoyed the feedback on how it has helped junior players stay focused, adapt and compete like a champion under the most difficult situation. Many parents and players have expressed to me how the â&#x20AC;&#x153;written workout formatâ&#x20AC;? has helped them to reflect and empowered them to develop best practices for competition. Like yourselves, Iâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;m always trying, experimenting and creating new projects. My latest is the writing of my second book, the working title is: Curing Sports Silent Epidemic: More Than an Athlete. Person First. Every Time. In a nutshell, the book is about a silent epidemic in the sports world. We are focusing on the athlete first, rather than the person. This epidemic is pervasive and itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s fueling burnout, eroding self-esteem and blocking the athlete from reaching the very potential they crave. Athletes get anxious, overwhelmed or freeze. Sound familiar? We each have something that gets in our way and prevents us from reaching the next level. But no one likes to talk about it. Why? Because if we do, we fear it makes us weak, imperfect and vulnerable. The good news is: Your greatest asset to your best performance is already within you. This is what I call your â&#x20AC;&#x153;More,â&#x20AC;? your spirit, your story and your unique self-everything that makes you, you! Paradoxically, this also includes your fears and doubts. In the book, I share how to bring your â&#x20AC;&#x153;Moreâ&#x20AC;? to life, both on and off the court, so you can be your best version of yourself. When you bring who you are to what you do, â&#x20AC;&#x153;Moreâ&#x20AC;? happens. Roger Federer is a quintessential example of an athlete who is â&#x20AC;&#x153;Moreâ&#x20AC;? than an ath-

lete. He clearly brings so many components of who he is to competition. This enables him to be his best because he is not single dimensional, that is, ONLY a tennis player. Rather, he is multi-dimensional, both a person and a player. His rival, Rafael Nadal spoke about the person-first mentality in his book, Rafa. Nadal says, â&#x20AC;&#x153;Tennis isnâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t who I am. Itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s what I do.â&#x20AC;? Through this mentality, not only can the athlete bring their talent, skill and technique, they can also bring their style, spirit, heart and soul â&#x20AC;Ś all of the intangibles that make them who they are. Imagine if Roger acted and played like Andre? Or Rafa acted and played like Pete? It wouldnâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t work. Each player is their own person with their own spirit. Roger exemplified this person-first mentality when he graciously gave Alexander Zverev advice after losing 0-6 in the fifth set of the Australian Open Quarterfinals. Zverev said about the outcome, â&#x20AC;&#x153;I have some figuring out to do. What happens to me in the deciding moments in a Grand Slam?â&#x20AC;? Now, many would call Zverev a â&#x20AC;&#x153;Head Case,â&#x20AC;? others might say he can never win the big one. However, Roger shared solid advice that illustrates his com-

passion in helping others. This advice is perfect for all junior players and competitors, no matter the sport. Roger shared, â&#x20AC;&#x153;I just think itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s important to sometimes take a step back and actually see the good things you have done â&#x20AC;Śâ&#x20AC;? he went on, â&#x20AC;&#x153;thatâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s what I told Sascha [Zverev], be patient about it. Donâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t put yourself under unnecessary pressure. Learn from these mistakes. Whatever happened, happened.â&#x20AC;? What do you think about Rogerâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s advice? How amazing that he genuinely shares with a competitor, knowing full well it will help Zverev. However, this is one of the things that makes Federer. Bringing who he is to what he does. More Than an Athlete. Person First. Every Time. Rob Polishook, MA, CPC is Founder and Director of Inside the Zone Sports Performance Group. As a Mental Training Coach, he works with athletes and teams, focusing on helping athletes gain the mental edge. Rob is Author of Tennis Inside the Zone: Mental Training Workouts for Champions. He may be reached by phone at (973) 723-0314, e-mail Rob@InsideTheZone.com or visit InsideTheZone.com.

Join us in Vermont and share the Windridge experience... Specialized programs in tennis, soccer and horseback riding with a 1:4 counselor to camper ratio. #"! " ! ! ! ! "" ! " ! " ! ! " ! Share our commitment to hard work, good ! ! " "! ! ! !

"! ! " !" "

www.windridgecamps.com

NYTennisMag.com â&#x20AC;˘ March/April 2018 â&#x20AC;˘ New York Tennis Magazine

Does Your By Todd Widom s a former professional tennis player and current coach, some of the questions I receive involve developing confidence and being nervous in tournaments. I explain to most parents that their child is nervous in tournaments because they are unsure of what the outcome will be and they are looking into the future when they have not even struck the first ball in the warm-up. How does a junior tennis player build confidence? The easy answer is that they go play a bunch of tournaments and hopefully win some matches. They will then be more confident in themselves. No one does well on an important test in school without learning and studying the material. Failure to prepare is preparing to fail. Junior tennis players do not just get lucky to have better results. Your homework is your training, and your exam is the tournament. Your child cannot hide when they are in tournaments and the results never lie. Building confidence is as easy as preparing so well that your child is sure they are ready to perform at a good level in tournaments. Does your child feel proud of what they are accomplishing on a daily basis at practice? A junior tennis player knows and feels if they are improving, and the way to improve is to have a disciplined plan on how that particular player is going to reach higher levels of tennis. Then, you must work towards that plan on a daily basis. A one-hour lesson is not what I am speaking about, but rather, training and working on the plan for hours on a daily basis. Your child must get off the court and feel proud of what they worked on in that session and if they are not satisfied after that session, then it was not productive. No productivity means no progress. From a coaching standpoint, you can tell when the student is working on the proper things and improving because they are usually happy

ur Child Lack Confidence? when they are seeing results and feeling those results on the court. Another question I am frequently asked is, “What does my child need to work on to become a more confident player?” Each student is different and so are their techniques. Some of the players I have trained have needed some form of cleaning up on the technical side, but almost all of the kids have little or no understanding of how to properly move and balance themselves on a tennis court, nor how to construct a proper point strategically. The players have taken tennis lessons where the coach has fed or hand fed balls to them. This is not wrong, but this is strictly technical tennis teaching, and is only one piece of what your child needs. This is not teaching your child how to learn the game and how to apply their game to be able to win more matches.

Parents also wonder why their child is struggling in tournaments when they are taking many tennis lessons. The parent’s thought process is, if my child is taking a bunch of tennis lessons, then my child should be winning more, and as a result, should become more confident in themselves. This is incorrect. When your child is trained to understand what they are good at, and how to break down other opponents due to being smarter and more disciplined with their tennis, they will, as a result, win more matches and become more confident. If you would like to have a more confident junior tennis player, that confidence will come with a greater understanding of the game and their own game. A lesson is great, but that is just one little piece of the puzzle. Understanding how to compete, understanding your game and understanding how you are going to

break down your opponent’s game is how you will have better results. Productivity, purpose and understanding why you are working on a specific skill is how you are going to see results. Keep in mind that you must work on these aspects all the time so they become ingrained habits. When your child does not need to think about these aspects in tournaments, it means the habits are ingrained and they should be on their way to winning more, and as a result, becoming more confident. Todd Widom is a former top 200 ATP professional in both singles and doubles, and owner of TW Tennis, South Florida’s top small group/private tennis training geared exclusively for the high-performance junior, collegiate or professional tennis player. Todd may be reached by e-mail at Todd@TWTennis.com or visit TWTennis.com.

WE'VE GOT YOU COVERED Play tennis year round under a Farley bubble. The Farley Group is the world leader in air-supported structures and has provided over 20 tennis bubbles in New York and Long Island. Contact us today to learn about how you can turn your outdoor courts into a year round facility.

www.thefarleygroup.com l info@thefarleygroup.com

1-888-445-3223 NYTennisMag.com • March/April 2018 • New York Tennis Magazine

Colleg

By Steven Kaplan

should know that they probably don’t?” Their advice is invaluable because it values substance over style and helps you make a great choice and you will only want to make this choice once. I’ve integrated their answers with a few observations of my own. Along with a great thanks to Howard, I want to acknowledge my gratitude to: Bryan Koniecko, the rising national coaching star of Central Florida; Paul Wardlaw of Brown, the Dean of Ivy Coaches; Tim Mayotte of Harvard, a former number seven in the world; Long Island great Chis Garner of Navy; Ty Tucker of the current number one-ranked Ohio State Buckeyes; Jackie Bagwell of Amherst, winner of eight D3 National Championships; Long Island’s Adam Steinberg of the University of Michigan, winner of a D1 National Championship while at Pepperdine; and Andres Pedroso, Coach of the current D1 National Champion UVA, who I am proud to say will coach my club’s long-time student Ryan Goetz next fall.

inding the right school to play college tennis is intimidating and scary, with many unexpected twists and turns. Coaches negotiate deals with recruits for a living, players and their families do not … advantage: Coaches. I’s not easy to get past the superficial, as my longtime student and friend Howard Endelman, Coach of the amazing Columbia team (they were just ranked fifth in the nation, the highest ranking of any Ivy Men’s Tennis team ever) points out, “If the Patriots’ Bill Belichick doesn’t like his personnel, he can draft, sign a free agent or make a trade.” College tennis coaches can only recruit, so they need to be savvy and sometimes aggressive salespeople. Caveat Emptor: Let the Buyer Beware! I reached out to some of the best college coaches in the country, many of whom I’ve been fortunate to coach and mentor and asked a simple question: One central theme emerged: Find “What are the most important things that out as much as you can about the a future college tennis student/athlete culture of the school, the program,

New York Tennis Magazine • March/April 2018 • NYTennisMag.com

the team member’s and the coach and make sure it’s a strong match Your values must align, and you must find out what’s it really like to play for the program and what drives it day to day. College tennis is an exciting chapter in your life, but also a major transition. Understand the personality of your coach, because they will be your guide. Realize, however, at some point, they may leave, so it’s okay to ask them what their future plans are, especially if you notice they have moved a lot. Also get to know your potential teammates because they can be friends for life and a major part of your social circle. Do they hang out, eat and study together? Is the culture inclusive and supportive? Ultimately, if you close your eyes, can you see yourself spending four years at a school? Here are some more great practical ideas to consider … Before you enroll: l Watch a practice in its entirety to really see what happens on the team. l Be engaged on a visit, and practice your best behavior. And please, stay off your cellphone.

The Expert’s Guide to

ge Tennis Success l Write your own e-mails, as coaches want to hear from the players, not the parents. l Ask what the team does in the offseason and about the expectations. l Learn how the coach feels about a semester abroad. l Find out how scheduling conflicts between academics and athletics will be handled. l Consider if you want to be a big fish in a small pond, or a smaller fish in a larger one. Is playing high in the lineup a priority for you, or could you sit on the bench for a chance to crack the lineup?

l Be honest with the coaches. They do interact with one another and dishonest dealings can come back to haunt you. l Coaches will ask team members if they know you and what they think of you. Protect your reputation. The tennis world is a small world. l Find out how vocal the team is. Will you feel comfortable around aggressive teammates? l Doubles matter in college, so practice your team skills. l Prepare extensively off the court with fitness, or you will be in for a major wakeup call. l Playing high school tennis is a plus,

but its emphasis is regional. In Ohio, for example, everyone, even Blue Chip prospects, play for their school. l Have your private coach, friend or recruitment service advocate for you directly to a school coach only if they have a strong reputation in the tennis community. Half of all “I know them, I will put in a good word” offers will be ineffective and likely counterproductive. l Build a long strong record of participation, commitment and success, and small setbacks will not matter. continued on page 72

NYTennisMag.com • March/April 2018 • New York Tennis Magazine

guide to college tennis success continued from page 71 Once enrolled: l Use the coach and the team to get info on class selection. They know the professors and the school. Use them. l If you don’t make the team, make yourself available to the coach and players. Feed balls, hit serves and be available as a resource. Spots can open up, and if you love the sport and it shows, a spot may be found for you. l Make contacts with alums. A great school is as much about the people you meet as it is about what you learn in the classroom, and the alumni usually want to help. l Be careful with social media. Show support and keep conflicts strictly in the personal world, not in the electronic world. l Get to know the assistant coach, you will likely spend more time with them than you will with the head coach. l Go out of your way to meet coaches

and players from other teams to build your network down the road. Be disciplined about you schoolwork and take what you learn in the class to the court, and what you learn on court to the classroom. Be involved in the community. Coaches love players who promote the team. Many programs have been canceled in the last 20 years because they were not relevant on and off campus. Coaches’ views on home-schooling may vary, but all recognize if you have homeschooled, assimilation back to a classroom environment may be a challenge. Compartmentalize and keep your off the court problems, off the court. As a freshman, a long-time student of mine, Sandra Birch of Stanford, tried to write an English paper during the changeovers of a match against UCLA. It didn’t go very well. Sandra did learn to use tennis as a

safe haven and stress release from her busy day, and went on to win two NCAA Singles Championships. l Finally, remember the first day a player walks on campus, the Tennis Recruiting Network Rankings and UTR Ratings that seemed so important as a junior player go out the window. Visits try to glamorize and while your day-to-day life will be rewarding, it will also be demanding. College tennis is a fresh start and you must earn your success. Be brave and choose carefully, be a worker, and a team player and I guarantee, the college experience will be the best part of your tennis career. Steve Kaplan is Owner of Bethpage Park Tennis Center, as well as Director of Lacoste Academy for New York City Parks Foundation. Steve has been the longtime coach of more than 600 nationally-ranked junior players, 16 State High School Champions, two NCAA Division 1 Singles Champions, and numerous touring professionals and prominent coaches. He may be reached by e-mail at StevenJKaplan@aol.com.

TENNIS OPPORTUNITIES FOR ADULTS IN NYC! Lessons for the adult beginner looking to improve their game! in the

METRO Corporate Tennis League

Fun & competitive adult leagues in New York City. All ages welcome!

A fun, co-ed team tennis experience for you and your co-workers!

A new, young & social tennis club. Not your parents tennis league!

Something For Everyone! www.metrotennis.com or call 212.244.2845 72

New York Tennis Magazine • March/April 2018 • NYTennisMag.com

New York

Pony Up and Bring the Balls By Barbara Wyatt Tennis is in my life and I am grateful. It fulfills an important part of my health and social activities. Yesterday, I booked two courts and invited seven friends to play one set, no ad, then switch partners and play the second set. I admire these players and will play with or against them, any time, any day. The balls soared back and forth intently in both sets. In the second set, a ball popped up into the sweet spot on my friend Pat’s racket. She aligned her body to deliver a formidable slam against me. I curled into a fetal position and waited for the blast. She smacked that ball into my court and won the point. We laughed then threw the ball into action for the next point. I couldn’t have been happier. Friends engaged in healthy competitive sport. I made a mental note to discuss anti-Pat strategies and how to avoid being caught at the net with my coach. But this story is not about my inability to return Pat’s put-aways. It is about the prematch ceremony that decides who brings the balls. Before we began the first set,

Sally, Sue, Ramona, and I chimed in unison, “I have balls,” as though we were standing belly up to the bar and announcing, “This round is on me.” Sally popped the lid off her ball can first. Not one player in this group has the reputation of never bringing balls. I’ve subbed into groups with players who never bring them, causing the others on the court to roll their eyes. How do some people always manage to forget? Why do they behave that way? In one of my weekly groups, we pre-plan the provision of balls. I bring them the first week, Bill the second, etc. In another group, we collect $20 per player for six months of play. One player purchases the balls and brings a can each week until it is time to collect again. In other groups, we follow an unstructured pre-match ceremony where everyone chimes in, “I have balls.” Once, one player was having financial difficulties, so I placed a can of balls on his tennis bag without the others noticing. He caught me; I smiled; he smiled. He grabbed the can and announced, “I have the tennis balls.” Six months later, after I had invested a total of $18 in our friendship, he covertly placed a can on my bag. I smiled; I under-

stood. His financial crisis was over and he was again able to participate in the unstructured ball provision. I recently subbed into a group that includes a wealthy player who never brings balls. The others confront, tease and comment, which didn’t change anything. I tried the stealth delivery again, placing a can on the player’s bag, which brought a puzzled look since that player didn’t know who placed the balls. The next week, guess who brought balls? A simple act had turned a withholder into a regular ball provider. How does your group handle the need for balls? Do you collect a $20 bill? Do you set up a schedule? Do you follow an unstructured honor system? To those players who never bring balls and are fiscally able: you’re making your fellow players uncomfortable. Just pony up and bring balls. Barbara Wyatt is a Writer, Photographer, USTA Official, and Mobile App Developer of iKnowTennis!, the tennis rules app. Her poem, Ode to Tennis, an amusing poem on the joys and frustrations when learning tennis, is available at Amazon. She can be reached by e-mail at BarbaraW@iKnowTennis.com.

Servemaster FEEL THE POWER!

The fastest way to develop a great swing pattern and FIX your TOSS! There is a Servemaster for all ages, levels and abilities.

Great for ground strokes, too! How and why does it work? Check it out at ...

www.ThetotalServe.com

Lisa Dodson l Lisa@thetotalserve.com NYTennisMag.com • March/April 2018 • New York Tennis Magazine

he Metro Corporate Tennis League, presented by Advantage Tennis Clubs, is an initiative of the Metrotennis Community Tennis Association (MCTA). The League is divided into three levels of play, Intermediate (3.0-3.5), Advanced Intermediate (4.0-4.5) and Advanced (4.5+). Also offered is the new Hi-Five program for teams not ready to compete, but want to get into the sport while getting a great workout. The Metro Corporate Tennis League will host more than 60 teams in its Winter 2018 season. The following is the roster for the Winter 2018 season of the Metro Corporate Tennis League:

Advanced Division 1. Bloomberg (Ming) 2. NYJTL 3. Ernst & Young 4. Credit Agricole 5. BNP Paribas 6. The Corcoran Group 7. PwC 8. Proskauer Rose LLP 9. Bloomberg (Vighnesh) 10. Moody’s Advanced Intermediate Division 1 1. Bank of America 2. Mizuo Bank 3. Bloomberg 4. Société Générale 5. BNP Paribas 6. Sullivan & Cromwell LLP 7. Cleary Gottlieb Steen & Hamilton LLP Advanced Intermediate Division 2 1. Nielsen 2. White & Case 3. Bloomberg 4. Patterson Belknap Webb & Tyler LLP 5. The Corcoran Group 6. Schulte, Roth & Zabel LLP

Intermediate Division 1 1. CVC Capital Partners 2. Angelo, Gordon & Company 3. Bloomberg (Aces) 4. HBO 1 5. Ghg|grehealth group 6. Barclays Intermediate Division 2 1. D.E. Shaw & Company 2. NYCEDC 3. BNP Paribas 4. Paul, Weiss, Rifkind, Wharton 5. Barclays 6. Sidley Austin Intermediate Division 3 1. Deutsche Bank 2. Société Générale 3. ING 4. Bloomberg 5. MongoDB 6. Moody’s 7. Macquarie

Intermediate Division 4 1. Akin Gump 2. Deutsche Bank 3. HBO 2 4. PwC 5. D.E. Shaw & Company 6. Fried, Frank, Harris, Shriver & Jacobson LLP Hi-Five Division 1. Bloomberg (Fischler) 2. Havas 3. Penguin Random House 4. Bloomberg (Sai) 5. Penguin Random House 6. Bloomberg (Brett) 7. Bloomberg (Dylan) 8. Schulte, Roth & Zabel LLP 9. The Corcoran Group 10. Sullivan & Cromwell LLP

The Winter 2018 Season will run from January to April, culminating with an end-of-season party at Roosevelt Island Racquet Club. Please help us welcome new teams, Angelo, Gordon & Company, CVC Capital Partners and MongoDB.

For more information regarding the Metro Corporate Tennis League, visit MetroTennis.com under the Tab labeled, “Corporate” or e-mail Luis@MetroTennis.com. New York Tennis Magazine • March/April 2018 • NYTennisMag.com

It’s Okay to Feel Disappointed–In Fact, It’s Vital By Amanda Ferranti he fear of losing a match is a very paralyzing state of mind—it will peek its head up after every lost point, it will cause hesitation in the decision-making process, and weaken one’s courage to take risks. In my experience working with competitive youth tennis players, most can rationally identify a fear of losing and acknowledge that it is a normal part of the sport, yet they do not know how to overcome their fear and cannot stop worrying before a match. So, if logical understanding isn’t enough, then what is this fear truly about? The short answer: Emotions. In my experience both as a Certified Mental Performance Consultant and former professional athlete, I know that feeling of disappointment, the embarrassment, guilt and regret are a natural part of the journey. There is no way of removing these feelings from the experience, yet most are terrified to feel them because they are not equipped with tangible emotional management skills. Instead, they are encouraged to control their emotion, and as you can imagine, this advice can lead to even greater anxiety. As a coach, you can help your players overcome a fear of losing by gaining a better understanding of the emotional dynamics at play and altering your language to follow suit. First and foremost, it is essential to know that emotions are being taken on as disposition rather than a temporary physiological state. So if your player is feeling disappointed after a loss, they are interpreting that feeling as being a disappointment as a person. This is a gross miscalculation that, over time, will strengthen a fear of failure and disrupt one’s ability to learn from mistakes. In actuality, emotions come and they go, they can be pleasant or uncomfortable, and have varied intensities and combinations. I’m sure at one point or another, you have delivered the message, “Let go of your mistakes,” which seems to fall on deaf ears. So if the fear is really of an emotional state, then we must teach our players to let go of that emotion, which can be accomplished with the following steps:

1. Identify specific emotions and label their intensity As a coach, give your players an opportunity to label how they feel after mistakes or failure. Many actually don’t know and may say “Bad” or “Not good,” which are mood states, not emotions. This hazy sense of discomfort actually ex-

acerbates fear and anxiety before a match. Just think, how could you overcome a fear if you don’t know exactly what you are afraid of? So instead of telling them, “Just be confident” or “Don’t be upset,” start asking your players to identify specific emotions and label their intensity. 2. Experience the physiological feeling and breathe in oxygen For some, emotions can be quite overwhelming, making it difficult to breathe and causing a rapid increase in thoughts. Since emotions are associated with a physiological change in the body, the quickest and most effective tool to move out of an uncomfortable physiological state is to breathe. 3. Accept your emotions and give them permission to fade away Concurrently, you have to remove the stigma of feeling uncomfortable emotions during competition. It is truly a natural part of the environment, and young athletes must start to hear the message that “It’s okay to feel _____.” By allowing them time and space to process these feelings, you will encourage emotional acceptance and develop players who can successfully navigate adversity with courage, resilience and confidence. They will know that the feeling is not a representation of who they are as a person–it’s just a temporary state. Highly competitive players don’t want to feel negative emotions because they interpret them as a sign of failure or weakness, yet they are human and it’s a normal part of tennis. In order to develop fearlessness, emotional management tools are vital. As coaches, you can better service your players by understanding, communicating and guiding them to face the emotional component of their fears. Competitive players want control, and although they cannot control their emotional experiences, we can give them control over the management process. Amanda Ferranti is the Director and Founder of Ferranti Empowerment, where she has established herself as an AASP Certified Mental Performance Consultant for youth athletes, teams and coaches. Amanda also has years of athletic experience as an ex-professional soccer player and Princeton graduate. She can be reached by e-mail at AFerranti@FerrantiEmpowerment.com.

One Coaches’ Rallyi By Lonnie Mitchel oming back from our first men’s tennis match with a win in tow in the van back to Oneonta, N.Y., with the players asleep in the back, is some of the best time for me to gather my thoughts. I comprised our efforts and appreciated their win almost as much as they did. I knew the hard work that prepared the players for the results achieved were done over a twoweek period, a few early mornings, a few late nights and lots of agility/weight room activities were done to endure and thrive through the grind of a three-month-long season.

We approach our collegiate season with synergized efforts amongst the players to push each other to succeed, while balancing their schoolwork, social activities and other extra-curricular involvement. What a sacrifice these young men and women make to compete at a high level of tennis for a three-month marathon, traveling all over the Northeast and Eastern Seaboard. Thank you to all the student/athletes out there on your college tennis teams who comprehend these sacrifices made will help you later in life while understanding commitment, obligation and hard work. We hold them accountable for hard work, timeliness, commitment, truth, honesty, striving for excellence, passion, mental toughness, discipline and the development of good

New York Tennis Magazine • March/April 2018 • NYTennisMag.com

habits. I think they are great values to assist in the hunt for wins. Not just winning on the tennis court, which is secondary compared to daily life’s struggles that need our utmost pursuit to find success. If these are just words to those who are reading them, they do indeed have great meaning to me as a coach. I read Vince Lombardi’s secrets to winning and these are the qualities in humans that helped him find success with the players he had on the Green Bay Packers in the 1960s as they dominated the league in those years. The NFL commemorates Vince Lombardi with a Super Bowl Trophy named in his honor to draw attention to those successes using those great qualities. What I am happy to share with you is the sacrifices me and my coaching colleagues make not only in tennis, but in all sports out there within the atmosphere we have to operate in these times with. Harassment allegations everyday seem to encompass the news in the workplace and the sports world from employers, coaches, teachers and others who abuse their power to take advantage of those who look at their victims as vulnerable. If the allegations all prove true, then let the punishment be so imposed to the fullest extent of the law and we should be helping those who also have been victimized in every way possible. As a tennis coach not just for collegians, I now have to operate in a different environment and uphold the highest level of standards of character which has always been the right way for me. Now,

ying Cry for Success however, at any moment, I can be scrutinized for conduct not becoming of a coach. My hats off to colleagues and the overwhelming majority who continue to make the coaching profession respected and admired. Is it fair that coaches nowadays are somehow asked to hold up to such a standard? Of course it’s fair. We coach tennis, the sport for a lifetime. The sport of tennis, like it or not, was at one time an elitist sport and you were expected to be a gentleman and lady, thereby acting accordingly. The responsibility of being a coach has so much to do with being a role model. I/we can expect no less of ourselves than to continually drive the message of what we want resonating with students. I call attention to our sport’s greatest male champion, that being Roger Federer. Does he not conduct himself with dignity and class at every point, match and tournament throughout his career? A family man whose actions on and off the court are that of the highest standards. As a coach of young impressionable men and women, I often look to Roger Federer (and there are many other professionals men and women), who continuously displays the work ethic and role model behavior for not just players but for us coaches to aspire to. Parents of youngsters who are aspiring high school, college players and/or future recreational players who dot most of the tennis landscape of America we coaches also need your help. Teaching

your children to respect a coach, to honor the expertise, to handle a little criticism and to reenact the movements of great players is sound advice. A sense of entitlement on the tennis court will not help them. Let’s fast-forward a number of years and your son or daughter walks into their first job. On many occasions, that young 22- or 23-year-old may very well have to sign a code of conduct and asked to protect the company’s high standard and brand. If that person shows disrespect, insubordination and not upholding good morals and principles, that same company will be more than happy to give them a pink slip and a parent cannot do a thing about it. The values that good, competent coaches teach on the court will not only

help them be better tennis players, but better people and better contributors to society. Please monitor your son and daughter’s progress, but the competent coach needs you to allow us to do our job. We want overachievers, good people and competent tennis players and it is our goal as coaches to teach them to be contributors to society. Lonnie Mitchel is Head Men’s and Women’s Tennis Coach at SUNY Oneonta. Lonnie was named an Assistant Coach to Team USA for the 2013 Maccabiah Games in Israel for the Grand Master Tennis Division. Lonnie may be reached by phone at (516) 414-7202 or email LonnieMitchel@yahoo.com.

Give yourself the added advantage. Dr. Robert Silverman 311 North St. Ste. G1 White Plains, NY 10605 Ph: 914.287.6464 www.DrRobertSilverman.com

· · · ·

Specializing Tennis elbow Rotator cuff injuries Ankle sprains Tendonitis/tendonosis

in: · Concussion · Performance · Muscle strains · Plantar fasciitis

NYTennisMag.com • March/April 2018 • New York Tennis Magazine

Y O U R

By Dr. Tom Ferraro ne of the many benefits of lecturing is that one always learns a great deal in the process. This month, I was lucky enough to be invited by Long Island Tennis Magazine to participate in a panel discussion at the New York Tennis Expo. The topic was “Taking Your Game to the Next Level,” and I prepared a talk about the need to have a solid team around you in order to improve. You need a swing coach, fitness trainer and an equipment expert. I added that, as the young athlete moves up the ranks, they inevitably face better competition, which can lead to a breakdown in confidence, often leading them to seek out the services of a competent sport psychologist. My speech went well enough, but then it was my turn to learn. A tall woman in the audience stood up and asked panelist Lisa Dodson a question. She said, “Hi. I’m a recently retired pro basketball player and I’ve just taken up tennis this year. I have been told I am pretty good already, so I wanted to know what I should do to become a professional tennis player.” Now that’s what I call an audacious question. Lisa responded in a supportive and appropriate manner, but the wonderful confident hopefulness of the questioner was so unusual that the question stayed with me.

The panel was then joined by Dudi Sela, the Israeli tennis star who has played in the Olympics, Davis Cup and has reached 29th in world in the ATP Men’s Singles Rankings. Dudi is not physically imposing, being only 5’9” and 144 lbs. He told the audience about his upbringing, and what stood out to me was that his brother was 13 years older and the family’s first tennis star, having risen to the top 200 in the world. So, here we had two pro athletes, first the retired basketball player and then the tennis star and they had one thing in common. They both had a legacy behind them which allowed for a true belief in themselves. The ex-basketball player established her own legacy by being an accomplished ball player and so she was able to dream another big dream. Dudi’s legacy was found in the knowledge that his brother was a tennis pro, so why not him too. I think these two stories touch upon that mysterious question of how a dream to become a professional is born. When that dream of fame and success is ignited, it tends to stay lit. As an example, when Madonna was an unknown twenty-something, she managed to get a spot on the Dick Clark Show. When Dick asked her about her future plans, she proclaimed, “To rule the world.” When Tiger Woods was five-years-old, he put a poster of Jack Nicklaus on his wall and decided right there that he would become more famous than Jack. These two stars had a fire that was

New York Tennis Magazine • March/April 2018 • NYTennisMag.com

F A M I

ignited by something or someone in their past. Dudi Sela, the ex-basketball player, Tiger Woods and Madonna all have one other thing in common that is frequently overlooked. They are all extremely hard workers. Before fitness was all the rage, Madonna was working out in the gym six hours a day. Tiger revolutionized golf thanks in large part to his work ethic. Dudi Sela described to the audience how difficult it was to survive on all the small tours in Europe before he hit it big. David Feldman’s research at Yale is on the development of prodigious talent, and he has pointed out how a family’s legacy is a part of this process of raising the gifted. In the cases under discussion here, we see Dudi’s older brother as the one who established the legacy, which allowed Dudi to believe. Tiger Woods’ dad was a standout baseball star in college. Madonna’s mother was also a dancer. The family history is a key element which allows a young person to begin to dream big dreams. I became the number one player on my college golf team largely because my dad was a fanatical golfer who let me tag along as a kid. The Academy Award-winning film “La La Land” demonstrates the theme of legacy very well. The girl in the film is played by Emma Stone dreams the impossible dream of becoming a movie star by observing how her aunt had followed her dream to live in Paris. So determine your own family legacy. If

I L Y

L E G A C Y

you have a son or daughter who has fallen in love with tennis, you may want to leave your trophies out on the mantle so that they can muse over them. Hang up photos of your successes in your sport or career so your kids notice them. A child’s dream is found in the achievements of their family. Maybe it was a brother’s suc-

cess on tour, or a mother who gets a doctorate, or a grandfather who won a Bronze Medal in the Olympics back in 1936. Or maybe it’s in your own past triumphs. We pass on legacy from one generation to the next, and this legacy acts like a talisman for the younger members of the clan. It serves to inspire them and push them onward. So

make sure you display yours proudly. I promise … your kids are watching. For consultations, treatment or on-site visits, contact Dr. Tom Ferraro Ph.D., Sport Psychologist, by phone at (516) 248-7189, e-mail DrTFerraro@aol.com or visit DrTomFerraro.com.

New Advantage QuickStart Tennis Camp! Where kids ages 4 to 8 get in the game—and love it! • Tennis customized for age, ability—and fun! • Smaller racquets and slower-bouncing balls • Engaging drills & games • Play More sessions & Athletic Zone sessions build skills & conﬁdence • 2 great Manhattan locations • Just choose your weeks for a super summer!

Check out our savings oﬀers & sign up today! advantagetennisclubs.com/camps Questions? Please contact Gabe Slotnick at gslotnick@advantagetennisclubs.com or 212.594.0554.

Gabriel Slotnick, Director of Advantage QuickStart Tennis Summer Camp, USPTR-certiﬁed in teaching players ages 10 & under.

NYTennisMag.com • March/April 2018 • New York Tennis Magazine

USTA/Metropolitan Region

2018 TOURNAMENT SCHEDULE For detailed information on these and all USTA tournaments, visit tennislink.usta.com/tournaments. APRIL 2018 Monday-Thursday, April 2-5 L1B APTC Spring Challenger Alley Pond Tennis Center 7920 Winchester Boulevard Queens Village, N.Y. Divisions: Challenger Boys & Girls Singles 78’ Yellow Ball 14, 18 (SE) Surface Type: Hard Indoor Entry Fee: $54.25 per player (deadline for entries is Friday, March 30 at 1:00 p.m.) For more information, e-mail hemco2@aol.com or call (718) 264-2600.

Saturday, April 7 Youth Progression Orange Level 1 Fresh Meadows Cunningham Tennis 19600 Union Turnpike Fresh Meadows, N.Y. Divisions: Orange Level 1 Boys & Girls 10 and Under Singles 60’ Orange Ball 10 (NEF) Surface Type: Hard Entry Fee: $48.88 per player (deadline for entries is Sunday, April 1 at 11:59 p.m.) For more information, e-mail VCaraballo08@aol.com or call (718) 740-6800.

Friday-Sunday, April 20-22 L1B APTC Spring Challenger Alley Pond Tennis Center 7920 Winchester Boulevard Queens Village, N.Y. Divisions: Challenger Boys & Girls Singles 78’ Yellow Ball 14, 18 (SE) Surface Type: Hard Indoor Entry Fee: $54.25 per player (deadline for entries is Monday, April 16 at 1:00 p.m.) For more information, e-mail hemco2@aol.com or call (718) 264-2600.

Friday-Sunday, April 6-8 Empire Cup National Doubles at the Cary Leeds Center The Cary Leeds Center for Tennis & Learning 1720 Crotona Avenue Bronx, N.Y. Divisions: Boys & Girls Doubles 78’ Yellow Ball 14 (MFIC) Surface Type: Hard Entry Fee: $48.88 per player (deadline for entries is Tuesday, March 27 at 1:00 p.m.) For more information, e-mail WWiese@NYJTL.org or call (718) 247-7420.

Friday-Sunday, April 13-15 & April 20-22 L1B Sportime RI April 2018 Challenger Sportime @ Randall’s Island 1 Randall’s Island New York, N.Y. Divisions: Challenger Boys & Girls Singles 78’ Yellow Ball 14-18 (SE) Surface Type: Unknown Entry Fee: $54.25 per player (deadline for entries is Monday, April 9 at 1:00 p.m.) For more information, e-mail MattyTrumino@gmail.com or call (212) 427-6150.

Friday-Sunday, April 6-8 & April 13-15 L2 Sportime RI April 2018 Open Sportime @ Randall’s Island 1 Randall’s Island New York, N.Y. Divisions: Intermediate Boys & Girls Singles 78’ Yellow Ball 12 (FMLC); and Intermediate Boys & Girls Singles 78’ Yellow Ball 14-18 (SE) Surface Type: Clay Entry Fee: $54.25 per player (deadline for entries is Monday, April 2 at 1:00 p.m.) For more information, e-mail MattyTrumino@gmail.com or call (212) 427-6150.

Friday-Sunday, April 13-15 L2 APTC April Open Alley Pond Tennis Center 7920 Winchester Boulevard Queens Village, N.Y. Divisions: Intermediate Boys & Girls Singles 78’ Yellow Ball 12 (FRLC); and Intermediate Boys & Girls Singles 78’ Yellow Ball 14-18 (SE) Surface Type: Hard Indoor Entry Fee: $54.25 per player (deadline for entries is Monday, April 9 at 7:00 p.m.) For more information, e-mail hemco2@aol.com or call (718) 264-2600.

Friday-Sunday, April 20-22 L1B Mill Basin Matchpoint NYC Challenger Matchpoint NYC Mill Basin 2350 East 69th Street Brooklyn, N.Y. Divisions: Challenger Boys & Girls Singles 78’ Yellow Ball 12, 16 (SE) Surface Type: Hard Indoor Entry Fee: $54.25 for first singles; $28 for first doubles; maximum fee charged per player is $75, plus the processing fees for the number of events you select (deadline for entries is Monday, April 16 at 1:00 p.m.) For more information, e-mail KLastique@yahoo.com or call (718) 769-0001.

Friday-Sunday, April 6-8 Empire Cup National Doubles at APTC Alley Pond Tennis Center 7920 Winchester Boulevard Queens Village, N.Y. Divisions: Boys & Girls Doubles 78’ Yellow Ball 18 (MFIC) Surface Type: Unknown Entry Fee: $48.88 per player (deadline for entries is Tuesday, March 27 at 1:00 p.m.) For more information, e-mail AlleyPondTennisCenter@gmail.com or call (718) 264-2600.

Saturday, April 14 L3 APTC Spring UPS Alley Pond Tennis Center 7920 Winchester Boulevard Queens Village, N.Y. Divisions: Entry Level Boys & Girls Singles 78’ Green Ball 12, 78’ Yellow Ball 14-16 (NEF) Surface Type: Hard Indoor Entry Fee: $43.50 per player (deadline for entries is Wednesday, April 11 at 1:00 p.m.) For more information, e-mail hemco2@aol.com or call (718) 264-2600.

New York Tennis Magazine • March/April 2018 • NYTennisMag.com

Friday-Sunday, April 20-22 & April 27-29 L2 Sportime RI April 2018 Open Sportime @ Randall’s Island 1 Randall’s Island New York, N.Y. Divisions: Intermediate Boys & Girls Singles 78’ Yellow Ball 12 (FMLC); and Intermediate Boys & Girls Singles 78’ Yellow Ball 14-18 (SE) Surface Type: Clay Entry Fee: $54.25 per player (deadline for entries is Monday, April 16 at 1:00 p.m.) For more information, e-mail MattyTrumino@gmail.com or call (212) 427-6150. Saturday-Monday, April 21-23 April USTA National L3 Tournament @ Cary Leeds Center The Cary Leeds Center for Tennis & Learning 1720 Crotona Avenue Bronx, N.Y. Divisions: Level 3 Girls Singles 78’ Yellow Ball 14 (FICR16); and Level 3 Girls Doubles 78’ Yellow Ball 14 (SE) Surface Type: Hard Indoor Entry Fee: $145.63 per player (deadline for entries is Thursday, March 29 at 11:59 a.m.) For more information, e-mail WWiese@NYJTL.org or call (718) 247-7420.

WALK TO OCEAN BEACH

ADULTS

JUNIOR CAMPS FROM $195/WK

Peter Kaplan's Westhampton Beach

Tennis Academy "One of the World's Best Tennis Camps" Fr

$99 pp/double

Overnight Camp / Instruction Packages Include: Accommodations, Breakfast & Beach pass 1 hour private instruction pp/day (Additional private instruction available at $49/hr)

USTA, Team and Family Discounts with flexible schedules • Half day and/or full day programs: 1-7 days • The only tennis academy in the world selected to be part of the USTA members’ benefits program to both juniors and adults

THE HIGHLY HONORED GRASSMERE INN!!! 7 Beach Lane • Westhampton Beach, NY • 914-234-9462 peterkaplan2002@yahoo.com • 631-288-4021 NYTennisMag.com • January/February 2018 • New York Tennis Magazine

www.westhamptonbeachtennis.com

SPORTIME RANDALL’S ISLAND AND JMTA

SUMMER CAMPS

Tennis Whizz Ages 3-5

SPORTIME U10 & Sports Ages 5-10

JMTA Tennis Training Ages 7-18

NYCFC Soccer Ages 7-14

CAMP RUNS JUNE 11TH THRU AUGUST 31ST - REGISTER TODAY! SPORTIME RANDALL’S ISLAND, HOME OF THE JOHN McENROE TENNIS ACADEMY

www.SportimeCamps.com/NYC | 212-427-6150

Find out about our other Summer Camps across Long Island including the Hamptons, and in Westchester and the Capital Region, at www.SPORTIMECAMPS.com 99

Camp programs vary by SPORTIME location New York Tennis Magazine • January/February 2018 • NYTennisMag.com