Zachary Worthington - Getting better by the match.

 

We caught up with Zachary Worthington out of the TennisLosAngeles.com franchise.

Tell us a little bit about yourself, for example: What do you do? Where did you grow up? What are your hobbies (besides tennis)? (Feel free to share any interesting details about your life.)

I grew up in Cleveland, always a big basketball fan. I guess my second choice for Lebron would've been LA. I work for HIP Investor, in the ESG investing space. We seek to help investors do well financially while also doing what's best for the world around them.

I'm married and had my first kid this year. My wife and I love to garden, currently fighting to keep the rats from eating our tomatoes. We also love to cook, grilled home-grown zucchini has been our seasonal standby this month. I'm an avid backpacker, this year headed to Grand Tetons in Wyoming.

Which league are you a member of?

TennisLosAngeles, D/V Advanced.  He's quickly improved his game and is currently 23-4 over his short career. 

How long have you participated in your league?

Since Spring 2018

How did you first learn about it?

My friend Kevin H. in San Francisco is in a similar league and told me to find one similar in LA

How often do you play?

1-4 times/week

What do you like most about the league?

Getting to meet and play against a variety of player and personality types.

Tell us about your most memorable match(es)

1) My first match with Brett Reese this past spring. We played for about 3 hours in 100 degree weather battling back and forth until I finally lost in a tie-breaker. I had trouble walking the next day, but totally worth it.

Who are your favorite rivals in the league? Why?

a) Brett, for sure. See previous answer. We have a similar background of learning tennis later in life and similar defensive styles. What we lack in fundamentals we make up for with hustle. We typically end up with some exhausting sets. I've also never beaten him, something to aspire to...

b) I recently played against Shahin and Bas. Both guys have great service games and above average power (at least at the level I'm accustomed to). I hope to get some more matches against them because their styles force me to get better and react faster. I foresee some great matches with these two guys.

Do you have any other interesting comments about your experiences with the league?

Feels more like a community than a league.

How did you get started playing tennis?

My best friend started playing again, and he got me on the court a few times. I realized if I was able to get over a few obstacles (serving being the key one) I might enjoy tennis a lot more. I've finally gotten to a point where my skill-set limitations no longer inhibit my overall enjoyment.

What level player are you? (NTRP rating)

I'm not sure. This league is my only adult playing experience.  We have 27 results from Zachary and currently have him at a 4.25 level. 

What do you love about tennis?  

I love that it reminds me of growing up playing ping-pong with my dad. 

I love that it's a sport that I will hopefully play for many years to come.

I love the feeling of hitting a shot that goes where you intended!