Praveen Nair - Tennis is a Gentlemen's Game

We caught up with Praveen Nair out of JacksonvilleTennisLeague.com and this is his story.

What do you love about tennis?  

Tennis is a gentleman game. No arguments, no fights and always friendly. I love the fact that it requires strategy and physical fitness and provides some good exercise. It seems to be a very simple game when you look at how Roger Federer plays, but when you play, realize how much effort is required to play and win a tennis match. Another good thing about tennis is, it only requires 2 people unlike Cricket Match which requires coordinating 11 people.

Which league are you a member of?

I am part of Jacksonville Tennis League.

How long have you participated in your league?

It’s been only a year I have been part of this excellent tennis community however it feels like I know everyone in my group for ages.

How did you first learn about it?

Jacksonville Tennis League was referenced to me by one of my friends, Mr. James Pudner, a wonderful person and very nice athlete who also happens to live in my own housing community, for getting tennis practice as it was becoming increasingly difficult to get people to play tennis very often.  What a wonderful step I taken! I was flooded with a lot of good people who were very accommodating and very reaching out to play tennis.

How often do you play?

I play very regularly, I tried to finish 20-25 games per season, provided our seasonal Florida weather permits it. I always try to play same person twice and if we have split, try to play one more time. The number of friendships I make along the way helps me to keep playing and learning from everyone.

What do you like most about the league?

One of the most likable parts of this league is the people and the way you can schedule games. The rules do encourage everyone to play more.  I felt everyone is very respectful and helpful.

Tell us about your most memorable match(es)

I do remember some great games. Some of them I win and some of them I lost. One of the games I remember most is when I got defeated by an elite player, John Kim, who was very thorough with his shot selection and execution. But that game become so memorable because even though he was winning, he was very respectful to me and was trying to make the game very interesting. 

Who are your favorite rivals in the league? Why?

I love some friendly rivalries. I had multiple games with Scott (Winfield) & Pushpjeet. Everyone is so talented that any given day the game can go either way. So, a little bit of sporty rivalries always helps to focus more.

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

One of the nice things I remember was that I had a game with Abdur on hot Florida day at around 3:00 PM and I was really struggling against the sun as I did not have a hat. Abdur was very nice enough to gift me a brand-new hat. How nice of him! These small gestures make bigger impact in our life and thoughts!

I want to say the thanks to the organizers of the league as well especially Steven. They are very accommodating and not micro-managing each game and people. It helps to build trust.

How did you get started playing tennis?

I never learned tennis professionally as kid. I picked tennis with the help of couple of friends as a hobby. And recently I had some coaching as well to improve my game.

Do you play to compete, or for fun?

I do play for fun but since I play a lot of games, I do compete as well. But most import thing for me is comfort and trying to give your 100% on that day.           

What level player are you? (NTRP rating)

I am rated between 3.5 to 4.0.

Who are your favorite pro players? Why?

Roger Federal. His simplicity and elegance are noteworthy. I do like Pete Sampras as well as he gives a good fight to Andre Agassi in my school days.

Tell us a little bit about yourself.  

I work in Information Technology field, originally from India, who used to spend a lot of time behind my desk. I used to be very obese (used to be around 249 lbs.) when covid as calamity hit us, it changed my perceptions and priorities. I started walking and slowly reduced my weight between 185-195 lbs. now. Now a days, my priority in life is to get outside my own home in the evening as much as possible and enjoy!

I do actively participate in lot of sports like Cricket (Every Sunday morning and I do play some league matches as well) and Soccer (every Sunday evening) and in any free time I play Chess tournaments online. I do have table tennis board in my dining room which I play with daughter as well. All other days are dedicated to tennis or walking, depends on courts availability.

My favorite place is the Beach where I can walk miles and miles and listen to music. And I love nature parks and being a frequent visitor to Jacksonville Arboretum, Jacksonville Zoo, Washington Oaks park, Jekyll Island, Mosh, NASA etc.

 

Bradley Tucker - Loves the Competitive aspect of the league

We caught up with Bradley Tucker out of the Virginia Beach branch.  In 22 matches he's fallen in love with this tennis community.

Which league are you a member of?

I’m a member of the Comp2 & Skilled division of Hampton Roads Tennis League. 

How long have you participated in your league?

I’ve been in my league since the start date of September 13th, 2022. 

How did you first learn about it?

I was researching stuff about tennis on google and I came across “Tennis league network Hampton roads”, clicked the link and now I’m in the league!

How often do you play?

I play 3-4 times a week. 

What do you like most about the league?

The thing I like most about the league is the price! It’s so cheap to play between 8-12 weeks and find a lot of friends in the process!

Tell us about your most memorable match(es)

My most memorable match would be my most recent one Vs Tim Krajewski. We both played an incredible match Vs each other while we both played strategically offensively and defensively, it tools us over 2 hours and 15 minutes to determine a winner after 3 sets and a total of 30 games!

Who are your favorite rivals in the league? Why?

I have not played anybody more than once yet, but I would have to say Tim will be my friendly rival because our skill level is so close to one another and while playing him, he really pushes me out of my comfort level and I have ti counter everything he sends my way which makes not just myself a better player, but hun as well!

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

I just love the tennis community environment, everyone is so friendly and welcoming once meeting for the first time for a match. You would think you’ve know this person for quite some time even though you’ve only met them one time!

How did you get started playing tennis?

I got started playing tennis when my big sister wanted to compete Vs me, we always have been extremely competitive Vs each other in our lives. After playing a few matches, I feel in love with it and started playing with my wife and then got into this league!

Do you play to compete, or for fun?

I love to play the game of tennis for all the fun that’s involved, but I’m a very competitive person and I love the atmosphere of 2 people playing their hearts out for the W at the end of the match and for the championship at the end of the season. 

What level player are you? (NTRP rating)

My player rating is 3.0, I started at a 2.5 and quickly shot up as I have been practicing a lot and competing in a lot of games Vs other 3.0 & 3.2 rated level players!

What do you love about tennis?  

The thing I love about tennis is the skill you have to have to be a great tennis player, tennis is not an easy sport to master at all and there is so much fun behind creating your skills at practice for your future matches to become better and better. 

Tell us a little bit about yourself, for example: What do you do? Where did you grow up? What are your hobbies (besides tennis)?

I’m in the military, I’ve been in the military for 4 1/2 years and I will be pursuing a career in law enforcement in under 8 months in Saint Louis, Missouri. I grew up in Saint Louis, Missouri for 18 years before I went into the military. My hobbies are strength training, running and playing sports with my wife and friends in all different types of competitive leagues.

Hassaan Khawar - Tennis San Jose - Loves the Competition!

We caught up with Hassaan Khawar out of our San Jose community.   He's built an amazing 104-3 record. So needless to say he's an excellent player.  Here's his story.

Which league are you a member of?

TennisSanJose

How long have you participated in your league?

Since May 2021, so less than a year and a half.

How did you first learn about it?

I learnt about it from a friend who joined the league a few months before I did.

How often do you play?

I try to play 3-4 times a week to keep myself physically active.

What do you like most about the league?

The thing I like most is the opportunity to meet new people and make friends who share a common passion for tennis. I also really like the fact that the matches are scheduled based on the players’ availabilities and location preferences which makes it easy to plan ahead and try to play as many matches as desired.

Tell us about your most memorable match(es)

My most memorable match has to be my first Finals during the 2022 Winter Season, where I played Arjun Puranik. My previous match against Arjun was an intense 3-setter in which I managed to pull away with a 6-0 win in the third set. Going into my first Finals, I was feeling a lot of nerves and knowing that I’m playing someone as talented and competitive as Arjun, it only added to that. I went on to win the match 6-1, 6-3 which surprised me as I came into the match worried that the pressure might get the best of me. Winning that match gave me a lot of confidence going forward in my tennis career because I proved to myself that I can compete and play well even in high-pressure situations.

Who are your favorite rivals in the league? Why?

My favorite rivals in the league are Zeshan Anwar and Ekow Taylor. I initially picked up tennis in mid-2020 and the person I played with the most at the time was Zeshan. Zeshan is a friend that I’ve known for almost 20 years so all the matches I play against him in the league are special and give me a chance to earn some bragging rights. Ekow has been one of my greatest rivals ever since I played him first in April of 2021. In total, we’ve played 5 matches, 2 of which were in the Finals and two of which were 3-setters that went down to the wire. Whenever I play Ekow, I know I need to put my best foot forward otherwise his raw shot-making ability will leave me with no chance.

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

As mentioned before, I started playing tennis seriously about two years ago and have been part of the league for less than a year and a half. Form the time I played my first match in the league on June 19, 2021 to today, I’ve managed to play over 100 matches and I must have played at least 50 different opponents. I’ve made some friends along the way that now I keep in touch with even outside of the league and I hope to continue to stay a part of the league and compete for as long as I can.

How did you get started playing tennis?

I started playing tennis after the COVID pandemic had began as many of the other sports that I enjoyed playing (i.e. basketball, soccer, cricket, etc.) were difficult to play due to the lack of social distancing in those sports. Luckily, at the time I had courts within my apartment community so it was very convenient for me to call my friend Zeshan over and play with him. A few weeks after starting to play, I had become addicted to the sport and began playing almost on a daily basis for an hour or two.

Do you play to compete, or for fun?

I definitely play to compete but that doesn’t mean I forget to have fun along the way.

What level player are you? (NTRP rating)

I’m not officially ranked in the NTRP rankings but I’d like to put myself in the 4.0 to 4.5 range.

What do you love about tennis?  

I love the competition about tennis. Most of the sports I played growing up were team sports and as much as I love competing in a team environment, tennis gave me a different platform where everything was dependant on how I performed on a given day. I also feel that tennis is an amazing workout without some of the high-impact or contact of sports like basketball or soccer, which can sometimes begin to take a toll on the body if played over a long period.

Who are your favorite pro players? Why?

My favourite pro player is Rafael Nadal. I love his fighting spirit and his focus during a match. He plays every point like his last and those are some of the characteristics that I admire in an athlete. Naturally, I am also very competitive and when I play, I play to win. But, losing is a part of every sport and every athlete needs to lose just as graciously as he/she loses which I think Nadal displays very well.

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 was born in Pakistan and I moved to Canada at the age of 5. I completed my entire education in Canada and after obtaining my undergraduate degree in Mechatronics Engineering from the University of Waterloo, I moved to the Bay Area as a result of landing a full-time job here. Growing up, I loved playing various sports but most of all I enjoyed playing cricket. I competed at a fairly high level in cricket winning various awards at the high-school, university and city levels. I also enjoyed playing basketball a lot and I’ve been following the NBA very closely for over 10 years now. In general, I enjoy traveling, spending quality time with family and friends, and playing just about any sport.

Player Profile: Sanjeev Sridharan - 207 matches over the last 13 years

We caught up with Sanjeev Sridharan out of the Tennis-Seattle.com franchise.  He's played an amazing 207 matches since 2009 with our community.  13 Amazing Years of competitive play. Only a couple less than the admin.

What do you love about tennis?

Tennis is an individual sport and like life, how you do is only in your hands. You don't have teammates to make-up for your shortcomings. You own your success and failure. In summary, tennis is reflective of our lives.

How long have you participated in your league?

11 years. Started in tennis Boston, moved to Tennis Philly and then to tennis Seattle.

 

How did you first learn about it?

Online.

 

How often do you play?

Twice a week.

 

What do you like most about the league?

Play competitively against good players with different varieties in styles.

 

Tell us about your most memorable match(es).

Nick Sunderland in the Seattle league probably has the most # of matches, wins, and winning percentage. He holds a 10-1 record against me. My memorable match is the one time I managed to win against him in 2019. I had to save two match points and had to be completely in the zone on every point to win that match in a 10-point tiebreak in the third. 

 

Who are your favorite rivals in the league? Why?

Nick Sunderland and Dharam Patule in the Seattle league because our matches are typically competitive and even if I lose I come out with a feeling that playing them has improved my game for the better.

 

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

I really like that the league incentivizes players to play more. Over the years, the league has gotten more competitive with a lot of good players with different styles. It has been great to test my game against all such players. 

 How did you get started playing tennis?

My aunt introduced me to a tennis coach when I was in fifth grade in my hometown, Chennai, India.

Do you play to compete, or for fun?

Both. My goal is not to win but to compete well.

 

What level player are you? (NTRP rating)

4.0.

  

Who are your favorite pro players? Why?

Hands-down, Novak Djokovic. In my mind, he is not only the greatest tennis player of all time but the greatest athlete of all time. I have never seen any athlete with a greater mental strength than his. 

 

Tell us a little bit about yourself, for example: What do you do? Where did you grow up? What are your hobbies?

I grew up in Chennai, India. Incidentally it is a city that has a great tennis tradition. I learnt tennis between fifth and ninth grades but had a break from tenth grade till the end of grad school. I started playing again in the league in Boston before I moved for work in Philly and then to Seattle. I am a marketer. Besides tennis, I like to travel, hike, read non-fiction/biographies/autobiographies, and watch documentaries.

 

Player Profile: Jesse Pfeffer - Loves the Mental Aspect of the Game

We caught up with Jesse Pfeffer from the TennisBaltimore.com franchise and check out what he had to say:

What do you love about tennis?  

I love many things about tennis. First, the harder you work, the more you practice, the better you will become. There is no limit to how good you can become. Second, it is a very humbling game, there are three sets for a reason. You need to stay cool and collective and never let your ego get the best of you, doing so will make you lose. Don’t ever go into a match with the mentality that it is an easy win, it isn’t. Fourth, as much as it is great for your physical fitness, tennis is also a mental game and teaches you that if you put your head down you will lose but if you keep your head up and play your game you can fight through the toughest situations. Lastly, I have made numerous friends through tennis and hopefully lifelong friendships as tennis has no age limit.

Which league are you a member of?

TennisBaltimore

How long have you participated in your league?

This is my first year, second season. I played Spring Season 2 in the Skilled division.

How did you first learn about it?

A friend of mine who I hit suggested that I join.

How often do you play?

I try to play matches three (3) times a week and hit two (2) days a week.

What do you like most about the league?

Great players and great people. The ability to schedule your own matches is great too.  Have a made a lot of friends.

Tell us about your most memorable match(es)

I developed a friendly rivalry with a certain player. I am 3-0 against him but every match has gone to a very close tiebreaker.

Who are your favorite rivals in the league? Why?

Chris Ozog, he has a very unorthodox game that can throw off even a seasoned player. He uses heavy spin on 50% of his shots. 

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

It has been a great experience so far. I like that I can play as much as I want. It has been great getting to know everyone.

How did you get started playing tennis?

I started playing tennis casually at a young age through high school. Played a bit in college. Did not start playing matches until last summer when a friend of mine suggested that I join the league.

Do you play to compete, or for fun?

Both, however, the competition is what drives me. I have played high level competitive sports for most of my youth. One thing about tennis is it takes a lot of work and a lot of practice to improve. That is why I try and play every day and watch film. The love for the game and the drive to improve my game fuels my competitiveness. At the same time, I play tennis because I enjoy it and because it is a fun sport. 

What level player are you? (NTRP rating)

3.5 NTRP (USTA rating from the leagues I have been in)

Who are your favorite pro players? Why?

Active Player- Rafael Nadal. In my opinion he is the greatest player of all time from a pure game perspective and mentality perspective. He is an incredible athlete, and his strong mental toughness is what sets him apart as it did in the Australian Open this year. It would be so easy to throw in the towel, however he kept his head up, played his game and won three straight sets. Also, Nadal never gets angry and never smashes his racquet which are two things I admire and do as well. I think it is a complete disgrace to the game when a racquet gets smashed.

 

Retired Player- Andy Roddick.

Lorenzo Wright: How the Game of Tennis Changed My Life

We caught up with Lorenzo Wright playing out of TennisHamptonRoads.com league.  The Virginia Beach / Norfolk tennis League. He has an amazing 25-2 record in his career with our program.

How did you get started playing tennis? 

I grew up in a poor neighborhood in Louisiana where all there was to get into was trouble. I didn’t fit in with my peers so I stayed to myself. However, that was a lonely place. One day, I saw these people playing tennis at a park and I was immediately intrigued. I sat on the bench and watched them play for hours. Who knew what that would lead to! It then became my habit. I would go to that same park and just watch people play for hours upon hours. Some of the people would kindly invite me on the court and teach me the fundamentals of the sport and that really sparked my interest.

One day after return from the court, I asked my father to buy me a tennis racquet. Sure enough, the next day, I had one. That was back in 2003 and I have been playing since then. For me, tennis is not just a sport. From that day on, it became a part of my identity because I finally felt a sense of purpose and belonging.

Recently, I had the opportunity to visit the International Tennis Hall of Fame in Newport, Rhode Island. It was a lifelong dream come true and afforded me the opportunity to play on grass! It was absolutely amazing and beautiful.

Tell us a little bit about yourself.

Originally from Louisiana  

Which league are you a member of? 

Tennis League Hampton Roads

How long have you participated in your league?

Since 2017. However, I took a five year hiatus and returned this year. During that hiatus, I played numerous in tournaments across the Hampton Roads area and in San Diego, CA as well.

How did you first learn about it? 

A friend.

How often do you play? 

At least three times as week.

What do you like most about the league? 

The flexibility of scheduling matches.

Tell us about your most memorable match(es): 

I’ve had roughly four matches that have gone the distance (either to seven games or a tiebreaker). These types of matches have been the most memorable for me because the ability to problem solve becomes critically important. Just a few points will make the difference.

In a match that I played back in April 2022, I won the first set 6-4, dropped the second set 6-7 despite having set points in my favor, and eventually won the match in a tightly contested third set tiebreaker.

When placed under the strongest pressure in matches,I take pride being able to meet the moment.

Who are your favorite rivals in the league? Why? 

Brandon Michale Askew and I feel like Josh Diadwick is about to enter that list. For Brandon, I admire his grit and focus on. For Josh, he presents a formidable challenge and I always like a challenge.

Do you play to compete, or for fun? 

Both. However, I prefer to play competitively.

What level player are you? (NTRP rating): 

4.5

What do you love about tennis? 

It’s a sport that requires mental toughness and there’s no one to rely on except yourself. You have to be able to problem solve in real time. Growing up, I suffered from low self-esteem. Tennis helped me with combatting that because as I got better at the sport, my belief in myself increased and that positively affected me not just on the tennis court but outside the line too. It helped with my interpersonal relationships. Integration into working with teams and peers and had influenced me a leader today.

Who are your favorite pro players? Why? 

Serena Williams and Rafael Nadal. Simply put, I love the fight the possess inside of themselves.

Mohammed Audah - In the midst of a year-long tennis sabbatical

Wow, we caught up with Mohammed Audah and his tennis story is wild!  

Tell us a little bit about yourself.

I'm in the middle of a year-long tennis sabbatical. Basically, I'm on leave so I can just play tennis all day. I got so obsessed with tennis two years ago that I think I might have watched every instructional video out there, so now I coach other people who didn't grow up playing. If you see me playing (backward cap and all), you'll also see me smiling. Oh and also, next time I play SJ I'm 100% going to win more than 2 games.  

Which league are you a member of? 

TennisDC with the cool kids.

How long have you participated in your league?

On and off from 2016 (*gulp* getting old-er).

How did you first learn about it? 

Rallying at Banneker Rec Center.

How often do you play? 

Almost every day.

What do you like most about the league? 

The community I've built around it.

Tell us about your most memorable match(es): 

I looked back at my starred matches and it seems like I really enjoy when I win 6-0 6-0 so go figure. I loved beating Alexis Toussaint (1-6 6-4 14-12) because I lost 0-6 1-6 the previous time we'd played, so my redemption tour was complete (think Roger at AO only much slower and fatter). 

Who are your favorite rivals in the league? Why?

I usually like the Nadal-Gasquet type of rivalries in which I never lose, but I'll begrudingly say Brian Seliber cause I'm 0-7 (1-0 in non-tennis DC matches so take that Brian). It's almost (almost!) amusing cause no matter how much I improve it's now in my head. 

How did you get started playing tennis? 

I really really got into it at the start of COVID and now it's an essential part of who I am. 

Do you play to compete, or for fun?

Both. It's an exploration of mind and body for me. It's taught me so much about my self that all aspects of the sport are fascinating to me. 

What level player are you? (NTRP rating):

4.5 (a little generous but don't tell anyone, you have to inflate a little).

What do you love about tennis? 

I have very fun ADHD (attention deficit hyperactivity disorder in case you're lazy), and in so many ways tennis has given me an outlet to just understand more about how I think about the world. I've lost 0-6 0-6, I've won 6-0 6-0, and I hope to always experience every score line in between. 

Who are your favorite pro players? Why? 

I loved Tommy Haas growing up mainly for the backward cap (it's statistical fact that wearing a cap backwards makes you better at tennis). I love Iga Swiatek now, and a little bit of Medvedev villain-ery. 

Tell us a little bit about yourself.

I'm in the middle of a year-long tennis sabbatical. Basically, I'm on leave so I can just play tennis all day. I got so obsessed with tennis two years ago that I think I might have watched every instructional video out there, so now I coach other people who didn't grow up playing. If you see me playing (backward cap and all), you'll also see me smiling. Oh and also, next time I play SJ I'm 100% going to win more than 2 games.  

Jeffrey Dimen - Appreciate all the ups and downs of tennis

Which league are you a member of?

I currently represent the Columbus Tennis League!  Player Profile: https://www.tenniscolumbus.com/127420/profile

How long have you participated in your league?

I have been a member of the Columbus league for the past 5 seasons. Before this, I also participated in the partner program of the Tennis Cincinnati league.

How did you first learn about it?

I first heard about it from one of my friends and hitting partners who I met in Cincinnati. He told me about the league, and after playing a few matches, I was hooked. I was happy to hear that they are active in a lot of other cities across the country, including Columbus.

How often do you play?

I try to play at least 2-3 times a week. If i didn’t work 3 twelve hour shifts a week, I would be hitting a lot more!

What do you like most about the league?

I love how it has connected me to so many different types of people from various backgrounds and walks of life, that have all signed up in this league for the sole purpose of meeting up to play a game of tennis. I couldn’t have imagined when I was younger, playing this much tennis with a bunch of strangers I met online. It gives me something to look forward to on my days off from work, and it has served as a great way of staying active and meeting new people after moving to a new city.

Tell us about your most memorable match(es)

Towards the end of the fall 2021 season, I was on the outside of the playoff picture for the advanced division, and I was on a bit of a losing streak against some of the tougher opponents in the division. I was not playing the greatest tennis.  It was only a few days before the regular season deadline, my playoff chances slim, and I had to win 1 of my next  2 matches to get in. They were both against opponents with stronger records than me, but I came in feeling loose and relaxed and played my game and was able to sneak into the advanced playoffs for the fall by winning both matches in straight sets. 

Who are your favorite rivals in the league? Why?

There are so many great players in my division, top to bottom, and I really believe that anyone can lose on any given day.  Craig, Adam, Adolfo, and Hakan are a few players in my division who I’ve played recently who I feel always give me a good match whenever we play. Craig in particular has only been playing tennis for a year or so, but already hits pretty well, so I think he’ll be scary if he keeps playing.  Also, Enver and Gautam are two guys in the upper division that I’ve crossed paths with that usually get the better of me, but regardless,  I always look forward to playing them because I know I have to be on my game to be able to beat them and I always expect a great battle.

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

My advice for new players would be to appreciate all the ups and downs of tennis because a lot of the mental strength you gain from playing this wonderful sport can also apply to everyday life as well. When I first started competing, I did nothing but lose. Even now, I still lose a lot, but I feel I’ve come a long way.  But tennis is like that sometimes. You’ll be playing great one week and then inexplicably, you might feel like you can't hit the broad side of a barn. But the important thing is to stick with it. You cannot afford to dwell on past mistakes. One thing I love about the league is how you can always schedule another match. No matter how many matches I lose in a row, my mentality never wavers and I approach each match with the intent to improve and a mindset that I'm going to do whatever it takes to win. In my mind, results are just a product of the process, so it is essential not to be discouraged by bad results, but instead focus on the process of improvement.

How did you get started playing tennis?

I have early memories of playing tennis with my dad when I was 6 or 7 years old, but I really didn’t start playing consistently until my sophomore year in high school where I mainly played doubles. 

Do you play to compete, or for fun?

I have the most fun competing, so a bit of both I guess. At the end of the day, this whole league means very little to anyone else outside the league, but you definitely get out what you put in. I feel this league has helped me improve my game tremendously playing so many players with different styles. 

What level player are you? (NTRP rating)

I don’t have an official NTRP rating but I’ve competed in both 3.5/3.75 leagues so somewhere around there. My next goal is to compete at the 4.0-4.5 level. 

What do you love about tennis?  

I love tennis because it provides an outlet from the everyday monotony of life. I also believe that tennis is a sport that challenges you both physically and mentally and helps you become better equipped to deal with adversity.  Just the past few months, I’ve really come to appreciate the constantly changing nature that a competitive tennis match can provide. I’ve tried to shift to a mindset where I look forward to the matches where my opponent is very difficult and nothing is coming easy.  I enjoy the constant problem solving that is involved in tennis and  trying to utilize one’s own strengths and weaknesses,  and figuring out what makes your opponent uncomfortable.  I love the ebbs and flows of gaining the lead, losing the lead, and (hopefully) regaining it back again. I really think that approaching the game in this manner has helped me build resiliency towards life's everyday challenges. Lastly, I also believe that this sport in particular is one that you can play well into adulthood and have longevity if you take care of your body right. 

Who are your favorite pro players? Why?

I will always respect the consistency of the Big 3, but I really am a fan of this next generation of tennis players coming in. Young players like Jannik Sinner, Carlos Alcaraz, Hubert Hurkacz, and Frances Tiafoe to name a few. On the womens side, I really like the game of Iga Swiatek and Leylah Fernandez. I feel like this next crop of young stars will hopefully keep the game exciting and attract new fans. 

What do you do? Where did you grow up? What are your hobbies (besides tennis)?

I work as a registered nurse at an ICU in a nearby hospital. When I’m not playing or watching tennis, I enjoy cycling, reading, playing musical instruments like the ukulele and piano, and spending time with my tabby cat. I also like to hang out with my close friends either by going out to new places to eat, or staying in for a game night.