Sam Pastor--Sports are Life

Sam Pastor is now a veteran player with Tennis Los Angeles. He moved down from Northern California, in the San Francisco Bay area, to LA.

Sam is passionate about sports and started working at a non-profit organization specializing in training and placing youth sports coaches. When he’s not playing tennis he likes to travel, cook and take pictures.

***

Hi Sam. We'd like to hear some of your thoughts and experiences playing in Tennis LosAngeles.com, a division of the Tennis League Network franchise, and to learn a little more about you. 

To start, how long have you been playing tennis? What got you started, as well as what has kept you going? 

I started playing tennis in high school, but to be honest, I've played WAY more tennis in Tennis LosAngeles over the last couple of years than I ever did growing up!

Tennis, in general, is a great game because it demands both physical and mental toughness. You have to be fit so that you can run for hours and hit the ball with consistency. But to win matches that is not enough. You must also be have mental toughness because big points are stressful. Also, tennis is a bit like chess. As the match progresses it's important to identify your opponents weaknesses and find ways to exploit them.

Which league are you a member of and how long have you been participating in it? Also, how did you end up finding out about your league? 

I’m a member of Tennis Los Angeles. I’ve been playing 6 months at the Advanced level (3.75), but I've been a member of Tennis Los Angeles since January 2014.

I first learned about Tennis League Network online, and I wanted to find a league that was competitive but also fun! And I didn't have the money to join a tennis club.

Glad to hear that! And how often are you playing, in general and with the league? 

Around 3-4 times a week.

Now that you’ve played a couple dozen matches in the league, would you consider any of your Tennis LA opponents rivals?

I play against a core group of people who live nearby. On Saturday mornings I like to play with Tynie Pukprayura. He is a 4.5 and I've lost every time we've played but each time I get better. If it wasn't for playing with Ty I don't think I would have done so well in the most recent playoffs.

Any memorable matches? 

This season I made the playoffs on the very last day of the season. In that match I lost the first set but stayed calm and won the second before taking the match in a third set tie breaker.

I made the playoffs as the 14th out of 16th seeds. After knocking out the 3rd seed in the first round I moved onto the quarter finals where I matched up with the same guy I had beat to make the playoffs on the last day of the season. I won the second match too and moved onto the semifinals.

In the semifinals I traveled to Cheviot Hills, a fancy neighborhood on the Westside, where I played the #2 seed. The match was close but I lost 6-3, 5-7, 6-3. I feel really good about this season and hope to improve on my result in Spring #2.

Spring #1 Draw:  https://www.tennislosangeles.com/4365/tournament_report

In the time you’ve been playing, what has made this league stand out from other tennis experiences you’ve had?

I like how I have lots of different people to play against. Everybody is fun to talk to and everybody has a different playing style.

My favorite part of this tennis league is how everybody is competitive but friendly. We all want to win but we want to win the right way. I'd call this healthy competition. It's amazing how much more exercise I can do when thinking about "how to win" rather than "how many more laps."

When it comes to pro tennis, who are your favorite pro players? Why? 

My favorite player to watch is Serena. It's amazing watching her serve and hit ground strokes.

My game most resembles Novak's. I hit the ball consistency, move my opponent around and use short angles.

Definitely a worthy comparison. And thank you Sam again for taking the time to do this interview. Keep up the good work!

40+ Leagues are Coming to a City Near You

To take our leagues to the next level, we plan on creating leagues for individuals age 40 and over in each city. These leagues are designed to bring together active players over age 40 so that they can compete against people of a similar skill level and age group.

The long term goal for the league is to have these 40+ leagues in every city. We will be getting the ball rolling soon, and
TennisDC's Summer Season #2 
will most likely be the first test of the 40+ league concept as we had dozens of players in DC who said they would be interested.

Assuming all goes well we would start running them in LA, Boston and Philadelphia this coming fall season. So while most cities will not see 40+ leagues in 2016, we hope to iron out all the kinks for a full 2017 roll-out.

The Importance of 40+ Leagues

For many active players, age is just a number. And in a perfect world, if the rating system works effectively then the ratings transcend age. Meaning that regardless of age two opponents will be matched up well. The system has worked well so far, but adding 40+ leagues could improve Tennis League Network (TLN) your on court experience moving forward.

For one, some players who are getting more advanced in age won't want to admit they maybe are not a 4.0 anymore because their movement isn't what it used to be. Tennis is a great sport for all ages, but it’s clear that age can slow us down.

Another big factor is that the league has more than just a competitive side. It’s a great social outlet for people to meet others in their area and network with those who also love playing tennis. Most 50 year olds and 20 year olds really don't have too much in common. By having people of the same age bracket play one another they have a much better chance not just being tennis friends but friends outside of tennis.

Drawing in the Crowd 

Tennis isn’t just a young man’s game. There are a lot of players who might have been hesitant to give this program a try because they figured it was geared towards younger people. By having clear-cut divisions based on age, we can assure people that they will be playing someone closer to their age.

To give members more flexibility, we hope to allow 40+ players to still compete in either league during the regular season. During the playoffs the draws will be based upon the age level divisions.

We look forward to rolling out these leagues soon, but don’t wait—get started with our league today. You can sign-up here to join a league near you.  http://www.tennisleaguenetwork.com

Michael Jones--Tennis from Coast to Coast

Michael Jones has earned 'Veteran' status after playing 25 matches as a member of Tennis Los Angeles. Michael grew up in the northwestern part of England, and in 2012 moved to North Carolina. He lived on the beach for a few years and traded in the Atlantic for the Pacific, and now resides in sunny Southern California.

He works as a server in lovely Santa Monica and in addition to playing tennis enjoys hiking in the area.

***

Thanks Michael for joining us. We want to share your experience with TennisLosAngeles.com, a division of the Tennis League Network franchise, as well as a few additional questions about yourself. To get started, when did you first begin playing tennis and what has kept you going?

I started playing tennis approximately 8 years ago. I actually started at a later age, but it has really grown on me. I love everything about tennis. Singles and doubles. To me it doesn't matter who I play as long as I'm playing and staying competitive.

Which league are you a member of and how long have you been participating in it? Also, how did you end up finding out about us?

I haven't been in Los Angeles for long so decided to do some research about tennis leagues and LA. I luckily came across this one on the Internet.

Currently, I am a member of the elite division in Tennis Los Angeles.
I am currently rated 4.5 in the elite league although I originally thought I was a 3.5 but my game has improved so much in 2016.

I'm definitely glad I discovered this league. It is diverse and gives everyone the chance to play people at their level. I believe tennis is for everyone, whether you are beginner or advanced. The more you play the more you improve.

Glad to hear that! And how often are you playing, in general and with the league? 

I try to play 4-5 times a week. The more I play the more I improve. I like the fact that the league is flexible. I am able to find players at my level and can contact them directly to set up matches convenient for both me and the opponent.

After getting a number of matches under your belt, would you consider any of your opponents rivals?

One of my biggest rivals is Tim Griffin from the elite league. The first time I played him I lost in three sets in February. That pushed me to work harder on my game. Since then I've beat him three times. I'm definitely doing something right.

When it comes to pro tennis, who are your favorite pro players? Why?

My favorite pro is Andy Murray. I admire his playing style. He reminds me of myself, I like to think I get a lot of balls back in play. Tennis is not only physical. It is mental. I've had bad days and good days. I remember last year I lost a match and didn't play for two months. I have definitely matured over the last six months in terms of tennis. I motivate myself everyday to play. Some days I play three matches, if I had a choice I would play everyday several times. It's my passion!

Great stuff Michael, and thank you again for taking the time to do this interview. Have fun out there this Spring!

You’re Never Too Old to Play Tennis by Bryan Rosethal

Too often people give up physical activity as they age. Whether it’s achy joints or a lack of time, there are too many reasons people feel like they don’t have time to stay in shape. Tennis is no exception.

People see pro tennis players gliding back and forth across the court and think that they’re too old for that. This is not true!

In fact, tennis is a fantastic sport to play at any age especially as you get older. One of the reasons many people get started playing tennis is because they know it’s a game they can play the rest of their life.

Whether you’re looking to get started at an older age, or want to learn how to stay healthy while playing tennis, read these tips:

Preventing Injuries

A lot of older people are worried about getting injured or aggravating a preexisting injury when starting a new sport or physical activity. Tennis is one of the safest sports out there, and a perfect fit for all fitness levels.

That said, tennis injuries can happen. These may include a twisted ankle, tennis elbow, or wrist pain. Whether it’s an acute injury, or long-term pain do not wait to treat it!

Hopefully you won’t get injured playing tennis, but you should always be prepared. In general, you can help prevent injuries by staying in great shape. This may include doing regular agility drills, yoga, weight lifting, or even just walking. You’ll have to tailor your workout routine to any preexisting health conditions and your current fitness level. Injuries occur often because the body is not equipped to take on new physical stress, so you must adequately prepare your body beforehand.

Additionally, you should warm-up before any match. When your muscles are cold, you put yourself at greater risk of injury during a match. A warm-up routine should include head to toe exercises including stretching, jumping jacks, arm circles to name a few examples. Rallying back and forth with a partner is important to not just for your technique, but to acclimate to running back and forth on the court.

Proper Nutrition

Diet is so important for so many reasons. It determines our weight, our energy levels and even things like joint and bone health that many of us don’t think about. If you’re going to be an active tennis player, you must make sure to have a healthy, balanced diet to provide enough energy, but not cause fat gain.

Additionally, you always want to stay hydrated—both on and off the court.

Finding Partners

A lot of 40+ players may be scratching their head at where to find players. Definitely keep an eye on your local league as we hope to running 40+ leagues in most cities by 2017. Instead of looking to join an expensive tennis club, check out the Tennis League Network’s …to check out the competition in your area.

The Purity of Competition Rule and How it Defines TLN

       While a relaxing afternoon playing tennis with a friend or family member is always fun, there's nothing like grinding it out on the tennis court, fighting for every point against a player that is equally matched. It's this competitive nature of Competitive Tennis that keeps a large portion of the players to our league coming back season after season.

      In order to make sure all league participants are getting set up with well matched opponents Tennis League Network (TLN) uses this rule to guide our program:

That's why we have Rule #27--Purity of Competition Rule:
Rule #27) Purity of Competition Rule Tennis League Network reserves the right to move a player up or down a division/level based on how they performed in the previous season or during the CURRENT season.
A player can get promoted several ways.
1) By making the finals of their division's playoffs.
2) A player can also be moved up or down during the season based on how they have performed during the season. If a player has averaged a score of 12-4 or less for 3 of their matches they will be a candidate for moving up or down a division.
3) Inverse is true for a player that has lost 3 of their by an average score of 12-4 or less.

 

Why We Created This Rule

      To strive to be the best league on the market, Tennis League Network needed a way to bring quality of matching to the program. We wanted to ensure that people were getting matched up with people at their level consistently. Our veteran players return season after season because they feel pretty confident that they are getting matched with players that give them a tough, but fair match.

      When our league was created we used 'out of the box' thinking and forged our own path. We are more flexible than all the other leagues because we ARE willing to make the tough or sometimes easy decisions to move players up or down levels in season. We can do in season moves because we are not defined by a concrete schedule with a small set of players.

Changing Divisions

      It can be tough for players (especially new players who are the hardest to initially place) to be moved up or down a level. For those who are a candidate to move down, it can be a big blow to the ego. For those who are doing well, they want to keep winning and would prefer to stay where they are. However, it is in the best interest of EVERYONE in the league that people are put in the proper leagues especially after we've received the results/proof from the matches. We have many busy professionals/stay at home moms/college students who regularly set time aside to play tennis, and they expect that when they show up they'll be facing an opponent who is at their level.

      We don't just stop at one adjustment in a season, if the results dictate to move a player multiple levels WE WILL DO IT.   We are that FLEXIBLE.  The true definition of a Flex League.

    

SPECIAL NOTE:  We are also watching the tennis partner program, tennis ladder and tournament matches for ratings adjustments.   Sadly we've noticed a lot of NEW players under-rating themselves for their first tournament entry.  That's why in this case we are putting all NEW players into the highest level tournament.

The Tennis League Network Difference

      What makes our league different is an attentiveness to the needs of our players. We CARE about our players and their time spent playing tennis.  This rule is solely in place to make sure everyone is enjoying their season and return for future seasons.

      Not a member of Tennis League Network yet?

     JOIN THE FLEX REVOLUTION!

If you're looking to play competitive tennis matches in your area, make sure to Sign-Up for a local league.

Steve Ograyensek--Tennis Never Gets Old

Steve Ograyensek grew up in Western PA and spent some time in Detroit, Michigan--cities without much in the way of tennis facilities. Fortunately he's found his way down to Central Florida where there is plenty of tennis to keep him busy during retirement.

And Steve isn't just playing tennis, he's enjoying sports and activities including football, softball, biking, motorcycling, snorkeling, paddle boarding, and has recently started juggling. He believes 'the individual motor skills required of each sport greatly compliment each other in a synergistic manner in motor skills required for other sports' and it's for this reason he's crossed over into many disciplines.

He's got plenty of experiences to share and we were happy to have him tell his story.

***

Thanks Steve for joining us to answer a few of our questions. We want to share some of your thoughts and experiences about your passion for playing tennis, your experience with Tennis-Orlando.com a division of the Tennis League Network franchise, as well as a few additional questions. To get started, when did you first begin playing tennis? 

I always just wanted to play after seeing it on TV and having previously played baseball and football.  My father got me a cheap aluminum racket to get started in the late 1960s. I have played ever since but never formally coached on any organized team at any level.

As someone who has many years under their belt, what do you love about tennis? 

I always loved sports like playing football and baseball as a kid. Tennis is very similar to baseball such as fielding ground balls and making the play, batting, and pitching. In tennis you perform these skills every point with volleys, ground strokes, and serves, plus in baseball you're waiting around for a ground ball to be hit to you, and getting up to bat.

I love singles tennis in that it is an individual sport with no one to blame for lack of success but yourself. Also love the fact that tennis is relatively low impact, hard to get injured playing, and therefore can be played well into senior years. I want to remain competitive with younger opponents as long as I can.

That's definitely a worthy goal, and a great way to keep feeling young. Which league are you a member of and how long have you been participating in it? 

Tennis-Orlando Division A, Men's Advanced 4.0, playing in my 3rd season.

And how often are you playing, in general and with the league? 

Four to five times per week: Saturday with my girlfriend (USTA 4.5 rated); Sunday with old friends; Tuesday and Friday Mornings with retired friends; and a Tennis-Orlando league match when I can schedule it during the week

As someone who plays a ton of tennis, what is it about this league that makes it different from others?

Meeting interesting people in different professions from many different places and making new friends. So far I have played league players from Brazil, Italy, Cuba, Peru, Spain, and Puerto Rico. Two were former members of national Olympic teams (not in tennis). Several were former collegiate tennis players. Professions include sports director, web application designer, MD /Psychiatrist, computer programmer, lawyer, salesmen, and local small business owner.

Ages range from the mid 20s to over sixty. ( I believe I am the oldest player at 61). All are highly competitive and excellent sportsman. The tennis league seems to attract accomplished individuals from all over the world.

You must have had a lot of interesting conversations with all of them. We’re there a lot of particularly memorable matches as well? 

A few come to mind:

1) Marathon 2.5 hour match with Yamil Flores, momentum flowing back and forth in 92 degree Florida afternoon heat; no one wanted to give up, but I prevailed. Played Yamil 3 times so far, prevailed each time, but all close matches
2) Prevailed over Mark Ruiz, a much younger superior player (also former US Olympic Diver), in three sets. I should have lost but was "in the zone" and could do no wrong that match. I am 1 for 3 with Mark so far.
3) Getting 3 games in the first set off Brad Ellenwood, a younger, superior 6 ft 4 in former collegiate player. Lost second set 6-0. I am 0 for 3 with Brad so far.

Of those players, would you consider any of them rivals? 

I enjoy the challenge of playing Brad Ellenwood and getting any games knowing he is the far younger, taller, superior player. I’m sure finally beating him would be pretty rewarding.

When it comes to pro tennis, who are your favorite pro players? Why?

Roger Federer; poetry in motion. He makes everything look easy. Conditioned to the point where he plays a long five set match and can meet with the Press afterward as if he had done nothing physically demanding.

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

I like the user friendly web site listing all publicly accessible courts, league rules encouraging players to share fees and meet half way, and completely flexible scheduling. Also like the profile information available on opponents including their legacy match records, favorite players, shots, preferences, and photos.

Great stuff Steve, and thank you again for taking the time to do this interview. Have fun out there this Spring! 

How to Prepare for Your Spring Tennis Leagues

Spring has finally sprung! After a cold winter for the northerners, the weather is finally starting to warm up which means it’s time to dust off your tennis racquet and hit the tennis courts. But before you dive right into one of our Spring leagues, there are a few things to remember:

Check Your Health 

Because of the cold weather, winter can keep us inside more than we like. This means that weight gain is all too common because of lack of exercise. These extra pounds can really creep up on you and can definitely have an impact on your game whether it’s achy knees or more huffing and puffing than usual.

To make sure everything is in good order, it’s always a good idea to get a yearly physical, especially before staring up your Spring tennis league. Doctors will be able to mitigate any health issues that may potentially hold you back from getting the most out of your league.

The league also suggests that players use shorter formats to start the season off. Play 10 game pro sets or 2 sets with a super tie-breaker. There's no need to stress your body out by trying to play a grueling 3 set match until your body is ready for it.

Make Sure Your Gear is in Order 

Don’t wait until your first match to find out that you need your racquet restrung! Go through all your tennis equipment including your racquet, shoes, and bag to make sure that they are in order.

This is also a good time to replenish your tennis balls, as no player wants to use a set of tennis balls that’s been sitting in a closet for several months.

Definitely check in with our partner Tennis Warehouse to pick up any necessary supplies you might need.

Get Into Shape 

If you find that your health is not quite where you want it to be, than you better get down to work in the gym. Basic cardiovascular exercise like running, using a machine like the elliptical, or doing some agility drills is an excellent idea.

Remember to take it easy at first. Your body needs time to acclimate to this new activity so start out at a slower pace, and work your way up until it’s time to get started with regular league matches. Getting into shape also means eating healthy. Not only will this help you shed any extra weight you’ve packed on, but a good diet will help you recover from workouts faster.

It's definitely a great idea to cross train in between matches so you're body can get stronger for future matches.

Set Goals 

Although your New Year’s Resolutions are a few months behind you, that’s no reason to not set goals for your 2016 tennis activity. You can choose to design your goals in several different ways. One example would be to set a goal of playing at least two matches per week. Another goal would be to win 10 matches in a season. Another goal to try for is to make the playoffs for each and every season you enter in.  Of course trying to win a championship will be on a lot of people's goal list.  In general, your goal should get you playing more frequently and ENJOY YOURSELF ON THE TENNIS COURTS.

Sign-Up For a Local League 

The best way to play regular tennis matches with those at your level is to sign-up for a seasonal league with the Tennis League Network. Our league guarantees at least 6 playing partners at your level in your area, although the pool is usually closer to 15+ players per division.

The league allows for flexible scheduling. This is great for hard-working professionals and busy parents who feel like they just can’t find time to fulfill their love for tennis and balancing the sport with their lifestyle.

Don't let this Spring season pass you by, find your local league and Sign up today.

Jeff Schumer--A Well Deserved Champion

Jeff Schumer is a long time member of our league. He's plays in TennisNorthEast the Metro Boston Tennis League out of Boston, but recently took a trip to the West Coast and captured the West Coast championship trophy. It's an accomplishment Jeff is proud of and we're happy to see him win.

Jeff (Jeff's Profile) has a number of fun stories and memorable matches to share with us. He even has a couple of things to say about Steve Chagnon, Tennis League Network's CEO. We hope you get a kick out of this interview.

***

Thanks Jeff for joining us to answer a few of our questions. We'd like to share your experiences with the league, your passion for the game and more about yourself in general. For starters, when did you first begin playing tennis?

I was around it very early in my life as my uncle and his children played and exposed me to it maybe when I was about 7 or 8 years. However, I did not get interested in it and start playing it until my early teens when I started just banging against a brick wall of a high school gym and found a group of people to play with at that same high school's courts. I then got onto my high school team and was hooked. I've been playing on and off (mostly on) throughout my life.

As an active player and fan of the game, what do you love about tennis?

It suits me...I am fast, like the strategy involved (like being in a chess match), and just enjoy never being able to never be out of a match and have a chance to come back and win. But, I also have loved the social aspect of the game-I have met SO many people playing this great game. Of course, there's endless places to explore in the world where you can play it as well.

Which league are you a member of and how long have you been participating in it?

I just completed the fall 2015 season with Tennis Northeast , with a 3.75 rating

I've been a member since it's inception which I think was in 2006. I played for about 3 years and than just got busy with my family and playing tennis in a local league and a summer club where I belong. I played with Steve Chagnon when first he took over this type of league and then exploded the concept of it. However, previously it was run at an extremely basic level in which we just got names on numbers snail mailed to us and there were no different divisions by level, records of results in any manner, hailing local champions, or hosting National Tournaments.

Ten years is quite impressive! It's always great to see people join something and stick with it. And how often are you playing, in general and with the league?

My playing varies. When I was a kid and had no responsibilities I played daily 4-6 hours a day. Now, if I play 1-2 times a week I count myself lucky.

I have numerous tennis involvements between a local club league, a World Team Tennis team of which I am a Captain, having been on multiple teams (and having gone to Nationals twice in 2014!), playing with my family, and of course Tennis Northeast. As per a lot of tennis people I have met, you could say I'm sort of obsessed.

As someone who plays a ton of tennis, what is it about this league that makes it different from others?

The flexibility of scheduling matches that suits your own schedule, having players at my level (Tennis League Network has a way of really matching people extremely well by their ability for fun and highly competitive matches), and meeting various new players I would never have had the chance to meet.

Since you have so much experience under your belt, can you tell us about your most memorable match(es).

I have so many, but I will mention four. Playing in a Father-Son tournament this last summer at Longwood Club in Boston. We got crushed in every match, but just being out their with my son amongst so many phenomenal players was a memory of a lifetime.

For Tennis Northeast I played one regular season match in a town far from me and only accessible by one main road. We set our match for 5 pm. Anyway, I got there 15 minutes late due to the traffic. My partner and I agreed to play to a set time. When we reached that time, I had won by games (like 6-4, 4-3). However, he argued that since I was late we should play out the rest of the match. I reluctantly agreed and then went on to lose the match by a game or two.

I played a match for the championship of my local division this past fall against a higher ranked and so much younger opponent. I'm 54 and this guy was 26. We played 3 sets in 4 hours! I was happy to take it all in the 3rd set.

I just played in a National Tourney in L.A. this past January, 2016 in the 3.5 Level Division. I surprisingly made it to the finals as I had no expectations going in. I played against Darren Smolkin who I thought was the guy to beat. It was a 10 game pro set. I went down quickly 6-1 letting him dictate play. However, I got fired up/inspired by Steve C. who was watching the match and just told me to take "show some balls" as how I usually hit pretty hard. I ultimately started dictating the match and won 10-9 to capture the Championship. It has been the pinnacle of my amateur tennis "career."

Those are some great stories. In addition to those matches, who are your favorite rivals in the league? Why?

Believe it or not Steve Chagnon and I have been battling it out ever since I decided to jump back into the league this fall after my 6 year hiatus. We have had several matches go down to the last game or even point. He makes me run and attacks strong at the net which often puts me on my heels. I think I edge him overall in matches won, but before this year he called me his daddy as I owned him.

I'm sure Steve is going to ask for a rematch after that! When it comes to pro tennis, who are your favorite pro players? Why?

There have been SO many greats over the years. The classics like John McEnroe (who I used to be like with my antics), Jimmy Connors, Steffi Graf, Williams sisters, Andre Agassi, Roger. Basically I really have found the tops at the game to be phenomenal to watch, root for, and learn from.

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

It really is very user friendly with the Website and Tennis League Network is constantly tweaking it to make it fun and competitive for everyone. I wish somehow the mixed doubles could become more popular, but it's great for those who really like singles.

Well once again a big thanks for your time. Good luck out on the court this season!

Adam Cooper -- Tennis, Teaching and Rotting Pyramids

We’re happy to feature Adam Cooper this week who hails from our nation’s capital, Washington DC. Congratulations are in order as Adam has hit the 100 matches milestone as a member of TennisDC—an impressive mark that we like to regularly recognize with our players.

He got his start playing tennis by hitting balls endlessly against the side of the local high school wall when he was 12 years old—humble origins, indeed. Clearly Adam has continued to enjoy the game for years, which we love to see.

Adam is certainly an interesting tennis player. By day Adam is a busy teacher, who also plays oboe with a local chamber and takes regular trips to Latin America to take in the architecture—very neat! We asked Adam a few more questions about his experiences with TennisDC, thoughts on the sport and his personal life.

 ***

Adam, thanks for taking the time to answer some of our questions. To start, could you tell us a little bit more about yourself in your own words?

I grew up in Rockville, and after a circuitous route, which took me to Minnesota and Colorado, came back here to settle down. I am a Montessori school teacher, teaching children between the ages of three and six. I play tennis primarily during the summer, and spend my winter months playing oboe for a local chamber music group. I love Mesoamerican archaeology, and every year or two try to visit some rotting pyramids in Mexico or Guatemala. 

I’m actually born and raised in the DC area myself—great to see! What league in particular are you a member of in TennisDC?

I’m in TennisDC’s Winter Elite/Advanced league, and I’m a 4.0 level player.

And since you joined, about how often do you play? 

Well, I'm a teacher—so in the summer I play three or four times a week, and during the school year maybe once a week.

Being a teacher certainly has its perks. How long have you participated in your specific league? 

For the TennisDC league I joined in June 2011, but didn't start playing seriously until June 2014.

In all the years you've been playing tennis, what do you love most about it?

It's boxing at a distance. It's civilized fighting. It's not a team sport: it's just you and another opponent, and you can only rely on your own strengths and weaknesses to get through a match.

That’s certainly an interesting way of phrasing it—I’ll have to keep that in mind! Since joining TennisDC, what is it that you like most about the league in particular?

I like how flexible it is. You can play as much or as little as you want, and the playoff format provides some additional incentive and structure.

Absolutely. And can you tell us about your most memorable match in the league? Or multiple matches if possible.

I had a very good week or so during July 2014, when I won several 6-0 sets in a row and was promoted from Advanced to Elite. I remember fondly a match against Roger Fox where I did not lose a game and was in "god mode". A swift reality check followed however, once I was promoted I found it difficult to win sets, let alone matches...

How about rivals in TennisDC?

I enjoy playing Abhi Garg, Roger Fox, and Clark Campbell. they all have different styles, and enjoy talking tennis after a match.

We’re curious: Do you have a favorite tennis pro, or did you have one growing up?

I grew up watching Stefan Edberg, a very stylish player who could produce amazing angles while volleying. He combined a totally passive personality with an extremely aggressive game, and I always enjoyed that contrast.

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

I just really enjoy the wide variety of players that are out there: Power players, pushers, serve and volleyers, strategic thinkers, etc. You can pick up a match any week you want.

Well said. And we thank you for your time, and best of luck on your future matches and endeavors.

Lucas Natalini--Where Have all the Clay Courts Gone?

Today Lucas Natalini joins us to share his experience with Tennis League Network after having reached 'Veteran Status' after playing 25 games.  He's a member of the Tennis Los Angeles franchise and currently plays on the Westside of town.

Lucas came to the US 5 years ago. His first tennis games here were tough as he had become so used to playing on slower clay courts, which are everywhere in Buenos Aires. After putting in work he is back on his game. He's come a long way and he hopes to win his division.

Congratulations are also in order as he and his wife are expecting their first child next year.

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Hi Lucas. Thanks for taking the time to share your experience with the league so far. To start, could you tell us a little bit more about yourself? 

I was born in Buenos Aires, Argentina. 99% of the courts are clay courts so the game is slower. When I was 23 I went to a concert and I met an American girl who was taking Spanish classes in Argentina. She was the reason why I moved to the US. We are now married and expecting our first child next year.

I moved to the US in 2010 and I remember that the first few matches I played were the first on hard courts. I was lost. The ball was bouncing so low and after the bounce it was traveling through the air so fast. I lost pretty much all the matches I played for a year or so.

I was only playing with people I knew through work and some relatives and in 2013 I started doing some research online and I found this league. I thought the concept was great so I gave it a try. I  played 5 matches and I only won one. I had to stop playing tennis because I was overwhelmed with my new job.

This year I felt that I really wanted to play tennis and the only way to get good at it is to do it regularly. I took classes with a great coach for about 8 weeks. This fall season is my third tournament in 2015 and I fell my game has improved a lot. I hope I can win my division sometime.

Which league are you a member of? 

Tennis Los Angeles's  West - Div. C: Men's Competitive2 3.25

And since you joined, about how often do you play? 

2 or 3 matches a week. A few months ago I decided to start playing only during daytime. After working 8 hours in front of a computer, I cannot see the ball at night :)

How long have you participated in your specific league? 

I played one tournament in 2013 and this is the third I played in 2015.

In all the years you've been playing tennis, what do you love most about it?

I like that you are on the court by yourself. I grew playing soccer, rugby and volleyball and in those sports there is always somebody to help you. In tennis, it's just you. No matter how much professional players like to thank their coaches and physical trainers, the person on court is the one doing the job. I like that I am the one winning or losing a match.

Since joining, what is it that you like most about our league in particular? 

A few things. I like the competition, getting to know my opponent and also, I like that we are all trying to get better. I can definitely notice some improvements in some guys.

Can you tell us about your most memorable match in the league? Or multiple matches?

I was playing Steve Chocron for the first time. We both have similar game styles. We went to a third set. I was serving 3-4 and 30-40. It was after 9PM. I faulted on my first serve and the employee from Roxbury comes and says: "Guys, I am going home"...and he turned off the lights.

So Steve and I met again the following week and that whole week the only thing I was thinking was that whatever I did, I could not double fault. That is what ended up happening. He started serving 5-3 and somehow I broke his serve. We got to the tiebreaker and he beat me. It was a great match and after that match I definitely learn how important the mental part is in tennis.

Based on your picture, we're guessing Roger Federer is your favorite player. If so, why?

I have always looked at sports the same way. If you want to win you need to attack. Federer attacks since the first point. I can write a book about all the reasons why I think he is great. Just to answer the question I think his game represents the way I would like to play tennis.

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

I really enjoy the fact that we are all taking time from our lives to play this beautiful sport.

Excellent. Well thank you for your time, and best of luck on your future matches.