New York Tennis Magazine July/August 2014

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Statements of fact and opinion in New YorkTennis Magazine are the responsibility of theauthors alone and do not imply an opinion on thepart of United Sports Publications Ltd. New YorkTennis Magazine reserves the right to edit, rejectand/or postpone the publication of any articles,information or data.

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New York Tennis Magazine

Andrew EichenholzEditorial Contributor

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Calvin RhodenStaff Photographer

Kelly KeenanIntern

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Michael LiebmanIntern

Samantha SklarIntern

Feature Stories4 Locals Take Center Stage to Advance at U.S. Open Qualifiers

Locals moving on to the U.S. Open National Playoffs Championships.

12 Nearly 3,400 Take Part in Groundbreaking Second Annual New York Tennis ExpoNew York Tennis Magazine hosts the largest grassroots tennis event in thenation, the Second Annual NY Tennis Expo.

20 Nearly 700 Battle It Out for NYJTL Mayor’s CupThe USTA Billie Jean King National Tennis Center recently hosted more than700 juniors as they battled for the 2014 Mayor’s Cup.

Additional Features8 Making the Cut at the U.S. Open Ballperson Tryouts By Michele Lehat10 Learning the Game at the Grassroots Level By Juan Oscar Rios32 John McEnroe Tennis Academy Hosts 300 Scholarship Hopefuls32 NYJTL Instructs NYC Teachers for Its School-Time Tennis Program33 New York’s Finest Shine at States35 Inaugural American Collegiate Invitational to be Held at 2014 U.S. Open38 Tennis: The Sport of a Lifetime By Xavier Luna40 The Benefits of Training With Low-Compression Balls By Carl Thorsen41 An Interview With Christina Bracken of ZEMgear44 What Does It Take to Make a Champion? By Gilad Bloom48 Getting a Handle on Tennis Grips By Richard Thater

Columns6 College Tennis Spotlight: Mythbusters By Ricky Becker18 Tips From the Tennis Pro: Crushing the Breaker By John W. Sherwood22 The Pink Elephant on the Court By Rob Polishook, MA, CPC24 USTA Metro Region Update27 Metro Corporate League Recap, Presented by Advantage Tennis Clubs34 A Closer Look at Tennis Tech: ZOGO Tennis36 Fitness & Nutrition By Irina Belfer-Lehat, RD, CDN39 The Jensen Zone By Luke Jensen51 New York Tennis Club Directory52 New York Rankings55 USTA/Metropolitan Region 2014 Tournament Schedule

Table Of ContentsJUL/AUG 2014 • Vol 4, No 4

Cover photo credit: Ronald Martinez

Serena Set to Storm Into the Summer By Andrew EichenholzComing off an abrupt Wimbledon exit, Serena looks to stormback in Queens at the 2014 U.S. Open and finish the year ona high note. See page 28

New York Tennis Magazine is published bi-monthly by United Sports Publications Ltd. • Copyright © 2014 United Sports Publications Ltd.


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The sun finally came out for the finalists ofthe U.S. Open National Playoffs Qualifiersevent at the USTA Billie Jean King NationalTennis Center, and after a week of rain andmatches being played indoors, the playersreturned outside to play in the warmweather. The Men’s Final featured PhillipSimmonds, a pro at John McEnroe TennisAcademy/Sportime Randall’s Island, andBrooklyn, N.Y.’s Gary Kushnirovich in ahighly anticipated battle.

“After playing inside for a few days, wewere out in the sun and the wind, and I hadto adjust my game a little,” said Simmondswho noted that it was difficult to pass hisopponent, Kushnirovich, in the windyconditions.

“I just tried to hit a lot of slices and toldmyself to stay calm with the elements,” saidSimmonds. “I got some early breaks andwas also able to get a lot of first serves in.”

The strategy worked for Simmonds, as hedefeated Kushnirovich in straight sets, 6-3,6-2 to earn a spot in the U.S. Open Men’sNational Playoffs Championship.

In the Women’s Singles Final, 18-year-old Rima Asatrian of Tenafly, N.J. foughtback to win her match after losing theopening set 0-6 to Petra Januskova ofCanada. Asatrian got off to a shaky firstset, filled with errors, to beat the 22-year-old Januskova, 0-6, 7-5, 6-4.

“I got off to a slow start and was very nerv-ous,” said Asatrian, who was defeated in thewomen’s final two years ago. “I told myselfto be more aggressive and take advantageof opportunities, and it worked for me.”

Asatrian, who will attend Columbia Uni-versity in the fall, was all smiles after hermatch win.

“I am so excited, and am really looking for-ward to playing in the next qualifier to hope-fully get to the U.S. Open,” said Asatrian.

The Mixed-Doubles Final featured fourplayers from Long Island, as Cory Parr and

his partner Elizabeth Kobak, both JerichoHigh School graduates, faced off againstSouthampton’s Hleb Maslau & SimonaWeymar. After losing a competitive first set4-6, Parr & Kobak gave it their all in the sec-ond, but Maslau & Weymar held steady andwere able to pull out the 6-4, 6-3 win.

“I think we communicated well with eachother on the court and picked up eachother’s energy level,” said Maslau, who is ateaching pro at the Ross School TennisAcademy in East Hampton, N.Y. “I felt wemade a lot of the important points through-out the match, and there were a couple ofdeuce points that we got lucky on.”

The U.S. Open National Playoffs is a se-ries of tournaments that gives any player 14years of age or older who meets eligibilityrequirements the opportunity to qualify for

the 2014 U.S. Open. The winner of eachSectional Qualifying Tournament in each di-vision (Men’s Singles, Women’s Singlesand Mixed-Doubles) will advance to theU.S. Open National Playoffs Champi-onships in their respective division. Thewinner of each Singles Championship (onemale and one female) will receive a wildcard entry to compete in the 2014 U.S.Open Qualifying Tournament (Aug. 19-22)and the winner of the Mixed-DoublesChampionship (one team) will receive awild card entry to compete in the 2014 U.S.Open Mixed-Doubles Championship (com-mencing Aug. 27) at the USTA Billie JeanKing National Tennis Center.

Gary Simeone is writing intern/public relationsassociate for New York Tennis Magazine.

Locals Take Center Stageto Advance at U.S. Open QualifiersBy Gary Simeone

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1-Women’s Singles Final winner, 18-year-old Rima Asatrian of Tenafly, N.J.2-Brooklyn, N.Y.’s Gary Kushnirovich was runner-up in the men’s singles draw3-The team of Cory Parr & Liz Kobak, both graduates of Jericho High School, finished runners-up in themixed-doubles qualifiers draw4-Phillip Simmonds, a pro at John McEnroe Tennis Academy/Sportime Randall’s Island, was victorious inthe Men’s Singles Final

6 New York Tennis Magazine • July/August 2014 • NYTennisMag.com

By Ricky Becker

Skidmore graduate OliverLoutsenko left Skidmorewith three All-Americanyears under his belt, as

well as being named Liberty ConferencePlayer of the Year. Not just MVP of histeam, but of the entire league. As a juniortennis player, Oliver had the opportunityto go D3 instead of D1. We asked himabout that decision and his overall im-pression of the Division III landscape. I re-ally like his answer to the last questionabout advice he would give to playerslooking for a college, especially in Divi-sion III.

I’m sure you hadopportunities toplay Division I ten-nis coming out ofthe juniors, why didyou decide on Divi-sion III?Oliver Loutsenko:

Growing up and planning for college, therewas always a huge priority placed on edu-cation. While there are a fair amount ofgood academic D1 schools, I felt like goingto a good D3 program that would give methe best opportunity to enjoy my collegetennis experience, while making sure I hadmore than enough time to focus on aca-demics and not missing out on the other

things college has to offer.

What are some of the advantages/dis-advantages of playing D3?Loutsenko: As for advantages, playing D3gives you plenty of time for academics,hanging out with friends, seeing your family,even doing something extracurricular likeplaying intramural sports such as flag foot-ball or indoor soccer. As for disadvantages,if you’re a highly-ranked junior, you may findthat it’s not always exciting competition wise,depending on what conference you’re in orwhat team you’re on. The top of D3 tennis isstill very high quality, but sometimes, you’llfeel like the tennis isn’t always the levelyou’ve been accustomed to in juniors.

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Did you have a preference of playingjuniors versus college?Loutsenko: I’d have to say I prefer college.Having constant support from teammatesmakes it a lot more fun to compete. Also,traveling with your friends and hanging outmakes going to matches and tournamentsa lot more fun as well.

Was there anything you didn’t expectabout your college tennis experience?Loutsenko: I wouldn’t say there was awhole lot I didn’t expect. There was a lotof practicing, training, tough matches,lengthy road trips, and other things Igrew accustomed to in junior tennis. Theone thing I will say about D3 tennis isthat the sportsmanship is generally atanother level from junior tournaments—far less cheating, more gamesmanship,etc. One thing that was a bit difficult toget used to was playing on a team. Injuniors, with the exception of a coupletournaments like Zonals and Intersec-tionals, you play exclusively for yourself(and some people for their parents).Playing on a team is a totally different

mindset when you have teammates onadjacent courts who are cheering foryou, and at the same time, are relying onyou for motivation and support.

What was the highlight of your collegetennis career?Loutsenko: I think it would be appropri-ate to give two highlights, a team high-light and individual highlight as the fallseason is generally considered individual,while the spring is team. My best individ-ual moment was my senior year, winningour regional tournament in both singlesand doubles with one of my best friendson the team, in the same day. By far thehighlight of my career as a player on theteam was beating Williams 5-4 my senioryear in my first singles match back from afractured wrist.

What advice would you give someonegoing to college as far as choosing be-tween various schools?Loutsenko: I’d say that anyone going toa D3 school in the northeast should placea high importance of how well they get

along with members of the team on theirrecruiting visit that will be around in thefuture. Many of the schools are very closeto each other in terms of academics andtennis team pedigree, and you’re gener-ally not going to get a genuine feel forwhether you’ll like the coaching staff justbased off a recruiting visit. In my opinion,whether or not you like the team and howwell you get along with them will decidewhether you stay at that school for fouryears. It can make or break your collegeexperience because your teammates willalmost definitely be amongst your bestfriends at school.

Ricky Becker is the founder of JuniorTen-nisConsulting LLC, director of Tennis atPine Hollow Country Club and independ-ently coaches high-performance juniorsyear-round. Ricky was named the Most Valu-able Player for the 1996 NCAA Champi-onship Stanford Tennis Team and was atop-five nationally-ranked junior. He can bereached by e-mail at [email protected],by phone at (516) 605-0420 or via Ju-niorTennisConsulting.com.

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The U.S. Open is one of the most anticipatedevents in the New York area, serving as amecca for all tennis fanatics worldwide.Without the help of close to 2,000 employ-ees on the sidelines and behind the scenes,the Open would not run as smoothly as itdoes. From the chair umpires, to the linejudges, to court attendants and ballboys andgirls, every worker plays a crucial role in theoverall success of the event.

The skies were a bit cloudy, but theweather held up perfectly for the Annual U.S.Open Ballperson Tryouts on June 19th ashundreds of young hopefuls sat anxiously inthe stands of the USTA Billie Jean King Na-tional Tennis Center, waiting to be called ontothe courts to be evaluated. As U.S. OpenBallperson Director Tina Tapps stood in frontof the crowd, warning them of possible hotweather conditions, and the importance ofvigor and animation on the job, it was evidentthat the hundreds of teens were truly excited.Of course, this was understandable for per-forming a series of practice runs, catchesand throws in front of the judges for their ap-proval is always a bit intimidating.

Considering what goes into the selectionprocess of becoming a ballperson, includinggood hand-eye coordination, perfect pos-ture, faultless court etiquette, and of course,complete awareness of every point during amatch, it’s only logical that there is a series ofthree rigorous tryout rounds. The first roundinvolves a crew of evaluators, assessingthrowing and running skills to determine thefew make the cut and advance to the sec-ond round. Then, a small interview follows,as the hopefuls are asked various questions.When that carefully selected batch movesonward, a couple of training sessions followsas they become acquainted with the properon-court routine. The final determination ofbecoming a U.S. Open ballperson is doing agood job during the qualification rounds.

Last year, nearly 600 hopefuls tried out forone of these coveted spots, and only around200 made it. The tryouts were not to betaken lightly either, as those selected areeventually trusted to rub shoulders withsome of the greatest athletes in the world,not to mention in front of enormous crowds.

I had a chance to chat with a few of thosetrying out to get their take on the overall ex-perience …

l Esther Chikvashvili, who served as aballperson for one year, but must gothrough another tryout round like all theother one-year ballpeople. When askedis she was nervous, she replied, “Not re-ally, because I have the experience of

being a ballgirl last year. It’s one of themost amazing experiences because weget to be really up close and personalwith the professional tennis players wesee on TV.”

l Stephanie Chikvashvili, when asked ofher assessment of the tryouts, “It was alittle intimidating. I had to run a few times,pick up balls, and throw them back tothe players. They asked me to standstraight with my arms behind my back. Ireally hope I make it.”

l Alex Chu on the day’s events, “It was agreat experience, and overall, I think I didpretty well.”

l Darnell Forrester on his chances of mak-ing the cut, “Hopefully I’m a finalist thisyear. I think I did very well. I kind of knewwhat to expect and what they were look-ing for, so I think it went real well.”

l Mark Gakin was a U.S. Open ballboy for11 years and was on hand helping outwith this year’s tryouts. When askedwhat keeps him coming back, Markreplied, “I’m in love with the atmosphereand tennis of course. It’s an unbelievableopportunity to work with players. It’s agood time … there are really a tight knitgroup.”

l Maya Simone on her first trip to the U.S.Open Ballpersons tryouts, “This was myfirst year. The experience was fun, as myfriend and I tried out together. When wehad to run across the court to pick up theball, I think I did well. I think I could of didbetter throwing the ball across the court.”

Michelle Lehat is an intern with New YorkTennis Magazine.

Making the Cut at the

U.S. Open Ballperson TryoutsBy Michele Lehat

Credit all photos to Calvin Rhoden


By Juan Oscar Rios

My tennis career began atan early age with the bestcoach and teacher a boycan have … my father. I

was born in 1966 in San Juan, Puerto Rico,at a time when my father was the tennis proat the beautiful Rockefeller Resort DoradoBeach, alongside the legendary NickBollettieri. My father and Nick worked to-gether for 10 years before Nick developedhis own tennis academy in Florida. Notmany people know that it was in PuertoRico where Nick learned to teach andcoach tennis, and that he was influenced byJuan Rios Sr.’s techniques and philosophies.

At the age of 13, I flew to sunny Sara-sota, Fla. with my father to meet Nick at theColony Beach Resort. I remember that dayas it were yesterday. On Court One wasJimmy Arias, Kathleen Horvath and a shirt-less Nick. After a brief greeting, he told thepro shop staffer to give me the latest FILA

outfit and to go to Court One to hit withJimmy and Kathleen. I was so excited andnervous at the same time. What a momentfor my father … it was priceless! My fatherleft the next morning back to Puerto Rico,while I lived at Nick’s Academy for the nextfour years. It was a dream come true!

Four years later at the age of 17 on a hotfall day, one of Nick’s pros came to mycourt to tell me that Nick wanted me to playwith a new kid that just arrived at the Acad-emy. This “new kid” was only 14-years-old.I was furious and said that I was not play-ing with this “little kid.” Nick called me intohis office and started pleading with me thatit was very important for me to play withthis new kid which, a kid who was sup-posed to be a great talent. I accepted andwent out to play. We played one set, a setthat I won 6-3, but the kid made me playmy best to beat him. This kid happened tobe named Andre Agassi.

A couple of months later, Yannick Noahcame to me on a Sunday afternoon as I

was doing some gardening work for beingcaught with a Coca-Cola in my room andasked if I wanted to play. I explained that Iwas grounded and I had to finish my gar-dening for Nick. With a heavy accent hesaid: “I will call Nick.” I had not played in aweek and had no rackets strung. I bor-rowed a Head racket and a Prince from myroommates and went to practice with theFrench Open Champion. We played a firstset and he won 6-3. We played a secondset and I won 6-3. He picked up his bagand left without saying a word. I was so ex-cited. I just took a set off the French OpenChamp. Wow! What a thrill! That evening,Yanick came up to congratulate me on howgood my technique was and asked who myteacher was.

My father taught me since the age of fivethe beautiful strokes and techniques ittakes to succeed in the game of tennis. Ifeel proud and honored to have beentaught by the best! In recognition of all hisyears of dedication to the tennis industry,my mother recently published a book inPuerto Rico with amazing stories about thelife of my father, this great legend, teacherand coach. My father was the beginning ofmy grassroots in the sport of a lifetime.

Juan Oscar Rios is a native of Puerto Rico,where he was ranked number one in his na-tion from ages 10-18. Juan holds four na-tional titles and three doubles titles. Heplayed five years on the ATP Tour, achiev-ing a top 300 ranking in both singles anddoubles. He was selected to the RioPiedras Hall of Fame, along with boxingchamp Felix “Tito” Trinidad in 2010. In2011, he was selected to the Puerto RicoTennis Hall of Fame. He won Gold, Silverand Bronze Medals at the Centro Americanand Caribbean Games.

Learning the Gameat the

Grassr ts Level

12 New York Tennis Magazine • July/August 2014 • NYTennisMag.com12 New York Tennis Magazine • May/June 2014 • NYTennisMag.com12 Long Island Tennis Magazine • July/August 2014 • LITennisMag.com

All eyes were on the USTA Billie Jean King National TennisCenter on Sunday, June 1, as New York Tennis Magazineand Long Island Tennis Magazine hosted the SecondAnnual New York Tennis Expo. One may have mistakenthat the U.S. Open was in town, as cars lined the streetsand the National Tennis Center’s parking lots filled tocapacity, while shuttle buses escorted patrons to thefacility. The Second Annual New York Tennis Expo was

designed as a grassroots tennis movement for the New Yorktennis community, and it brought out the largest crowd ever forsuch an event, with just shy of 3,400 attendees on hand throughoutthe day.

The buzz for the Second Annual New York Tennis Expo began in late2013 as a chance to create a greater platform for the businesses thatsupport both New York Tennis Magazine and Long Island TennisMagazine. The origin of the Expo was a grounds for the local tenniscommunity to join together to help further grow the sport.

The event offered something for everyone, as participation was strongfrom all areas of the sport, from 10 & Under Tennis, to juniors, to highschool and college players, and even Special Olympians. Attendees hadthe chance to win raffles to famous resorts such as Sea Colony, ticketsto the 2014 U.S. Open and to the prestigious “Party With the Pros” event

Nearly 3,400 Take Part in Groundbreaking Second AnNew York Tennis Expo

“In my travels across the country, this event is one-of-a-kind.”—Nick Bollettieri, World-Renown Tennis Coach

“Great job! The best tradeI’ve ever done.”

—Bill Walsh, Owner, Velve

“It’s been a really great event for us. We couldn’t

imagine a better placeto launch our app.”

—Eliot Jenkins, Zogo Tennis

continued on page 14

13NYTennisMag.com • July/August 2014 • New York Tennis Magazine 13NYTennisMag.com • May/June 2014 • New York Tennis Magazine 13LITennisMag.com • July/August 2014 • Long Island Tennis Magazine

nnual

“Tennis needs more events like this. WhatNew York Tennis Magazine and Long IslandTennis Magazine are doing in a community

that is tennis hungry is critical.”—Sol Schwartz, Manager & Buyer,

Holabird Sports

e show

eTop

“The staff of New York TennisMagazine and Long Island TennisMagazine are so sincere and doan amazing job. I wouldn’t missthis event. I’m just excited to be

a part of it.”—Peter Kaplan, Founder, Peter Kaplan’s

Westhampton Beach Tennis Camp

the week before the U.S. Open.Lining the main hallway of theNational Tennis Center were 60 ofthe sport’s top exhibitors,displaying everything from tennisapparel, training aids, new tennisapps and the latest rackets, toprograms and clubs, and summercamp offerings. Also on hand wasworld-renown Tennis Coach NickBollettieri at the IMG Academybooth, posing for pictures andsigning copies of his newest book,Changing the Game.

“I had a great day at the SecondAnnual New York Tennis Expo,meeting fans and chatting withattendees and look forward to thesame next year,” said Bollettieri.

Also part of the event were twoinformative Speaker Sessions. Thefirst Session, “The Road to CollegeScholarships,” featured Bollettieriheadlining a panel of the area’s topcoaches that also featured emcee

and Fox News Political Analyst SeanHannity. The second Session,“Taking Your Game to the Next

Level,” was again headlined by Mr.Bollettieri, as panelists discussedthe mental and physical sides oftennis. Panelists included Jay Harris,general manager of SportimeRoslyn; Steven Kaplan, owner ofBethpage Park Tennis Center;Lawrence Kleger, director of theJohn McEnroe Tennis Academy;Whitney Kraft, director of tennis atthe USTA Billie Jean King NationalTennis Center and director of playeroperations for the U.S. Open; XavierLuna, director of junior tennis for theAdvantage All-City Junior TennisPrograms; Sam Miller, founder ofProgressiveWellnessLLC; LonnieMitchel, head men’s and women’stennis coach at SUNY Oneonta; EricRebhuhn, head men’s tennis coachfor St. John’s University; and formerQueens College Coach Chris Tasso.At the conclusion of the sessions,attendees flocked to the speakersfor autographs and photos.

Sean Hannity moderates the Speaker Panel Discussions during the Second Annual NewYork Tennis Expo

Steven Kaplan and Taylor Goetz demonstrate proper form during the Panel Discussions

Shoshana Bennett enjoying the Hit for Prizes court indoors at the USTA Billie Jean King National

Tennis Center

“I thought last year was hard to top, but this year is even better. The organizers have done a phenomenal job in putting on this event, and I’m hoping to be a part of it for years to come.”

—Lawrence Kleger, Flagship Director, John McEnroe Tennis Academy

Credit all photos to Samantha Sklar & Calvin Rhoden

“It is a great Expo, and great forexposure,” said Sam Miller, founderof Progressive Wellness LLC. “Myfavorite part is that everyone is chill,nice and willing to share what theyare all about. I will definitely returnnext year.”

The three indoor courts thatcomprised The Activity Zone werepacked all day long, as kids and adultsalike took part in on-court activities.From the 10 & Under Tennis demo, tothe Speed Serve Booth, the “Beat theCollege Player,” and Hit for PrizesCourt, all were hot spots as DJ CMNYwas spinning music as Sportimesmascot “Tennis the Menace”introduced himself and entertained theyoungsters in attendance.

“Thank you to New York TennisMagazine and Long Island TennisMagazine for organizing this terrificevent,” said Eliot Jenkins ofZOGOtennis. Dave Berman, also ofZOGOtennis, said, “We got some

incredibly positive feedback from thehundreds of tennis players we spoketo, and we couldn’t be more excited

to get our App out to the tenniscommunity here in NYC.”

With the gorgeous spring weather,another main highlight was theoutdoor Kids Zone, featuring carnivalgames, snow cone and popcornmachines, and an inflatable hockeystation featuring an appearance bythe New York Islanders Ice Girls. Onthe roof of the National Tennis Centerwas the Parent/Child Sports Deck foropen play on mini-courts, where kidsplayed friendly games against oneanother, and families shared inmatches as well on the NTC’s sportcourts.

The success of the Second AnnualNew York Tennis Expo has jump-started ideas and an outpouring ofrequests for a third event. Plans arealready underway for next year’sevent, as New York Tennis Magazineand Long Island Tennis Magazinecontinue to grow the game at thegrassroots level.

World-renowned Tennis Coach Nick Bollettieri, here with Steve Shulla, was on handsigning his new book, Changing the Game

Megan Broderick conducting interviews in the crowded Expo Hall during the Second An-nual New York Tennis Expo

Kids enjoying the outdoor Carnival Area at the National Tennis Center

“I enjoy getting together with the tennis community and making tennis fun again. There were kids playing on the court with loud musicand even adults as well. The knowledge shared by the speakers was amazing, and this event really does grow the sport of tennis.”

—Xavier Luna, Director, Advantage All-City Junior Programs


PLATINUM SPONSORS

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THANK YOU TO THE

Second Annual New York Tennis Expo SponsorsPREMIER PLATINUM SPONSOR

The New York Times

17NYTennisMag.com • July/August 2014 • New York Tennis Magazine 17NYTennisMag.com • May/June 2014 • New York Tennis Magazine

C O M I N G I N S E P T E M B E R 2 0 1 4

Submissions for both advertising and editorial are due by August 1, 2014For more information, please call 516-409-4444 or e-mail [email protected]

2014 U.S. OPEN EDITION

Distribution scheduled for 08/25/14

This 2014 U.S. OPEN edition will feature:• 2014 U.S. Open Preview• Guide to Top New York Tennis Clubs• Summer Camp/Summer Events Recap

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!

Bonus Distribution:• U.S. Open Qualifiers• Taste of Tennis Events• Pre U.S. Open Events• Hamptons• Camps and City Parks

Don’t miss the advertising opportunities in the nextedition of New York Tennis Magazine September/October 2014!

Crushing the BreakerBy John W. Sherwood

Whether playing the 12-point set tie breaker or the10-point super tie-breaker,there are several keys to in-

creasing your success. If you follow thesesimple, yet highly effective tactics, you willfind yourself on the winning end of a highpercentage of the tie-breakers you play.

Mental approachThe key foundation that all tie-breaker suc-cess is built upon is mental toughness. Askyourself, “Who is winning when your set

score is 6-6? Or who is winning if you havesplit two very close sets? If your answer is:“It’s a tie” or “A set each” or somethingclose to those answers, you’re wrong! Youmust approach each breaker as if you arewinning the match, in control of the matchand will win the breaker. You should knowthat you are better prepared to play thebreaker than your opponent, and enjoy theexperience of playing the breaker. You needto “Play to win” and “Not to lose.” There isa big mental difference in those two mind-sets. Anything less than an extremely pos-itive outlook on your part is an advantagefor your opponent.

Play aggressive, but not foolishSince the match is close, you will need totake some calculated risks when imple-menting your “Play to Win” philosophy.This doesn’t mean changing your entiregame plan … it has gotten you this far. Itdoes mean not passing up the opportu-nity to put pressure on your opponent orfinish the point when your opponent in-vites you to do so. You must do all of thiswhile increasing your focus, having themindset not to make an unforced error,and raising your level of play by maintain-ing your routines and having a keenawareness of where you are in thebreaker before and after each point. Visu-alize the win.

First servesWhen playing tie-breakers, it is extremelyimportant to get a very high percentage ofyour first serves in, if not every serve. Takeyour time, stay loose, breathe, and stay inyour pre-serve routines. Have a clear planfor the placement of each serve. By now,you should have a clear idea of what youropponent’s return weaknesses are. Exploitthese weaknesses and play the percent-ages in the breaker.

Second servesHit it! Far too often, players will tighten up,trying to be too careful to avoid the doublefault, while racquet head speed drops or


players lose leg drive. Again, stay loose,breathe and execute a solid second serve,but most importantly, believe in yourself!

First serve returnsEvery return of serve goes back into thecourt! While I tell players the goal of theirfirst serve return is to enter the point in aneutral or better position, during thebreaker, I don’t care how or how ugly thereturn is … just get the ball back in play!Always make your opponent play onemore shot!

Second serve returnsHere is your opportunity! Put a little pres-sure on the server. You can move in a bit.Look to play first strike tennis, executing anaggressive return either down the line orcreate an angle. Make them move. Yourgoal should be to take control of the pointwith your return.

Take an early leadGain momentum early on! Understand theimportance of every point during thebreaker. If you can jump out to a quick

lead, it places a great deal of pressure onyour opponent. It gives you the ability toput a little more pressure on them during apoint—aggressive returns, angles and ap-proaches—allowing you to close out thematch with more dominant play. If for somereason your opponent gets an early lead,don’t worry. Look to swing the momentumby stringing together three or more pointsin a row. Get your opponent questioningthemselves, and get them to play a littlemore conservative, thus opening the doorfor your victory.

Practice breakersPractice both types of breakers in their reg-ular formats. Then play them in modifiedformats where your start “up” in the score,learning to effectively close out the match.Next, you will also need to start “down” inthe score, learning to come back for thewin.

Heart and gutsA lot of breakers simply come down to fivekey questions: Who really wants to win?Who hates to lose? Who runs for every

shot? Who believes in themselves? Who“plays to win?” That player will win!

Consolidate all thisWhile you won’t remember all the detailsduring actual match play, just break it downinto these simple steps:

l Believe in yourself … play to win!l First serve in!l Every return of serve in!l Reduce the number of unforced errors!l Play to win (I know it’s listed twice)!l Heart and guts!

John Sherwood is a USPTA Elite Profes-sional and USTA High Performance Coach-ing Graduate. John played Division I tennisfor the University of Toledo, after which, heembarked on a business career running na-tional sales organizations, then structuringand operating small business turnarounds.John is currently the director of High Per-formance Tennis for Centercourt AthleticClub in Chatham, N.J. He may be reachedby phone at (216) 403-1374 or [email protected].



The NYJTL Mayor’s Cup, thelargest interscholastic tennisevent in the United States, re-turned to the USTA Billie JeanKing National Tennis Center inFlushing Meadows, N.Y.,crowning 14 team and individ-

ual champions and awarding eight presti-gious Marion & Jacob Javits CollegeScholarships.

Isadora Braune, of Roosevelt Island,was a double winner, earning a $5,000Javits Scholarship, and competing in theVarsity Girls Doubles Draw, resulting in ateam championship for Beacon HighSchool from Manhattan. Isadora will at-tend Cornell University in the fall. She is amember of the NYJTL Advanced Tourna-ment team.

“In the past few years, we have beengrowing in numbers, we added an ele-mentary school team event and that’sgrowing as well,” said Elena Bantovska,director of Advanced Training and Com-petition for NYJTL. “In terms of varsityevents, this year seems like one of thestrongest, as on the girls’ side, we hadeight teams.”

The team competition took place dur-ing the first weekend of the tournament,with Beacon High School emerging as theoverall winner, claiming the team trophyin both the Boys and the Girls VarsityTeam competitions. This was the fourthyear that the Beacon boys have won thechampionship. In 2015, Beacon will at-tempt to tie Cardozo High School’s five

Nearly 700 BCredit all photos to Calvin Rhoden


consecutive titles. In addition, the dualboys and girls championships had notbeen won by the same team since Car-dozo claimed both trophies in 1991.

The Middle School championship waswon by Robert Wagner Middle School inManhattan, who overcame the NYJTLACES program team from MS 61 in Brook-lyn for the title.

The individual tournament saw the num-ber one seeds prevailing in both the boysand girls competition. Defending Girls Var-sity winner, Brianna Williams of Bronx Sci-ence High School, was able to retain herchampion status with a straight-set victoryin the finals over Brittny Ferreira of PolyPrep Country Day School in Brooklyn. Top-seeded Ethan Nittolo of Townsend HarrisHigh School in Flushing defeated second-seeded William Trang of Brooklyn TechHigh School in straight sets in the Boys Var-sity Singles Final.

In addition to his on-court accomplish-ments, Nittolo was selected for the firstClaudette Townsend Memorial Award forsportsmanship. The Award was given tothe male or female player in the tourna-ment who exemplifies the qualities of out-standing sportsmanship, and is given inmemory of Claudette Townsend, a long-time USTA chief referee for the NYJTLMayor’s Cup.

In an all-Beacon High School match, theGirls Varsity Doubles Finals pitted the top-seeded Gill Sisters, Alexis & Isis, againstthe second seeded and also second dou-bles team from Beacon, Michelle Khaimov

& Victoria Sec. The Gill Sisters prevailed ina three-set match for their second consec-utive Girls Varsity Mayor’s Cup DoublesChampionship.

In a matchup between two NYJTL Tour-nament Team members, the Middle SchoolGirls Singles championship was won by2013 runner-up, Shelly Yaloz of LaurelSprings over Jennifer Yu from the Bac-calaureate School for Global Education.NYJTL Aces Program participants AnthonyConeo & Sebastian Gonzales, both of MS61, reached the finals in the Boys MiddleSchool Doubles competition before losingto Isaac Rose-Berman & Andrew Leung ofPoly Prep Country Day School.

“The individual events saw nearly thesame number of participants as in year’s

The New Rochelle Tennis Club:

114 Valley Road, New Rochelle, NY 10804

Phone: (914) 633-3388 • Fax: (914-636-1136)

Email: [email protected]

Website: newrochelletennisclub.com

•8 Har-Tru Courts

•Game Matching (Players of All Levels)

•WCTL (Rough & Semi Rough Divisions)

•MITL (A,B,C, & Jr. Levels)

•Club Championships

•24-Hour Restringing Service

•Lounge, Snack Bar & Free Wifi

• Instruction

•Tennis Director – Juan Rios (Former

Olympian & Davis Cup Captain)

•Adult Group & Private Instruction

•Cardio Tennis

•Junior Summer Camp

•Full Service Pro Shop

Open May – November

past, with about 350 participants,” saidBantovska. “Last year, we had less teams,with six girls varsity and eight boys varsityteams. This year, we have nine boys varsityand eight girls varsity teams. On the middleschool side, we had 25 teams competing,so that was pretty awesome. If we count allthese numbers we had about 700 kids playtennis in this event over the course of theweek.”

The NYJTL Mayor’s Cup brings togethermore than 600 participants from New YorkCity’s public, private and parochial schools.The tournament attracts some of the bestplayers from throughout the New York Citymetropolitan area, competing in 11 differ-ent categories for boys and girls in middleschool and high school.

Battle It Out for NYJTL Mayor’s Cup

By Rob Polishook, Mental Training Coach MA, CPC

As parents, how many times have you asked your child, “How was yourday?” The response is usually a one word answer, “Good!” Of course,

this only leaves you wanting to hear more. Whenever I hear that response,I ask a follow-up question, “Huh, I see … ‘good’ can mean a lot of things

to different people, so tell me what you mean by that? Or what specifically made yourday good?”

Similarly, there are many things your kids don’t tell you regarding their tennis game andyour involvement. As always, it’s usually the words that are between the lines that are ofthe most important. Or the unspoken words that your child might be hesitant to tell youbecause they are not sure of your response.

As a mental training coach, I work individually and in groups with kids ages 12-25. Ihave heard it all! What kids like, what they don’t like, and what they would like to say butjust don’t. In fact there are common themes to things that kids don’t share with their par-ents. I could probably write a book, maybe I will? But for now, here are the top five thingsyour child won’t tell you regarding their tennis game and your involvement.

1. “When I lose … it feels like I’m disappointing you!”This is one of the most common statements kids make. What’s most important is not

to conditionally judge them based upon their winning or losing, but rather, supportthem no matter the outcome. It would be great to just let your child know how

much you enjoy watching them play tennis, with no strings attached. They feelbad enough when they lose. However, if they feel like they are disap-

pointing a parent when they lose, it only makes the loss harder andbouncing back harder as well. Curiously, sometimes this is the

cause of cheating. Kids don’t want to disappoint parents,coaches or be seen as a “loser” to themselves or their friends.Therefore, they make dishonest calls.

2. “When I scream or throw my racket, it’s away of showing you I care!”Certainly an interesting reaction. Many times when this hap-pens, the player is simply overwhelmed and doesn’t knowwho to handle a particular situation. Other times, they actout to show you they care! You might ask, “What do youmean?” Well, if they don’t act out it, will it appear as if theydon’t care? They worry that it might be perceived as ac-cepting defeat. They certainly don’t want to be perceived asrolling over.

3. “When you talk about money … it putsextra pressure on me!”Kids are very perceptive about how much lessons cost, andthe sacrifices that parents may be making for their lessons.In reality, it’s important to know that tennis is not a good in-vestment. However, it is a great sport and an opportunityfor your child to learn life’s lessons, push themselves to be

their personal best, and get exercise. Don’t put extra pressureon your kids by sharing the monetary aspects of their lessons. This only makes them

The Pink Elephant on the Court: Five Things Your C


nervous and tight on the court. It’s impor-tant that they are able to play loose andrelaxed, not worrying about the cost of alesson!

4. “When you talk abouttennis … It seems youcare more than me!”In order for a player to play welland feel empowered, they have tohave their own “Big Y.” The “Big Y”is an intrinsic reason that motivatesor inspires them to play. It’s impor-tant that you help cultivate that rea-son and support your kids duringtheir process. If a parent’s support is over-whelming, the child will often feel suffo-cated. They will feel pressure and feel asthough they are not playing for them-selves but for the approval of their par-ents. It’s important to establish many lines

Child Won’t Tell You of communication with your kids, not justsolely about tennis.

5. “If I don’t want to play today,it doesn’t mean I don’t care!”Today, more than ever, kids have very littledown time as they go at breakneck speedfrom one activity to another. Sometimeskids need a break, a day or even few daysto rest and recharge their batteries. Goingto that party or being with friends is just

what they need. The break will serve tomake them hungrier and come back revi-talized with more energy. It will also givetheir bodies some much needed rest andrecovery time. It’s important they have abalance between tennis, school, friends

and whatever else makes them happy. Ifthey have a healthy balance, their time onthe court will be more productive.

As parents, I suspect that some of thesestatements listed in this top five are hardfor you to believe. However, in the confinesof my office, when kids feel safe and un-conditionally accepted, these statementscome up time and time again. The pink ele-phant is now out of the room!

Rob Polishook, MA, CPC is thefounder and director of Inside theZone Sports Performance Group.As a mental training coach, heworks with athletes and teams in allsports and levels, helping them togain the mental edge. He has spo-ken nationally and internationallyand has been quoted by ESPN,

Sports Illustrated, The New York Times andother major media publications. His newbook, Tennis Inside the Zone has just beenreleased. He may be reached by phone at(973) 723-0314, e-mail rob@insidethezone orvisit www.insidethezone.com.

“ IT WOULD BE GREAT TOJUST LET YOUR CHILD KNOW

HOW MUCH YOU ENJOYWATCHING THEM PLAY

TENNIS, WITH NO STRINGSATTACHED.”


USTA Metro Region

It has been a busy spring for the USTA EasternMetro Region! Our Metro Board and volunteershave been very busy growing tennis participationacross New York City. Between coordinating andrunning the Metro Junior Team Tennis League, vol-unteering at many community events, reviewing

Metro grant applications to help start new programs or enhanceexisting programs, our sleeves are rolled up and we are having agreat time. I feel very lucky to be surrounded by very kind, pas-sionate, smart and talented “rock stars” who love tennis as muchas I do.

Our Metro Jr. Team Tennis Committee has spent a countlesshours planning, organizing, coordinating and attending all of thematches every Saturday evening, as well as our regional playoffs.A giant thank you to our JTT Coordinator Joani Akpan for the in-credible job she has done to help make Metro JTT such a suc-cess. Joani is one in a million! A special thanks to our Metro JTTCommittee, including Roselyn Chew, Jonathan Williams, MelSwanson and Quacey Balleste for all of their hard work. I am soproud to have been a part of the Metro JTT Committee, as welland it was truly wonderful getting to know all of our players,coaches and captains. Thank you to all of our volunteer coaches

and captains! Without you, we could not have had such a suc-cessful year.Some highlights for the Eastern Metro Region include:

l Metro JTT Leagues in every borough of New York City l More than 35 coaches/captains volunteered their time, along

with 10 USTA Eastern Metro Board members who volunteeredas league coordinators, site coordinators or captains

l More than 300 kids played JTT in the Metro regionl Three Metro JTT teams advanced to the USTA Junior Team

Tennis Nationals

Aside from JTT, we have also spent a lot of time at communityevents and getting to know our community tennis associationproviders who work so hard on a daily basis to grow tennis par-ticipation. We are also continuing to award Metro grants to or-ganizations that need assistance growing the game. I am trulylooking forward to the summer as we have many exciting eventsand programs coming up and leading up to the U.S. Open!

Jackie Clark, PresidentUSTA Eastern Metro Region

A Message From USTA Eastern Metro Region President Jackie Clark

The USTA Eastern Metro JTT Committee of Jonathan Williams, Jackie Clark, Bill Noonan, Joani Akpan, Mel Swansonand Roselyn Chew


USTA Metro RegionThe USTA Eastern Metro Region in Action

The 10 &Under Red Ball USTA Eastern SectionChampions, the Harlem Future Stars

Columbia, the 14 & UnderMetro Region Champions

The gang from theHarlem Munchkinspause for a photo

Sportsmanship Awardwinner Wesley Zhang

smiles for a photo

The 12 & Under Advanced USTA Eastern Section Champions, theStaten Island Spinners

The Richmond Racquets,the USTA Eastern 18 &Under Advanced DivisionChampions

Congratulations to theSportsmanship Awardwinners, Abhijeet M.Joshi of the RichmondRacquets and GibsonThomas of the JAMFDropshots

Metro JTT Kids,parents and coaches

getting a tour ofArthur Ashe Stadiumduring the Metro JTT

Regional Playoffs


USTA Metro RegionMore Scenes of the USTA Eastern Metro Region in Action!

Reps from the USTA Eastern Metro Region at the USPTA/USTAMetro Kings County Tennis Fest

Members of the USTAEastern Metro Region atthe Second Annual NewYork Tennis Expo with theU.S. Open trophy

USTA Eastern Metro Region PresidentJackie Clark works with some juniors at

the Second Annual New York Tennis Expo

The USTA Eastern Metro Region’sJackie Clark, Jonathan Williamsand Michael McCasland at thenewly-renovated MarcyPlayground renovated courts

Grant recipients, the Kings County Tennis League, at theribbon cutting ceremony for the newly renovated tenniscourts at Marcy Playground

The Metro JTT 18 & Under IntermediateChampions: Team Akpan

USTA Metro at the Battle of the Boroughs with theteam from Queens

The Metro JTT 18 & Under IntermediateRunners-Up: Harlem Tree’ers



The Metro Corporate Tennis League, presented by Advantage Tennis Clubs, is a joint initiative of the Metrotennis CommunityTennis Association (MCTA) and the USTA/Eastern–Metro Region. The League is divided into three levels of play, Intermediate (3.0-3.5), Advanced Intermediate (4.0) and Advanced (4.5+). Also offered is an Advanced Beginner Clinic program for teams not yetready to compete. However, during the summer season, we can only accommodate 22-plus teams.

The season will run from June 2-Aug. 20, culminating with an end-of-season party at Roosevelt Island Racquet Club (RIRC). Wewould also like to congratulate the Winter 2014 Intermediate Division Champions: Deutsche (Tony), Advanced Intermediate DivisionChampions: Bloomberg (Amit), and Advanced Division Champions: NYJTL.

For more information regarding the Metro Corporate League, visit www.metrotennis.com under the “Corporate” tab.

Advanced Division1. Bloomberg 2. Barclays3. BNP Paribas4. Cleary Gottlieb 5. Ernst & Young6. Bank of America

Intermediate Division I1. Bloomberg2. Sullivan

3. Patterson4. D.E. Shaw & Company5. Neuberg Berman6. Moody’s7. Cleary Gottlieb8. Deutsche Bank

Intermediate Division II1. Bloomberg 2. Akin Gump3. Nielsen

4. Bloomberg 5. Deutsche (Tony)6. Google7. Ipreo8. BNP Paribas

Advanced Beginner Program1. Bloomberg 2. Bloomberg

The following is our roster for the season:

By Andrew Eichenholz

Seventeen Grand Slam ti-tles … 60 total champi-onships and more than 600career wins … Serena

Williams, a four-time Gold Medal winnerfrom three separate Olympic Games hassuffered shocking losses early in tourna-ments this year, leaving fans, coaches andplayers alike left wondering if anybody willstep up to challenge the queen’s throne ontop of the game.

Not a chance.In fact, blips on Serena’s resumé are

quite normal for the 32-year old. Historydictates that whenever the most feared ballstriker in recent history suffers an early set-back, she comes back with a vengeancefor the foreseeable future.

After her most recent disappointment,a loss in the second round of the FrenchOpen to Spaniard Garbine Muguruza,Serena made a bold claim: “You can’t beon every day. I’m going to go home and

work five times as hard to make sure Inever lose again.”

However absurd her statement mayseem, the past has shown that nobodyshould doubt Serena Williams in the face ofadversity.

Last season, the sixth winningest GrandSlam player in history dropped a tightmatch at Wimbledon to eventual finalistSabine Lisicki, an extremely dangerous op-ponent on any surface. How did Serena re-spond? She won the U.S. Open later in thesummer without yielding a set closer than6-4 until the final, where she beat VictoriaAzarenka.

The year before, Williams had a start tothe season eerily similar to how she hasstarted her current campaign. A fourthround loss Down Under at the AustralianOpen may have been a disappointment. Afirst round exit at Roland Garros proved theimpossible possible.

“There’s no excuse,” Serena said afterher loss to Virginie Razzano, making surethe press knew that, in the end, the events

of that day only happened on a tenniscourt. “It’s life.”

The simplest way to summarize the restof her season is that the great championmade a statement. She could face chal-lenges, but whatever came her way, shewould meet them head on. A trio ofthree-setters at Wimbledon in 2012tested Serena’s nerve, but she started ahistorical end-of-season run by taking that titleover the always pesky Agnieszka Radwanska.

Never before had Serena taken theOlympic Gold Medal in singles. Not onlydid she emphatically do so at the LondonGames, but Serena dropped a total of 17games in six matches against the best ofthe best in the world in the process. If thatwasn’t enough, she teamed with her sisterVenus to take the Gold Medal in doublesas well, dominating the field without drop-ping a set.

Every great athlete has had letdowns, al-lowing a major accomplishment to cloudtheir focus. That year’s U.S. Open showedthat Serena would never allow it. After a rel-

Serena Set to S

Photo credit: Adam Wolfthal


atively routine tournament, her biggestrival at the time, Azarenka, played thebest match of her career. Serving at 5-3in the final set, the Belarusian had achance to cap the season with a hugeheadline. Would David complete theslaying of Goliath?

Not a chance.In typical Serena fashion, she clawed her

way back and fought to another GrandSlam title. Only two other players in the his-tory of the game had ever won Wimbledon,the Olympics and the U.S. Open in thesame year. That is how Serena respondedto disappointing losses.

Did anybody sit down in January andpredict that arguably the greatest player toever touch a racket would lose to AnaIvanovic and Garbine Muguruza in the firsttwo majors of the season? Absolutely not.

That doesn’t mean that Serena lost totwo players from the nearest club. Ivanovic,although inconsistent, has won a GrandSlam, and Muguruza is one of the up andcoming players on the WTA Tour, arguablyone of the biggest hitters out there.

No matter how shocking it is, every tennis

player loses matches on every stage, evenSerena Williams. Does that mean that she isgoing to keep doing so? Probably not.

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“No matter how shocking it is, every tennis playerloses matches on every stage, even Serena Williams.”

Storm Into the Summer

Every great champion finds a way, nomatter how ugly it may look. Many doubtRafael Nadal when he suffers a surprisingloss. What does he do? He responds.Many have ruled out the greatest male ofall time, Roger Federer. Don’t be surprisedif he comes back to win another major titlehimself.

The bottom line is, it is best not to wakea sleeping giant. Unfortunately for the WTATour, Muguruza might have done just that.Look out for the rest of the season, thename Serena Williams will be back.

Andrew Eichenholz is a journalism studentat Stony Brook University, where he cur-rently is a staff writer for The Statesman,covering tennis amongst many sports. Hegrew up playing tennis at the USTA BillieJean King National Tennis Center, where helearned to love the game, eventually be-coming a part-time tennis instructor, work-ing for the most part with the QuickStart 10& Under Program. Andrew has also servedas a ballperson at the U.S. Open. He maybe reached by e-mail at [email protected].


The USTA has announced itsplans to create a new home forAmerican tennis, a state-of-the-art facility at Lake Nona area inOrlando, Fla., that will enhancethe sport at every level. The100-plus court tennis center,

which will house the USTA’s CommunityTennis and Player Development divi-sions, will be divided into dedicatedareas that will focus on the completetennis pathway—from the youngest play-ers, to recreational players, to collegians,to future professional players, and toprofessional tour level players. The tar-get completion date is the fourth quarterof 2016.

“This new home for American tennis

will truly be a game-changer for oursport,” said USTA Chairman of the Boardand President Dave Haggerty. “Thisworld-class facility will be an inclusivegathering place for American tennis andwill allow us to impact our sport at everylevel, from the grassroots to the profes-sional ranks.”

The USTA is partnering with Lake Nonaand Tavistock Group, along with a con-sortium of regional and state partners, toconstruct a facility in a hotbed for tennisand in the nation’s top destination city.The complex will be located on 63 acresof land and will include:

l Tournament and League Area: Thisarea will include 24 clay courts and 16

hard courts. The space will includetwo player pavilions and a tournamentadministration office which will in-clude trainer rooms, a stringer area,player lounge, public restrooms, anda check-in area. It will let the USTAdeliver events like never before andwill set a new functional standard forthe sport.

l Collegiate Tennis Area: This area willfeature 12 hard courts and one futuretournament show court, and willserve as the home of the Universityof Central Florida’s Men’s andWomen’s Varsity Tennis Program. Thecourts will be equipped with highmast lighting for televised events and

USTA to Break Ground on New 100-Court Facility in Orlando



have elevated seating for 1,200 peo-ple with room on the north and southend for additional seating. The areawill allow two collegiate matches tobe played simultaneously. Addition-ally, it will feature a two-story pavil-ion for concessions, publicrestrooms, team locker rooms, andareas for trainers and officials.

l Team USA Area: This area will in-clude eight hard courts and eight claycourts. The courts will be utilized bythe 17 USTA Sections, along withcoaches and their players throughoutthe country to work collaborativelywith USTA Player Development.

l High Performance and Player De-velopment Area: This area will in-clude eight hard courts, eight red claycourts, and six covered courts for theUSTA Player Development division.The space includes dormitories thatcan house 32 boys and girls. Thestrength and conditioning area will in-clude a sand and workout area. In ad-

dition, the area will be utilized forTeam USA Events.

l 36/60’ Tennis: This area will includeeight 36’ and eight 60’ courts enablingyouth and adults to develop theirgames.

l USTA Office Building: The groundfloor will include a tennis pro shop, fit-ness area, locker rooms, playerlounge, and cafeteria with USTA of-fices occupying the second and thirdfloors.

l Technology: The facility will be anepicenter for tennis innovation andeducation. It will incorporate the latesttechnology to provide an unparalleledplaying, training and educational ex-perience for players, coaches andspectators.

“Our goal is simple, continue to raisethe bar for our sport,” said Gordon Smith,USTA executive director and chief operat-ing officer. “Our new facility in Orlando will

help ensure we develop the next genera-tion of players, coaches, tennis providers,officials and volunteers.”

The USTA Player Development divisionwill move its national headquarters fromBoca Raton, Fla. to Orlando, aiming toprovide the best opportunities to succeedfor the next generation of American ten-nis champions.

Lake Nona is an innovative communityin southeast Orlando, driving more than$7 billion in economic activity in CentralFlorida. Highlighted by a life sciencescluster known as Medical City, Lake Nonahas become home to some of the nation’stop hospitals, universities, research insti-tutions and health and life science com-panies. Tavistock Group, the internationalprivate investment organization behindthe 7,000-acre master-planned develop-ment at Lake Nona and the 650-acre LakeNona Medical City healthcare cluster, pro-vided an innovative structure to acquirethe land for the new state-of-the-art facil-ity and will act as lead developer on the270,000-square-foot complex and itsmore than 100 tennis courts.

Sign up today! Call 212.935.0250 Email [email protected] Visit www.advantagecamps.net

Summer tennis, summer fun, summer camp again!

At All-City Junior Tennis Camp at Roosevelt Island Racquet Club

Transportation available


New York Junior Tennis & Learning (NYJTL)recently hosted four training sessions forits School-Time Tennis Program. TheSchool-Time Tennis Program providestraining and curriculum to all New York Cityteachers who register. They are providedwith free racquets and free balls, and are

granted access to other discounted equip-ment. Certified teaching tennis profession-als lead the teacher training workshopswhich require no prior skills or knowledgeof the game. NYJTL staffers follow up withprogram support during the school year.

The training begins with lessons on im-

plementing the USTA format designed forstudents age 10 and under, utilizing spe-cialized equipment, shorter courts andmodified scoring. The school teacherswere also taught lesson plans and varia-tions on drills for full court tennis by NYJTLcoaches.

NYJTL Instructs NYC Teachers for Its School-Time Tennis Program

The John McEnroe Tennis Academy Schol-arship Tryouts were held on June 14 at theJohn McEnroe Tennis Academy, located onRandall’s Island. Full- and half-year JohnnyMac Tennis Project (JMTP) scholarshipswill be awarded to the lucky recipients.

The mission of the JMTP is to exposeyoung athletes to the sport of tennis, as alife-long health, fitness and well-being ac-tivity, and introducing them to high-level,competitive tennis.

“The Johnny Mac Tennis Project is a

non-profit foundation that provides schol-arship and support services for talentedyoung players, while also funding recre-ational programs for under-resourced chil-dren from New York City,” explainedLawrence Kleger, director of tennis for theJohn McEnroe Tennis Academy.

The day began with approximately 300players being divided into groups for on-court technical evaluation, followed up byan-court tactical evaluation. After a brieflunch break, those who were selected to

move on to the next stage were broughtback on to the court for more testing. At thispoint, only 20 players were remaining, sothe competition grew even more fierce. Thistime, point play was crucial.

Tryout participant Elizabeth Serjantovwas asked about her day went: “My goal isto win a JMTP Scholarship, and maybe theU.S Open, and maybe the doubles title atthe U.S. Open!”

The results of 2014 JMTA Tryout Day willbe announced in early July.

John McEnroe Tennis Academy Hosts 300 Scholarship Hopefuls

Elizabeth Serjantov at the John McEnroe Tennis AcademyScholarship Tryouts

Sisters Elizabeth and Masha Serjantov pausefor a photo at Sportime Randall’s Island

Instructors working with some children at the John McEnroe TennisAcademy Scholarship Tryouts

Credit all photos to Calvin Rhoden


The 2014 New York State Public High School Athletic Associa-tion (NYSPHSAA) Boy’s Tennis Championships were held May29-31 at the USTA Billie Jean King National Tennis Center. Thetop high school players from across New York State took partand represented themselves and their schools impressively.Metro area players were a big part of the action.

In doubles, the top-seeded team of Lucas Pickering & Maxwell Smith ofBeacon won the championship. Pickering & Smith defeated the team ofTravis Leaf & Ross Reiffman of Half Hollow Hills East in the opening round,and in the finals, defeated second-seeded Jordan Benjamin & AaronMevorach from Harvey-Allendale-Columbia. Pickering & Smithbreezed through the openingrounds, not dropping a set until thefinal. In the finals, they lost the firstset 4-6 before bouncing back to winthe second in a tie-breaker 7-6 andtook the third 7-5.

Getting third place in doubles was the team of James Aronson & HaydenCassone from John Jay High School. They fell in the semis and thenbounced back to win the third place match defeating Mark Fallot & Nick Leeof Mamaroneck 7-6, 5-7, 6-3.

In singles play, Artemie Amari of Beacon had the best result of all Metroplayers, defeating three consecutive opponents before falling to TaiyoHamanraka of Eastchester in the semifinals. Amari, who plays for Beacon,defeated Plainview’s Yuval Solomon in a tough-three setter in the first round,and then won his second and third round matches in straight sets beforerunning into Hamanraka.

The 2015 NYSPHSAA Boy’s Tennis Championship is scheduled again atthe USTA Billie Jean King National Tennis Center, May 28-30, 2015.

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There are dozens of Apps that make yourlife easier. Facebook helps you keep intouch with friends, Google Maps helps youfind your way around, and Linkedin helpsyou with your professional network.

But what about the App that makes lifeeasier for tennis players?

ZOGOtennis is the first App to connecttennis players so that finding a great part-ner and organizing games is easier thanever before.

After launching last month, the App hasbeen spreading fast across the city’s tenniscommunity. Now it’s available across over800 clubs and public courts in New York Cityand Long Island, plus it’s completely free.

The idea came from a typical experienceof playing tennis in NYC. Frustrated with allthe difficulties of getting on the court, thecompany’s co-founders, Eliot Jenkins andDavid Berman, thought that things should bea lot easier.

“After moving to NYC I had no one to playwith,” said Berman. “The best thing I hadwas a pin board of names at my local club!”

Eliot spent two years building up a regulargroup of partners “and even then it was al-ways a challenge to set up a game with theright partner at a time that suited us both.”

Thousands of people play at the averageclub in New York, so it isn’t the number oftennis players that’s the problem. The prob-lem is that out of those thousands of play-ers, the average tennis player can only reach

out to a handful of them. That’s why Eliotand David created ZOGOtennis.

Your network for tennisZOGOtennis works by bringing togetherpeople who play at the same club or pub-lic park. After signing up, you can instantlysee everyone who plays where you do–your local tennis network.

But instead of just listing everyone whoplays at certain courts, Eliot and David re-alized that ZOGOtennis could go one stepfurther by helping people find the right part-ners for them more easily than ever before.

Now finding a partner is easy with ZOGOmatchWith ZOGOtennis you have another optionif your regular partner pulls out, gets in-jured, or even if you need a fourth for yourdoubles game. Just tap to use ZOGO-match and the App will do all the hard workfor you by finding players with the sameskill, availability, and more.

“ZOGOmatch works and our data showsthat it usually takes only a few minutes toget a match,” said Berman. “The feedbackwe’ve been getting from tennis players hasbeen really exciting.”

Organizing a game has never been so easyWhether you are playing your regular part-ners or using ZOGOmatch, it only takes 30

seconds to setup a game with the App. Itsends out all the invites for you so thatmessy e-mail chains and texts are a thingof the past.

“Seeing people invite their friends andfind new partners has been great butwhat’s been really remarkable is seeingpeople play games that wouldn’t havebeen possible without ZOGOtennis,” saidEliot. “That’s making a difference that weare really proud of.”

It’s an impressive App that’s free, easy touse, and long overdue for tennis playerseverywhere.

Use Android? Reserve your spot atwww.zogotennis.com.

Club director? E-mail [email protected] free promotional materials.

The Must HaveFree App forTennis Players

A Closer Look at Tennis Tech


The USTA has announced thatthe U.S. Open will feature acollege tennis competition for

the first time ever in 2014, invitingtop American college players tocompete in the inaugural AmericanCollegiate Invitational, set for Thurs-day-Saturday, Sept. 4-6 at the USTABillie Jean King National Tennis Cen-ter in Flushing, N.Y.

Eight men and eight women willbe invited to play in a singles tour-nament during the second week ofthe U.S. Open, with the winners re-ceiving a wild card into a future proevent. The American Collegiate Invi-tational is open only to Americanplayers, using the objective selec-tion criteria listed below.

“College tennis plays such a sig-nificant role in the vitality of Ameri-can tennis, and it’s important thatwe are able to highlight some ofAmerica’s best college players on aworldwide stage at the U.S. Open,”said USTA Chairman, CEO andPresident Dave Haggerty.

The men’s and women’s fields will in-clude six players who are still in college,and two who have exhausted their college

eligibility this year, as determinedby the following criteria:l The six members of the USTA

Collegiate Team, who are se-lected based on results, Inter-collegiate Tennis Associationhonors and pro rankings.

l The top two graduating seniorsor the top two players whoturned professional/have ex-hausted their college eligibility in2013-2014, according to theITA’s final singles rankings.

l If the top two players who haveexhausted their college eligibilityare already on the USTA Colle-giate Team, or if the six spots re-served for players still in collegehave not been filled, invitationswill be extended based on theITA’s final singles rankings.

“We are excited to make college ten-nis a bigger part of the U.S. Open,” saidU.S. Open Tournament Director DavidBrewer. “Many collegians continue on

to successful pro careers, so we look forwardto showcasing some very talented players.”

GEORGE GARLAND, DIRECTOR OF TENNIS • MARIA ALIVENTI, GENERAL MANAGER

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Tennis, Diet and Proper Hydration

them as a part of their team—evaluating,calculating and personalizing a meal planis a major part of their job.

Three things can occur during yourmatch if you are not prepared:

l Crampingl Dizziness and fatiguel Loss of concentration

CrampingA diet, complete in specific vitamins andminerals, can prevent muscle cramping.Here are some nutrients that can preventmuscle cramping. If properly incorpo-rated in proper amounts into one’s diet,your chances of being cramp-free during

By Irina Belfer-LehatRD, CDN

Tennis is a unique sportthat involves intense physi-cal activity for a prolonged

period of time. Nobody knows how longone’s match will last until the final pointis won. Thus, it is vital for every tennisplayer to have the aerobic capacity tohave the proper endurance and toler-ance. Nutrition plays a very importantrole and should be part of every athlete’spreparation.

It’s no secret that most of the profes-sional tennis players on the ATP and WTATours have their nutritionists working with

a long match can greatly improve.

l Sodium: Sodium is one of the mainpositively-charged mineral ions orelectrolytes in body fluid. The bodyneeds sodium to help maintain nor-mal body-fluid balance and bloodpressure, and in conjunction with sev-eral other electrolytes, it is critical fornerve impulse generation and musclecontraction. An athlete should notconsume a low sodium diet andshould always drink regular Gatoradeto prevent sodium deficiency.

l Potassium: Potassium is the majorelectrolyte found inside all body cells,including muscle and nerve cells. It


works in close association withsodium and chloride in the generationof electrical impulses in the nervesand the muscles, including the heart.Potassium is found in most foods, butis especially abundant in fresh veg-etables, potatoes, certain fruits (mel-ons, bananas, berries and citrusfruits), milk and meat.

l Calcium: Calcium found in the bodyis found in the skeleton where it givesstrength to bone. Calcium is involvedin muscle contractions, including thatof the heart, skeletal muscles, andsmooth muscle found in blood ves-sels and intestines, as well as thegeneration of nerve impulses. Bloodcalcium is tightly controlled and regu-lated by several hormones, includingparathyroid hormone and Vitamin D.Adding an extra glass of milk and yo-gurt for breakfast will assist in help-ing prevent cramping as well.

l Magnesium: Muscle weakness, mus-cle twitching and muscle cramps arecommon symptoms of magnesiumdeficiency. For example, three ounces

of broiled halibut has 91 milligrams ofmagnesium, and a serving of an arti-choke has 101 milligrams, but thegrains are the richest in magnesium,with one cup of grain, ranging from100-300 milligrams of magnesium

l Fluids: Water is the number one in-gredient every cell and tissue of thebody needs in order to survive. Thefluids that circulate throughout yourbody dissolve minerals known aselectrolytes. Electrolytes help properlyregulate the fluid levels inside and be-tween cells, and are vital for theproper functioning of your cells, tis-sues and muscles. It is very importantfor a tennis player to know how muchto drink before, during and after thematch.

Dehydration can force your heart towork harder, your core body temperaturerises, and as a result, your performancewill fall dramatically. Over-hydration is theother extreme, and it can decrease yourathletic performance. Too much fluid willcause the electrolyte concentration in the

body to become overly diluted, thuscompromising athletic performance.

Finding your fluid/electrolyte balanceis key to sustaining long and multiplematches. Your hydration zone is the per-fect level at which you perform yourbest.

Consult a professionalA registered dietitian, specializing insports nutrition, can help you to calculatethe exact amount and type of fluidneeded for optimum athletic perform-ance. Personal pre- and post-tournamentmeal plan suggestions will help you toplay your match better. Visit www.irinale-hat.com for classes, workshops and pri-vate consultations. Call (917) 769-8031for an appointment, and mention my arti-cle in Long Island Tennis Magazine to re-ceive 20 percent off.

Irina Belfer-Lehat of Nutrition Solution Co.is a New York State-licensed dietitian andcertified dietitian-nutritionist. She may bereached by phone at (917) 769-8031 or e-mail [email protected].

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By Xavier Luna

Why is tennis so often re-ferred to as “The sport for alifetime?” Largely becausetennis isn’t just a terrific

means of exercise and improving yourhealth, but it offers psychological advan-tages as well. Tennis is also fun to watchand can expand your horizons across thecountry and around the world.

The sport is very accessible as well. Notonly can you find an adequate court at al-most any city park in the U.S., but you canalso enjoy all of the game’s benefits, nomatter your skill level. Let’s take a more de-tailed look at exactly what makes tennisthe sport for a lifetime.

Live longer, live happier and live betterThe late Dr. Ralph Paffenbarger, an experton exercise, stated that people who play atleast three hours a week of moderately in-tense tennis will cut their risk of death fromany cause by 50 percent! That’s a big en-dorsement of the health benefits of thegame. Studies also show that tennis play-ers have higher levels of vigor, self-esteemand optimism, and are less likely to expe-rience anger, depression, anxiety and/orconfusion.

To develop a sound bodyAdditional physical benefits of tennis include:l Improved balance, from all the starts,

stops and changes in direction. l Many health experts believe the game

generates new connections betweennerves in the brain for a lifetime of cog-nitive development.

l Competitive tennis is said to burn morecalories than other aerobic workout, in-cluding cycling.

l The constant movement and pace oftennis is great for cardiovascular health.

l Tennis promotes a strengthened im-mune system, further promoting ahealthier body and a greater ability tofend off disease.

Cultivate a sound mindThere are many psychological benefits as-sociated with tennis, from discipline tostrategic thinking, to stress management.For instance, in order to improve your ten-nis game, you need to have the disciplineto play and practice well.

Additional psychological benefits of ten-nis include:l Strategic thinking: Players need to

consider ball angles, continuously ana-lyze their opponents and their tenden-cies, figuring out ways to expose theirweaknesses and gain an advantage.

l Teamwork: Doubles play depends justas much as you as on whom youchoose as a partner, teaching team-work, communication and working to-gether as a cohesive unit.

l Mental toughness: Players need toadapt to varying elements (i.e., the sun,wind, etc.) and learn the ability to helpthem shake off bad serves, returns andeven entire matches.

A global sport that delivers a world of benefitsAside from the health and psychologicalbenefits, being a tennis fan can mean see-ing some exciting action. Take the fourGrand Slams, Wimbledon, the FrenchOpen, the U.S. Open and the AustralianOpen. These events demonstrate that ten-nis is a truly global game.

Most importantly, tennis is fun! That’sarguably the most significant reason whyit’s deemed “The sport for a lifetime.”Aren’t you glad tennis is already yoursport?

Xavier Luna is director of Advantage All-City Junior Programs (Roosevelt IslandRacquet Club, Manhattan Plaza RacquetClub and New York Tennis Club). He maybe reached by phone at (917) 570-9650 orvisit www.advantagetennisny.com.

Tennis:The Sportfor aLifetime

“…tennis isn’t just a terrific means of exercise and improving your health, but it offers psychological advantages as well.”


By Luke Jensen

I was recently workingwith a group of skilled ten-nis players at Sea Islandand we were in game

mode. These players were of different ageand skill levels, but all were tournamentplayers.

A doubles game I like to play is whatthe Jensen Brothers call “Bump theChump.” It is a number of variations ofwhat you play at your courts called “Kingor Queen of the Court.”

In this variation of the game, one teamhad the net and the other had the base-line. I just want to remind you that ALL theplayers on the court were tournamentplayers!

I fed the ball across the net to the base-line team and POW! The baseliner hittingthe ball HIT the back fence … okay …Out! If you lose, you cruise to the back ofthe line. Next team …

Another feed and bam! A new team andanother shot to the back FENCE!

Whoa … hey Godzillas! What’s goingon here?

There was this long blank look on theirfaces.

Then there was a whimper of an answer… hitting passing shots.

After my clinics and lessons, I self-eval-uate my approach and how I connectedwith my players. I was taught to performthe same process as a player after everypractice and match.

The fact that these talented playerswere really just hitters and not players atall. Give them a rocket ship for a racket

and string some big banger in the frame… Game on! They might as well be shoot-ing at clay pigeons at the shooting school.

I often see too much hitting and too lit-tle playing. Smart players with high tennisIQs really see the game for what it is.Whoever makes the fewest amount of er-rors … WINS!

If you truly watch the greats, there areso many layers to their game. They workthe point using the entire court with a va-riety of speeds, acute shot placement andwith a purpose behind all shots.

I told Team Godzilla to take the first balland dip the shot at the feet of the netplayers to force a tough volley for themand maybe a short ball to have an easierpassing shot on the second ball.

Really just the basics …There are complicated approaches alsolike this singles baseline play I like calledthe “Three and One Game.” No matterwhere the ball comes to you, play three oflet’s say cross-courts and the one downthe line. If the ball comes back after yourfourth shot, run the three and one playagain.

I saw a buddy of mine beat AndreAgassi with that formula. I won’t namehim because he is extremely LOW key,

but I will only say that, “He ain’t afraid ofya.” There is your only hint.

Anyway, if that pattern is not for you, trythe Roger Federer pattern. The 17-timeGrand Slam champion has somethingright. Federer likes the one for one pat-tern. Basically hit every shot to the opencourt with extreme placement to find theopening and slide a winner to that open-ing. Fed stresses to keep it simple andexecute the plan.

So go out and become a smarter tennisplayer and fill up your confidence withvictories!

Keep going for the lines!!!!!!

Born in Grayling, Mich., Luke Jensen’s re-sume includes 10 ATP Tour doubles titlesand singles victories against AndreAgassi, Pete Sampras, Ivan Lendl, JohnMcEnroe, Bjorn Borg, Jimmy Connors,Boris Becker, Stefan Edberg and JimCourier. Jensen and his brother, Murphy,won the 1993 French Open doubles title.He was also a member of the 1991 and1992 Davis Cup Teams. His ambidextrousplay, including his ability to serve the ballwith either hand at 130 mph, earned himthe nickname “Dual Hand Luke.” He maybe reached by phone at (315) 443-3552 ore-mail [email protected].

Properly Seeing the Game of Tennis

COMING IN OURSEPTEMBER/OCTOBER 2014 ISSUE:

2014 U.S. OPENEDITION


40

By Carl Thorsen

The feedback I get frommany parents about theUSTA’s decision to use low-compression balls in the 10

& Under Tournaments tells me that manypeople are skeptical of the benefits anduses of these balls. They usually think thatlow-compression balls are only for begin-ners. They say that when their nine-year-old is playing up in 12 & Under tournaments,that “they only play with regular balls in tour-naments, so why do we use low-compres-sion balls now?” My answer to that is, “Ittakes 10 minutes to get accustomed to theswitch between low-compression and regu-lar balls.” That issue is actually completelybeside the point, because it’s not aboutwhether a child can adjust to the ball switch.The argument is about whether using a low-compression ball can help develop a partic-ular skill that the student is working on.

Low-compression balls are a tool, just likea racquet weight, ball machine or lateral re-sistor. Quite simply, they are a means to anend. They act as a bridge between shadow-ing and real-time hitting, with the ability toaid in the development of countless skills.

Keeping the correct contact pointSince low-compression balls don’t bouncetoo high, they are very helpful in teaching kidsto keep the correct point of contact. We don’tsee very high bounces with these balls,which can ultimately help keep a reasonablycorrect grip. When you see a child with anextreme Western grip, it is usually a result oftheir contact point being head height orabove. There are unfortunate trickle downeffects of a severe Western grip. It can influ-ence the shape of swing on that stroke andcould potentially create technical issuesdown the road—while it can help create a ballwith a lot of topspin, that ball is less likely tohave force or penetration through the court.

Slice/topspinMany young children are “visual learners.”

Low-compression and colored balls can helpyoung children learn slice and topspin. Thecolor of the different sections of the ball canliterally help them see specific spins.

There are benefits for older kids tooI’ll start that with a question, “How many kidsplaying tennis let the ball drop?” Many do, andit is largely because they are used to letting theball bounce to them, rather than moving up toit. A low-compression ball actually does theopposite, as it barely makes it to the baselineon a full court. Practicing with low-compres-sion balls actually forces kids move up to theball even more than they are used to doing,which ultimately gets them comfortable withthe movement off the split and up to the ball.

Racquet head speedLow-compression balls are a great way tolearn to hit the ball with proper acceleration–they go nowhere otherwise! Many parentsbelieve that low-compression balls are caus-ing shoulder injuries with their kids. It is muchmore likely that learning poor techniques willcause injuries than using low-compressionballs will.

There are many young children who, evenat a young age, naturally do things very well.Even in those cases, there is always so muchmore to learn, and utilizing low-compression

balls as a tool can be very helpful. Skill buildingis important during many different phases ofyour junior player’s development, and I recom-mend that students of all ages keep an openmind regarding the tools and methods availableto help you reach your potential.

Carl Thorsen is a director of Gotham TennisAcademy’s Elite High Performance Programat Stadium Tennis Center. He brings morethan 18 years of experience, coaching a widerange of students from beginners to elite jun-iors to world-class professionals. A graduateof Cornell University, Carl spent three years onthe professional circuit, winning several titlesalong the way. Carl currently coaches some ofthe top juniors in the New York metro regionand nationally and internationally ranked jun-iors. He may be reached by e-mail at

[email protected] by phone at (718)

665-4684.

The Benefits of TrainingWith Low-Compression Balls

New York Tennis Magazine • July/August 2014 • NYTennisMag.com


Where did the idea for ZEMgearcome from?Christina Bracken: Today’s ZEM Collec-tion of Wind, Water, Sand and Land shoeshave a unique history. In the beginning, agroup of beach volleyball athletes asked usto solve a problem. They wanted a shoe toprotect them from hot and cold sand, anddebris that could injure them. We designeda shoe that combined natural motion, pro-tection and had the WOW factor of totalflexibility. Our product and performancetesting is done during a top notch sportscamp with about 250 athletes to ensurethat the product works as it should. The‘Original Ninja’ design was created throughthis research. We took the intense feed-back and suggestions of our participatingathletes and developed a unique collectionof high-performance, sand sports shoes.

What’s unique about your product?Bracken: We make high performancefootwear that doesn’t follow the traditionalidea of thick midsoles with inserts either inthe heel area or mid-foot. We believe that a

naturally functioning and articulating footdelivers more benefits to the user, and offersa lightweight solution to many of the prob-lems that our feet encounter. We developeda unique tech-band technology that allowsus to deliver a super lightweight and stabileproduct without the bulk and weight of a tra-ditional shoe. We have already received twoIndustry Awards for Innovative FootwearDesign. Not to mention, our designs are col-orful and simply look cool.

What has the consumer reaction been?Bracken: “Wow!” is usually what we hearwhen people encounter a pair of ZEMs forthe first time. People who try our shoes onfind them very comfortable, functional andfun.

What have been the most popular products/styles?Bracken: For beach tennis, beach volley-ball and soccer, we recommend the Orig-inal Ninja and Playa styles. Split andround toes, and high and low styles areavailable. Our Sand Collection is verypopular with top athletes who look for topperformance and lateral stability you can-not get from “sand sock brands.”

For SUP’ing (Stand-Up Paddling), theO2 and the H20 are most popular due totheir easy-on/easy-off uppers and theaward-winning outsole. Of course wehave many other styles for all activities re-volving around wind, water, sand andland. Find us at www.ZEMgear.com formore information.

“ZEM” stands for the Zone of EndlessMotion. Born in Miami, it’s a place wherewe believe anything is possible. Throughour creations, we reflect Miami’s culture,diversity, fun-and-sun side, and ofcourse, the activities that surround life inand around Miami, the ocean and thebeaches.

An Interview With Christina Bracken of ZEMgear

Find more ZEMtastic products at www.zemgear.com and get free products, tips and more on

ZEM’s Facebook page at www.facebook.com/ZEMgear.

Ernests Gulbis uncensored

On the distraction ofwomen during tour-naments …“When I’m in a tour-nament, I don’t payattention to thosethings. As strange as

it sounds, I go to dinner with my team, Istay with them. What happens around thegirls, that’s … I don’t want to lose energyfor that. If you meet a new person, it takesenergy, you know? If you meet a girl, I’mnot ready to go in relationship with herstraight away, so it’s like, what is in mymind? For every normal guy, in your mindis to get the girl in bed as soon as possi-ble. It all takes energy. In a tournament, Idon’t do that.”

On Novak Djokovic ...“I don’t like Djokovic that much. We haveknown each other since I’m 12. He was anormal guy then, but since his first bigsuccess, he has changed, his eyeschanged.”

On what a night out on the town with him islike ...“What do people do when they go out? Togo out and not drink? I don’t understand it.If you go to a nightclub, what is to enjoythere? Nothing. The music is too loud,everybody’s sweating, everybody’s danc-ing, it’s dark, everybody’s pushing, every-body’s drunk. And if you’re the only guysober in the nightclub, you don’t enjoy it atall. If you’re into the groove, you know, youhave a couple drinks, you’re on the samelevel as the club, you can sometimes getsomething positive out of it. But it’s not

what I like. I prefer to stay in my friends’company, invite girls over, we have drinksin a normal quiet environment.”

Can’t we all just get along?

“We’re not friends,so there is that,”Eugenie Bouchardsaid of her relation-ship, or lack there-of , wi th Mar iaSharapova. “Of

course as a child I looked up to her, and I re-member watching her in the finals of Wim-bledon and, you know, thought what she wasdoing was so cool. I wanted to do the samething. We’re in the semis of a Grand Slam, soI’m going to respect her, but not put her toohigh on a pedestal and really just battle.”

Serena the wedding crasher

Serena Williams wasn’t expecting to haveso much free time on her hands. But anearly exit from the 2014 French Open freedup her schedule. So how did Serena de-cide to spend her leisure time in Miami one

Space is limited. To make a reservation, call Jacqueline Glodstein, ITC VP/Development, at 646-884-7450 or email

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courtsixNew York Tennis Magazine’s Gossip Column By Emilie Katz


Saturday afternoon? By hitting the beachand crashing a wedding of course.

Serena also enjoyed herself by watchingthe Miami Heat eliminate the Indiana Pac-ers in the NBA’s Eastern Conference Finals.Perhaps losing early on in the French Openisn’t so bad after all.

Maybe you shouldwatch the match?

The following is atranscript from apost-match interviewconducted wi thFrance’s NicholasMahut after Mahut’searly exit at the 2014

French Open at the hands of Kazakhstan’sMikhail Kukushkin …Reporter: Congratulations.Mahut: Congratulations? I lost.Reporter: You lost? OK. So what hap-pened out there?Mahut: Are you serious? Did you watch thematch?Reporter: No, I didn’t. I was told that youwon. I’m sorry.

SplitsvilleIt wasn’t utterly sur-prising that RoryMcIlroy broke off hisengagement toCaroline Wozniacki.It was shocking,however, that hewould do so over thet e l e p h o n e — a n dthat’s just whathappened.

“It’s a hard time for me right now,” saidWozniacki. “Thanks for all the sweet mes-sages! I support Liverpool right now be-cause I know I’ll never walk alone!”

60 Minutes sheds thesecrets of Wimbledon

Inside Wimbledon’sclubhouse, the tro-phies bearing thenames of tennis

royalty are enshrined, as winners of theevent that date back to 1877. To tennis afi-cionados, it is hallowed ground, but to oth-

ers, it might still seem a hidebound relic en-sconced behind ivy-covered walls. Withtennis’ most prestigious tournamentprogress, 60 Minutes Sports takes a lookinside this tennis mecca and finds somesigns that things may be changing.

One of them is the virtual image of for-mer star player and now tennis commenta-tor John McEnroe. As a young phenom, hison-court tantrums drew boos at the exaltedevent. Now, he fronts a museum exhibit atWimbledon. It’s an about-face for the clubthat once denied him the honorary mem-bership it gives to all its winners. MarkPhillips reported from Wimbledon and in-terviewed McEnroe inside its famed CentreCourt.

Tweets from the prosl Novak Djokovic (@DjokerNole): Grass

courts with legend of Wimbledon MR.BB :-) Enjoyed hitting a few volleys withthe man himself. @TheBorisBecker

l Rafa Nadal (@RafaelNadal): Nine titleson this special clay. Honored@NikeTennis have made me from thesame stuff. #endlesstennis #RG14!

l Venus Williams (@Venuseswilliams):@CBSSunday asked “How muchlonger do you expect to play?” The an-swer: “As long as I can, I will.” #com-mitted #loveofthegame #tennis

l Boris Becker (@TheBorisBecker):Being a #father is certainly the most re-warding, challenging, difficult, lovingand most important part of my #life#family #4 #kids

l Chris Evert (@ChrissieEvert): I love thetears and humbleness of @RafaelNadaland @DjokerNole

l Andy Murray (@Andy_Murray): Tennisneeds a commissioner

l Caroline Wozniacki (@Carowozni-acki): Getting ready to watch the WorldCup! Who else is excited?!! #world-cup2014

l Mardy Fish (@MardyFish): Getting myFrench Open fix this morning before golf.My guy @JohnIsner going to work …

l Victoria Azarenka (@Vika7):#GoSpursGo get that bling #NBAFinals

l Bob Bryan (@BryanBros): Always funbeing greeted by a 6am needle.#drugtesting #keepingithonest #ouchie

l Justin Gimelstob (@JustinGimelstob):I’m not much of a hockey guy, but WOW,riveting stuff, AMAZING athletes, congrats@LAKings well played @NYRangers gladhockey gets some LOVE!

l Roger Federer (@RogerFederer): Al-ways a pleasure looking at the Eiffel tower,on my way back from @rolandgarros hada good hit with #Hewitt

l Eugenie Bouchard (@GenieBouchard):A fan just asked me to take a ‘duckfaceselfie’ with her. #lol

l Gael Monfils (@Gael_Monfils): SorryTwitter, tonight it’s on Instagram :-)


By Gilad Bloom

As a tennis instructor, I see myself, first and foremost, as an edu-cator. Since the vast majority of my students are junior players, Ihave a role in their life which is bigger than just showing themhow to hit the ball or telling them how to move their feet. When I

was a kid, I looked up to my coach, and to this day, still keep in touch with him and re-member many of the things he taught me on the tennis court, but also life lessons thatI learned playing the game for so many years.

What Does It Take


I truly believe that tennis is as good anallegory of life as anything. When I played,I tried to become a champion, and that ob-viously meant winning matches, titles andmoving up the ranking system. I tried tomostly develop the mentality of a cham-pion, a state of mind and behavior thatwould allow me to perform at the top mygame at the right time and express my tal-ent to the world … a tennis player cannotask for more. There is nothing more disap-pointing for a tennis player than showingup to a match and not being able to per-form up to your potential.

We all have bad days, but there are waysto deal with such days. Good players, oneswith a champion’s mentality, play well andgive themselves a chance to win, evenwhen they are playing poorly. This is whenthe mental aspect of the game comes intothe picture.

Having a champion’s mentality doesn’tgrow on a tree. Yes, certain traits such asconfidence or composure in pressure situ-ations can come naturally, but the overallmentality of a champion is something thatis built slowly over a long period. It usuallystarts with good habits in practice early onin one’s career, along with careful planningand solid advice from your coaches. Thequalities that make a tennis champion willbe very valuable after one’s tennis careerends, and for 99.9 percent of my students,that usually means after the age of 22 whenthey join the work force and use tennis asa networking tool.

Being a complete tennis player is morethan just having good ground strokes or abig serve. It is about conducting yourself inthe proper way that a top tennis playerwould. It is also not about the level of play,but the level of commitment to the gameand the size of your heart. I honestly be-lieve that if you conduct yourself in a pro-fessional manner when it comes to tennis,it will reflect in other areas of your life. Ihave used the things I have learned as apro player in my personal life to help mecope with different complex situations.Over the years, I have given my studentsmany lectures on how to conduct them-

selves as tennis players. I find that this as-pect of coaching is just as important as thetechnical side. I have put together a list ofpractical tips of what a tennis player shouldstrive to be. Each player is different andunique in their own way, but I have learnedthat the true champs are usually made fromthe same mental fortitude and that there isa lot to be learned by observing their con-duct both on and off the court.

1. Practice as you perform,and perform as you practicePerhaps the single most important tip isstated directly above. I have never met agreat champion who does not practice withintensity and sharp focus. As a teachingpro, the number one asset a student has isthe ability to push him/herself on the train-ing court. When there is a will (to work),there will be a way, and this is more impor-tant than pure natural talent. The secondpart of the sentence is to perform as youpractice, not only on the practice court andtraining sessions, but to perform in a simi-lar way in a real match situation. The truechamps actually play better in realmatches.

2. Always remain positive during a match, and do not show your weaknessesBeing a tennis player means being a goodactor. You could be in the midst of a verybad patch during a match, but if you are atrue champion, you will act as if the nextpoint will be the first point of your come-back. You need a very short memory in ten-nis. That easy volley on top of the net youjust missed must quickly become ancienthistory. The only productive thing you cando when this happens or when you areplaying badly is to go to the next point as ifnothing happened. You should look youropponent in the eye and give them the feel-ing that you know what you did wrong andthat from now on you are going to changethe momentum of the match. This is yourbest shot of making any kind of a come-back. When you are not playing well, butare able to maintain a sense of calmness,

you are sending a message to your oppo-nent that you are not giving up, ever!

3. Don’t ever bad mouth yourself after a poor matchWe have all been there … we lose a matchwe should not have lost and want thewhole world to know how badly we played.This is not the trait of a champion. Theysimply shake hands gracefully, walk off thecourt with their head held up, and hit theshowers. It is best not to talk to othersabout your bad performances. Simply sayyou had a bad day or give your opponent acompliment, even if they don’t deserve it.Being a graceful loser will make winningsweeter and also earn you respectamongst your peers. True champs nevermake excuses!

4. Don’t hang out with the partyanimals during a tournamentAs a kid, my coach always encouraged meto befriend the top players, try to train withthem and pick their brain. That was a greatpiece of advice on more than one level.Sure, it’s fun to run and throw water bal-loons in the hotel hallway or to grab a BigMac after the match, but the ones who dothat usually end up losing on the first day ofthe tournament. When going to tourna-ments, I would try look for the top kids,watch them play, chat with them and theircoaches, and try to learn from them andtheir game. There will always be enoughtime to party AFTER the tournament.

5. Develop your own ritualsAll great champions have their routine—aseries of habits that help put them in theright state of mind before a match. Eachplayer has their own preference on howlong to practice before a match, what toeat, when to stretch, etc., When goingdeep into a long tournament, those ritualsand repetitive actions can be very useful. Asuccessful player needs rhythm, and per-forming rituals the same way each day cancreate that rhythm.

to Make a Champion?

continued on page 46


what does it take to make a champion continued from page 45

6. Plan the next day the night before each matchWhenever I take young players to tourna-ments, I am shocked at how little theyknow about planning ahead. A championplans the next day very carefully, as thereare many things to think about. It all startswith what time is bedtime. What timeshould you wake up? What time shouldyou warm up? When should you eat break-fast and what should be eaten for break-fast? When should you eat betweenmatches? What should you do after eachmatch? How should you end the day. Asolid and organized daily schedule canhelp one go deep in a tournament. Often,there are multiple matches and weatherconditions can also come into play, so pre-planning can be critical to success.

7. Think big, but act smallA true champion is one that goes into anymatch with a “winning feeling.” You have togo into a tennis match thinking that you aregoing to win it, otherwise there is no point ineven showing up. Even when going againstthe top seeds, you want to believe that youhave a chance to win. I used to visualize my-self shaking hands with my opponent say-ing to them, “Nice match, bad luck for yourloss.” You have to see it in your vision inorder for it to happen. The true championsalways think they can win the tournament,but they keep it to themselves and try to win

one match at a time. When going into a tour-nament, they usually belittle their chancesand respect other people’s chances of win-ning the tournament. It always pays off to behumble and low key. Keep away from thelimelight and let others talk about winning,while you just do your talking with the racket.

8. Keep your feet on the groundBeing a tennis player is a long-term thing. It is

more than doing well in one tournament, it isabout your entire body of work, your consis-tent performances, how you handled your-self in different situations, how you recoveredfrom letdowns, how you conducted yourselfwith other players, the media, etc. There havebeen examples of players who didn’t lastvery long, that burned out or simply self-de-structed. The true champs always keep theirfeet on the ground. They don’t lose perspec-tive when they win, which allows them tokeep on winning. They also don’t sulk for toolong when they lose. They simply move on tothe next tournament and show up with avengeance which allows them to return totheir winning ways.

9. Respect the gameA true champion is one who respects thegame of tennis. Sure, there have been somechampions who were not as graceful as aStefan Edberg, Rod Laver or Roger Federer,but for the most part, the true memorablechamps are respectful of the game of ten-nis. They will always be in top shape, alwaysbattle until the last point is won and are al-ways working to improve their game andadd more weapons to their arsenal. Theyalso respect other great players and thedeep and rich history of the sport.

As you can see, most of the qualities on thislist can apply to non-tennis life as well. Youdon’t have to be Roger Federer, Rafael Nadalor Novak Djokovic to call yourself a champion.It is merely an attitude that can be adoptedwhen trying to excel in anything. As I said be-fore, tennis for me is an allegory of real life, andI often use what I learned on the tennis courtsto tackle real-life situations each day.

Gilad Bloom is a former ATP touring pro-fessional who, at his peak, was ranked 61stin singles and 62nd in doubles in the world.Five times an Israel’s Men’s Champion,three times in singles and twice in doubles,Gilad is currently the director of tennis atThe Club of Riverdale. He was the directorof tennis at John McEnroe Tennis Academyfor two years, and before, that ran GiladBloom Tennis for nine years. He may bereached by phone at (914) 907-0041 or e-mail [email protected].



Come out to beautiful SPORTIME Stadium on Randall’s Island and watch world No. 1 Novak Djokovic face off against another ATPpro just days before the start of the 2014 US Open....In our intimate 1,500 seat stadium, see Novak battle it out as he prepares to re-

gain his US Open title, before being joined on court by Johnny Mac, NY Ranger superstar Henrik Lundquist, actor Edward Nortonand other special guests for some fun doubles action.

This benefit night will also feature promising junior players from the John McEnroe Tennis Academy, a lively auction and great hospitality, with all net proceeds to support the efforts of Johnny Mac Tennis Project, a 501(c)(3) public charity.

TICKETS AVAILABLE FROM $75 - $500 For more information, and to purchase tickets and special VIP packages, please call 888-988-6921, go to johnmcenroetennisacademy.com/jmtp

or e-mail us at [email protected].

The Johnny Mac Tennis Project provides tennis scholarships and financial assistance to New York City Metropolitan area children and promotes the

lifelong sport of tennis for players of all levels, from introductory programs to world-class tournament training for aspiring professionals.

Johnny Mac Tennis Project Benefit Nightfeaturing Novak Djokovic, John McEnroe, Henrik Lundquist,

Edward Norton and others.

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Also featuring2014 WimbledonJunior Boys’champion,JMTA’s ownNoah Rubin!

There is no such thing as “The Correct Grip” for holding a tennis racketSimple guides to different ways to hold aracket have evolved, and there are manyways to modify a racket handle so that it iscomfortable and efficient for your style ofplay and individual needs.

Rackets built in the early 1920s had han-

dles that seem as large as the business endof baseball bats. Their bare wood texturewas often grooved to improve a player’ssweaty hold on the racket, while stroking ata ball. By the 1950s, handles averaged 4-¼to 4-3/4 inches in circumference, and werecovered in leather or leather substitutes.

Popular grips used by players today arethe Eastern, Western and Semi-Western

forehands, and grip sizes have remainedthe same. If you Google “Tennis Grips,” youwill discover diagrams showing numberedbevels on a tennis racket (every racket han-dle has eight bevels). You are then shownwhere to place the knuckle of your indexfinger to achieve one of these desiredgrips. An alternative method is to simplythink of placing your palm under or behind

Getting a Handle on TenBy Richard Thater


nis Gripsthe handle. An old school teacher may askyou to place your palm on the strings, thenslide your hand down the racket and shakehands with the handle.

A closer look at grip diagrams will showdifferent shapes to racket handles, assome are more box-like than others, whilesome are more rectangular. This shape isas important as the size when you hold the

racket and hit the ball. Years ago, I hit abetter backhand with a Dunlop Maxply Fort(boxy handle), and a better forehand with aWilson Stan Smith model (rectangular han-dle). If you change racket brands, you willhave to modify how you hold your racket.

We have been looking at out-of-the-boxhandle options. Let’s shift to describingways to modify your tennis grips.

Overgrips can make them sticky, slip-pery, softer, larger or smaller, and changethe texture. One company even has a re-placement grip that has the look and peb-bly feel of the surface of a basketball.

Players with dry hands may prefer anovergrip that is tacky. For those who sweatheavily, there are grips that become tackyonly when wet. As we age, we begin tosweat less, so you may have to changeyour grip preferences. Overgrips are aneasy and inexpensive way to modify grips.

Does your racket handle seem small?This is often the easiest grip modificationto make. Many players find that wrappingtwo overgrips around the handle works forthem. But if you like to feel the bevels onyour handle, avoid using this technique. In-stead, install a replacement grip describedas cushioned. These grips are usually thethickest, and will produce a larger feel toyour racket handle. There are also sleeveson the market that you slide over the han-dle and heat with a hair dryer. My prefer-ence is to wrap layers of masking tapearound the handle to achieve the desiredthickness, and then install a standard re-placement grip.

Trying to reduce the size of a grip can be a challengeAgain, the first step is to pick a replace-ment grip described as thin. Then, pull ittaut when spiraling it around the handle togive a smaller feel. Unless you made a re-ally poor choice of grip size when you pur-chased the racket, this usually works. Andadjust to playing without overgrips. Rackethandles that are too large are a major causeof arm problems and poor stroke mechan-ics, so it is important to make this modifi-cation. A handle that is too large will leadto a player hitting the ball with a pre-loadedmuscle. This means that every ball is hitwith the muscle already tensed. The stroke

is then affected because with the large grip,the wrist, elbow and shoulder feel locked,and the fluidity of the stroke is restricted.

We often purchase racketsin pairs hoping for a perfect matchThis doesn’t always happen. I have learnedto fiddle with different widths of maskingtape and am good at matching racket han-dles so they feel pretty nearly equal. But ifI am just a little sloppy when putting on anovergrip, the rackets can again feel mis-matched.

One story I have heard told over theyears is about how Aussie great Lew Hoadmodified his Dunlop rackets. He removedthe butt cap, then tapered the bottom ofthe handle so it felt smaller than it did in themiddle. Keep this story in mind if peoplethink you are overly fussy about yourequipment.

Racquet modificationsI am most proud of a racket repair I made inthe 1970s. I had just sold an expensive TADracket to a woman who tearfully returned tothe store in less than 20 minutes. Sheshowed me how she had damaged the han-dle in her car door while she was jugglingpackages in the parking lot. I was shootinga photo essay that summer with surfboardbuilders in the Rockaways, so I was familiarwith the materials they used while shapingand repairing their boards. I borrowed someof their epoxy and tape to repair the holeand sanded it to a smooth finish when theglue had dried. She never returned, so I amhoping the repair held long enough for theracket to show up on eBay.

When all else fails, find a pro who spe-cializes in modifying rackets for the topprofessional players. With this profes-sional’s tools and knowledge, they will finda way to help you get a better grip on yourgame.

Richard Thater is a long-time teacher andplayer on New York City courts. He is PTR-certified in both Junior and Adult Develop-ment, and has played in senior tournamentsin the Greater New York area. Richard cur-rently teaches at the West Side Tennis Club.He may be reached by phone at (917) 749-3255 or e-mail [email protected].


By Bill Longua

Playing better tennis de-pends a great deal on usingour physical senses. Asyou know, our five senses

consist of smell, taste, sight, hearing andtouch, and use of these natural gifts willlead to improved play.

You can eliminate the first two of theabove, smell and taste. The only way theymight be involved are in extremely bad sit-uations. First, taste would only occur if youropponent smashed it down your throat,and second, if you are playing so badly thatyou happen to really stink, that day couldbring about the sense of smell.

The other three senses definitely playmajor roles in your game.

Sight is fairly self-explanatory. Tennis is agame primarily of movement and sight. Howmany times have you heard the phrase“Keep your eye on the ball.” This is the basicpremise when discussing the sense of sightin tennis, but there are many other factorsthat include sight. Watch the opponent’s rac-quet before contact. If the swing is low tohigh, you can expect topspin coming towardyou, or if the swing is high to low, you can ex-pect to see backspin. Topspin will cause a

higher bounce, while backspin will bouncelower. While the oncoming ball is in flight, it ispossible to see the amount of spin on theball. If the ball has a great amount of rotationon it, you will be able to prepare for a moreexaggerated bounce. Also, look for theamount of pace and arc of the approachingball to help you know the type of responseneeded with your preparation and shot.

Hearing comes into play when the oppo-nent is hitting the shot. The sound of theball coming off the racquet gives you a lotof information. First, the strength of the hittells you of the oncoming speed and willhave you prepare for a full backswing or itmay tell you to shorten your backswing toadjust your power. If you hear a brushingsound during the opponent’s hit, expectmore spin. Lastly, if you hear the opponenthit the ball off the frame of the racquet, youwill probably get an erratic bounce, so be-ware. If you are playing a point and are atthe service line or closer to the net, I wouldadvise not to let the ball bounce when youhear that frame shot.

If you don’t think sound is not important,then why did the players fight to have theairport take-off and landing traffic changedat LaGuardia and JFK Airports during theU.S. Open? To hear the ball at contact!

Touch comes into tennis the more yourability improves. Touch and feel are basi-cally the same thing in our discussion here.If you are new to the sport of tennis, I urgeyou to carry your racquet around as muchas possible so that your comfort level in thefeel for different grips becomes natural toyou as soon as possible.

The feel in hitting different spins andtouch shots comes with ability. You willknow when you have reached an upperlevel in the game when you can sit in yourliving room and mentally feel hitting yourforehands, backhands and other strokes.

So, come to your senses for better ten-nis. Good luck and have fun!

Bill Longua is the tennis director/head proat Palm Island Resort in Cape Haze, Fla. Billis a member of the USPTA, has beenteaching tennis for more than 35 years, andis the author of Winning Tennis Strokes. Billalso enjoys teaching tennis on his Web site,http://onlinetennistraining.com. To pur-chase Bill’s book, visit http://onlinetennis-training.com. He may be reached by e-mailat [email protected]. Bill’s new117 tennis lesson app “Complete TennisMastery” is available on Google Play nowand iTunes next month.

UseYourSenses


NEW YORK TENNIS CLUB DIRECTORY

Centercourt PerformanceTennis CenterClay Bibbee—Managing Partner andAcademy Founder65 Columbia Road Morristown, NJ 07960(973) [email protected]

Future Stars SouthamptonMatt Rineberg—Tennis Director1370 A Majors Path Southampton, NY 11968(631) 287-6707info@futurestarssouthampton.comwww.futurestarssouthampton.com

Go! Tennis at North ShoreTennis & Racquet ClubGeorge Garland—Director of Tennis34-28 214th Place Flushing, NY 11361-1720(718) [email protected]

Gotham Tennis AcademyEric Faro—Director of Tennis358 W. End Ave #3ANew York, NY 10024(646) [email protected]

Manhattan Plaza Racquet ClubGertrud Wilhelm—General Manager450 West 43rd StreeNew York, NY 10036(212) 594-0554gwilhelm@advantagetennisclubs.comwww.advantagetennisclubs.com

Midtown Tennis ClubJennifer Brown—Director341 8th AvenueNew York, NY 10001(212) [email protected]

New Rochelle Tennis ClubJuan Rios—Tennis Director114 Valley RoadNew Rochelle, NY(914) 633-3388www.newrochelletennisclub.com

New York Tennis ClubLauren Hartman—General Manager3081 Harding AvenueBronx, NY 10465(718) [email protected]

Prospect Park Tennis CenterPaul Campbell—Director of Tennis50 Parkside AvenueBrooklyn, NY 11226(718) 436-2500, ext. [email protected]/visit/activities/tennis

Queens College Tennis Club65-30 Kissena BoulevardQueens, NY 11367(718) [email protected]/communi-tyrec/tennis

Roosevelt Island RacquetClubTom Manhart—Membership Director281 Main Street • Roosevelt Island, NY 10044(212) [email protected]

SPORTIME Harbor IslandTennis Courts in Harbor Island ParkCarlos Campo—General ManagerMamaroneck, NY 10543(914) [email protected]/harbor-island

SPORTIME Randall’s IslandManhattan Home of the John McEnroeTennis AcademyFelix Alvarado—Assistant Director ofTennisOne Randall’s Island • New York, NY 10035(212) [email protected]/manhattan

SPORTIME Lake IsleWestchester Home of the John McEnroeTennis AcademyBrian Inglis—General Manager660 White Plains RoadEastchester, NY 10709(914) [email protected]/lake-isle

Stadium Tennis Center atMill Pond Joel Kassan—Executive Director725 Gateway Center Boulevard Bronx, NY 10451(718) [email protected]

Tennis Innovators NYCJuan Andrade—Executive Director520 2nd Avenue (Kips Bay Court)899 10th Avenue (John Jay Court)New York, NY(646) 476-5811www.tennisinnovators.com

The Country Club ofRiverdale (TCR)Gilad Bloom—Director of Tennis2600 Netherland AvenueRiverdale, NY 10463(718) [email protected]

USTA Billie Jean King National Tennis CenterWhitney Kraft—Director of TennisFlushing Meadows Corona ParkFlushing, NY 11368(718) [email protected]

West Side Tennis ClubBob Ingersole—Director of Tennis1 Tennis PlaceForest Hills, NY 11375(718) 268-2300tennisdirector@foresthillstennis.comwww.foresthillstennis.com/index.html


N E W Y O R K R A N K I N G S

Boys & Girls Metro Rankings(as of 04/01/14)

BOYSMetro Boys 12 SinglesRank..Name................................City1 ........David Krasner ................ Staten Island, N.Y.2 ........Blake Frank ....................New York, N.Y.3 ........Jonathan Glinsky............Brooklyn, N.Y.4 ........Anthony Cataldo ............Brooklyn, N.Y.5 ........Daniel Leon Maseyev ....Brooklyn, N.Y.6 ........Michael Gechka ............Brooklyn, N.Y.7 ........Joakim Duffy ..................Brooklyn, N.Y.8 ........Sachin Palta....................Forest Hills, N.Y.9 ........Bradley Bennett..............New York, N.Y.10......Jasper August Hunt ......New York, N.Y.11......Donald James Smith......Roosevelt Island, N.Y.12......Brandon Torres ..............Bronx, N.Y.13......Kemal Aziz ......................Staten Island, N.Y.14......Nicholas Pustilnik ..........Brooklyn, N.Y.15......Paul Elghouayel..............New York, N.Y.16......Ty Switzer........................New York, N.Y.17......Rudolph Merlin ..............Brooklyn, N.Y.18......Daniel Galisteo Gordon..New York, N.Y.19......David Alan Khaimov ......Jamaica, N.Y.20......Igor Maslov ....................Brooklyn, N.Y.21......Noah Eisenberg..............New York, N.Y.22......Donovan Spigner ..........New York, N.Y.23......Dylan Lachmanen ..........Brooklyn, N.Y.24......Jeffrey Yu ........................Forest Hills, N.Y.25......Oliver Tockman ..............Brooklyn, N.Y.26......Donovan Brown..............New York, N.Y.27......Cooper Williams ............New York, N.Y.28......Matthias Frijs-Djurhuus..New York, N.Y.29......Eitan Trantz ....................Bronx, N.Y.30......Evan Friedmann ............New York, N.Y.31......Noah Kaye ......................New York, N.Y.32......James Adamini ..............New York, N.Y.33......Charles William Phillips..New York, N.Y.34......Gabriel Rissman ............Brooklyn, N.Y.35......Michael Glazomitskiy ....Brooklyn, N.Y.36......Milan Jain........................New York, N.Y.37......Matthew Mosejczuk ......East Elmhurst, N.Y.38......Kevin Daniel Golub ........New York, N.Y.39......Joshua Jackson ............Staten Island, N.Y.40......Marcos Souza Lee ........New York, N.Y.

Metro Boys 14 SinglesRank..Name................................City1 ........Derek Lung ....................Brooklyn, N.Y.2 ........Wiley Schubert Reed ....Brooklyn, N.Y.3 ........Jonathan Glinsky............Brooklyn, N.Y.4 ........Christopher Tham ..........Flushing, N.Y.5 ........Max Schindel..................New York, N.Y.6 ........Daniel Davis....................New York, N.Y.7 ........Daniel Leon-Maseyev ....Brooklyn, N.Y.8 ........Tanner Ross Bhonslay ..New York, N.Y.9 ........Nicholas Pustilnik ..........Brooklyn, N.Y.10......David Krasner ................Staten Island, N.Y.11......Donald James Smith......Roosevelt Island, N.Y.12......Peter Frelinghuysen ......New York, N.Y.13......Jeffrey McCready ..........Brooklyn, N.Y.14......Igor Maslov ....................Brooklyn, N.Y.15......Henry Hochfelder ..........New York, N.Y.16......Blake Frank ....................New York, N.Y.17......Alex Portnoy ..................New York, N.Y.18......Robbie F. Werdiger ........New York, N.Y.19......Kermal Aziz ....................Staten Island, N.Y.

20......Ethan Finley ....................New York, N.Y.21......Teddy Friedman..............New York, N.Y.22......Dominick Pajor ..............Brooklyn, N.Y.23......Julian Szuper ..................New York, N.Y.24......Leaf Fagerberg ..............New York, N.Y.25......Shawn Jackson..............Staten Island, N.Y.26......Neil Agarwal....................New York, N.Y.27......Wesley Zhang ................Staten Island, N.Y.28......Richard Wickman ..........Bayside, N.Y. 29 ......David Moldovan ............Brooklyn, N.Y.30......Teddy Brodsky................New York, N.Y.31......Leonidas Vrailas ............New York, N.Y.32......Michael Lee Jozoff ........New York, N.Y.33......Tyler Kats ........................New York, N.Y. 34 ......Eliot Stein........................New York, N.Y.35......James Baumann ............New York, N.Y.36......Kevin Li............................Long Island City, N.Y.37......Mizel Stevens ................New York, N.Y.38......Joakim Duffy ..................Brookly, N.Y.39......Harry Portnoy ................New York, N.Y.40......David Dylan Pines ..........New York, N.Y.

Metro Boys 16 SinglesRank..Name................................City1 ........Oliver Jaskowski ............Bayside, N.Y.2 ........Andrew Zucker ..............New York, N.Y.3 ........Leonardo Escudero........Ozone Park, N.Y.4 ........Leonard Margolis............Brooklyn, N.Y.5 ........Adam Lane Bernstein ....New York, N.Y.6 ........Steven Serras ................Queens Village, N.Y.7 ........Oliver Mai........................Flushing, N.Y.8 ........Horia Negru ....................Middle Village, N.Y.9 ........Jonathan L. Molfetta ......Howard Beach, N.Y.10......Tanner Ross Bhonslay ..New York, N.Y.11......Dan Ion Negru ................Middle Village, N.Y.12......Jacob Daly......................Oakland Gardens, N.Y.13......Kevin Yan ........................Brooklyn, N.Y.14......Justin Belnavis................Jamaica, N.Y.15......Gabriel Sifuentes............Flushing, N.Y.16......Jordan Rey-Anatole ......Brooklyn, N.Y.17......Arthur Elghouayel ..........New York, N.Y.18......Kyran Luke Somar ........Bronx, N.Y.19......Nicholas Pustilnik ..........Brooklyn, N.Y20......Stephen Mai ..................Flushing, N.Y.21......Daniel Enrique Corona ..Fresh Meadows, N.Y.22......Daniel Ertel......................New York, N.Y.23......Douglas Nover................Bayside, N.Y.24......Oliver Jevtovic ................Astoria, N.Y.25......Derek Lung ....................Brooklyn, N.Y.26......Neil Agarwal....................New York, N.Y.27......Jonathan Coden ............Bronx, N.Y.28......Benjamin Thier................New York, N.Y.29......Bojidar Todorov ..............Rego Park, N.Y.30......Adam Borak....................Brooklyn, N.Y.31......Igor Maslov ....................Brooklyn, N.Y.32......Shawn Jackson..............Staten Island, N.Y.33......Avery Bicks ....................New York, N.Y.34......Dylan Friedman ..............Brooklyn, N.Y.35......Lantis Wang....................New York, N.Y.36......Nate Newhouse..............New York, N.Y.37......Michael Dozortsev..........Brooklyn, N.Y.38......Marco Vonderheide........New York, N.Y.39......Barak Harari....................Hollis, N.Y.40......Lamar Hurt......................New York, N.Y.

Metro Boys 18 SinglesRank..Name................................City1 ........William J. Trang ..............Staten Island, N.Y.2 ........Stephen William Fields ..Bronx, N.Y.3 ........Sam Krevlin ....................New York, N.Y.

4 ........Kumeil Hosain ................New York, N.Y.5 ........Anthony Santino ............Douglaston, N.Y.6 ........Marco Vonderheide........New York, N.Y.7 ........Arthur Elghouayel ..........New York, N.Y.

GIRLSMetro Girls 12 SinglesRank..Name................................City1 ........Karolina Lankamer ........Brooklyn, N.Y.2 ........Natalie Eordekian ..........Woodside, N.Y.3 ........Amy Kaplan ....................Brooklyn, N.Y.4 ........Shakima Hotaki ..............Flushing, N.Y.5 ........Maryna Bohdanovska....Brooklyn, N.Y.6 ........Rachel Zhang ................Forest Hills, N.Y.7 ........Nadejda Maslova ..........Brooklyn, N.Y.8 ........Alyssa An ........................New York, N.Y.9 ........Daniella Benabraham ....New York, N.Y.10......Nathalie Williams ............New York, N.Y.11......Masha Serjantov ............New York, N.Y.12......Rachel Rubenzahl ..........New York, N.Y.13......Isabella Hartman ............New York, N.Y.14......Katherine Krieger............New York, N.Y.15......Naomi Park ....................New York, N.Y.16......Miriam Aziz ....................Staten Island, N.Y.17......Khyanna Singh ..............Queens Village, N.Y.18......Julia Dementyev ............Brooklyn, N.Y.19......Sarah Lucy Youngberg ..New York, N.Y.20......Rebecca Sitkovetsky ....Staten Island, N.Y.21......Ksenia Kulakova ............New York, N.Y.22......Michelle Kleynerman......Staten Island, N.Y.23......Nicolette Fundator..........Brooklyn, N.Y24......Emily Moczulski..............Oakland Gardens, N.Y.25......Medina Garunja..............Bronx, N.Y.26......Rebecca Izyayeva ..........Staten Island, N.Y.27......Josephine Kimball..........New York, N.Y.28......Nadzeya Fliaha ..............Brooklyn, N.Y.29......Elizabeth Serjantov ........New York, N.Y.30......Emma Abels Eisenberg..New York, N.Y.31......Shawnte Beale ..............Bronx, N.Y.32......Lena Kovacevic..............New York, N.Y.33......Taylor Simone Williams..New York, N.Y.34......Isabel Mays Stern ..........New York, N.Y.35......Rebecca Fisch................New York, N.Y.36......Anna Regina Kroner ......Forest Hills, N.Y.37......Sofia Allinson ..................New York, N.Y.38......Lara Rose Berliner..........New York, N.Y.39......Gabriella Eitkis ................Brooklyn, N.Y.40......Madeline Kozower ........New York, N.Y.

Metro Girls 14 SinglesRank..Name................................City1 ........Elizabeth Khusid ............Brooklyn, N.Y.2 ........Veronika Semenova ......Brooklyn, N.Y.3 ........Maryna Bohdanovska....Brooklyn, N.Y.4 ........Jenelle Downer ..............Brooklyn, N.Y.5 ........Amalia Parrish ................Queens Village, N.Y.6 ........Liana Weitzman..............Whitestone, N.Y.7 ........Kiara Rose ......................New York, N.Y.8 ........Sarah Anne Fassberg ....New York, N.Y.9 ........Gianna Gaudio ..............Staten Island, N.Y.10......Diana Sosonkin ..............Brooklyn, N.Y.11......Maxine Zaretsky ............Brooklyn, N.Y.12......Tomi Alalade ..................Rosedale, N.Y.13......Caroline Paige Kantor ....New York, N.Y.14......Marie Ivantechenko........Brooklyn, N.Y.15......Theodora Vrailas ............New York, N.Y.16......Miriam Aziz ....................Staten Island, N.Y.17......Yuhan Wang ..................Little Neck, N.Y.18......Anastasya Menshikova..Brooklyn, N.Y.

19......Nicole Mika ....................Staten Island, N.Y.20......Isabella Sinclair Cooper Brooklyn, N.Y.21......Sofie Kate Levine ..........New York, N.Y.22......Mia Simone Parrish........Queens Village, N.Y.23......Tiana Fernandez ............Bronx, N.Y.24......Dakota Fordham ............New York, N.Y.25......Kayla Schumacher ........Brooklyn, N.Y.26......Johnniesha Joy Breiten Bronx, N.Y.27......Grace Caroline Feagin ..New York, N.Y.28......Giuliana Rose Gibson ....Bayside, N.Y.29......Olivia Simone Morris......Floral Park, N.Y.30......Karolina Lankamer ........Brooklyn, N.Y.31......Autumn Greco ................Staten Island, N.Y.32......Amy Kaplan ....................Brooklyn, N.Y.33......Michelle Gao ..................Sunnyside, N.Y.34......Bri’Yonna Porterfield ......Bronx, N.Y.35......Makenzie Udell ..............Long Island City, N.Y.36......Gabriella Eitkis ................Brooklyn, N.Y.37......Carolyn Brodsky ............New York, N.Y.38......Emma Montana Wrazej New York, N.Y.39......Nadejda Maslova ..........Brooklyn, N.Y.40......Bella Kaplan....................New York, N.Y.

Metro Girls 16 SinglesRank..Name................................City1 ........Alesssandra Ricciardi ....Howard Beach, N.Y.2 ........Electra Frelinghuysen ....New York, N.Y.3 ........Liana I. Weitzman ..........Whitestone, N.Y.4 ........Sarah Hirschfield ............New York, N.Y.5 ........Alexandra Sanford..........New York, N.Y.6 ........Jenna Borenstein ..........New York, N.Y.7 ........Lindsay Shan Jadow......New York, N.Y.8 ........Kiara Rose ......................New York, N.Y.9 ........Ashley DelMissier ..........Forest Hills, N.Y.10......Keri Anne Picciochi ........Flushing, N.Y.11......Anna Maite Kaplan ........New York, N.Y.12......Victoria Zezula ................Ridgewood, N.Y.13......Amanda Solecki ............Brooklyn, N.Y.14......Gianna Gaudio ..............Staten Island, N.Y.15......Jennifer Reiss ................New York, N.Y.16......Katie Pazz ......................Brooklyn, N.Y.17......Annie Reiner ..................New York, N.Y.18......Maria Kogarova..............Brooklyn, N.Y.19......Dakota Fordham ............New York, N.Y.20......Anu Alalade ....................Rosedale, N.Y.21......Isabella Rendon..............Oakland Gardens, N.Y.22......Kayla Schumacher ........Brooklyn, N.Y.23......Stefana Vujinovic............Brooklyn, N.Y.24......Liza Levison....................New York, N.Y.

Metro Girls 18 SinglesRank..Name................................City1 ........Gaelle Conille..................New York, N.Y.2 ........Emily Sham ....................Brooklyn, N.Y.3 ........Briel Biggs ......................Bronx, N.Y.4 ........Jenna B. Borenstein ......New York, N.Y.5 ........Emi Lewis........................New York, N.Y.6 ........Kyra Bergmann ..............Forest Hills, N.Y.7 ........Alexandra Waldman ......New York, N.Y.




Boys & Girls Sectional Rankings(as of 06/25/14)

BOYSSectional Boys 12 Singles—Metro RegionRank Name............................City2 ........Jeffrey Fradkin................New York, N.Y.5 ........Noah Edelman................New York, N.Y.12......Brandon T. Cohen ..........New York, N.Y.17......Harry Portnoy ................New York, N.Y.20......Alexander Petrov............Middle Village, N.Y.21......Ryan McCook ................St. Albans, N.Y.24......Robbie Werdiger ............New York, N.Y.29......Alex Portnoy ..................New York, N.Y.30......Maxwell Kachkarov........Flushing, N.Y.31......Joseph Wilkanowski ......Long Island City, N.Y.34......Oliver Obeid....................New York, N.Y.35......Kai Yuminaga..................Little Neck, N.Y.37......Wesley Zhang ................Staten Island, N.Y.41......John-Thomas Bilski ......New York, N.Y.46......Marcos Souza Lee ........New York, N.Y.47......Donovan Brown..............New York, N.Y 49......Sebastian Sec ................New York, N.Y.53......Ty Switzer........................New York, N.Y.60......Winter Fagerberg............New York, N.Y.61......Charles William Phillips..New York, N.Y.63......David Krasner ................Staten Island, N.Y.64......Scott Fischer ..................New York, N.Y.71......Anthony Cataldo ............Brooklyn, N.Y.72......Tyler Korobov..................Brooklyn, N.Y.74......Sidharth Chawla ............New York, N.Y.81......Donovan Spigner ..........New York, N.Y.82......Sachin Palta....................Forest Hills, N.Y.84......Bradley Bennett..............New York, N.Y.85......Tyler Kats ........................New York, N.Y. 89 ......Mitchel Pertsovsky ........Brooklyn, N.Y.90......Jasper August Hunt ......New York, N.Y.92......Jonathan Glinsky............Brooklyn, N.Y.94......Blake Frank ....................New York, N.Y.97......Brandon Torres ..............Bronx, N.Y.99......Jace Alexander ..............New York, N.Y.101....Zachary Portnoy ............New York, N.Y.104....Paul Elghouayel..............New York, N.Y.122....Solomon Brown..............New York, N.Y.124....Nash Crofoot Johnson ..New York, N.Y.129....Jack Benavides..............New York, N.Y.132....Jeffrey Yu ........................Forest Hills, N.Y.134....Connor Dunne................Brooklyn, N.Y.138....Evan Friedmann ............New York, N.Y.142....Daniel Galisteo Gordon..New York, N.Y.149....Hudson Beaudoin ..........New York, N.Y.

Sectional Boys 14 Singles—Metro RegionRank Name............................City16......Zachary Jordan Lieb ......New York, N.Y.19......Sumit Sarkar .................. New York, N.Y.21......Gary Fishkin....................Staten Island, N.Y.23......Lantis Wang....................New York, N.Y.26......Igor Maslov ....................Brooklyn, N.Y.30......Oliver Jevtovic ................Astoria, N.Y.35......Ethan Leon......................Woodhaven, N.Y.36......Jeffrey Gorilovsky ..........Brooklyn, N.Y.38......Shawn Jackson..............Staten Island, N.Y.41......Nicholas Pustilnik ..........Brooklyn, N.Y.42......Derek Raskopf................New York, N.Y.47......Sam Vagner ....................Staten Island, N.Y.49......Steven Nazaroff..............Brooklyn, N.Y.

57......Jonah Jurick ..................New York, N.Y.66......Shand Stephens ............New York, N.Y.75......David Mizrahi..................Brooklyn, N.Y.76......Christopher Kolesnik......Staten Island, N.Y.77......Alexander Chiu ..............New York, N.Y.79......Gabriel Sifuentes............Flushing, N.Y.80......Henry Hochfelder ..........New York, N.Y.83......Jeffrey McCready ..........Brooklyn, N.Y.90......Tristan Taylor ..................New York, N.Y.95......Kemal Irfan Aziz..............Staten Island, N.Y.96......Ameer Hosain ................New York, N.Y.99......Gabriel Isaac Rissman ..Brooklyn, N.Y.102....David Moldovan ............Brooklyn, N.Y.104....Robbie F. Werdiger ........New York, N.Y.111....Tyler Kats ........................New York, N.Y.116....Blake Frank ....................New York, N.Y.123....Dylan Friedman ..............Brooklyn, N.Y.133....Alexander Nielsen ..........New York, N.Y.134....Zachary Targoff ..............New York, N.Y.136....Daniel Leon Maseyev ....Brooklyn, N.Y.139....Noah Edelman................New York, N.Y.143....Alexander Petrov............Middle Village, N.Y.144....Jonathan Glinsky............Brooklyn, N.Y.146....Jeffrey Fradkin................New York, N.Y.

Sectional Boys 16 Singles—Metro RegionRank Name............................City9 ........Oliver Sec........................New York, N.Y.13......Ananth Raghavan ..........New York, N.Y.16......Aleksandar Kovacevic ..New York, N.Y.26......Marcus Smith ................Little Neck, N.Y.37......Sumit Sarkar ..................New York, N.Y.44......Cole Gittens....................New York, N.Y.45......Calvin Chung..................Bronx, N.Y.60......Mitchell Ostrovsky..........Brooklyn, N.Y.69......Alex Chao ......................New York, N.Y.71......Jack Haroche ................New York, N.Y.75......Alexander Thrane ..........New York, N.Y.82......Xavier Pacthod ..............New York, N.Y.83......Faris Nathoo ..................New York, N.Y.88......Robert Kennedy ............New York, N.Y.90......Noah Kyle Agarwal ........New York, N.Y.98......William Trang ..................Staten Island, N.Y.101....Nicholas Rudman ..........New York, N.Y.103....Leonardo Escudero........Ozone Park, N.Y.108....Sam Vagner ....................Staten Island, N.Y.110....Adam Bryan Borak ........Brooklyn, N.Y.132....Jordan D. Jordan............Astoria, N.Y.135....Adam Bernstein..............New York, N.Y.144....Avery Bricks....................New York, N.Y.

Sectional Boys 18 Singles—Metro RegionRank Name............................City2 ........Daniel Kerznerman ........Brooklyn, N.Y.8 ........Oliver Sec........................New York, N.Y.17......Victor Miglo ....................Kew Gardens, N.Y.19......Felipe Osses-Konig........Rego Park, N.Y.20......Lucas Pickering..............Brooklyn, N.Y.29......Marcus T. Smith..............Little Neck, N.Y.30......Christopher Paul Auteri..Staten Island, N.Y.34......Win Smith ......................Brooklyn, N.Y.39......Maurice Russo ..............New York, N.Y.40......Ethan Nittolo ..................Flushing, N.Y.42......Artemie Amari ................New York, N.Y.54......James Wasserman ........New York, N.Y.55......Steven Koulouris ............Long Island City, N.Y.59......Alexander Pintilie............New York, N.Y.66......Richard Sec ....................New York, N.Y.74......Faris Nathoo ..................New York, N.Y.

92......Cameron Daniels............Oakland Gardens, N.Y.104....Michael William Anzalone Howard Beach, N.Y.105....Edan Lee Sossen ..........Oakland Gardens, N.Y.107....William J. Trang ..............Staten Island, N.Y.113....Brett W. Jones ................New York, N.Y.119....Jack Haroche ................New York, N.Y.124....Zachary Kaplan ..............New York, N.Y.128....Sachin Raghavan ..........New York, N.Y.135....Benjamin Gottschalk......New York, N.Y.138....Gal Matthew Sossen......Oakland Gardens, N.Y.144....Alexander Thrane ..........New York, N.Y.

GIRLSSectional Girls 12 Singles—Metro RegionRank Name............................City1 ........Rosie Garcia Gross ........New York, N.Y.3 ........Dakota Fordham ............New York, N.Y.10......Nadejda Maslova ..........Brooklyn, N.Y.14......Elvina Kalieva..................Staten Island, N.Y.15......Marie Ivantechenko........Brooklyn, N.Y.18......Miriam Aziz ....................Staten Island, N.Y.24......Perene Wang..................New York, N.Y.29......Amanda Solecki ............Brooklyn, N.Y.30......Lena Kovacevic..............New York, N.Y.37......Rebecca Eliana Fisch ....New York, N.Y.39......Daniella Benabraham ....New York, N.Y.42......Lorraine Bergmann ........Forest Hills, N.Y.43......Shakima Hotaki ..............Flushing, N.Y.45......Khyanna Singh ..............Queens Village, N.Y.46......Zoe Kava ........................New York, N.Y.51......Karolina Lankamer ........Brooklyn, N.Y.53......Sabrina Boada................Woodhaven, N.Y.54......Carolyn Brodsky ............New York, N.Y.57......Isabella Tushaj ................Bronx, N.Y.58......Isabella Cooper ..............Brooklyn, N.Y.60......Gabriella Eitkis ................Brooklyn, N.Y.62......Emily Moczulski..............Oakland Gardens, N.Y.63......Giuliana Gibson..............Bayside, N.Y.64......Masha Serjantov ............New York, N.Y.68......Anastasya Chesnokova..Staten Island, N.Y.70......Shawnte Beale ..............Bronx, N.Y.71......Rachel Rubenzahl ..........New York, N.Y.84......Natalie Eordekian ..........Woodside, N.Y.95......Sarah Youngberg............New York, N.Y.102....Michelle Tikhonko ..........Forest Hills, N.Y.106....Rachel Zhang ................Forest Hills, N.Y.108....Elizabeth Serjantov ........New York, N.Y.115....Nathalie Williams ............New York, N.Y.116....Anastasya Menshikova..Brooklyn, N.Y.117....Michelle Kleynerman......Staten Island, N.Y.122....Alyssa An ........................New York, N.Y.125....Niki Truszkowski ............Middle Village, N.Y.136....Kasia Ojar........................New York, N.Y.138....Katherine Krieger............New York, N.Y.148....Naomi Park ....................New York, N.Y.

Sectional Girls 14 Singles—Metro RegionRank Name............................City4 ........Michelle Sorokko............Little Neck, N.Y.5 ........Shelly Yaloz ....................Little Neck, N.Y.6 ........Dasha Kourkina..............Brooklyn, N.Y.9 ........Aleksandra Bekirova ......Brooklyn, N.Y.12......Nicole Semenov ............Brooklyn, N.Y.24......Jennifer Yu ......................Forest Hills, N.Y.27......Anastasia Koniaev..........Forest Hills, N.Y.30......Lauren Munari ................Middle Village, N.Y.33......Katherine Kachkarov......Flushing, N.Y.34......Christina Huynh..............Astoria, N.Y.37......Katelyn Walker................New York, N.Y.

39......Stephanie Li....................New York, N.Y.40......Sonia Tartakovsky ..........New York, N.Y.41......Chelsea Williams ............Brooklyn, N.Y.49......Dakota Fordham ............New York, N.Y.52......Kyra Bergmann ..............Forest Hills, N.Y.56......Barbara Podvorchani ....Bronx, N.Y.57......Diana McCready ............Brooklyn, N.Y.58......Elvina Kalinova ..............Staten Island, N.Y.64......Miriam Irfan Aziz ............Staten Island, N.Y.69......Gabriella Eitkis ................Brooklyn, N.Y.80......Sofie Kate Levine ..........New York, N.Y.81......Marie Ivantechenko........Brooklyn, N.Y.82......Diana Sosonkin ..............Brooklyn, N.Y.83......Audrey Pacthod..............New York, N.Y.90......Isabella Nicole Tushaj ....Bronx, N.Y.92......Grace L. Kennedy ..........New York, N.Y.99......Liana Weitzman..............Whitestone, N.Y.100....Nadejda Maslova ..........Brooklyn, N.Y.110....Rosie Garcia Gross ........New York, N.Y.116....Caroline Paige Kantor ....New York, N.Y.119....Isabel Balilo ....................Flushing, N.Y.124....Amalia Parrish ................Queens Village, N.Y.139....Amy Kaplan ....................Brooklyn, N.Y.140....Anastasya Menshikova..Brooklyn, N.Y.143....Maryna Bohdanovska....Brooklyn, N.Y.144....Amanda Solecki ............Brooklyn, N.Y.

Sectional Girls 16 Singles—Metro RegionRank Name............................City3 ........Sabrina Xiong ................Fresh Meadows, N.Y.9 ........Jessica Livianu ..............Brooklyn, N.Y.10......Brianna Williams ............Brooklyn, N.Y.16......Michelle Sorokko............Little Neck, N.Y.19......Alexandra Koniaev ........Forest Hills, N.Y.21......Isis Gill ............................Brooklyn, N.Y.25......Alexus Gill ......................Brooklyn, N.Y.30......Sophia Kryloff ................Brooklyn, N.Y.40......Lauren Munari ................Middle Village, N.Y.44......Victoria Sec ....................New York, N.Y.49......Aleksandra Bekirova ......Brooklyn, N.Y.58......Yuka Lin ..........................Kew Gardens, N.Y.61......Stephanie Li....................New York, N.Y.63......Anastasiya Malinouskaya..Staten Island, N.Y.72......Patricia Obeid ................New York, N.Y.74......Sydney Lynn Katz ..........New York, N.Y.76......Keren Khromchenko......Staten Island, N.Y.78......Jillian Auteri ....................Staten Island, N.Y.84......Jennifer Yu ......................Forest Hills, N.Y.88......Isabelle Rovinski ............New York, N.Y.92......Shelly Yaloz ....................Little Neck, N.Y.94......Brittny Jo Ferreira ..........Brooklyn, N.Y.98......Regina Furer ..................Brooklyn, N.Y.104....Dakota Fordham ............New York, N.Y.106....Dasha Kourkina..............Brooklyn, N.Y.116....Nicole Khorosh ..............Brooklyn, N.Y.119....Julia Fisch ......................New York, N.Y.122....Sabrina Lee Abrams ......New York, N.Y.124....Emma Kassan ................New York, N.Y.125....Kiara A. Rose..................New York, N.Y.130....Liana Weitzman..............Whitestone, N.Y.132....Katherine Kachkarov......Flushing, N.Y.141....Isabel Balilo ....................Flushing, N.Y.

Sectional Girls 18 Singles—Metro RegionRank Name............................City2 ........Sabrina Xiong ................Fresh Meadows, N.Y.7 ........Arnelle Sullivan ..............Brooklyn, N.Y.8 ........Anna Ulyashchenko ......Brooklyn, N.Y.9 ........Ariana D. Rodriguez ......Bronx, N.Y.



13......Hannah Shteyn ..............Staten Island, N.Y.18......Jessica Livianu ..............Brooklyn, N.Y.22......Isis Gill ............................Brooklyn, N.Y.28......Jessica Golovin ..............New York, N.Y.29......Christina Puccinelli ........New York, N.Y.37......Nia Rose ........................New York, N.Y.44......Shayna Spooner ............New York, N.Y.46......Alexus Gill ......................Brooklyn, N.Y.47......Sofia Anouk Alsiks..........New York, N.Y.59......Sophia Kryloff ................Brooklyn, N.Y. 62 ......Yuka Lin ..........................Kew Gardens, N.Y.71......Keren Khromchenko......Staten Island, N.Y.76......Hediye Karabay..............Flushing, N.Y.79......Annie Reiner ..................New York, N.Y.81......Patricia Obeid ................New York, N.Y.92......Anastasiya Malinouskaya..Staten Island, N.Y.98......Elizabeth Tsvetkov..........Brooklyn, N.Y.113....Angeline Devanthiran ....Corona, N.Y.120....Stefani Lineva ................Middle Village, N.Y.126....Erika Tinalli ......................Brooklyn, N.Y.129....Sophia N. Schlossel ......New York, N.Y.130....Alexandra Koniaev ........Forest Hills, N.Y.138....Emi F. Lewis ....................New York, N.Y.141....Lauren Munari ................Middle Village, N.Y.145....Dakota Fordham ............New York, N.Y.146....Jennifer Yu ......................Forest Hills, N.Y.147....Emma Kassan ................New York, N.Y.

Boys & Girls National Rankings(as of 07/03/14)

BOYSNational Boys 12 Singles—Metro RegionRank ..Name ..........................City5 ........Jeffrey Fradkin................New York, N.Y.78......Noah Edelman................New York, N.Y.122....Robbie Werdiger ............New York, N.Y.140....Alex Portnoy ..................New York, N.Y.208....Max Kachkarov ..............Flushing, N.Y.227....Harry Portnoy ................New York, N.Y.233....Alex Petrov......................Middle Village, N.Y.386....Brandon T. Cohen ..........New York, N.Y.407....Wesley Zhang ................Staten Island, N.Y.424....Ryan McCook ................St. Albans, N.Y.498....Joseph Wilkanowski ......Long Island City, N.Y.604....John-Tomas Bilski..........New York, N.Y.635....Oliver Obeid....................New York, N.Y.736....Kai Yuminaga..................Little Neck, N.Y.750....Hudson Beaudoin ..........New York, N.Y.766....Nash Crofoot Johnson ..New York, N.Y.774....Charles William Phillips..New York, N.Y.796....Tyler Korobov..................Brooklyn, N.Y.819....Sebastian Sec ................New York, N.Y.950....Ty Switzer........................New York, N.Y.

National Boys 14 Singles—Metro RegionRank ..Name ..........................City179....Sumit Sarkar ..................New York, N.Y.197....Gary Fishkin....................Staten Island, N.Y.232....Zachary Jordan Lieb ......New York, N.Y. 294....Oliver Jevtovic ................Astoria, N.Y.304....Steven Daniel Nazaroff ..Brooklyn, N.Y.412....Igor Malsov ....................Brooklyn, N.Y.552....Jeffrey Fradkin................New York, N.Y.566....Lantis Wang....................New York, N.Y.

587....Jeffrey Gorilovsky ..........Brooklyn, N.Y.607....Shawn Jackson..............Staten Island, N.Y.731....Derek Raskopf................New York, N.Y.763....Nicholas Pustilnik ..........Brooklyn, N.Y.824....Sam V. Vagner ................Staten Island, N.Y.

National Boys 16 Singles—Metro RegionRank ..Name ..........................City77......Oliver Sec........................New York, N.Y.133....Ananth Raghavan ..........New York, N.Y.211....Aleksandar Kovacevic ..New York, N.Y.568....Marcus Smith ................Little Neck, N.Y.610....Sumit Sarkar ..................New York, N.Y.678....Calvin Chung..................Bronx, N.Y.703....Cole Gittens....................New York, N.Y.860....Mitchell Ostrovsky..........Brooklyn, N.Y.863....Alex Chao ......................New York, N.Y.877....Alexander Thrane ..........New York, N.Y.909....Xavier Pacthod ..............New York, N.Y.914....Robert Kennedy ............New York, N.Y.966....Sam V. Vagner ................Staten Island, N.Y.

National Boys 18 Singles—Metro RegionRank ..Name ..........................City2 ........Daniel Kerznerman ........Brooklyn, N.Y.101....Oliver Sec........................New York, N.Y.162....James Wasserman ........New York, N.Y.205....Artemie Amari ................New York, N.Y.206....Lucas Pickering..............Brooklyn, N.Y.232....Felipe Osses-Konig........Rego Park, N.Y.244....Win Smith ......................Brooklyn, N.Y.309....Christopher Auteri ..........Staten Island, N.Y.456....Ethan Nittolo ..................Flushing, N.Y.703....Sachin Raghavan ..........New York, N.Y.757....Maurice Russo ..............New York, N.Y.775....Richard Sec ....................New York, N.Y.829....Victor Miglo ....................Kew Gardens, N.Y953....Alexander Pintilie............New York, N.Y.

GIRLSNational Girls 12 Singles—Metro RegionRank ..Name ..........................City10......Rosie Garcia Gross ........New York, N.Y.45......Dakota Fordham ............New York, N.Y.78......Marie Ivantechenko........Brooklyn, N.Y.135....Miriam Irfan Aziz ............Staten Island, N.Y.154....Perene Wang..................New York, N.Y.157....Elvina Kalieva..................Staten Island, N.Y.235....Nadejda Maslova ..........Brooklyn, N.Y.276....Isabella Cooper ..............Brooklyn, N.Y.509....Rebecca Eliana Fisch ....New York, N.Y. 527....Giulana Rosa Gibson ....Bayside, N.Y.531....Lorraine Bergmann ........Forest Hills, N.Y.568....Khyanna Singh ..............Queens Village, N.Y.627....Lena Kovacevic..............New York, N.Y.651....Daniella Benabraham ....New York, N.Y.669....Shawnte Beale ..............Bronx, N.Y.713....Rachel Rubenzahl ..........New York, N.Y.739....Amanda Solecki ............Brooklyn, N.Y.791....Anastasiya Chesnokova ..Staten Island, N.Y.846....Shakima Hotaki ..............Flushing, N.Y.

National Girls 14 Singles—Metro RegionRank ..Name ..........................City25......Dasha Kourkina..............Brooklyn, N.Y.58......Michelle Sorokko............Little Neck, N.Y.87......Shelly Yaloz ....................Little Neck, N.Y.152....Aleksandra Bekirova ......Brooklyn, N.Y.214....Nicole Semenov ............Brooklyn, N.Y.228....Anastasia Koniaev..........Forest Hills, N.Y.310....Lauren Munari ................Middle Village, N.Y.347....Jennifer Yu ......................Forest Hills, N.Y.422....Katherine Kachkarov......Flushing, N.Y.592....Katelyn Walker................New York, N.Y.629....Sonia Tartakovsky ..........New York, N.Y.660....Christina M. Huynh ........Astoria, N.Y.701....Stephanie Li....................New York, N.Y.775....Chelsea Williams ............Brooklyn, N.Y.

National Girls 16 Singles—Metro RegionRank ..Name ..........................City32......Sabrina Xiong ................Fresh Meadows, N.Y.69......Jessica Livianu ..............Brooklyn, N.Y.169....Brianna Williams ............Brooklyn, N.Y.258....Alexandra Koniaev ........Forest Hills, N.Y.280....Isis Gill ............................Brooklyn, N.Y.283....Sophia Kryloff ................Brooklyn, N.Y.318....Michelle Sorokko............Little Neck, N.Y.332....Alexus Gill ......................Brooklyn, N.Y.520....Dasha Kourkina..............Brooklyn, N.Y.679....Shelly Yaloz ....................Little Neck, N.Y.735....Regina Furer ..................Brooklyn, N.Y.775....Aleksandra Bekirova ......Brooklyn, N.Y.785....Lauren Munari ................Middle Village, N.Y.813....Keren Khromchenko......Staten Island, N.Y.828....Victoria Sec ....................New York, N.Y.\948 ..Sarah Rahman................East Elmhurst, N.Y.

National Girls 18 Singles—Metro RegionRank ..Name ..........................City68......Jessica Golovin ..............New York, N.Y.109....Anna Ulyashchenko ......Brooklyn, N.Y.123....Sabrina Xiong ................Fresh Meadows, N.Y.126....Ariana D. Rodriguez ......Bronx, N.Y.130....Arnelle Sullivan ..............Brooklyn, N.Y.148....Jessica Livianu ..............Brooklyn, N.Y.225....Hannah Shteyn ..............Staten Island, N.Y.371....Isis Gill ............................Brooklyn, N.Y.655....Nia Rose ........................New York, N.Y.774....Keren Khromchenko......Staten Island, N.Y.846....Elizabeth Tsvetkov..........Brooklyn, N.Y.851....Sophia Kryloff ................Brooklyn, N.Y.872....Christina Puccinelli ........New York, N.Y.944....Dasha Kourkina..............Brooklyn, N.Y.

USTA/Metropolitan Region

2014 TOURNAMENT SCHEDULEFor detailed information on these and all USTA tournaments, visit tennislink.usta.com/tournaments.

JULY 2014Monday-Friday, July 14-18L2R Metro CityParks Tournament at Bensonhurst ParkBensonhurst Park9000 Bay ParkwayBrooklyn, N.Y.Divisions: Intermediate Boys & Girls Singles 78’ YellowBall 12-16 (FMLC)Surface Type: Hard IndoorEntry Fee: $33 per player (deadline for entries is Tuesday,July 8 at 1:00 p.m.)For more information, e-mail [email protected] orcall (917) 579-1674.

Friday-Sunday, July 18-20L3 Alley Pond TC July UPSAlley Pond Tennis Center7920 Winchester BoulevardQueens Village, N.Y.Divisions: Novice Boys & Girls Singles 78’ Green Ball 12,78’ Yellow Ball 14 (RR)Surface Type: Hard Entry Fee: $43.50 per player (deadline for entries isThursday, July 17 at 1:00 p.m.)For more information, e-mail [email protected] or call(718) 264-2600.

Friday-Sunday, July 18-20L2R BIYTC July Metro RegionalCrotona Park1700 Crotona AvenueBronx, N.Y.Divisions: Intermediate Boys & Girls Singles 78’ YellowBall 14-18 (SE), Intermediate Boys & Girls Singles 78’Yellow Ball 12 (FMLC), Intermediate Boys & Girls Doubles78’ Yellow Ball 14-18 (SE) and Boys & Girls 10 & UnderSingles 60’ Orange Ball 10 (FMLC)Surface Type: UnknownEntry Fee: $54.25 for first singles, $28 for first doubles(deadline for entries is Friday, July 11 at 1:00 p.m.)For more information, call (917) 443-6751.

Friday-Sunday, July 18-20L1B Sportime Randall’s Island July 2014 ChallengerSportime at Randalls Island1 Randalls IslandNew York, N.Y.Divisions: Challenger Boys & Girls Singles 78’ Yellow Ball12-18 (SE)Surface Type: ClayEntry Fee: $54.25 per player (deadline for entries is Mon-day, July 14 at 1:00 p.m.)For more information, [email protected] or call (212) 427-6150.

Saturday-Monday, July 19-21Northeast Inter-Regional Championships G14Stadium Tennis Center725 Exterior StreetBronx, N.Y.Divisions: Ranked Girls Singles 14 (FICQ) and RankedGirls Doubles 14 (SE)Surface Type: HardEntry Fee: $124.13 for one event, $124.62 for two eventsFor more information, e-mail [email protected] or call (718) 665-4684.

Friday-Sunday, July 25-27L2O Junior & Adult Cunningham Park Summer Open Cunningham Sports Center19600 Union TurnpikeFresh Meadows, N.Y.Divisions: Intermediate Men’s & Women’s Singles & Dou-bles Open (SE), Intermediate Boys & Girls Singles 78’ Yel-low Ball 14-18 (SE), Intermediate Boys & Girls Singles 78’Yellow Ball 12 (FMLC) and Intermediate Boys & Girls Dou-bles 78’ Yellow Ball 12-18 (SE)Surface Type: HardEntry Fee: $54.25 for first singles, $28 for first doubles(deadline for entries is Monday, July 21 at 1:00 p.m.)For more information, e-mail [email protected] or call (718) 740-6800.

Saturday-Thursday, July 26-31L1 North Shore Tower CC July ChampionshipsNorth Shore & Towers Country Club27286 Grand Central ParkwayFloral Park, N.Y.Divisions: Championships Boys Singles 16-18 (SE)Surface Type: UnknownEntry Fee: $54.25 per player (deadline for entries is Tues-day, July 15 at 1:00 p.m.)For more information, call (718) 428-5030.

Saturday-Thursday, July 26-31L1B APTC July ChallengerAlley Pond Tennis Center7920 Winchester BoulevardQueens Village, N.Y.Divisions: Challenger Boys & Girls Singles 14-16 (SE)Surface Type: HardEntry Fee: $54.25 per player (deadline for entries is Tues-day, July 15 at 1:00 p.m.)For more information, e-mail [email protected] or call(718) 264-2600.

Saturday, July 26L2O Metro Orange Ball Series #2 - USTA BJK NTCUSTA Billie Jean King National Tennis CenterFlushing Meadows, N.Y.Divisions: Intermediate Boys & Girls 10 and Under Singles60’ Orange Ball 10 (FMLC)Surface Type: Hard IndoorEntry Fee: $28 per player (deadline for entries is Monday,July 21 at 10:00 p.m.)For more information, e-mail [email protected] call (718) 760-6200.

Monday-Friday, July 28-August 1L2R Metro CityParks Junior Tournament at Central ParkCentral Park Tennis CourtsCentral Park West and West 96th streetNew York, N.Y.Divisions: Intermediate Boys & Girls Singles 78’ YellowBall 12-16 (FMLC)Surface Type: UnknownEntry Fee: $33 per player (deadline for entries is Thurs-day, July 24 at 10:00 p.m.)For more information, e-mail [email protected] orcall (718) 830-3312.

AUGUST 2014Friday-Sunday, August 1-3L1B APTC August ChallengerAlley Pond Tennis Center7920 Winchester BoulevardQueens Village, N.Y.Divisions: Challenger Boys & Girls Singles 78’ Yellow Ball16-18 (SE)Surface Type: HardEntry Fee: $54.25 per player (deadline for entries is Mon-day, July 28 at 1:00 p.m.)For more information, e-mail [email protected] or call(718) 264-2600.

Friday-Sunday, August 1-3L2O Milton Alexander Memorial OpenCo-Op City Tennis Club NJTL Chapter140 Asch Loop, Apt. 20GBronx, N.Y.Divisions: Intermediate Boys & Girls Singles 78’ YellowBall 14-16 (SE), Intermediate Boys & Girls Singles 78’Yellow Ball 12 (FMLC) and Intermediate Boys & Girls Dou-bles 78’ Yellow Ball 14-16 (SE)Surface Type: UnknownEntry Fee: $54.25 per player (deadline for entries is Fri-day, July 25 at 1:00 p.m.)For more information, e-mail [email protected] orcall (917) 406-3260.


USTA/Metropolitan Region

2014 TOURNAMENT SCHEDULEFor detailed information on these and all USTA tournaments, visit tennislink.usta.com/tournaments.

Friday-Monday, August 1-4 & Friday-Sunday, August 8-10L1B Cityview Summer Challenger SeriesCityview Racquet Club4334 32nd PlaceLong Island City, N.Y.Divisions: Challenger Boys & Girls Singles & Doubles 12-14 (SE)Surface Type: Clay IndoorEntry Fee: $54.25 for first singles/$28 for first doubles(deadline for entries is Friday, July 25 at 1:00 p.m.)For more information, e-mail [email protected] or call (718) 389-6252.

Thursday-Monday, August 7-11L1B EmblemHealth BIYTC Challenger & 10U/8U PlaydayNew York Junior Tennis and Learning5812 Queens Boulevard, Suite 1Woodside, N.Y.Divisions: Challenger Boys & Girls Singles 78’ Yellow Ball14-16 (SE), Unranked Boys & Girls 10 & Under Singles &Doubles 36’ Red Ball 8 and 60’ Orange Ball 10 (RR)Surface Type: Hard Entry Fee: $54.25 per player (deadline for entries isThursday, July 31 at 1:00 p.m.)For more information, e-mail [email protected] orcall (917) 443-6751.

Friday-Sunday, August 8-10L2O Lincoln Terrace Tennis Association Summer OpenLincoln Terrace Tennis Association1363 East 104th StreetBrooklyn, N.Y.Divisions: Intermediate Boys & Girls Singles 78’ YellowBall 14-18 (SE), Intermediate Boys & Girls Singles 78’Yellow Ball 12 (FMLC) and Intermediate Boys & Girls Dou-bles: 78’ Yellow Ball 14-18 (SE)Surface Type: Hard Entry Fee: $38.13 for first singles/$28 for first doubles(deadline for entries is Friday, Aug. 1 at 1:00 p.m.)For more information, e-mail [email protected] or call(917) 379-0094.

Friday-Monday, August 8-11L1 EmblemHealth BIYTC August ChampionshipsNew York Junior Tennis League1701 Crotona AvenueBronx, N.Y.Divisions: Championships Boys & Girls Singles 78’ YellowBall 12, 18 (SE)Surface Type: UnknownEntry Fee: $54.25 per player (deadline for entries isThursday, July 31 at 5:00 p.m.)For more information, e-mail [email protected] or call(917) 443-6751.

Monday-Friday, August 11-15L2R Metro City Parks Tournament at Walker Park, Staten IslandCity Parks Foundation, Walker Park, Staten IslandDelafield Place and Bard AvenueStaten Island, N.Y.Divisions: Intermediate Boys & Girls Singles 78’ YellowBall 12-16 (FMLC)Surface Type: HardEntry Fee: $33 for first singles/$18 for first doubles(deadline for entries is Tuesday, Aug. 5 at 1:00 p.m.)For more information, e-mail [email protected] orcall (718) 760-6986.

Thursday-Sunday, August 14-17L1B Harlemweek Tri-State ChallengerHarlem Junior Tennis Program40 West 143rd StreetNew York, N.Y.Divisions: Challenger Boys & Girls Singles 78’ Yellow Ball12-18 (SE)Surface Type: HardEntry Fee: $48.88 per player (deadline for entries is Friday, Aug. 8 at 1:00 p.m.)For more information, e-mail [email protected] orcall (212) 491-3738.

Thursday-Sunday, August 14-17L2O Staten Island Jr. & Adult August OpenStaten Island Community Tennis Center2800 Victory BoulevardStaten Island, N.Y.Divisions: Intermediate Men’s & Women’s Singles & Dou-bles Open (SE), Intermediate Boys & Girls Singles 78’ Yel-low Ball 14-18 (SE), Intermediate Boys & Girls Singles 78’Yellow Ball 12 (FMLC) and Intermediate Boys & Girls Dou-bles 78’ Yellow Ball 12-18 (SE)Surface Type: HardEntry Fee: $54.25 per player/$28 per player for doubles(deadline for entries is Monday, Aug. 11 at 1:00 p.m.)For more information, e-mail [email protected] orcall (718) 982-3355.

Friday-Monday, August 15-18 & Friday-Sunday, August 22-24L1B Cityview Summer Challenger SeriesCityview Racquet Club4334 32nd PlaceLong Island City, N.Y.Divisions: Challenger Boys & Girls Singles & Doubles 12-14 (SE)Surface Type: Clay IndoorEntry Fee: $54.25 for first singles/$28 for first doubles For more information, e-mail [email protected] or call (718) 389-6252.

Saturday-Sunday, August 16-17L3 Alley Pond TC August SegmentAlley Pond Tennis Center7920 Winchester BoulevardQueens Village, N.Y.Divisions: Novice Boys & Girls Singles 78’ Green Ball 12,78’ Yellow Ball 14 (RR)Surface Type: Hard Entry Fee: $43.50 per player (deadline for entries isThursday, Aug. 14 at 1:00 p.m.)For more information, e-mail [email protected] or call(718) 264-2600.

Wednesday-Sunday, August 20-24L2O Cunningham Park Tennis Center Jr. & Adult August OpenCunningham Sports Center19600 Union TurnpikeFresh Meadows, N.Y.Divisions: Intermediate Men’s & Women’s Singles & Dou-bles Open (SE), Intermediate Mixed Doubles Open (SE),Intermediate Boys & Girls Singles 78’ Yellow Ball 14-18(SE), Intermediate Boys & Girls Singles 78’ Yellow Ball 12(FMLC) and Intermediate Boys & Girls Doubles 78’ YellowBall 12-18 (SE)Surface Type: HardEntry Fee: $54.25 for first singles/$28 for first doubles(deadline for entries is Monday, Aug. 18 at 1:59 p.m.)For more information, e-mail [email protected] orcall (718) 740-6800.

Friday-Sunday, August 22-24L1B APTC August ChallengeAlley Pond Tennis Center7920 Winchester BoulevardQueens Village, N.Y.Divisions: Challenger Boys & Girls Singles 78’ Yellow Ball12-18 (SE)Surface Type: Hard Entry Fee: $54.25 per player (deadline for entries is Monday, Aug. 18 at 1:00 p.m.)For more information, e-mail [email protected] or call(718) 264-2600.

Monday-Friday, August 25-29L2R Metro City Parks at Pelham Bay Park, BronxCity Parks Foundation, Bronx, Pelham Bay ParkBruckner Boulevard and Wilkinson AvenueBronx, N.Y.Divisions: Intermediate Boys & Girls Singles 78’ YellowBall 12-16 (FMLC)Surface Type: Hard Entry Fee: $33 for first singles, $18 for first doubles(deadline for entries is Tuesday, Aug. 19 at 1:00 p.m.)For more information, e-mail [email protected] or call(718) 264-2600.



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New York Tennis Magazine July/August 2014

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Transcript of New York Tennis Magazine July/August 2014