Senior Tennis: So Much More
By Jake Putnam
I spent noon hours at the USTA Men's 55 National Indoor Tennis Championship at the Boise Racquet and Swim Club. After a week of these 'tennis nooners' I came to realization that the senior tour is more interesting than the Pro tour. I think watching Nadal is depressing because A) I will never reach that level of athleticism, and B) I can't relate to that weird grip, all the topspin and besides Nadal can't hit a drop shot to save his life. When I watch the seniors I'm watching players like myself. Almost all the players on the tour got off to a late start in the game, Only a few played major college tennis, all had to go to work and make a living and left the dream of playing pro tennis behind. Anyway, here's my list why I enjoy the senior game:
1) The money. There's no money on the senior tour, these guys are here on their own dime. Outbreaks, hooked calls, boorish behavior are rare. These guys are here out of pure love of the game and each and every player is wonderfully approachable and gracious.
2) Better tennis. Yes, better tennis, these guys can't get by on just pretty ground strokes with a weird-grip forehand (See the Nadal comment above). They have to think to win...yes, strategy. Points are painfully earned with elaborate set ups and smooth pattern-play. The margin for error on any given point is smaller than a postage stamp.
3) Personalities. Every player on the Senior tour has a fascinating story and each is willing to share it with you. When was the last time you sat down with Nadal or Federer? Singles winner Sal Castillo gave away his first place gold ball to his ailing doubles partner who suffered a heart attack on the eve of the tournament. John Diaz of California and Kevin Oneil are about the funnest guys you could go out and have a beer with. Fred Robinson will bend your mind with theories on the mental aspect of the game. Many players never touched a racquet until their 20's like Joe Grimm from Salmon, Idaho. Grimm travels two hours to Montana just to practice.
4) Atmosphere. Go to any tournament and its automatically 'old home week.' The players are genuine friends, all share the passion and camaraderie that's lost in sport today. Chris Bennett calls the tour a fraternity, yet it's an accepting fraternity where fans are always welcome.
5) Knowledge. Want to know what to eat before a big match? Talk to Sal Castillo. He has a degree in nutrician. Questions about string tension at sea level? That's Chris Bennett. How to keep from choking on big points? That's Fred Robinson, or Rollin Rhone; Rhone is writing a book about playing in the Zone. Best restaurants and night spots on the road? That's Kevin Oneil. Nebraska football? That's Bruce Van Maanen, The perfect forehand or backhand?
Tom Smith. Finance? Tom Monahan. Hotel management? Harlan Hopchik.
The Men's 55 Senior Tour visit to Boise is always the highlight of the winter season at the Boise Racquet Club. Beside myself, there was a devoted bunch of 'nooners' like Dave Roberts who also loved showing up on their noon hours and having one of Mel's amazing lunches. Bill McGrath and Robert Sterk did an amazing job pulling of tournament logistics and keeping the players happy. Pete Peterson, Peggy Cooper, Scott Hatter, Nan Jacobsen,Sandra Sell shared their tireless efforts, along with the USTA referee crew.
By Jake Putnam
I spent noon hours at the USTA Men's 55 National Indoor Tennis Championship at the Boise Racquet and Swim Club. After a week of these 'tennis nooners' I came to realization that the senior tour is more interesting than the Pro tour. I think watching Nadal is depressing because A) I will never reach that level of athleticism, and B) I can't relate to that weird grip, all the topspin and besides Nadal can't hit a drop shot to save his life. When I watch the seniors I'm watching players like myself. Almost all the players on the tour got off to a late start in the game, Only a few played major college tennis, all had to go to work and make a living and left the dream of playing pro tennis behind. Anyway, here's my list why I enjoy the senior game:
1) The money. There's no money on the senior tour, these guys are here on their own dime. Outbreaks, hooked calls, boorish behavior are rare. These guys are here out of pure love of the game and each and every player is wonderfully approachable and gracious.
2) Better tennis. Yes, better tennis, these guys can't get by on just pretty ground strokes with a weird-grip forehand (See the Nadal comment above). They have to think to win...yes, strategy. Points are painfully earned with elaborate set ups and smooth pattern-play. The margin for error on any given point is smaller than a postage stamp.
3) Personalities. Every player on the Senior tour has a fascinating story and each is willing to share it with you. When was the last time you sat down with Nadal or Federer? Singles winner Sal Castillo gave away his first place gold ball to his ailing doubles partner who suffered a heart attack on the eve of the tournament. John Diaz of California and Kevin Oneil are about the funnest guys you could go out and have a beer with. Fred Robinson will bend your mind with theories on the mental aspect of the game. Many players never touched a racquet until their 20's like Joe Grimm from Salmon, Idaho. Grimm travels two hours to Montana just to practice.
4) Atmosphere. Go to any tournament and its automatically 'old home week.' The players are genuine friends, all share the passion and camaraderie that's lost in sport today. Chris Bennett calls the tour a fraternity, yet it's an accepting fraternity where fans are always welcome.
5) Knowledge. Want to know what to eat before a big match? Talk to Sal Castillo. He has a degree in nutrician. Questions about string tension at sea level? That's Chris Bennett. How to keep from choking on big points? That's Fred Robinson, or Rollin Rhone; Rhone is writing a book about playing in the Zone. Best restaurants and night spots on the road? That's Kevin Oneil. Nebraska football? That's Bruce Van Maanen, The perfect forehand or backhand?
Tom Smith. Finance? Tom Monahan. Hotel management? Harlan Hopchik.
The Men's 55 Senior Tour visit to Boise is always the highlight of the winter season at the Boise Racquet Club. Beside myself, there was a devoted bunch of 'nooners' like Dave Roberts who also loved showing up on their noon hours and having one of Mel's amazing lunches. Bill McGrath and Robert Sterk did an amazing job pulling of tournament logistics and keeping the players happy. Pete Peterson, Peggy Cooper, Scott Hatter, Nan Jacobsen,Sandra Sell shared their tireless efforts, along with the USTA referee crew.
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