USTA Men's 55 Nationals Kicks off on Monday

NATIONAL INDOOR COULD FIELD BEST DRAW EVER

Boise-- The 55's National Indoor Tournament Director Robert Sterk can hardly hide his excitement over the USTA Men's 55 National Indoor tournament starting Monday at 9-am at the Boise Racquet and Swim Club.

For the next week some of the world's greatest senior tennis players will converge on the Boise Raquet Club, in hopes of a gold national championship ball and better yet the chance to win world ranking points.

Sterk explains that International Tennis Federation which sanctions the tournament is the world governing body of tennis, The indoor nationals is a level 1 tournament and that attracts the stars of the game. Guys go and play on the four surfaces, its like the grandslam, they play on clay, grass, indoors and hardcourts, Boise is the indoor part of that Senior Slam.

Fred Robinson of North Carolina, the nation's number 1 ranked player will start his quest for a senior grandslam on Tuesday, two weeks ago in Naples he beat former pro Roscoe Tanner 6-2, 6-1 on clay.

"Its very prestigious for Boise to have this tournament," said Sterk. "Its an honor and players love it. I think they love Boise, its special here, there's not a hassle, its a smaller town with close hotels. The players love it because its an easy, inexpensive tournament for them and they really enjoy the well rounded competition."

Sterk beams that the Gem State is well represented. "Bill McGrath, the general manager of the BRSC is playing along with veteran Joel Spect, who has been a top player in Boise for decades and has a chance to win a few rounds."

other local seniors like Grant Upchurch couldn't resist the chance to play in the big leagues, last year he won a first round upset match, and won national ranking points. "I feel Idaho is well represented, they are playing because they want to see what its like to play in a national tournament, just like when we were kids and wanted to see what its like to play in a major league baseball game."

"Come on out and watch these guys play, sure they don't have the speed of Federer, but these guys move well, they have power and spin and strategy, its amazing to watch these guys play," said Sterk.

The first players will start arriving on Sunday and will practice on the courts Sunday afternoon, a player meet and greet event is planned for Monday night.