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Highlights
Table Of Contents Leading The Charge
Aryna Sabalenka is the new face of women’s tennis See page 17
4At The Net w/ Ari Roberts By Brian Coleman
8Dwight Global Online School A Natural Fit For Tennis Players
14JMTA Holds Ribbon Cutting Ceremony As SPORTIME Randall’s Island Expansion Officially Complete
20Coaching Spotlight: Rohan Goetzke, CourtSense By Brian Coleman
28Beyond the Baseline: Ed Krass, College Tennis Exposure Camps By Brian Coleman
32Tennis in the Hamptons 2025
42Top Companies For Your Court Building Needs
46Junior Player Spotlight: Mark Krupkin, Dwight Global Online School By Brian Coleman
502025 French Open Preview
Features
12Across Metro New York…News and Notes from across the N.Y. tennis community
22Goal Setting: How To Plan Your Success? By Rob Polishook
24USTA Eastern Metro Region Update
27Metro Adult League Update By Ainslie Ellis
45Rethinking Junior Tennis: The Advantage Tennis Clubs Pathway By Joel Richmond
48Building Champions: The Importance of Relative Strength in Junior Tennis Players By Griffin Samuels
54Make The Most Of Your Tennis Summer Camp: A Junior’s Guide to Leveling Up By Dejan Vukojicic
56How To Raise A Young Tennis Champion: Key Criteria For Success By Igor Kireev
57Tennis and Golf: The Same Sport? By Steve Annacone
58The Jensen Zone: Tennis Is The Ultimate Test That Keeps Asking Questions By Luke Jensen
59Mental Toughness In Tennis By David Parra-Newton
60Youth Sports Specialization: Risks, Rewards and Special Considerations By Chris Lewit
62My Tennis Journey: How Coaching Has Changed My Life By Eugene Perepelov
Photo credit: Mike Lawrence/USTA
Distribution scheduled for 07/01/25
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at the
Ari Roberts net
By Brian Coleman
It seems like a simple approach to coaching or teaching. If you put the person first and the player second, good results tend to follow. It’s an easy thing to say, but it’s harder to do.
But for the last couple of decades, Ari Roberts has not only preached that mantra, he has lived it.
“My coaching philosophy starts with one simple idea: care about the person before the player,” says Roberts. “Coaching is a relationship business, and trust is its foundation.”
the summer.
That philosophy has helped Roberts elevate to one of the most respected coaches and directors in the Eastern Section, and one who is respected not only by his players and their families, but also his peers in the industry.
Roberts is the founder and owner of an upstate New York club, MatchPoint Tennis in Goshen, N.Y. , which opened in 2010. Over that time, Roberts and his team have overseen a large junior tennis program that includes 140 players each week.
At the annual USTA Eastern Tennis Conference earlier this year, Roberts was named the President of USTA Eastern’s Board of Directors, and will serve in that position for 2025 and 2026.
“Today, I’m the owner of MatchPoint Tennis, the Assistant Coach for Army Women’s Tennis, and the President of USTA Eastern. I work seven days a week, but I never complain,” Roberts says. “Because every day, I get to do something I love.”
Robert’s love of tennis began as a youngster, when his father, his original coach, taught him the basics of the sport.
From the first moment he picked up a racquet as an eighth-grader, Roberts played as much as he could, and the sport provided him with something he and his father could bond over for life.
“I was a tennis junkie, and it is something I share with him to this day.”
Roberts would go on to play high school tennis, which is when he was first bitten by the coaching bug. As a way to make some extra money, he began giving lessons to younger players during
At the time, it was just a fun summer job, but after his freshman year competing for Ithaca College, he had a waitlist of students eager to sign up for lessons. That summer, he would teach for six hours a day and string racquets at night, honing his skills as someone who could lead in the tennis industry.
As he progressed through his collegiate career, one that would see him graduate with the third most wins in program history, his presence in the coaching world would only continue to grow. Following his junior year, he reached out to the local Parks & Recreation Committee in his town to propose running a summer tennis camp, even offering to reinvest some of the proceeds from that camp back into the courts themselves.
“At 20-years-old, I was running my own camp with a few close friends— Tom Battaglia and Matt Deitch—who are now co-owners of Crestmont Tennis in New Jersey,” Roberts recalls. “After graduating from Ithaca, I fully intended to pursue a career in Airport Management. But demand for lessons and the popularity of my camp only
grew. I decided to give tennis a few more years—and those years turned into a career.”
Roberts has always looked to build a community in which players can thrive and succeed, and he understands that is what is required from a leader, not simply teaching techniques or tactics. And it is why his programs have been looked at as a model of success in the Eastern Section. From the beginning, Roberts has emphasized cultivating a welcoming culture that makes everyone who walks through the doors of his club feel like they belong.
Roberts became increasingly active within USTA Eastern’s power structure beginning in 2012 when Sandy Hoffman and Jenny Schnitzer met with him and discussed all the ways USTA could support his business.
Within two years, he became Chair of the Community Development Committee, and in 2016 he was named the Council Director of Eastern’s Southern Region. It was in that role that he ushered in the
Section’s first Junior Council, which focuses on empowering youth to lead through tennis, and that Council ran fundraisers for causes including raising money for Pittsburgh synagogue victims, volunteering at senior centers and more.
“Peer-led efforts like these are incredibly effective at growing
participation and deepening engagement,” Roberts said.
All of that has led Roberts to where he is today, and his looking forward to continuing the great work of Eastern in his new role as President. He was officially confirmed last November and he hit the ground running as he aims to follow in the footsteps of his predecessors such as Amber Marino, Perron Wong and Olga Harvey.
A top goal of his is to align with USTA National on growing the game of tennis to 35 million participants by 2035:
“To reach that vision, we need to strengthen two key areas: our coaching pipeline and court infrastructure. I’ve established a Coaching Task Force to support the upcoming National Coaching Initiative. We’re working on new ways to deliver education and tools to coaches, high school teachers, league captains and others—anyone
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at the net
continued from page 5
passionate about growing the game,” said Roberts. “Infrastructure is another major focus. USTA Eastern has pledged $1 million toward park court rehabilitation. It’s a starting point for expanding access and court capacity across our region. We’ve also been promoting Tennis Venue Services to help providers navigate funding and development.”
Roberts places a strong emphasis on the importance of the Section’s volunteers, and will enact a Task Force to not only show a deeper level of appreciation for those volunteers, but also help recruit new advocates.
“A Sectional Junior Council is also in the works with representatives from each region. Their mission is to bring national and sectional initiatives back to local communities and inspire peers to engage with tennis at every level,” Roberts added.
These are just some of the projects Roberts is already spearheading during the first months of his term as President which creates an exciting time for tennis in our Section.
As Roberts approaches his presidency with the same philosophies and commitment that helped him climb his way through the industry, from a part-time coach to a tennis club owner, he will be at the forefront of a continuing growth of tennis in our communities.
“As President, I’ve set an ambitious
but achievable platform,” Roberts concluded. “I plan to be visible, transparent and receptive to feedback. I’m thankful for the relationships I’ve built with our volunteers and staff, and I’m energized by the opportunity to lead USTA Eastern into its next chapter.”
Navigating the recruitment process for a high school athlete seeking to continue their career at the next level is a daunting task. Even for the best of the best and a highly sought-after recruit, the stress can be overwhelming, as the decision on where the next chapter in your life will take place is an immense one.
That was the case for Claire An, a five-star, blue chip senior recruit who grew up in NewYork and trained at CourtSense Tennis Training Center before moving to Florida to train at the Evert Tennis Academy. And despite being one of the best players in the country who had countless offers from the top tennis programs and elite academic institutions across the country, it helped to have people in her corner guiding her in that process.
An spent her high school years attending the Dwight Global Online School headquartered in New York City, which allowed her to train in Florida while still receiving a top education. And it was through the expertise and resources of Dwight that she was able to manage her own recruitment process, and not let it affect her education, training or match readiness.
“Dwight Global was incredibly supportive throughout my college recruitment process,” An said. “I was assigned to college counselors who were very knowledgeable and experienced with the unique demands of student-athletes. We met regularly and worked through specific tasks to make sure I stayed on track with all of my deadlines.
Dwight Global Online School A Natural Fit For Tennis Players
By Brian Coleman
They truly understood what it meant to balance school, training and recruitment, and helped me navigate everything–from building a strong academic profile to scheduling visits and calls with coaches–while keeping up with my coursework. Their support and flexibility made the entire process much smoother and a lot less stressful.”
That proved crucial for An, who will be headed to Duke University later this fall to begin the next stage of both her tennis and academic careers. The assistance in the college recruitment process is just one of the many areas in which the team at Dwight Global helps all of its students, but particularly those pursuing careers in tennis, of which it has many.
“A motto we live by at Dwight Global for our students is ‘Your dreams have no limits, why should your school?’. This is true for all of our students, but especially so for our junior tennis players, as we’ve given them an environment where they can thrive,” said Louisa Childs, Head of School at Dwight Global. “We are incredibly proud of these players and what they have been able to accomplish academically and on the tennis court. These students are ready to lead on university tennis teams and in life.”
The Dwight School has been serving its students for more than 150 years, and is one of New York City’s oldest independent schools. During that time, it has used all of its available resources to craft a personalized journey for every student based on individual interests and passions, and has always remained at the forefront of innovation to adapt to changing times and ensure it continues to serve its students' journeys.
Dwight Global Online School represents the latest Dwight innovation. Through a combination of live video conferences that bring students together with instructors and each other, and on-demand resources that students can access any time, to personal Oxford/Cambridge-model tutorial sessions, Dwight Global extends the mission of developing global leaders to students everywhere in the world. And it is the Online
School that has cultivated the perfect environment for top junior tennis players, as An explains:
“The school offers a flexible schedule that allows me to maintain a rigorous course load without sacrificing valuable time on court. As a high-level junior tennis player training and traveling require a significant time commitment, and Dwight truly understands and accommodates that lifestyle.”
She continued:
“What I especially appreciate is the combination of asynchronous and synchronous classes–being able to work independently when needed, while still engaging in live discussions with teachers and classmates. That balance has helped me stay connected, supported and on track academically, no matter where I am. Thanks to Dwight, I’ve been able to pursue my tennis goals at a high level while receiving an
excellent
An is just one of the many top tennis players benefitting from Dwight’s flexibility and experience, and the school boasts a loaded resume of players, including last winter’s
NCAA Division I
Singles Champion Michael Zheng
A junior at Columbia, Zheng won the national championship last season, and previously reached the 2022 Wimbledon Boys’ Singles final, and gives a lot of credit to his education at Dwight for his success at the collegiate level.
“He has mentioned to us that after Dwight Global, he found he was well equipped to manage the demands of a collegiate tennis schedule and Columbia academics,” said Childs. “We hear stories like this again and again.”
The fact that Dwight Global is so in sync with its tennis playing students should come as no surprise, as the school’s Vice Chancellor, Blake Spahn, was the Captain of the 1994 Ivy League Champion Columbia Men’s Tennis
continued on page 10
dwight global online school
from page 9
Team, who went undefeated with him leading the way that season. In recent years, Spahn continued Dwight Global’s innovation and created the Travel Tennis Team Initiative, which provides opportunities for its students to play tournaments all over the world under the watchful eye of top coaches and chaperones.
“Dwight Global players benefit by experiencing new cultures, as well as gaining exposure to international competition while training, studying and competing together,” added Childs. “So far, the team has travelled to ITF tournaments in Costa Rica, Uruguay, Barbados and Guadalupe, and we are planning a trip to the U.S. Virgin Islands this spring. With so many top players and the flexibility provided by Dwight Global, our Traveling Tennis Team provides an excellent opportunity to create the community and camaraderie of a tennis team for students in middle school and high school.”
This new initiative is an indicator of Dwight’s commitment to its tennis
players, not in just providing the necessary environment to thrive on and off the court, but also now facilitating tournament travel and providing opportunities to compete professionally, while also creating the type of team atmosphere they will experience at the next level in college.
The list of players who have benefitted from attending Dwight goes well beyond An and Zheng, and includes players such as Cooper Williams (Harvard), Pearlie Zhang (Princeton) and Mark Krupkin (Stanford), among countless others.
The needs that exist for top-level junior tennis players are unique, and in order for them to have the necessary resources to succeed, it’s important to find the ideal environment for them to thrive. Dwight Global has been at that forefront and with its consistent desire to remain innovative in meeting those needs, it will allow junior tennis players to be the best they can be on the court while preparing them for life off the court.
“My experience at Dwight has definitely prepared me for college life, especially as a student-athlete heading to Duke,” added An. “Managing a demanding academic schedule alongside intense tennis training and travel has taught me how to be independent, selfmotivated and organized. Dwight teachers really care about your success and are genuinely invested in helping you thrive both academically and athletically.
I remember times when I was traveling for weeks at a time and my Dean would regularly check in with me–not just to see how I was doing academically, but to make sure I wasn’t overwhelmed or needed any additional help. That kind of support helped ease a lot of the stress that comes with balancing school and tennis, and it made me feel like I wasn’t navigating everything alone.”
The motto of Dwight School is “Your dreams have no limits, why should your school?”, and the team there works each and every day to make that a reality for its aspiring tennis players.
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Cary Leeds Center Holds Hartman Cup
Cary Leeds Center for Tennis & Learning hosted the Hartman Cup as New York Junior Tennis & Learning finished its latest season of its Community Tennis Program. The Cup consisted of over 100 participants over three weekends! The annual threeweek, year-end tournament brings the program to a close after 20 weeks of teaching tennis skills to youth from across the city.
Podkhyneychenko Wins Singles, Doubles Title at L3 National Event
New York City’s Mary Podkhyneychenko captured both the singles and doubles titles at the L3 National event on Long Island.
Podkhyneychenko, who trains at the John McEnroe Tennis Academy at SPORTIME Randall’s Island, lost just one set en route to the singles title in the Girls 12s division, and partnered with Diya Nimbalkar to win the Girls 12s doubles title.
MatchPoint Players Find Success
Point Set Tennis on Long Island, and Milana Chursin (pictured right) who brought home first place in the Girls 10s Orange Ball tournament at Sportime Randall's Island.
Centercourt’s Mamulashvili Wins L4 Singles Title
Across Metro N
Across Metro N
Two players from MatchPoint NYC in Brooklyn who had great results recently were Nicole Felker (pictured left) whovwas the runner-up in the L7 Girls 12s singles event at
Mariam Mamulashvili was the winner of the L4 Closed event at Mountainside Racquet Club. A player in Centercourt Tennis’ Full-Time Academy, Mamulashvili won all five of her matches to capture the title in the Girls 14s singles division.
New York
ew York
Columbia Men’s Tennis Continues Ivy League Dominance
The Columbia Lions have become one of the top men’s tennis programs in the country, and its success continued this spring. Michael Zheng, who won the 2024 National Championship in singles, was named the Ivy League Player of the Year, while head coach Howard Endelman and his staff were named the conference’s Coaching Staff of the Year. Nicolas Kotzen was named to the All Ivy League first team, while four other Lions were named to the Second Team. Columbia hosted the opening rounds of the NCAA Tournament.
National Tennis Center Remains a Presence in Local Community
In honor of Earth Day 2025, staff members from the USTA Billie Jean King National Tennis Center teamed up with the staff of Flushing Meadows Corona Park to clean the park to maintain its beauty. The park sites adjacent to the National Tennis Center, and the staff there continued its mission to be a contributing part of the community.
… News and notes from across the N.Y. Metro tennis community
… News and notes from across the N.Y. Metro tennis community
Advantage Tennis Clubs
Celebrate Adult QuickStart Program
Roosevelt Island Racquet Club hosted an event to celebrate the graduates of its Adult QuickStart program. The program uses the tenants of QuickStart instruction to teach tennis to adult beginners, introducing the sport to those who had never played before, and illustrating that tennis is the sport for a lifetime.
Wolf Brings Home Girls 14s Title
CourtSense’s Maya Wolf won all four of her matches in straight sets to win the Girls 14s singles title at the L5 Open in Connecticut. Wolf dropped just nine games during those four victories to earn the championship.
JMTA Holds Ribbon Cutting Ceremony
As SPORTIME Randall’s Island Expansion Officially Complete
This April, SPORTIME Randall’s Island became the largest indoor tennis training facility in the world as it officially opened the doors to its latest expansion at the flagship location of the John McEnroe Tennis Academy.
The club held a ribbon cutting ceremony featuring top executives from SPORTIME, New York City officials and local dignitaries, as well as many of the hard-working SPORTIME staff members from clubs on Long Island and Westchester, which was followed by Johnny Mac Tennis Project (JMTP) Community Day, which brought in hundreds of children from across NYC’s boroughs for a fun day of tennis and other activities.
The latest expansion to SPORTIME Randall’s Island means the club now boasts 29 tennis courts, a brand-new U10 Learning Center featuring four red ball
courts as well as many more upgrades. The $55 million project was privately funded completely by SPORTIME, and represents a
major achievement in public and private partnership; as it remains a club open to the public at large.
“It’s sort of my proudest professional achievement,” said SPORTIME CEO and Founder Claude Okin. “It’s rare in business that you can do something that is good business for your company but do so in partnership with the public sector, to create a win-win for all. It’s right here in NYC, and I am a native New Yorker, so I am very proud to do this here.”
Because Randall’s Island is a public New York City park, expanding the JMTA reach would require to do so in conjunction with the City itself. And while many deals between the public and private sectors involve infrastructure that already exists, in this case, SPORTIME built the expanded facility from the ground up.
“While this isn’t something that we retro-fitted, we had to build
Photos courtesy of Heritage House
something ourselves on a plot of land that was quite literally a pile of dirt,” Okin added. “We wanted to build something gigantic and have it be operational year-round, both as a SPORTIME facility but also a public park. We took the model that a business that co-exist with a park and where both parties benefitted, and raised it to a whole new level.”
Ben Schlansky, Vice President and Chief Legal Officer for SPORTIME Clubs, added:
“We embarked on the journey to expand our great facility, to provide more facilities and more tennis programming to NYC residents of all ages and playing levels, including youth from local schools in East Harlem and the South Bronx, NYC Parks Tennis permit holders and many more.”
And to demonstrate that this new expansion is not just good business for SPORTIME but will also have a substantial impact for New York City residents, the ribbon cutting ceremony was followed by JMTP Community Day, where kids played tennis and got a tour of the new facility.
“It was a fantastic celebration of everything JMTP stands for—
access, opportunity and spreading tennis to those who otherwise wouldn’t have the opportunity,” said JMTP Executive Director Ryann Cutillo. “JMTP had 600 kids through our community partnerships show up to enjoy the day with us. The energy was incredible, and it was inspiring to see so many young kids, families and supporters come together.
Our team is thrilled about this new chapter at Randall’s Island with the new expansion. It represents another step forward in our mission, and we’re excited about what it will mean for all the kids in our programming—more
access, more court time, more resources, and more chances to affect the lives of New York City kids both on and off the court.” The Ribbon Cutting Ceremony and subsequent Community Day marked the beginning of a new chapter for tennis in New York City, and reflected SPORTIME’s commitment to growing the sport and using it as a vehicle to enhance the lives of the city’s residents. SPORTIME Randall’s Island is now the largest indoor tennis facility in the world which provides an exciting outlook for the sustained success of tennis in the area.
LeadingChargeThe
Aryna Sabalenka is the new face of women’s tennis
By Brian Coleman
Atthe end of the day, sports are an entertainment business. That means, while wins and losses and how you produce on your field of play matter, being able to resonate with the public is as important as trophies.
This is why talking heads often refer to some players being the face of leagues, whether it’s Lebron James in the NBA or Patrick Mahomes in the NFL, being able to market certain individuals is imperative to the growth and popularity of a particular sport.
And since Serena Williams retired in 2022, women’s tennis has been searching for the face of the tour. It may just have found it in Aryna Sabalenka, the world number one who has three major titles on her resume already, and is eager to add more.
“Every time I see my name on that trophy, I’m so proud of myself, I’m proud of my family that they never gave up on my dream and that they were doing everything they could to keep me going,” Sabalenka said after winning her latest Grand Slam title at the 2024 U.S. Open. “I have this opportunity in life, and it really means a lot. It’s always been my dream. I still kind of cannot believe that I was able to achieve [this], and me and my team have been able to achieve so much already.”
Sabalenka currently has a stranglehold on the top banking in the world, sitting thousands of points ahead of number two Iga Swiatek, and has a strong presence off the court as well, which makes her the type of personality to carry the sport forward.
That personality was on full display ahead of the BNP Paribas Open in Indian Wells earlier this year. When she was shown a video of a young fan, 12-year-old Naysia Wilson, reading a letter she wrote expressing her admiration for Sabalenka. And it wasn’t just about her on-court dominance, but also as a role model she could look up to. She talked about Sabalenka’s kindness, sense of humor and courage.
Wilson even referenced a match of Sabelnka’s from the previous season that she attended and was shouting, ‘Let’s Go Aryna!”, cheering on her idol. Seeing the video made Sabalenka emotional.
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continued from page 17
“It’s the best thing to see, you know?” Sabalenka said. “Being an inspiration for the next generation, that’s the best. That’s the real goal in life and thank you for being inspired by me. It means a lot.”
She has more than 783,000 followers on TikTok, and just shy of three million followers on Instagram, which provides her with a massive worldwide influence. On TikTok, she posts many videos she titles Day in the Life, which gives her fans and followers insights on her day-to-day comings and goings.
And while oftentimes videos on TikTok can just be for fun and have a comedic sense to them, there is no doubt that through these videos and posts, her fans can feel a connection to her.
It’s a great contrast for her to show her more affectionate and likeable side of her personality, because on the court she
is as fierce as they come. She is perhaps the biggest hitter on tour with a powerful serve as well as heavy groundstrokes, and carries with her a fiery attitude in her matches, but it’s her bubbly persona off the court that has endeared her to the next generation of tennis fans.
It’s the combination of on-court success and off-court likeability that is imperative for any athlete to transcend their respective sport, and is key in landing endorsement deals that showcase you to an audience that may not necessarily be followers of your sport.
Sabalenka had been under the IMG sports marketing agency for many years before splitting with them at the beginning of this year. She then joined Evolve, a smaller agency co-founded by her peer Naomi Osaka, taking control of her own brand.
“I was looking to build my brand,
[and] wanted a little bit more than IMG was doing for me. I wasn’t happy with the service,” she said in a news conference at the Australian Open. “There was tension between me and some of the people out there.”
Her endorsements are continuing to grow; she has had her own Nike commercial in addition to deals with Wilson, tech wearable Whoop, the tequila brand Dobel, luxury watchmaker Audemars Piguet and Oakberry, an acai franchise run by her partner, Georgios Franguils.
In an interview with The Athletic, Tim Crow, the former head of Synergy, a sports marketing agency, explained the importance of the social media aspect of it all when growing a brand and inking deals with companies, which has helped elevate Sabalenka:
“To modern-day sponsors,
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particularly newer brands, the amount of social media traction you have, the number of followers you have, all that kind of thing is massively important because it’s where they’re putting most of their marketing dollars.”
Being the face of a sport is not only dependent on wins and losses, and requires characteristics that go beyond results. While winning and being at the top of the sport is required, it takes more than that to capture a wider audience, and in the case of tennis, an international one. Aryna Sabalenka is the perfect combination of these factors, with three major wins already, a massive social media presence and just an overall likeability that has helped elevate her. Her goal is to continue to rack up trophies and be an inspiration for the next generation. She has embraced her position as someone that others look up to and being the face of the sport, and she knows that her main focus will remain on how she performs on the court.
“I think I am where I'm supposed to be, and I'm super happy to see myself in this position because I worked -- I never say that, but I worked really hard to get where I am right now. It's not pressure for me. It's really enjoyable to be in this position,” she
said. “Let's say that being an athlete, it's already a lot of pressure. I'm focusing on myself, not on, like, the pressure moments. I think if you are willing to focus on yourself and focus on improving yourself, there is no such thing as pressure.”
By Brian Coleman
Coaching Spotlight
Rohan Goetzke, CourtSense
Fiveyears ago, Rohan Goetzke made the decision to move to the Northeast of the United States for the next chapter in his life and his tennis career. A longtime coach and director, Goetzke had a wealth of knowledge and tons of experience working with high-level junior and professional players, and he was looking for the next stop on his tennis journey.
And that was when he made the decision to meet with the heads of CourtSense Tennis Training Center in New Jersey. Goetzke’s connection to CourtSense came in a unique manner. He was the Director of Tennis in IMG Academy in Bradenton, Fla. when a player he was coaching who was from New Jersey recommended the CourtSense program to him.
“I remember flying up to New Jersey to meet with Gordon [Uehling], Ogi [Nikolovski] and the rest of the team there and liked what they were doing, recalls Goetzke. “I trusted them and what they were doing. I had some other offers elsewhere, but I knew this was the place for me. After meeting everyone and seeing what they were about, my gut told me this was where I should be.”
It was high praise from Goetzke, who had already accomplished a lot in his time in the tennis world. To compliment CourtSense and deciding that that was where he would continue his career was a ringing endorsement of how the club and its team operated.
“At the time, I was taking some time off to figure out what I wanted my next step to be,” said Goetzke. “So I began having those conversations with Gordon, Ogi and the staff, and I loved what they were doing. It had to work for everybody, and this was the best move for my family and I.”
Goetzke came to CourtSense following a decades-long stint at the IMG Academy. Before that, he headed up the Dutch Tennis Federation, where he spent a lot of time traveling with their players to satellite tournaments on the professional tours.
It’s there that he met and worked with Richard Krajicek. He was a member of Krajicek’s coaching staff when Krajicek captured the 1996 Wimbledon Men’s Singles Championship.
From there, Goetzke coached Mario Ancic and helped him reach a career-high ranking of 17th in the world, as he continued to prove he knew how to get through to top players and help them achieve their goals.
However, life on the road as a coach can be difficult, and Goetzke wanted some more stability in his professional life, especially with a wife and children. That led him across the pond and to the IMG Academy in Florida, and eventually up north at CourtSense.
“Rohan’s experience, along with his passion for the game and the fact that it was very evident that he really wants to help players on and off the court, meant a lot to us,” said Ognen Nikolovski, CourtSense’s General Manager. “We could also sense that he was all about the team, so it really was an easy decision.”
Adjusting from leading programs in Europe and Florida to the climate of the Northeast was something that Goetzke had to deal with when he arrived, and he gained a strong respect for the hurdles that junior tennis players have to overcome while training here. Between the tough winter months and a lack of court availability, there is more to deal with than in Florida.
“What was interesting for me was because of the weather, it’s tough to compete in and run tournaments here,” Goetzke explained. “During the winter, it could be a late afternoon on a Friday, where matches start at four or five o’clock. Depending on the age group, you could be playing until 11:00 p.m., and sometimes they try to squeeze in three matches in a single day. I think that’s hard for the kids, and it’s hard for the parents. And the travel required for the big national tournaments is a lot, especially compared to Europe where you are playing most matches during the day, and the travel time was not nearly as long as it is here. So I gained a lot of
respect for the way players have to handle themselves.”
One thing that Goetzke noticed when he arrived here to coach in the Eastern Section for the first time was the immense amount of talented players that exist here. It wasn’t necessarily something that surprised him, but for someone who has worked with some of the best players across the globe, it was a compliment to the player base that exists at CourtSense.
Goetzke has brought his incredible tennis resume to CourtSense and has helped accelerate the high-performance programs and player development, and has really embraced the team he is working with now.
“When I first came to New Jersey, I didn’t know what to expect. You have certain expectations but you never know until you get here and get to work,” he said. “But Ogi and Gordon have been great, and the coaches I work with are top-notch. They really made me feel at home, and I’ve enjoyed helping grow the program, and contribute to the running of tournaments on the weekends here. We
really try to do a great job for the community and continue to enhance the level of competition.”
CourtSense is one of the top training centers for high-level junior players in the Northeast, and Goetzke has only added to that when he arrived there five years ago.
“We have great coaches here, and we are big enough to house a lot of great players and provide them what they need, but small enough where we can still give them the individualized attention they deserve,” he said. “You’re always striving to win and get the top results, but it’s all about the process, and I think that’s something we do well here.”
Uehling, who is the founder and owner of CourtSense, said when explaining what Goetzke brings:
“Rohan is a person of incredible character, he shares our same values and drive for excellence, and we’re grateful that he joined our team. His experience and passion for tennis on and off the court makes us even stronger as we continue to provide world-class services for all of our students.”
Goal Setting How to Plan Your Success?
By Rob Polishook
Goalsetting is a great tool for aspiring pickleball players to implement during their development. Goals help the player stay committed, determined and focused. They should be challenging, individualized, and motivated by intrinsic factors that are meaningful to the player. Additionally, goals should also be specific and timebound, so the player knows exactly what they are trying to accomplish and by when. I suggest writing down goals and keeping them in a visible place and/or sharing them with others. Doing so will help the player keep their goals at the forefront of their mind.
There are two types of goals: outcome goals and process goals. Both important but different. It’s imperative to understand the distinction between the two types. Outcome goals focus solely on the end
result, while process goals focus on the steps a player must take to give them the best chance to achieve their outcome goal. For example, an outcome goal might be to win a tournament, while a process goal could be to improve serving accuracy, third shot drops, or stay calm and centered between points. Outcome goals, which are result based, are out of a player's control. It should be stated up front, that we all want to win, but wanting to win (outcome goal) and doing the things that are necessary to win (process goals) are two different things. Focus needs to be on what is necessary to give yourself the best chance to win, not the end result of winning itself. This is where process goals come into play. They focus on specific areas of the game that the player can practice and can control such as how they prepare, how they drill, how
they warm up, what shots they choose, what strategy they use, and how they react to situations in games.
An important aspect of goal setting is objectively determining where a player is in relation to their goals, essentially knowing “where they are.” This realistic perspective will help the player understand “what they need to do” and the appropriate process goals necessary to practice to give them the best chance to achieve their goals. The most common mistake players make is focusing solely on outcome goals, such as winning. This can result in subpar, poor, and frustrated outcomes because their focus is split between what they want to happen in the future and what is actually happening in the moment, their focus is divided.
Instead of focusing on winning, which is something that cannot be controlled, a player needs to focus on playing each shot
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with a clear intention, in the moment, during the point. An example of this could be hitting deep returns to the middle and moving to the kitchen. Hitting shots with intention helps players maintain their focus on the process, stay fully engaged in the moment, and control what they can control.
It is recommended that players set an outcome goal and then determine the process goals that will best help them reach the outcomes. An outcome goal is like standing at the bottom of a staircase and only staring at the top step, this can be overwhelming, wondering how to get to the top. However, a process goal involves taking one step at a time. By breaking a larger goal into smaller, achievable steps, you can make progress and achieve your ultimate goal. Remember: to reach the top, you must start with the first step, followed by the next step. That’s the process! Outcome goals are static whereas process goals are flexible and can be adapted, adjusted and modified at any time.
For example, let’s consider this situation of outcome and process goals: I, the author (Rob Polishook,) once lost in a tournament. Clearly, the outcome goal of winning was not met! However, upon reflection, I identified a key weakness: my inconsistency in hitting resets from the transition zone and the kitchen. Since then, I have been dedicating 20 minutes per practice to practicing reset volleys from different court locations. Think about it, this type of intentional practice is no different than a basketball player practicing their jump shots from different locations on the court.
As Dr. Alan Goldberg, a noted mental training coach, says, "Once the competition starts, the outcome goal should be parked at the gate and the player should focus on the moment and the process of what they need to
accomplish." Research has confirmed that achieving process goals not only enhances performance but also reduces anxiety and builds confidence. This is because process goals are within the pickleball player’s control.
Here are three examples of process-driven goals in Pickleball:
• Incorporate specific strength training or movement exercises three times per week into your workout routine to increase balance and stamina.
• Practice hitting ten serves to each of the three different targets (down the T, body, and out wide) on each side of the court three times per week.
• Practice hitting 10 reset volleys from the kitchen five times per week. Then, move back to the transition zone and repeat the process.
Rob Polishook, MA, CPC is the founder of Inside the Zone Sports Performance Group. As a mental training coach, he works with the whole human athlete helping them to unleash their mental edge (heart.energy.spirit) through mindfulness, somatic psychology, animal wisdom and mental training skills. Rob is author of 2 best-selling books: Tennis Inside the Zone and Baseball Inside the Zone: Mental Training Workouts for Champions. He can be reached by phone at (973) 723-0314, by email rob@insidethezone.com, by visiting insidethezone.com, following on Instagram @insidethezone
USTA Eastern Metro Region
NYC Team Claims Third at Tri-Level National Invitational
Amen’s4.0/3.5/3.0 squad based out of New York, N.Y. took home bronze in their division at the Tom Fey Tri-Level National Invitational, held March 6-10 at the Barnes Tennis Center in San Diego, California.
“It still feels surreal to me every time I think about it, considering there were 446 teams competing in this league,” said Alvin Choy, the captain of the Metro contingent. “This achievement would not have been possible without the passion and dedication from each player on our team.”
The secret to winning so many close battles? “The best cheering squad,” said Choy. “We had tremendous support from teammates and their friends and family from San Diego, Miami and Brooklyn.”
And he really means it, because the path to the podium wasn’t easy, as the group really had to grind while facing some tough opposition—particularly in the round robin stages of the tournament. First, they eked out a dramatic 3-0 victory over USTA New England, winning all three of their courts in super tiebreaks. Choy noted that during that encounter, one player ran into a fence and landed awkwardly on his wrist. Down match point, he hit a return winner and then played through it to eventually claim the set and then the court in the super tiebreak. Following those heroics, however, the players lost 1-2 to USTA Mid-Atlantic, ultimately dropping the 4.0 court to their opponents in another dramatic super tiebreak. The loss put their hopes of advancing to the semifinals in jeopardy.
“After the Mid-Atlantic match, we knew we would need help from other teams in order to overtake USTA Missouri Valley and USTA Northern California to qualify for the final four, and thank God we got it,” Choy explained. “One of our players quickly figured out we controlled our own destiny. We just needed to sweep USTA Northern [in our fourth match] to advance. Realizing that we were still in the race gave us the extra adrenaline we needed to get over the finish line. Our match against Northern was not as easy as the scorelines indicate, but we executed and got it done.”
It no doubt also helped that the team was accustomed
to battling with their backs against the wall.
Throughout the course of their entire 2024 USTA League season, the players quite frequently found themselves in that position, Choy said.
“We won our season opener last year in a super tiebreak on the 3.5 court, 22-20,” he noted. “We also survived the first round of the Manhattan local playoffs, again in a super tiebreak, against a team that had steamrolled us 6-1 6-1 in our regular season encounter. So [the close finish to advance at the Invitational] was wild, but it was reminiscent of some of the memorable moments we experienced together as a team.”
While the players lost to favorites and eventual finalists USTA Texas in the semis, they regrouped to claim the third-place match against USTA Intermountain 2-1. Despite the score, that too included a side heaping of the team’s trademark scrap.
“We had a big lead in the first set of the 3.0 court before Intermountain started chipping away at it and forced another tiebreak,” Choy recalled. “Then we won the tiebreak when Surinder Singh hit a slice forehand, and the ball clipped the tape and landed softly over the net. I think that shot was a dagger, and after that we won 6-0 in the second set. Intermountain had some terrific players, but we were glad to be able to take advantage of our versatility and hot hands to seal the victory.”
Coming home with the bronze was ultimately “icing on the cake of a dream season for us,” Choy said. “The competition in the Metro Region of the Eastern Section has always been cutthroat. Any team could advance out of this region and do very well in the Sectionals and the Nationals. I really believe it’s our laid back but super competitive attitude, as well as our willingness to invest in our own tennis individually, that helped us propel to where we are today.”
It’sUSTA Eastern Metro Region
NewYork-Presbyterian Doctor Shares Insights About Cardiac Events
one of the scariest occurrences on a tennis court: Experiencing medical duress, or witnessing it happen to an opponent or doubles partner. In honor of American Heart Month this past February, we spoke to Dr. Ersilia M. DeFilippis, an advanced heart failure and transplant cardiologist at NewYork-Presbyterian/Columbia University Irving Medical Center, about how to best handle cardiac emergencies should they happen during a match.
What are some of the signs that you may be overexer ting yourself on a tennis court?
DR. DEFILIPPIS: If you feel any chest pain, dizziness, lightheadedness or shor tness of breath that goes beyond what you normally feel running to chase down a ball, take that as your signal to stop. Wearing a smart watch to monitor your heart rate while playing can also be helpful.
What is actually happening in the body when you experience a cardiac emer gency?
DR. DEFILIPPIS: When you are having a hear t attack, an artery in the heart is blocked, and no blood is getting to that part of the heart muscle. If the artery remains completely blocked for a certain period of time, that part of the heart muscle can suffer permanent damage. Sometimes a heart attack can lead to abnormal heart rhythms, which prompts the heart to stop beating. A person may collapse if they are standing and lose consciousness. This is called cardiac arrest.
What are the symptoms that may indicate you are experiencing a hear t attack?
DR. DEFILIPPIS: The most common sign of a hear t attack is chest pain. Some people describe it as an elephant sitting on their chest. However, others may not experience
this. They may instead feel a pain that radiates down the arm or up to the jaw. Other symptoms include shortness of breath, nausea, vomiting or abdominal pain that comes on with exercise. Dizziness and lightheadedness might just be due to dehydration, but they are also signs that can indicate an abnormal heart rhythm, especially if chest pain is also present. If you are newly experiencing any of these symptoms while playing, and they continue even after you get off the court, call 911.
How might activity, such as running around on a tennis cour t, influence a cardiac emergency? Would the symptoms change?
DR. DEFILIPPIS: During exercise, your hear t works harder to pump more blood to your organs than it normally would when you’re simply resting. If the blood vessels in the heart contain blockages, the [increased effort] would make you more likely to experience chest pain. So, the symptoms are the same, but you would be more likely to experience them during exercise than if you were at rest. When cardiologists try to determine if someone’s chest pain is originating in the heart, two of the questions we ask are: Did the pain get worse with exercise or some kind of exertion? Did the pain stop with rest? If the chest pain is worse with exercise and improves with rest, this makes us more concerned it could be coming from the heart.
How might another person on court (a doubles par tner or opponent) support a person experiencing a cardiac emergency while waiting for EMTs to arrive? Is aspirin helpful?
DR. DEFILIPPIS: If someone is experiencing chest pain and you’re worried they may be having a hear t attack,
Dr. DeFilippis says knowing how to perform CPR in these situations can help save lives
USTA Eastern Metro Region
continued from page 00
aspirin could be helpful. Call 911 and do not let the person drive to the hospital. If someone collapsed and is not responding, and you believe they had a cardiac arrest, start CPR as soon as possible. CPR will help restart the blood flow to the heart and rest of the body—it can save someone’s life! Surveys have shown that only about half of Americans would know how to perform CPR in these situations. Organizations like the American Heart Association have resources on their website that can help you find a nearby CPR class. The longer someone is without oxygen while waiting for EMTs, the longer vital organs, such as the brain, are not getting any blood flow. If another person is around, ask them to check to see if the facility has an automated external defibrillator (AED) or other type of defibrillator. This can help determine if there is a dangerous heart rhythm and if they need to be
shocked back into a normal heart rhythm.
How can people with heart conditions safely play tennis? What precautions should they discuss with their doctor?
DR. DEFILIPPIS: We know that regular exercise is good for people with heart disease, but the “safe” level of effort may differ from person to person. If you recently had a heart attack or needed a stent placed in one of the arteries in your heart, talk to your doctor before you get back on a court. They may wish to run other tests before giving you the green light. They may also advise you to start out playing doubles for a bit before diving into singles. If it has been a while since you hit last, start slowly and gradually increase your intensity and length of play. Ultimately, listen to your body.
USTA
Eastern Holds Third Asian American Native Hawaiian Pacific Islander Festival
Greatthings happen in threes. USTA Eastern is hosted its third annual Asian-American Native Hawaiian Pacific Islander (AANHPI) Tennis Festival on May 10. at the Cunningham Tennis Center in Fresh Meadows,
Queens. Those who attended the event enjoyed food and music from all over the Asian continent, as well as played tennis and met two-time Grand Slam doubles champion Vania King.
Kids practice their footwork on the Cunningham Tennis Center courts at the AANHPI Tennis Festival
adult league wrap-up
By Ainslie Ellis
Thesun is shining and our Spring/Summer Metro leagues are well underway! With a record number of teams across all boroughs, tennis is booming. It is no coincidence that May is National Tennis Month and we encourage everyone to grab a racquet and get out there!
The past few months also brought the conclusion (and postseason play) for our fall and winter leagues. Best of luck to the advancing teams.
l 18 & Over Metro Mixed Doubles 10.0 Local Champions
Captained by Ernesto Ramos
We wish our participating teams all the best as they compete in the Sectional tournament May 30th - June 1st in Westchester. This month also brought the conclusion of our tri-level leagues. Congratulations to the following teams that will advance to the Sectional tournament the weekend of June 20th -22nd in Westchester.
l Men’s 3.0/3.5/4.0: Local Champions captained by Jehan Bhagwager and Winson Wong
l Women’s 3.0/3.5/4.0: Local Champions captained by Lina Lekser and Lulu Huang
Finally, our Adult 40&over leagues concluded with the following teams advancing to the Sectional tournaments in August. Congratulations to our winners!
l 40 & Over 3.0 Women - Local Champions captained by Deanna D’Amore and Florence Wilson
l 40 & Over 3.5 Women - Local Champions captained by Kirstin Cole and Rachel Massa
l 40 & Over 4.0 Women - Local Champions captained by Patricia Gould and Kathy Rey
l 40 & Over 3.5 Men - Local Champions captained by Tom Rinaldi
l 40 & Over 4.0 Men - Local Champions captained by Daniel Bindler
l 40 & Over 4.5 Men - Local Champions
by Lawrence Lehman
Thanks to all of our captains and players for your valued support and participation. We are grateful to have such a welcoming and thriving tennis community.
As always, if you have an interest in learning more about USTA league play in Metro, please reach out to Ainslie Ellisellis@eastern.usta.com.
captained
18 & Over Metro Mixed Doubles 8.0 - Regional Champions From Queens Captained By Nihar Damarasingu & Zuzana Vuova
18 & Over Metro Mixed Doubles 9.0 Regional Champions From Queens Captained By Ahmad Amin & Courtney Sokol
18 & Over Metro Mixed Doubles 6.0 Regional Champions From Queens: Captained By Winnie Xie
18 & Over Metro Mixed Doubles 7.0 - Regional Champions From Queens Captained By Aki Ogata & Mikel Valdellon
beyondthebaseline
Ed Krass, College Tennis Exposure Camp
By Brian Coleman
Playinghigh level junior tennis requires a major commitment at a young age. Between the countless hours training, the time spent traveling to matches and tournaments, it can be a stressful life for many years for both the junior player and their parents.
The end game for all of that hard work is the potential of playing tennis at the next level in college. That endeavor presents its own challenges, with there being so many players and only a finite amount of roster spots at the collegiate level. The recruiting process, trying to connect with coaches and “selling yourself” to a program, is stressful.
This is where the importance of people like Ed Krass come into play. For nearly 40 years, Krass has run his College Tennis Exposure Camps across the country, a unique event with multiple stops each year that directly connects junior and high school aged players with collegiate tennis coaches of all levels, and has a proven track record of providing invaluable resources for coaches, parents and players.
“I totally believe in Ed’s College Tennis Exposure Camp and have recommended dozens and dozens of players. Not only have I recommended players to attend, both my children attended the camp and made great contacts that landed them with a college team,” said Andy Gladstone, the former USTA Florida Player Development Coordinator for 20 years, and was recently named the Director of Operations for the men’s and women’s tennis programs at the University of Central Florida. “ The Camps began back in 1989 and have remained at the forefront of the collegiate recruitment process, as they are the only ones run exclusively by college coaches, which is one
important aspect that makes Krass’ camps unique.
They allow players to train on-court and interact directly with college coaches, experience college-style competitive drilling, learn about the process and how it works, understand the different levels that comprise college tennis, and network one-on-one with a variety of coaches.
“The camp was an absolute game changer on a variety of levels,” said Kyle Lacroix, who attended the camp as a junior and is now a USPTA Master Professional. “Attending this camp was the single greatest decision I ever made as a junior tennis player and one of the best weeks of my life.”
At the heart of the camps is the infectious energy of Krass, who treats every single person who walks onto the courts for his camps the same, which makes everyone feel welcome. Krass is a bundle of energy who genuinely wants to see people succeed, something he has been doing since he began his coaching career.
Krass got the head coaching job at the University of Central Florida when he was just 22-years-old, coaching players who were essentially his peers. From there, he took a job as Rick Macci’s assistant at the Greenleaf Tennis & Golf Club in Florida before
returning to the college coaching profession, sliding in as the Assistant Coach at Clemson under legendary coach Chuck Kriese.
Following his time at Clemson, he headed up to the Northeast to lead the women’s tennis team at Harvard University. It is here where he would meet his wife, Andrea, and create the first stage in what would become his College Tennis Exposure Camps.
“The people there were so driven to succeed, both academically and on the court, and I really had to learn to listen a lot more there than I did at my previous stops. It made me more of a well-rounded leader,” he said. “I think it was my third summer at Harvard when we started the program. I got some college coaches to help me and in that first year we had a lot of different levels at that camp. The year after that, we decided to go nationwide. We did one in California, then in Atlanta, and one in Tampa Bay, finishing the summer back at Harvard. I knew we were onto something because of all the great feedback we were getting.”
This year marks the 37th straight year Krass is running his camps, and while he is the face of the programs, and the bridge that connects all the coaching contacts he has made over
the years to the newest batch of players, he gives a lot of credit to his wife as the two truly make a perfect doubles pairing.
“My wife has had a huge impact. She is a marketing person and has helped me grow the business, I could not have done it without her,” Krass says. “It can be hard to do this in an individual sport where everybody is typically out for themselves, but we have developed a brotherhood and sisterhood where coaches feel like they can really work together to not only help the kids but also each other.”
And fortunately for players in the Northeast, they won’t have to travel too far to be a part of one of these camps this summer. The College Tennis Exposure Camp arrives in Bethlehem, P.A. on Saturday, July 12th and Sunday July 13th on the campus of Lehigh University.
The following week one will be held right here in the Eastern Section at Mercer County Park Tennis Center in New Jersey on Saturday, July 19th and Sunday, July 20th.
The Camp is open to competitive players aged 14-18, and will feature a wide array of coaches from college programs of all levels including
beyond the baseline
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Binghamton University, University of Chicago, Florida Southern College, Fordham University, Franklin & Marshall College, Gettysburg College, Ithaca College, Lafayette College, Monmouth University, Princeton University, Rider University, Stevens Institute of Technology, Swarthmore College, Wagner College, Washington & Lee University and Yeshiva University.
It takes a lot of work to put on these camps, from organizing the locations and securing court time, to booking coaches and registering players, there is a lot of time and energy that goes into the process. But Krass wouldn’t have it any other way, and he has plenty of energy left to give.
“This is what keeps me going. I have so much fun doing this, and I think the passion and enthusiasm I exude to everybody is contagious,”
Krass explains. “I’m fortunate enough to be built of the mold where I really get people, and really enjoy being around people. I’m
super excited to be able to do these camps once again. It never gets old, and I can’t wait to get going this summer.”
TENNIS IN THE HAMPTO 2
In the summer, people from across Long Island and New York City flo to enjoy the sun, while sitting by the pool or ocean, and taking part outdoor activities. One of those activities, and perhaps its most popu It may be the favorite activity for Hamptons-goers, and there is no sho or opportunities to play out on the East End, from hitting around at loca them up and playing on a private court in a luxurious Hamptons home New York Tennis Magazine has compiled some of the best places to p out in The Hamptons this summer!
2025
ock to the Hamptons, in an array of ular, is tennis. ortage of tennis courts al parks or lacing . play, stay and shop
Places to Play
Annacone Tennis Management
AnnaconeTennis.com
info@annaconetennis.com (865) 300-7323
Annacone Tennis Management provides an array of services in the Hamptons, and can help produce programming and consulting for your neighborhood courts, country clubs, tennis clubs, resorts and more. One of the programs offered is MyHamptonsPro, which is a concierge tennis company specializing in providing the highest quality offsite tennis services in the Hamptons.
This service is available on your private court, at one of our private courts, or at your tennis facility. Focused specifically on creating the utmost in customer satisfaction, MHP provides comprehensive tennis services from world-class tennis professionals to fit all of your needs. MHP tennis pros specialize in private tennis lessons that are customized to your specific tennis goals, with flexible times and days available to meet your needs. Steve Annacone, Director of MyHamptonsPro, has been a tennis professional and coach for over 45 years. Originally from Sag Harbor, NY and a graduate of East Hampton High School, Steve has been very involved in the tennis community in the Hamptons.
By understanding that each player has specific needs and creating a customized tennis experience to accommodate these needs, Steve and the MHP staff will help you get the most out of your time on the court.
Gotham Tennis Academy - Montauk
91 South Fulton Drive Montauk, NY 11954
(631) 267-8525
GothamTennis.com
Info@GothamTennis.com
For over a decade, Gotham Tennis Academy has become known for innovative, worldclass tennis instruction in NYC and the Hamptons. Gotham Tennis – Montauk is on a beautiful nature preserve, just minutes from the center of Montauk. Their eight pristine clay courts are meticulously maintained and open to the public, offering a full range of popular camps, private lessons, home lessons and clinics suited to your level of play and interests. Beginners, rising stars, recreational players, and tournament players are all welcome.
Instruction and fun is always geared to your age and level of play. Private lessons with Gotham Tennis Academy’s world-class tennis professionals are available not only at
TENNIS IN THE HAMPTONS 2025
our Montauk club, but also for home lessons throughout the Hamptons from Southampton to Amagansett including East Hampton, Sagaponack, Water Mill, Bridgehampton and Shelter Island.
In the summer, Gotham Montauk offers tennis and sports camps, private lessons, adult clinics, private events and parties, as well as home lessons. Gotham Montauk also offers affordable memberships to get the family get into the game and achieve all of your tennis goals this summer.
Hampton Racquet Club
172 Buckskill Road
East Hampton, NY 11937 admin@hamptonracquet.com (631) 324-0297 HamptonRacquet.com
Hampton Racquet Club is located in the beautiful East End town of East Hampton at 172 Buckskill Road. Serving up tons of opportunities to play not only tennis, but pickleball,
partake in wellness programs, and other treats for many years, Hampton Racquet is one of the oldest tennis clubs in the Hamptons and has established a well-earned reputation as a leading club in the community.
Regardless of age or skill level, there’s an opportunity for everyone to grow at Hampton Racquet. Offerings including private tennis lessons, clinics, court rental, summer camp, pickleball, off-site lessons, home-court maintenance, pro shop, stringing services, restaurant and more.
There are several different packages to choose from when considering options for lessons and play at Hampton Racquet. They have monthly and family memberships that provide members with perks and discounts for services at the club. Whatever an individual’s goal is when they enter Hampton Racquet, they will be treated with the utmost attention with a staff that always aims to not only meet but exceed the expectations of its clients.
Though Hampton Racquet has been considered a tennis club first and foremost for all their years in business, they have included more and more wellness programs and additional sports as they not only keep up with trends but set their own. They have a JULUKA fitness program offered as one-hour classes, and packages are available. They also have a Pilates program led by Ashley Patten who has extensive experience in Pilates as well as a huge wellness and fitness background. Whether you’re looking to build upon your wellness routine, have some fun playing pickleball, sharpen your tennis skills, share court time with likeminded individuals, and of course a place for your kids to enjoy summer camp and take their tennis to new levels, Hampton Racquet is the place to be this summer in East Hampton! Visit www.hamptonracquet.com to learn more!
Ross School Tennis Center (RSTC) is the premiere training center in the Hamptons, boasting a beautiful tennis facility that is open to the public and located on the Ross Upper School Campus in East Hampton, N.Y. The Tennis Center features six HarTru courts that are enclosed by a bubble from mid-fall through mid-spring, allowing for year-round play. The Tennis Center features state-of-the-art amenities such as spacious locker rooms, lower level lounge, convenient snack bar, and ping-pong tables, and the staff provides a fun and supportive atmosphere that allows for the greatest amount of success.
After-school programming, a dynamic program for junior
players, and specialized summer programs are offered to make Ross Tennis Center the place to play tennis in the Hamptons.
After-school Programs (Pre-K–Grade 12)
Nursery–Grade 4: Specialized one-hour training program where players build a strong foundation through a variety of game-based and cooperative activities using 10U ageappropriate (Red, Orange, or Green) balls and nets that will prepare them for eventual full-court play.
Grade 5–Grade 12: Players build off their 10U foundation to further develop fundamental skills and techniques as they transition into yellow balls and prepare for full-court tournament competition. Ball control, strategy, and work ethic are all emphasized in this 90-minute session of drills and point play.
Players in kindergarten and higher are required to play twice per week in this program.
RSTA Yellow+ is for players over 12 years old who play either on a JV or Varsity school team. There will be practice every day for two hours after school. Tryouts can also be evaluated by an RSTA coach if you are not yet a team member. Participation at both UTR and USTA tournaments is encouraged but not a requirement.
Lessons and Court Rentals: Ross School Tennis Center also offers adult clinics, court rentals, and private and group instruction for all ages and levels. The Tennis Center is also used for a variety of special events and is available for private parties.
TENNIS IN THE HAMPTONS 2025
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SPORTIME Amagansett/JMTA
Hamptons
320 Abrahams Path
Amagansett, N.Y.
(631) 267-3460
SportimeNY.com/Amagansett
Located in the Town of East Hampton, SPORTIME Amagansett’s 23 acre campus features 33 pristine outdoor Har-Tru tennis courts, one hard-surface tennis and pickleball court, a heated outdoor pool and so much more for members, students and campers to enjoy. The Hamptons’ summer home to the John McEnroe Tennis Academy, SPORTIME Amagansett welcomes aspiring young players to train at one of the world’s best academies when on the East End. The club is also home to East Hampton Sports Camp @ SPORTIME, which offers preschool and multi-sport full-day, full-summer fun for kids ages 3-13.
The SPORTIME Amagansett Sports Arena, open year-round, features a climate-controlled, regulation size rink that
subdivides into three smaller courts that allow for multiple sports activities and small group training. Sports offered include hockey, soccer, basketball, volleyball and pickleball.
SPORTIME Amagansett offers both residents and Hampton visitors of all ages world-class tennis, pickleball and sports programming, camps, events, tournaments and more.
SPORTIME Quogue
2571 Quogue Riverhead Road
East Quogue, N.Y.
(631) 653-6767
SportimeNY.com/Quogue
Named the best tennis club on the South Fork by Dan’s Papers each year from 2020-2023, SPORTIME Quogue is a yearround, full-service tennis, fitness, summer camp and sports facility located in East Quogue, catering to the surrounding communities of Westhampton, Remsemberg, Quogue, Southampton, Hampton Bays, Eastport, Riverhead, the Moriches and the North Fork, serving both locals and visitors alike..
Enjoy Year-Round Tennis In Your Own Backyard!
Check out this Executive Florida property featuring an upscale home:
• 3,539 sq. ft., 3-bedroom, 3-car garage, 3 1/2 bath plus a study and exercise room, pool, hot tub and your own Har-Tru tennis court
SPORTIME Quogue features four indoor Har-Tru soft-surface tennis courts and 22 outdoor Har-Tru courts, in addition to a heated outdoor pool, a full-service health and fitness club, a multi-sport court, and locker rooms with saunas. SPORTIME Quogue serves tennis players starting at the age of three, including junior pathway programs, as well as dynamic instructional programs for adults of all levels.
• This double-lot property comprises 1.7 acres in a 24-hour manned, gated community in Spring Hill, Florida - 22 feet above sea level, and 2 1/2 miles from the Gulf of Mexico
While SPORTIME Quogue thrives yearround, the summer season is alive with a large outdoor tennis community, including Hampton vacationers and snowbirds returning for summer season. SPORTIME Quogue’s full-day summer camp, including preschool, multi-sport and tennis offerings, is recognized as one of the top summer camps in Westhampton.
TENNIS IN THE HAMPTONS 2025
Places to Shop
Tennis East
73 Main Street
Southampton, N.Y.
(631) 283-9535
TennisEast.com
For more than 50 years, Tennis East has been a staple of the tennis community on Long Island’s East End. Tennis East offers an extensive selection of men’s, women’s and junior’s rackets, apparel, sneakers, strings and accessories.
Tennis East keeps up to date with the latest and most popular products to make sure its customers are always up to date with the newest gear, and it even features a complete line of 10 & Under Tennis equipment, as well as a line of other racket sports, such as paddleball or pickleball. Stringing services and demo rackets are also available.
Places to Stay
Baron’s Cove
31 West Water Street
Sag Harbor, N.Y. (844) 227-6672
CapeResorts.com/Barons-Cove
The newly-renovated Baron’s Cove Hotel is the Hampton’s preeminent All-American resort destination. With 67 charming village and harbor-facing guestrooms, gorgeous lofted suites boasting sweeping harbor views, village rooms featuring intimate private gardens, and cozy dog-friendly accommodations, Baron’s Cove caters to every discerning traveler seeking a relaxing getaway on the East End.
Gurney’s Montauk Resort & Seawater Spa
290 Old Montauk Highway Montauk, N.Y.
(631) 668-2345
GurneysResorts.com/Montauk
Gurney’s Montauk Resort & Seawater Spa is a Hamptons icon and the only yearround resort in Montauk. Providing
guests with direct access to a 2,000-foot private sand beach, Gurney’s features 146 rooms, suites, and beachfront cottages, all delivering dramatic ocean views. With five unique dining and drinking venues, Gurney’s presents an array of food and beverage options, from elegant seasonal cuisine to casual fare to craft cocktails. Gurney’s also offers over 25,000-square-feet of meeting and banquet space, for hosting a wide range of business and social events. Its acclaimed spa is renowned for its healing treatments and ocean-fed seawater pool, the only pool of its kind in North America.
TENNIS IN THE HAMPTONS 2025
continued from page 37
Hampton Racquet Club Remains An East End Staple
Thissummer, countless people from all across the Metropolitan area head east to enjoy the splendor of the Hamptons. With an array of fun summer activities to take part in, tennis and other racquet and paddle sports are at the top of the list, and there is perhaps no better place to play than at Hampton Racquet Club.
“We are thrilled to reunite our community and share an unforgettable summer together,” said Hampton Racquet Club owner Monica Graham. “With brand-new facilities, exciting activities, engaging events and camaraderie, we are dedicated to providing the best services and creating cherished memories for all our members.”
Graham is the younger sister of John Graham, who was the heart and soul of Hampton Racquet for more than a decade. Through the strong and welcoming community he built, and his desire to bring the love of tennis and racquet sports to players of all ages, John Graham built Hampton Racquet into one of the shining beacons of the Hamptons athletic scene.
Unfortunately, John passed away in 2024, but not
before leaving behind a legacy of love, generosity, and community that will be cherished for years to come. In doing so,
Hampton Racquet became more than just a club—it is a legacy, a testament to the community that John passionately and tirelessly built over the years.
“As we carry forward John’s legacy at Hampton Racquet, we are committed to instilling these same values in our members and young players, ensuring they endure for generations to come,” Monica said.
Monica and her team at Hampton Racquet will continue that legacy this summer, and bring the love of sport to all people who walk through their doors. At its summer camp, all campers earn the benefit of exclusive membership perks, which include access to the Spa, court rentals, clinics & its on-site Restaurant, as well as family inclusion, where campers can invite their parents as their special guests, so the whole family can share in their dynamic club experience.
Campers are grouped by age and skill level to ensure they receive the most effective coaching and development.
To continue to cater to all, tennis isn’t the only sport offered at Hampton Racquet.
Pickleball, padel and beach tennis are all available, creating a wellbalanced offering of racquet sports to ensure there is something for everyone.
Hampton Racquet possesses the perfect balance of a club rooted in a desire to welcome in its community while also the perks of being out in the Hamptons in the summer. There is a wellness area, which includes red lights, massages, salt therapy and more, plus a top-notch restaurant and cafe that hugs the club’s tennis courts. When out in the Hamptons this summer, make Hampton Racquet one of your destination spots. Visit HamptonRacquet.com to learn more!
TENNIS IN THE HAMPTONS 2025
Q&A With Steve Annacone, MyHamptonsPro
The Hamptons tennis market is a unique one and to help break it down, Long Island Tennis Magazine spoke with Annacone about the way he approaches tennis teaching out in the Hamptons during the summer:
LITM: Many people in the Hamptons have Tennis courts on their own property. How prevalent is that market for coaches coming to the private residences as opposed to a club/camp?
Annacone: It has become more and more common for people to request lessons at their private homes in the Hamptons. I was first introduced to this back in the 1980's with the Huggy Bear ProAm Tournament at the Forstmann's in Watermill. Many of the homeowners in the Cobb Road area had "private coaches" come to their courts and give lessons. These days it is happening from Montauk all the way to Westhampton, as well as on the North Fork of Long Island. There are more courts and numerous requests and some all year round, weather permitting.
LITM: Do you see a lot of requests for at home tennis lessons from share houses? Families?
Annacone: I haven't seen much from the share house situation but families tend to like this special service because they can have kids do lessons together right at home or put a few hours together and accommodate the whole family without ever leaving their property.
LITM: Are there certain towns where it’s more prevalent than others?
Annacone: The busiest towns for the "concierge" tennis requests seem to be East Hampton, Sagaponack, and Sag Harbor, but Watermill and Southampton are also favorites sites for these requests.
LITM: How would you describe the overall Hamptons tennis market heading into 2025? And how has it changed through the years?
Annacone: Tennis is extremely popular in the Hamptons and really exploded during the Covid pandemic. People are playing even more now and many come out to the Hamptons specifically for the tennis offerings. It used to be one of the great amenities on the east end but now it is an attraction in itself.
LITM: What makes the Hamptons Tennis market unique?
Annacone: The tennis market in the Hamptons is unique because many of the clients only have a specific, limited time that they are available. This makes them want to try to jam as much tennis into their stay as possible, and creates a huge demand at all of the tennis facilities in the area (and requests at their own home courts), requiring a large staff of pros that can accommodate a very diverse group of players-singles, doubles, beginners, advanced players, kids, adults, as well as young and old. In addition, there are many requests from celebrities since this area is a favorite for the stars.
TENNIS IN THE HAMPTONS 2025
continued from page 39
Long Island Tennis Magazine Challenges Arrive Out East This Summer
New York Tennis Magazine will once again be hosting part of our Summer Series presented by Orlin & Cohen Orthopedic Group, in the Hamptons, and are excited to be offering two New York Tennis Magazine Tennis Challenge events this summer on the east end.
The first tournament will be held on Saturday, June 7 at Sportime Quogue, featuring eight different divisions of play, four Men’s Doubles categories and four Women’s Doubles categories.
The event features all of the amenities players have become accustomed to at our events, including competitive
and well-organized doubles play, catered lunch, complimentary happy hour, prizes for winners and features in New York Tennis Magazine.
Visit LITennisMag.com/Events/JuneTennisChallenge to learn more and to register.
“We are excited to host the LITM Challenges this summer in the Hamptons for the fifth year in a row,” said David Sickmen, Publisher of Long Island Tennis Magazine. “Sportime Quogue has proven to be the perfect host site as they accommodate our large draws on their outdoor courts, and we are able to bring people the amenities they have become used to on Sportime’s large pool deck. We look forward to seeing everyone back on the courts for fun in the sun this summer.”
To close out the summer, the September Challenge will be held on Saturday, September 8 at SPORTIME Quogue. More information and registration portal can be found at LITennisMag.com/Events/September Tennis.
“These events are always so well put together, and they do such a great job of organizing the draws,” said Ray Omid, who plays in the LITM Challenges. “There is great food, drinks, and a warm welcoming atmosphere. The LITM Challenges are different than your normal tournament and are phenomenal.”
Top
Companies For Your
Top Companies For Your
Court Building Needs
Court Building Needs
CaliClay Systems info@caliclay.net caliclay.net (805) 698-9830
THE CALICLAY SYSTEM
SOLVES MANY ISSUES:
• Differentiates your facility from others
• Provides a new revenue stream
• CaliClay court surface is much more forgiving on the body and fun for the players
• Very competitively priced
• Low maintenance and 70% less water use than other clay cour t surface
• Alleviates cracks in the future
• Installs on top of existing hard court or new 95% compact • base in about 5 days
• Water before play – average 150 gallons per day when in use
• Brush and line after use. Add material as needed. Roll occasionally or not at all
• Red basalt material will not stain clothing
EASY
MAINTENANCE!
• Brush and line after play.
• Roll once a month or as preferred.
• Never scarify.
• No seasonal closing or re-opening in winter environs.
• Don’t water when not in use – for days, weeks or months.
• Add material as needed – average court uses 3040 bags annually – 10 year warranty
Century Tennis
56 Brook Avenue Deer Park, N.Y. (631) 242-0220
CenturyTennis.com
Since 1965, Century Tennis has been dedicated to the growing sport of tennis by building quality tennis courts and providing a specialized service to the tennis club industry, as well as the private community. By maintaining a highquality of service and customer satisfaction over the years comes a trust that is ever so hard to attain.
“We simply want to be the best at what we do.”
In order to build great tennis courts, you have to start at the bottom with an understanding of soil conditions and converting it to a good base. Lasercontrolled road graders enable Century Tennis to build with accuracy.
Building Post-Tensioned Concrete, instead of the old asphalt type courts, are proving to be a great alternative for “crack-free” tennis courts.
Whether it is a hard court with the softness of Deco-Turf or Classic Turf Rubber or whether it is a soft court like Har-Tru or Hydro Court, or a surface that offers a little of both like Nova Synthetic Turfs … Century Tennis can deliver.
The company is a member of the American Sports Builders Association (ASBA), Better Business Bureau (BBB) and the Long Island Builders Institute (LIBI). Century Tennis’ building techniques meet and or exceed those of the ASBA and the USTA and with its “Certified Tennis Court Builder” staff assures this quality. The company’s intention is to deliver the very best tennis courts for the most demanding players and tennis club owners.
“Expanding the game of tennis, one court at a time.”
Building Needs
Building Needs
Classic Turf Company LLC
P.O. Box 55 Woodbury, Conn.
(800) 246-7951
ClassicTurf.org
Classic Turf Company specializes in the design and construction of sports facilities, including tennis courts, basketball courts and running tracks. Classic Turf Company was one of the first to introduce post-tension concrete technology to the sports industry in New England and has pioneered its use in the construction of tennis courts, basketball courts and running tracks. For more than three decades, Classic Turf Company has created, manufactured, and installed its sports surfaces through North America and the Caribbean, and has revolutionized the sports surface industry with its patented, innovative surfaces for tennis courts, basketball courts and running tracks. Post Tension Concrete, combined with one of the Classic Turf Company’s sports surfaces, is a one-time investment.
Classic Turf Company is a family-owned enterprise, with over 35 years of experience backing up our guarantee. We employ staff with Level 1 and Level 2 Certifications from PTI (Post Tensioning Institute) as well as an ASBA (American Sports Builders Association) Certified Tennis Court Builder to ensure your facility is constructed to the highest standards in the industry.
Har-Tru LLC
166 Industrial Way Troy, VA 22974
(877) 4-HARTRU
HarTru.com
Har-Tru, LLC is a global sports company based in Troy, VA. It is the world’s leading provider of court surfaces, court consultation, court equipment and accessories – serving tennis, pickleball and other sports. The company strives to help others build and maintain the best courts in the world, leveraging its products, knowledge, and experience to meet the needs of each customer most effectively. Har-Tru is active in the industries it serves as an advocate and sponsor of tennis and pickleball related activities.
National Metal Industries
2 Neil Ct
Oceanside, NY 11572
NMIFence.com
sales@nmifence.com (516) 594-0365
For over 60 years National Metal Industries Fence has been one of the leading manufacturers and distributors of metal, PVC, aluminum, and wood fencing on the East Coast, and has the reputation, experience, knowledge and expertise for all of your fencing and wind screen needs.
NMI offers NOW Shade Windscreens with the benefits being:
• Blocks up to 90% of the Sun’s harmful rays
• Will not fade, shrink, mold and mildew
• 90 percent visibility blockage
• Applicable for all season – mildew and mold free
• Water & UV resistant fabric
• 75 percent Privacy
While they come in colors green, black, brown, tan, blue, grey, white and red, NMI offers Custom Logo Banners to help showcase your brand, school colors and more. Perfect for field advertisements, construction sites or store fronts, our digitally printed banners incorporate three-to-five-year solvent inks to ensure vibrant color and a long lifespan. All four edges are reinforced with a double-stitch 3-ply hem and grommets every 12".
NMI has the ability to put full color logos digitally printed on our its eight oz mesh then cut out and sewn onto any of our windscreens. An excellent and economical way to add multiple full color logos to your windscreen.
VelveTop Products
1455 New York Avenue Huntington Station, N.Y. (631) 427-5904
VelveTop Products is a family-owned and operated business since 1968. VelveTop is a stocking distributor of a full line of tennis court materials and equipment, including:
• Deco Turf: The Cushioned Tennis Surface of Champions
• Har-Tru: Developing Champions Since 1932
• Douglas Sports: Nets, Windscreens, Divider Nets
• RiteWay Crack Repair Systems
• Hadeka Red Clay
For more information, call (631) 427-5904, e-mail elsy@velvetop.com or visit VelveTop.com
Rethinking Junior Tennis: The Advantage Tennis Clubs Pathway
By Joel Richmond
Ifyou grew up learning tennis the “old-school” way—full-sized courts, yellow balls, and early competition—you might be surprised to learn how much the game has changed for today’s youngest players. At Advantage Tennis Clubs (ATC), we’ve spent over 55 years refining our approach, and our Junior Tennis Pathway is the result: a smarter, more effective system built around fun, fundamentals, and longterm success.
What Is the Advantage Junior Pathway?
We use a progression-based system that meets kids where they are— physically and developmentally—and guides them through recreational and toward competitive play at the right pace. We follow the USTA’s ROGY model: Red, Orange, Green, and Yellow balls, each stage tailored to age and ability. This allows kids to grow their confidence and skills while staying engaged in the game.
Why a Pathway Matters
Unlike traditional methods that rushed young players into full-court matches with standard equipment—often leading to frustration or injury—our
pathway uses the right court sizes and ball types for each level. This ensures better learning, more enjoyment, and a strong foundation for long-term success.
The Junior Pathway, Stage by Stage
Red Ball (Ages 4–8):
A fun, exploratory introduction to tennis. Kids build coordination, learn basic strokes, and play on mini-courts using red foam or felt balls designed for slower bounce and easier tracking.
Orange Ball (Ages 8–12):
Players refine strokes and begin rallying and scoring on three-quarter courts with orange balls (50% compression). Emphasis shifts to control, consistency, and early strategy.
Green Ball (Ages 9–13):
Now on full-sized courts, kids work with green balls (75% compression) to build power, stamina, and more advanced tactics—preparing for competitive yellow ball play.
Yellow Ball (Ages 10+):
Standard court, standard ball. Players master technique, strategy, and mental focus for match play. This is the stage where tennis starts to look like the game you see on TV.
High Performance (Ages 10+, by evaluation):
For advanced players ready to compete at regional or national levels, its important that a high-performance program includes elite coaching, physical conditioning, and mental training to prepare athletes for serious competition.
Joel Richmond is the Co-Director of QuickStart Programs at Advantage Tennis Clubs. Originally from central New York, Joel began playing tennis at the age of 6 and started coaching at 16. Joel competed in Division III tennis and soccer for Bard College, where he was the tennis captain for three years. As a PTR L2 Certified Professional, Joel uses a gamebased approach to help junior players get into the game and develop a proper technical and tactical foundation. He can be reached at jrichmond@advantagetennisclubs.com
Juniorspotlight Player
By Brian Coleman
Mark Krupkin Dwight Global Online School
Everysummer, our tennis community is fortunate to have the eyes of the tennis world on New York as the US Open brings the best players from across the globe to compete here during the threeweek long event. With the US Open comes exciting opportunities and unique moments for local aspiring professional tennis players.
That was the case for Mark Krupkin at last year’s Open, when he was chosen to be a hitting partner for the likes of Great Britain’s Jack Draper and American Jessica Pegula, two of the sport’s best players.
Krupkin, a New Jersey native, recently recalled how that experience taught him a great deal about what makes the pros the pros.
“It was a fantastic experience. I enjoyed it a lot, and I’m hoping to do it again this year,” said Krupkin. “The quality of their ball and their movement is unbelievable. I got to see how they prepare for their practices and matches. ”
Krupkin is the top-ranked player in New Jersey in the Boys 18s division, according to TennisRecruiting.Net, and he will be headed to Stanford in the fall to continue his tennis career on the west coast.
Krupkin was a sought-after player during his recruitment process, and ultimately landed on Stanford due to its combination of a top tennis program and some of the best academics in the country.
That same blend is what led Krupkin to attend the Dwight Global Online School for his high school years. It was a complicated decision at first, because the public schools in his area were excellent — but the flexibility and support offered by Dwight Global were something he and his family could not pass up.
“A lot of my peers were going to Dwight at the time. My mom was really nervous at first, because she thought the
quality of my education would drop by being in an online school. After my dad and I convinced her, we never looked back, and it was clearly the right decision,” he recalls. “There are so many tennis players with similar goals that go to Dwight, and the school could not be more supportive in how they help us focus on our tennis, while also maintaining an academic standard.”
Attending Dwight has offered Krupkin flexibility, such as extensions or the ability to view his classes at different times, while also allowing him to thrive in rigorous classes under the guidance of Dwight faculty members. Krupkin’s academic course load was challenging and included college-level classes like Linear Algebra and AP Calculus BC, as well as several AP Physics, Computer Science, and Economics classes.
Dwight Global also forced Krupkin to be independent and take control of his own education, something that will benefit him when he heads off to Stanford.
“Each week's assignments are given at the beginning of the week, and nobody’s holding your hand through the process or reminding you about deadlines. It’s on you to get them done,” he explained. “You can do them all right away or spread them throughout the week. That is exactly what college is like. You have to be on top of your responsibilities, and keep track of what you need to do. Dwight has helped prepare me for that.”
Krupkin has dreamed of being a part of Stanford since he was younger, so when he was offered a scholarship to become a Cardinal, it was an opportunity he could not pass up.
“I always wanted to go to Stanford,” he recalls. “It’s the best combination of academics and athletics. I was looking at a variety of different schools, but at the end of the day, I loved everything about the Stanford program. I’m super excited because everyone on the team has the goal of becoming a professional tennis player, but at the same time, they understand
the importance of an education. I can bond with these people and learn from them. It’s a really great group of guys, and I’m extremely excited for the fall.”
When he arrives in sunny California later this year, it will be the latest chapter in a tennis journey that began when he was four years old, when he first picked up a racquet. Inspired by his dad, he began taking lessons with the very same coach as his dad.
From an early age, Krupkin embraced the competitiveness that tennis brought out of him, and the individualistic nature it possessed.
“You’re out there on your own, and you are accountable for each and every one of your mistakes,” he said.
As he continued to progress through his tennis, he grew physically as well. He now stands at 6’6” with a booming serve and powerful forehand to boot. Being tall, he remains focused on reinforcing his footwork, but has the necessary weapons in his game to become a formidable
collegiate player.
In both 2023 and 2024, Krupkin ended his years as the winner of the Boys 18s division at the USTA Winter Indoor National Championships, proving that he belongs among the top junior players in the country.
Krupkin’s goal for the upcoming months is to continue to improve his game so that he is ready to jump directly
into the Stanford lineup in the fall. He knows he cannot rest on his laurels and, even with his college commitment in place, he still has a lot to prove.
“You gotta live up to it now,” he says. “It definitely makes me want to play more, because I have to fight for that lineup spot, and fight to prove that I belong. That motivates me. I want to keep playing these top junior tournaments, and I want to transition into playing some ATP Futures events later this year. That’s the goal.”
Krupkin is the latest example of how top junior tennis players can benefit from attending Dwight Global Online School. Over the last several years, there has been a long line of successful players who have been able to focus on their rigorous tennis schedules while receiving a great education.
With the Dwight Global experience under his belt, Krupkin will continue to thrive on and off the court, at Stanford this fall, and beyond.
Asa strength and conditioning coach, one of the most critical aspects I focus on when training junior tennis players is the concept of relative strength. Unlike absolute strength, which measures the maximum force an athlete can exert regardless of their body weight, relative strength considers the athlete’s strength in relation to their body weight. This distinction is particularly important in a sport like tennis, where agility, speed, and endurance are just as crucial as raw power.
Why Relative Strength Matters
Relative strength is a key determinant of athletic performance in junior tennis players. It directly impacts their ability to accelerate, decelerate, change direction, and maintain balance on the court. A player with high relative strength can move more efficiently and effectively, giving them a competitive edge over their opponents.
For junior athletes, developing relative strength is essential for several reasons:
Injury Prevention: The Foundation of Longevity
One of the primary benefits of focusing on relative strength is injury prevention. Tennis is a physically demanding sport that places significant stress on the body, particularly on the joints and muscles. Stronger muscles and connective tissues help protect against common tennis injuries such as sprains, strains, and overuse injuries. By focusing on relative strength, we can ensure that young athletes build a solid foundation that supports their growing bodies and
Building Champions: The Importance of Relative Strength in Junior Tennis Players
Relative strength enhances a player’s ability to generate force quickly, which is crucial for powerful serves, explosive movements, and rapid changes in direction. This translates to better oncourt performance and the ability to outmaneuver opponents. A player with high relative strength can react faster, move more efficiently, and maintain better control over their movements, giving them a significant advantage during matches.
Long-Term
Development:
Building a Strong Foundation
Building relative strength at a young age sets the stage for continued athletic development. It creates a foundation that can be built upon as the athlete matures, leading to sustained improvements in performance over time. By focusing on relative strength during the formative years, we can help young athletes develop the physical attributes necessary for longterm success in tennis and other sports.
Training for Relative Strength
When designing a strength and conditioning program for junior tennis players, it’s important to incorporate exercises that promote relative strength. Here are some key components of an effective training regimen:
Bodyweight Exercises: Mastering Control
Bodyweight exercises such as push-
ups, pull-ups, and bodyweight squats are excellent for developing relative strength. These exercises require the athlete to control their own body weight, which is directly applicable to movements on the tennis court. By mastering bodyweight exercises, young athletes can improve their overall strength, stability, and coordination.
Plyometrics: Developing Explosive Power
Plyometric exercises, such as jump squats and box jumps, help improve explosive power and agility. These exercises train the muscles to generate force quickly, which is essential for quick movements and powerful shots. Incorporating plyometrics into a training program can enhance a player’s ability to accelerate, decelerate, and change direction rapidly.
Core Strengthening: Enhancing Stability
A strong core is vital for maintaining balance and stability during dynamic movements. Exercises like planks, Russian twists, and medicine ball throws target the core muscles and enhance overall stability. A strong core also helps transfer power from the lower body to the upper body, improving the efficiency of movements such as serving and hitting groundstrokes.
To continue improving relative strength, it’s important to gradually increase the intensity of the exercises. This can be achieved by adding resistance, increasing the number of repetitions, or incorporating more
challenging variations of the exercises. Progressive overload ensures that the muscles are continually challenged, leading to ongoing improvements in strength and performance.
To the left is a template for strength standards for ages 6-13. Since this age range spans a significant developmental period, I've broken it down into three general categories: Ages 6-9 years, 10-13, and 1417 years. These standards are meant to provide general guidance.
Magnus Sports Performance
Youth Strength Standards
Warm-up and Safety: Always include a proper warm-up and use appropriate form to reduce injury risk.
Progression: Children and teens should progress slowly with their exercises, focusing on form rather than just increasing repetitions or weights.
Variation: Incorporate variations of exercises like incline/decline pushups or weighted squats/lunges for older, more advanced participants.
Rest: Adequate rest between sets (30 seconds to 2 minutes depending
on age and intensity) is important.
This template can be adjusted based on the fitness goals, individual development, and equipment available.
Monitoring Progress
Regular assessments are crucial to track the progress of junior tennis players and adjust their training programs accordingly. This can include measuring improvements in specific exercises, monitoring changes in body composition, and evaluating on-court performance. By regularly assessing progress, we can ensure that the training program remains effective and aligned with the athlete’s goals.
Conclusion
Relative strength is a fundamental aspect of athletic development for junior tennis players. By focusing on building strength in relation to their body weight, we can enhance their performance, reduce the risk of injury, and set the stage for long-term success. As a strength and conditioning coach, my goal is to help young athletes unlock their full potential and achieve greatness on and off the court.
By incorporating bodyweight exercises, plyometrics, core strengthening, and progressive overload into their training regimen, junior tennis players can develop the relative strength necessary to excel in their sport. Regular assessments and adjustments to the training program ensure that athletes continue to make progress and achieve their goals.
In the competitive world of junior tennis, the edge often lies in the details. By prioritizing relative strength, we can provide young athletes with the tools they need to succeed and thrive in their athletic pursuits. Let’s work together to build champions and help junior tennis players reach their full potential.
Griffin Samuels is an Expert Fitness Trainer at Magnus Sports Performance at CourtSense in Tenafly, New Jersey. He has worked with junior tennis players for nearly a decade, from Red Ball to College. Samuels also helps our Adult Players stay on the with his strength training and PreHab work.
2025 French Open Preview 202
With spring having arrived, it’s time for the clay court season on the ATP and WTA Tours. This time of year is highlighted by the signature red clay of Roland Garros and the year’s second major: the French Open.
A year ago, the tournament was won by two of the sport’s biggest stars. Carlos Alcaraz won the French Open for the first time in his career, reigning supreme on the clay surface he grew up watching his idol Rafael Nadal dominate for so many years.
On the women’s side, Iga Swiatek continued her Parisian dominance, winning her third straight French Open title, and the fourth of her career.
“I love this place, I wait every year to come back here,” Swiatek proclaimed.
As we head into the 2025 installment of the French Open, will we see new champions, or will Alcaraz and Swiatek continue their dominance at Roland Garros? How will the crowd respond to the return of world number one Jannik Sinner? These are just some of the questions ahead of Roland Garros.
New York Tennis Magazine breaks down some of the players to watch out for in Paris in 2025, including Contenders, Pretenders and Sleepers.
MEN’S SINGLES CONTENDERS
Carlos Alcaraz
When evaluating the contenders for this year’s French Open men’s singles title, there is no better person to start
Photo credit: Seth Sarelson
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with than the event’s defending champion. A year ago, Carlos Alcaraz captured the fourth major title of his career but his first at the French Open, the surface where many people believed he would have the most success in his career, much like his idol and compatriot Rafael Nadal. Alcaraz has played well during the claycourt swing in 2025, including winning the Monte Carlo title for the first time in his career, and reaching the final in Barcelona, setting himself up for continued success on the Roland Garros clay.
Alexander Zverev
Always a bridesmaid, never a bride. That is seemingly the case with Alexander Zverev who has reached the finals of three majors yet has never been able to win one. He hopes that changes in Paris this year, as he continues to play some of the best tennis of his career, and with the knowledge that he has reached the finals at the French Open before, which was last year. He won the Munich title in April, the clay court event in his native Germany, and with experience playing late into major finals, and a strong desire to finally win one, Zverev is one of the favorites to win this year’s French Open.
Alex de Minaur
Alex de Minaur has been a staple of the Top 10 of the ATP Tour Rankings for some time now, and he remains one of the more consistent players on tour. During that time, he has reached the quarterfinals of majors five times, once at each of the four majors including twice at the U.S. Open. A year ago, the Australian was in the final eight at the French Open before losing to finalist Alexander Zverev. This time around, De Minaur could go deeper than that. He has played well on clay this spring including reaching the semifinals in Monte Carlo and the quarterfinals in Barcelona. While he has never reached the finals at a clay court event, De Minaur has what it takes to make a deep run at the sport’s biggest events. Having watched him play well through the first quarter of the season, De Minaur passes the eye test and this could be his breakout major.
Taylor Fritz
PRETENDERS
The top-ranked American has surely established himself as one of the best players in the world, but Taylor Fritz has yet to prove he can make headway at the French Open. That could primarily be because of his lack of success on clay overall. Fritz has only been to one clay court final in his career, which he lost, and in general, the American men tend to struggle on clay, especially when compared to their success on hard court. His best showing at the French Open was a fourth-round result in 2024, but that could be the extent of Fritz’s potential at Roland Garros.
Daniil Medvedev
Daniil Medvedev has always been upfront about his displeasure for the clay surfaces, and that has been borne out with the French Open serving as the major where he has enjoyed the least success throughout his career. He has made one quarterfinal at Roland Garros, four years ago, and other than that has seen his Parisian runs end early on in the opening week of the tournament. Medvedev hits a flat ball which has never served him well on clay, and his past indicates that is something that will go unchanged.
Andrey Rublev
Despite being a mainstay in the Top 10 of the rankings, the quarterfinals is as far as Andrey Rublev has advanced at the Grand Slams. He has reached that stage 10 different times in his career and is 0-10 in those matches. It seems to be a massive hurdle for the Russian as he attempts to win his first ever major, and one has to think there is something mental associated with that. He reached the quarterfinals at the French Open in 2020 and 2022, and we shouldn’t expect a deeper run that that this time around.
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SLEEPERS
Lorenzo
Musetti
This season has proven to be the best yet in the young career of Lorenzo Musetti, with the Italian reaching a career-high ranking of 11th in the world. With Musetti playing at the top of his game, he could be due for a deep run at the French Open. He made a name for himself by reaching the Wimbledon semifinals in 2024, proving that he has to what to takes to go far at a major, and has played well on clay thus far in 2025. He reached the first Masters 1000 final of his career in Monte Carlo, and had he not been injured in the final against Carlos Alcaraz, could have been the one holding the trophy.
Holger Rune
Talent has never been the question for Holger Rune, but the debate has always been whether or not he has what it takes between the ears to make the kind of run at a Grand Slam that people projected for him when he broke onto the tour as a teenager. Still just 21-years-old, it seems as if Rune has begun to come into his own this spring. He reached the finals of the BNP Paribas Open at Indian Wells, which was a big stepping stone for him, and backed that up when the clay court swing began, defeating Carlos Alcaraz to win the Barcelona title, his first ATP 500 crown. As a result, Rune jumped back into the Top 10. With a new found confidence and the results to back it up, he could be due for a deep run.
Joao Fonseca
A player that pops off the screen when watching on tv is a little-known Brazilian named Joao Fonseca. At just 18-yearsold, Fonseca hasn’t had a lot of time to make his name known at the majors but that could soon change. He qualified for the Next Generation finals in 2024 and despite being the youngest player in the field, captured the title. As a South American, Fonseca grew up playing and training on clay, and thrives on that surface. The lone final he reached at the ATP Tour level was at the Argentina Open, played on clay. Despite being ranked outside the Top 60, Fonseca is one to watch for in Paris.
WOMEN’S SINGLES CONTENDERS
Iga Swiatek
No woman in the history of the tour has won four straight French Open titles, so Iga Swiatek will be out to make history when she arrives at Roland Garros. There have been several women to win three in a row, which Swiatek has done, but no one has ever won four straight. However, Swiatek has what it takes to be the first. She has dominated the French Open winning four titles overall in Paris and losing just two matches there in her entire career. She is clearly the player to beat on the women’s side.
Coco Gauff
Coco Gauff has won a major title, which came at the U.S. Open in 2023, and has her sights set on adding a second of those trophies to her collection. Gauff has been open about her favorite surface being the hard court, but she has proven she can be successful on clay. She reached the French Open final in 2022, and has won 72 percent of the matches she played on clay during her career. As she continues to sure up her forehand and her serve, Gauff is rounding out her game to become a complete player, one that can produce a French Open championship.
Mirra Andreeva
A year ago, Mirra Andreeva was one of the last four players standing at the French Open. At just 17-years-old, it was the best result of her young career, and a sign of things to come. Andreeva has had a great start to 2025 which included reaching the semifinals in Dubai and capturing the biggest title of her career at the BNP Paribas Open in Indian Wells. The results showed that Andreeva was not just a talent, but someone who has what it takes to make a deep run at the sport’s biggest
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tournaments. She will turn 18 just before this year’s French Open, and after reaching the semifinals there in 2024, is set to make another push for her first Grand Slam.
PRETENDERS
Aryna Sabalenka
It’s hard to consider the topranked woman in the world as a pretender, but that is just how unique the French Open is. Playing on clay changes up a player’s attack style and requires some different skill sets that don’t always apply to the hard courts, which is where Sabalenka could find some trouble. She is perhaps the biggest hitter on tour and a proven champion, but Sabalenka has had little of her success come in Paris. She made the semifinals at Roland Garros in 2023, but outside of that and a quarterfinal run in 2024, she has never been out of the third round.
Madison Keys
The American reached the pinnacle of her career earlier this year, winning “Down Under” and hoisting the Australian Open trophy. Keys became one of the oldest first-time champions in women’s history, and it was a seminal moment for one of the sport’s most likeable figures. But it may be hard for her to repeat that success in Paris this spring. Keys, the fifth-ranked player in the world, has never been a great player on clay with her game translating better to the other surfaces, and that is evidenced by her lack of success during her French Open career. The last five seasons, she has failed to advance past the tournament’s opening week, something I would expect to continue this year.
Qinwen Zheng
Much like Sabalenka and Keys, Qinwen Zheng is a power player who has the tools to dominate on the hard courts, but tends to not translate to clay. While she did win the Paris Olympics Gold Medal on the same courts where the French Open is played, Zheng hasn’t produced the same results at the French Open that she has at the other majors. Her best result was a fourth round exit back in 2022
Jelena Ostapenko
SLEEPERS
It seems like a lifetime ago, but Jelena Ostapenko is a former French Open Champion. All the way back in 2017, the Latvian teenager shocked a lot of people when she entered the tournament ranked 47th and became the tournament’s first unseeded woman champion since 1933. Now nearly 10 years later, Ostapenko has had an up and down career, but still has the requisite tools to win a major title. She is playing good tennis in 2025, beating the likes of Aryna Sabalenka and Iga Swiatek en route to winning the title in Stuttgart, and prior to that reached the finals in Doha. That Stuttgart title was pivotal, as she beat the top two players in the world on clay, the perfect preparation for a French Open run.
Alexandra Eala
A player that has caught the attention of the tennis world in 2025 is young Filipina Alexandra Eala, who is already the highest ranked player in her nation’s history, but has much higher goals for her career. A U.S. Open girls singles champion in 2022, Eala has never played in the main draw at a major, but will certainly be in the French Open field based on her success in the early part of the year. She is ranked 72nd in the world and has scored wins over Iga Swiatek, Paula Badosa, Madison Keys and Jelena Ostapenko, so don’t be surprised to see Eala make a run in Paris.
Sofia Kenin
There was a time when Sofia Kenin was the future of American tennis on the women’s side. As a teenager back in 2020, Kenin won the Australian Open and then reached the finals of the French Open, but in the years since, injuries and a hiatus from tennis action saw her fall off the tennis radar. But Kenin is back competing at a high level and is approaching moving into the Top 30 again. She has always been an effective clay court player, and this spring reached the finals of the Charleston Open, a clay court event. With her experience at the French Open and a return to her past form, Kenin could be out to surprise some people in Paris.
Tennissummer camp isn’t just about sweating it out under the sun or logging hours on the court—it’s your chance to level up your game, meet new friends, and challenge yourself in ways you might not get to during your regular training. How do you make sure you’re not just active, but actually getting better? The key is to be intentional with your time, open to learning, and smart about how you approach both training and match play.
If you want to walk away from camp as a stronger, more confident player, here’s how to make every day count.
1. Set a
Few Goals Before You Go
Before camp even starts, think about what you want to improve. Is it your serve? Footwork? Mental toughness? Maybe you struggle with consistency in long rallies or need to work on your shot selection. Whatever it is, write down two or three clear goals.
For example:
• Improve my first serve percentage to 60%+ in match play.
• Stay positive and composed, even when losing.
• Be more aggressive with my forehand and look for short balls to attack. By having specific goals in mind, you’ll be more focused in your training, and your coaches will be able to tailor their advice to help you improve in those areas.
2. Be Coachable—Listen, Learn, and Apply
You’re going to get a lot of feedback from coaches, and sometimes it might feel overwhelming or even frustrating— especially if they ask you to change a
Make the Most of Your Tennis Summer Camp: A Junior Player’s Guide to Leveling Up
By Dejan Vukojicic
habit you’re comfortable with. But improvement comes from making adjustments, even if they feel awkward at first.
Tips to Be a Great Learner:
• Keep an open mind—if something feels weird, it’s probably because you’re breaking an old habit.
• Ask questions if you don’t understand a correction.
• Apply feedback immediately—don’t wait until later.
• Don’t take a coach’s critique personally; it’s meant to help you. The players who improve the most aren’t always the most talented, but they are the most coachable.
3. Practice with Purpose, Not Just Reps
It’s easy to get into the habit of just going through the motions, especially during drills you’ve done before. But if you want to maximize your improvement, you need to focus on how you’re practicing, not just how much. How to Train Smarter:
• Challenge yourself. Push your comfort zone instead of just playing it safe.
• Visualize match situations during drills, you will learn quicker if you can imagine how this skill will be used in a match.
• Focus on hitting specific targets, not just keeping the ball in play.
• If working on footwork, exaggerate your movement to build better habits. Think of every rep as a step toward your goal.
4. Take Recovery Seriously
Tennis camps can be physically demanding, with multiple training
sessions and matches each day. If you don’t take care of your body, fatigue can set in fast—and your performance (and enjoyment) will suffer.
Recovery Checklist:
• Drink plenty of water or electrolytes throughout the day. Don’t wait until you’re thirsty.
• Eat nutritious meals, carbs for energy, protein for muscle recovery, and veggies for overall health.
• Stretch before and after sessions to stay flexible and prevent soreness.
• Prioritize sleep. Your body needs rest to recover and improve.
Taking care of your body isn’t just about avoiding injury—it’s about making sure you can perform at your best every day.
5. Use Match Play to Experiment and Improve
If your camp includes match play, use it wisely. Too many players fall into the trap of only focusing on winning, instead of using matches to develop new skills.
Try These in Matches:
• Work on your second serve under pressure.
• Use patterns of play you’ve practiced in drills.
• Practice resetting—bounce back from mistakes quickly.
• Focus on what you learned, not just the final score.
• Try a different tactic or skill that you don’t often use to improve your range Every match is a learning experience. If you step off the court knowing what to improve next time, it was a success.
6. Take Notes—Yes, Really! One of the best ways to retain what you learn is to write it down. Keeping a
simple tennis journal (or using your phone’s notes app) can help reinforce key takeaways.
What to Write Down:
• Drills that really helped you improve.
• Specific advice from coaches.
• Things you did well and want to keep doing.
• Areas where you struggled and need to work more.
A week or two after camp, you’ll be surprised how much you forget if you don’t write it down!
7. Make Friends and Enjoy the Social Side
Tennis is more fun when you’re around people who love it as much as you do. Camps are a great place to meet new training partners, learn from others, and build friendships that can last well beyond the summer.
Ways to Connect with Others:
• Introduce yourself to players from different groups.
• Be supportive—cheer for others during matches.
• Find a hitting partner for extra practice outside scheduled sessions.
• Swap contact info with players you enjoy training with.
Some of the best friendships (and future doubles teams!) start at summer camps.
8. Reflect Each Day for Continuous Improvement
At the end of each day, take a moment to think about what you learned and how you can apply it moving forward.
Ask Yourself:
• What did I improve on today?
• What challenges did I face, and how did I handle them?
• What’s one thing I want to focus on tomorrow?
By reflecting on your progress daily, you’ll stay motivated and make consistent improvements throughout camp.
Make This Summer Count
Tennis camp is what you make it. If you show up with a growth mindset, put in focused effort, and embrace both the challenges and fun, you’ll walk away a stronger, smarter, and more confident player.
So hit the court and enjoy the journey.
Dejan Vukojicic, a Senior Associate Director at SPORTIME RI & JMTA, holds a bachelor’s degree in sport and coaching from the College of Sport, Nikola Tesla, Belgrade. He served as the Serbian Tennis Federation’s National Tennis Coach for U12 and Director of its Tennis Junior program. As Miomir Kecmanovic’s coach, he propelled him to #1 in Europe in Under 14s and twice won the Orange Bowl. Dejan also served on the Serbian Tennis Federation’s Coaching Board and Development Committee before joining the SPORTIME/JMTA team in 2022.
How to Raise a Young Tennis Champion: Key Criteria for Success
By Igor Kireev
Raising a young tennis champion involves a strategic approach that covers skill development, mental courage, and emotional support. Here are some important criteria to consider in this journey:
Passion for the Game: The foundation of a great athlete is a genuine love for their sport. Introduce your child to tennis in a fun and engaging way. Encourage them to play casually with friends and family to nurture a lasting interest.
Quality Coaching: Enroll your child in a reputable tennis academy or hire a qualified coach. Professional guidance is crucial for developing proper techniques and understanding game strategies. Make sure to look for a coach who emphasizes both skill development and sportsmanship.
Regular Practice: Consistency is the key in improving tennis skills. Establish a routine that includes regular practice sessions. Aim for a balance between practice and play to keep your child motivated and prevent burnout.
Physical Fitness: Tennis requires a high level of physical fitness. Include strength, agility, and endurance training into your child’s routine. This not only enhances their performance but also reduces the risk of injuries.
Mental Stability: The psychological aspect of tennis is often missed. Teach your child to handle pressure, stay focused, and maintain a positive attitude. Encourage them to set realistic goals and learn from both wins and losses.
Emotional Support: Be a supportive presence in your child's tennis journey. Attend their matches, celebrate their achievements, and provide constructive feedback. A
nurturing environment boosts their confidence and motivation.
Competitive Experience: Make sure your child starts competing early on. Start with local tournaments to build experience and gradually move to higher-level events. This exposure helps them learn how to perform under pressure.
In conclusion, raising a young tennis champion involves nurturing passion, providing quality coaching, ensuring physical fitness, fostering mental resilience, and offering emotional support. With dedication and the right approach, your child has better chances to succeed in the world of tennis.
Igor Kireev, current coach of WTA player Anna Morgina best rank WTA singles 316 and doubles 165, resident of Centercourt Tennis Academy. He has a lot of work experience with junior players on national and international levels. He is ITF, PTR, ITPA and USTA certified coach as well as Global Professional Tennis Coach Association member.
Ihave been playing tennis for almost 57 years. It is still a baffling sport. I never really played golf as a kid but started attempting to in my 20s, and I’m here to tell you, it is even crazier than tennis. Why is it so difficult to hit a golf ball that is just sitting there? It never moves and you don’t have to run. Even on the 18 shots when you can tee the ball up, it is only total uncertainty that awaits.
Tennis and golf are basically the same sport. You practice numerous hours to try and repeat the same swing each time. Even when you master the swings, the pressure of actually doing it in a match or on the golf course totally disrupts your ability to execute. A great shot in either sport makes you want to play again. A poor shot makes you feel like you have never even played the game before.
Then there is the strategy aspect. Is it better to be aggressive or consistent? It seems that consistency should be the choice for most players but it is much more fun to swing extremely hard and either hit a 130 mile-per-hour serve or a 300yard drive. Of course, neither of those ever happen unless you become a professional player. Should I come in to the net or stay back? Should I try for the green in
Tennis and Golf: The Same Sport?
By Steve Annacone
two or lay up? These are the same strategy issues. When I stay back, my opponent hits a winner on the second shot; and when I lay up, I slice or hook it out of play.
Then there is putting. How difficult can it possibly be? Rory McIlroy’s four-year-old daughter sunk a long one at the Masters and she could barely hold the club. I hit a great drive, on the green in regulation, and then three putt. The same goes for returning most player’s second serves when you have a break point. The ball is usually coming right where you want it and you have the whole court to use on the return. How can it possibly go in the net, wide or long? The same feeling shines through: have I ever really played this game before?
Driving a golf ball and serving a first serve have a lot in common as
well. Do I go for the ace or hit 75 percent with spin into their body? Do I rip the drive and try to draw it so I get a lot of roll, or do I break out the wood and hit it shorter and somewhere on the fairway. I think you know what most of us would do. The bottom line is, these are both great sports. They will give you a lot of joy as well as a huge portion of disappointment. Both are character builders. You learn how to deal with adversity, you overcome your uncertainty and learn to make decisions, and you are out in the fresh air doing something that you can continue to do for a very long time. I strongly recommend either sport, but based on medical research, tennis players live an average of ten years longer than non tennis players. Choosing tennis will give you a little more time to enjoy.
Steve Annacone, USPTA Elite Pro, is the Director of Annacone Tennis, www.annaconetennis.com and MyHamptonsPro, www.myhamptonspro.com throughout the Hamptons, NY. Sam Alexander, Steve, and Gill Gross run the TOP (Tennis Optimization Players-Top Team) program at the Tucson Jewish Community Center (Tucson, AZ) for high level players ages 8-18. Please contact Steve at sannacone@tucsonjcc.org or 865-300-7323.
Tennis The Ultimate Test That Keeps Asking Questions
By Luke Jensen
Tennis Zoners, let’s get FIRED UP!
I’ve been all over the tennis map so far this 2025 season, from the pros to the amateur events. It has been so much FUN seeing tennis played with a passion and the love of being on the court. The one element I really enjoy is watching competitive matches and how the tactics evolve, along with the mental gymnastics that players deal with while going for the win.
Having the right mindset is absolutely EVERYTHING if you want to get the very most out of your ability. I grew up playing so many sports and the proper mindset was always the difference for winning and improving. Tennis was the most challenging because coaching is not allowed on court in junior tennis. So I found it mission critical to have a game plan written down from my coaches on how to approach a match, and even a training block to get the most out of my tennis sessions.
How would you grade yourself with your mental and emotional toughness? Be honest! How are your nerves before, at the beginning and at the end of sets? What can you do to clearly evaluate the situation and add a positive impact to that approach.
If you are nervous at any point, that is a really good sign. It means you care and something that matters to you is on the line. How you cope with the nervous times comes down to finding and equipping yourself with the proper tools to navigate those moments.
My insight for you is pretty direct, but hard to master. I would always start the process of going to the match to focus on being the best competitor I could be. I
didn’t focus on the result. I didn’t focus much on how fun it would be to win or how horrible I would feel if I lost. I just wanted to compete better than my opponent, both in emotional composure and temperament, as well as in tactical adjustments and enthusiasm.
From there I would put down into my tennis tactical journal all the aspects I wanted to accomplish and on changeovers write down what needed to change from what I’ve learned about my opponent. Writing in my tennis journal during the match kept me present in how I kept laser focus on the details, and how I am winning or losing points. I have to self coach myself as much as possible on court.
I really enjoyed trying to figure out an opponent and how to beat them. It kept me learning from all my matches and experiences. I found I could get the best of players that were so consumed with if they were winning or losing. I was looking for ways to develop disruptive shots that played into their chaotic mindset.
Doubles was even more exciting because I was able to discuss my tactical ideas with my partner. Always looking for what International Tennis Hall of Famer Roy Emerson called “the pigeon” on the other team. Everything in doubles comes down to playing shots to the players who don’t want the ball.
As far as dealing with pressure, former
world number one Jim Courier has a great saying, “You better want the pressure because the pressure wants YOU!” It is a way of coming to terms with the simple fact that true competition brings you to a place where you have to face pressure and come up with filling your head with extremely powerful self talk to overwhelm the pressure you feel. There are so many great options these days from books to online Ted Talks to learn more about dealing with competitive anxiety and performing your best in pressure situations. Before I go, let’s talk GEAR! I’m a massive nerd when it comes to tennis gear, and I am always always looking for a new edge in performance from the shoes to the strings. Shoe wise I stress that players that play on clay have a designated shoe for clay. It had more of a rough bottom to grip the slippery clay court surface. If you play on grass most places won’t let you wear the grass court soled shoes the pros wear for Wimbledon because they tear up the grass court so buy a clay court shoe will be the next best thing. String wise be very careful not to be sold in what the pros use. Those strings can cause arm, elbow and shoulder issues as well as wrist problems due to the stiffness of the string. If you have no arm issues definitely give a polyester string a go but if you have any arm issues ask your stringer for a softer string that will be kinder on your arm without losing too much performance.
Born in Grayling, Mich., Luke Jensen’s resume includes 10 ATP Tour doubles titles and singles victories against Andre Agassi, Pete Sampras, Ivan Lendl, John McEnroe, Bjorn Borg, Jimmy Connors, Boris Becker, Stefan Edberg and Jim Courier. Jensen and his brother, Murphy, won the 1993 French Open doubles title. Luke is currently director of tennis at Sea Island Tennis Center in Georgia. He may be reached by phone at (315) 443-3552 or email lukejensen84@yahoo.com.
Mental Toughness in Tennis
By: David Parra-Newton
Mentaltoughness is often considered the defining key of professional tennis players' performances. While talent, physical skill, agility, and strategy are also good components of a player’s success, it's their ability to stay composed and focused under pressure that can set them apart. Here at the USTA Billie Jean King National Tennis Center, we are able to witness this through our many junior and adult tournaments, including the Boys & Girls 12s Intersectionals, Boys 12 National Indoor Championships, and the U.S. Open.
Coaches play an important role in helping players develop mental toughness. They not only provide technical and tactical guidance but also help create a strong mental attitude. We as coaches focus on teaching players how to deal with pressure,
manage their emotions, and stay positive during tough matches. Building a supportive team environment can also help players remain mentally strong.
A player your students can look to as a model of mental toughness is Novak Djokovic, who has built a career on his mental toughness. Known for his ability to overcome adversity and remain focused no matter the situation, Djokovic's mindset has become one of the defining characteristics of his success.
Mental toughness is often the deciding factor between winning and losing. While physical skill and technical ability are essential, the mental aspect of the
game can elevate players to a higher level. With resilience, focus, emotional control, confidence, and adaptability, players can confront challenges head-on and perform at their best. Developing mental toughness is not just about overcoming obstacles, it’s about thriving in the face of them. For any tennis player, working on mental strength is just as important as training their forehand or backhand.
There are many resources that can help with the mental side of tennis. My advice to parents and players is to research the various psychologists, experts, books and more to find methods that best work for you.
David Parra-Newton is a Tennis Professional at the USTA BJK National Tennis Center since 2022. David was born in Bogota, Colombia, he attended Full Sail University and got a Degree in Computer Animation. David's coaching career began after graduating College in 2015, and his experience includes working for PBI at the Ritz Carlton in Naples, being a High School Coach and working other various clubs.
Youth Sports Specialization Risks, Rewards, and Special Considerations
By Chris Lewit
Sportsspecialization is defined as intense, year-round training in a single sport to the exclusion of others, often starting in childhood. This approach, increasingly common among aspiring elite athletes—especially in sports like gymnastics, tennis, and figure skating—aims to develop expertise early. However, research shows that early specialization is linked with an increased risk of physical injuries, psychological stress, and burnout.
A study of athletes ages 7-18 years old by Jayanthi et al. (2013) found that young athletes who specialized early were more likely to suffer overuse injuries compared to those who participated in multiple sports. Young athletes who engaged in more hours of sports per week than their age in years or had a ratio of organized sports to free play time greater than 2:1 hours/week, were found to have higher odds of experiencing a serious overuse injury. Similarly, Bell et al. (2016) found that highly specialized youth athletes (13-18 years old) were at greater risk of sustaining knee and hip overuse injuries compared to their peers. The physical cost of repetitive motion, combined with a lack of varied neuromuscular development, appears to be a driving factor.
In an expert round table “think tank,” Laprade and colleagues (2016) highlighted a consensus statement by the International Olympic Committee (IOC) that noted several physical and mental health issues related to youth athletic development, such as inadequate sleep, higher rates of overuse injuries, overtraining, burnout, and eating disorders. The IOC advises promoting participation in a variety of activities to help children develop a broad skill set, emphasizing the importance of avoiding early specialization until at least puberty.
Additionally, the IOC recommends integrating strength and neuromuscular fitness training while focusing on nurturing the overall development of the athlete, including competence, confidence, connection, and character.
Special Considerations
Certain sports—such as tennis, gymnastics, and figure skating—tend to reward early skill development and peak performance in adolescence, particularly for female athletes. Jennifer Capriati’s case is cautionary: she turned professional at 13 and achieved rapid success but later experienced emotional and legal troubles tied in part to burnout and the pressures of early fame. Her trajectory underscores the psychological and developmental risks of early immersion in high-stakes competition.
Coco Gauff is a more contemporary example of early specialization. She began playing tennis seriously by age eight and was competing in international tournaments in her early teens. Though she did specialize early, her parents implemented a thoughtful approach that prioritized education, emotional maturity, and a strong support network. Her case highlights that while early specialization can carry risks, it may be manageable with proper oversight, high-quality coaching, and attention to mental health.
Jannik Sinner, the Italian tennis star, presents a contrasting model. He was a competitive skier until age 12 and did not fully commit to tennis until his early teens. Despite this somewhat later specialization, Sinner ascended rapidly through the professional ranks, demonstrating that early multisport participation does not hinder elite development—and may even enhance it. His journey supports the growing body of evidence suggesting that delaying specialization can promote physical
literacy, reduce injury risk, and foster longterm athletic development (Bell et al., 2016; Jayanthi et al., 2013; LaPrade et al., 2016).
However, it is essential to note that playing multiple sports is not a guarantee of developing physical literacy, which involves the ability to move with competence and confidence across a wide range of physical activities. Laprade and colleagues (2016) observed that multisport play could paradoxically increase the risk of injury if the sports have overlapping movements or increase the weekly workload too much for the athlete. Similarly, early specialization does not necessarily preclude physical literacy. With careful, well-rounded training programs, young athletes can develop diverse motor skills even within a single sport. What matters most is the quality, variability, and balance of training, not merely the number of sports played (Laprade et al., 2016).
A survey of the recent literature reveals that various studies have provided different guidelines for healthy childhood participation in sports. Côté and colleagues (2009) note seven important postulates that have been the foundation for recent research into early sport specialization: Postulate 1 is that diversification does not prevent athletes from reaching elite levels in many sports, especially where peak performance typically occurs after maturation. Postulate 2 states that engaging in early diversification is associated with longer athletic careers and positively impacts long-term involvement in sports, reducing the risk of burnout. Postulate 3 argues that early diversification provides opportunities to participate in various contexts, which most effectively contributes to positive and healthy youth development.
Postulate 4 promotes a high amount of deliberate play during the sampling phase
(early sports years), which can foster intrinsic motivation by engaging children in enjoyable activities that promote self-regulation.
Postulate 5 states that deliberate play during the sampling years helps children gain a wide range of motor and cognitive skills, which can later benefit their main sport of interest.
Postulate 6 suggests that near the end of primary school (around age 13) is an appropriate time for children to specialize in their preferred sport or continue with recreational participation.
Postulate 7 suggests that late adolescents (around age 16) have developed the necessary physical, cognitive, social, emotional, and motor skills to commit to highly specialized training in one sport.
To help protect young athletes, the American Academy of Pediatrics (2000) and other sports medicine experts offer the following guidelines:
1. Delay specialization until at least age 15–16.
2. Limit weekly training hours to the athlete’s age.
3. Ensure at least one day off per week from organized sports.
4. Include 2–3 months off from the primary sport per year in blocks of at least one month.
5. Promote diversified movement training—whether through multiple sports or varied physical activity within one sport.
Guettler and Chrumka (2024) recommend the following four strategies for clinicians, coaches, and parents:
1. Encourage Diversification in Youth Sports: Promoting the participation of young athletes in a variety of sports is essential for developing well-rounded motor skills. Early specialization in a single sport can impede broader motor skill development and increase the risk of injuries. By engaging in multiple sports, athletes can develop a wider skill set, which is crucial for peak performance and injury prevention in their future careers.
2. Implement Integrative Neuromuscular Training Programs: For athletes who choose early sport specialization, incorporating integrative neuromuscular training (INT) can be beneficial. INT programs combine general and sport-specific conditioning to improve musculoskeletal health, fitness, and neurocognitive processes. This holistic approach helps build coordination and motor skills, which can offset the risks associated with early specialization.
3. Establish Training Guidelines to Prevent Overuse Injuries and Burnout: To prevent overuse injuries and burnout, it is important to establish both sport-specific and general training guidelines. Limiting the hours of organized sport to no more than the athlete's age each week is one example of a strategy to reduce injury risks. Age-based eligibility rules in sports like the Women’s Tennis Association and pitch count restrictions in youth baseball have proven successful in minimizing injury risks and promoting long-term athletic careers.
4. Emphasize Fun: Ensuring that sports remain enjoyable is crucial for maintaining long-term participation. Internal motivation, driven by enjoyment and personal satisfaction, is a key factor in sustained involvement. While competition and the pursuit of winning are important, fostering an environment focused on enjoyment can lead to more consistent engagement and, ultimately, greater success in sports.
A Balanced Perspective
While the risks of early specialization are well-documented, a one-size-fits-all
approach is not appropriate. Certain sports demand early training to remain competitive, particularly for female athletes. The goal should not be to avoid specialization entirely but to individualize it—carefully monitoring physical workloads, psychological health, and long-term development. If an athlete is specializing early, the inclusion of INT and injury prevention protocols can help reduce the risk of injury and develop broad motor skills and coordination (Guettler & Chrumka (2024). With thoughtful planning, strong adult support systems, and evidence-based guidelines, it is possible to balance competitive goals with the health and well-being of young athletes.
References
• American Academy of Pediatrics. (2000). Intensive training and sports specialization in young athletes. Pediatrics, 106(1), 154–157.
• Bell, D. R., Post, E. G., Trigsted, S. M., Schaefer, D. A., McGuine, T. A., & Brooks, M. A. (2016). Prevalence of sport specialization in high school athletics: A 1-year observational study. The American Journal of Sports Medicine, 44(6), 1469–1474.
• Côté, J., Lidor, R., & Hackfort, D. (2009).To sample or to specialize? ISSP position stand: Seven postulates about youth sport activities that lead to continued participation and elite performance. International Journal of Sport and Exercise Psychology, 9, 7-17.
• Guettler, J. H., & Chrumka, A. (2024). The fallacy of falling behind: The realities of early sports specialization. Sports Medicine Update, Fall 2024.
• Jayanthi, N. A., LaBella, C. R., Fischer, D., Pasulka, J., & Dugas, L. R. (2013). Sportsspecialized intensive training and the risk of injury in young athletes: A clinical case-control study. The American Journal of Sports Medicine, 43(4), 794–801.
• LaPrade, R. F., Agel, J., Baker, J., Brenner, J. S., Cordasco, F. A., Côté, J., Engebretsen, L., Feeley, B. T., Gould, D., Hainline, B., Hewett, T., Jayanthi, N., Kocher, M. S., Myer, G. D., Nissen, C. W., Philippon, M. J., & Provencher, M. T. (2016). AOSSM early sport specialization consensus statement. Orthopaedic Journal of Sports Medicine, 4(4), 2325967116644241.
Chris Lewit is a leading high-performance coach, author, and educator. He is the author of the The Secrets of Spanish Tennis, Secrets of Spanish Tennis Second Edition and a new technique book, Winning Pretty. He studied literature at Cornell, Harvard, and Columbia, and is currently pursuing a PhD in kinesiology. Chris Lewit played No. 1 for Cornell University and competed on the USTA and ITF pro circuits, and as a coach, he has worked with several No. 1 junior players and has trained hundreds of nationally ranked juniors. He directs a full-time academy for homeschool/online players and a high performance summer camp at his club in the beautiful green mountains of Manchester, Vermont. Contact Chris directly by phone/WhatsApp 914-462-2912 or chris@chrislewit.com.
Ididn’tgrow up with a racket in my hand. I started tennis at 14. Late by sport standards, but just in time to realize that this is where I belong. Before tennis, I was a competitive swimmer. But when I stepped onto the court for the first time, something inside me said: 'Stay here.'
I had no head start, but I had an obsession. To catch up with those who started earlier, I had to study three times faster and work ten times harder. I watched match footage, studied pros and listened to every coach. I failed, got frustrated, but always came back to train again. Three years later, I was ranked in the top 30 nationally in the 18U division. That journey taught me: hard work beats talent if you're willing to go all in.
Then came the injury. And a path I didn’t expect, but one where I truly found myself. I enrolled in university and started coaching. At first just to earn some money, but it quickly became a calling.
I joined MatchPoint NYC in Brooklyn during the foundational phase, with a new team, new courts, the first programs, it was a blank
My Tennis Journey And How Coaching Has Changed My Life
By Eugene Perepelov
slate full of potential. And from day one, I knew: this isn’t just a place to coach. It’s a place to help kids grow; not just as athletes, but as people.
Over 10 years later, every achievement, every generation of players has become part of my own coaching story. I don’t just coach, I create space for children to be themselves
Over time, I realized tennis isn’t just about technique. It’s about mental resilience, emotional control, and self-belief.
My students know I’m there not just on court but when it’s hard, when things aren’t working, when they need someone to help them keep going. Some of them call me their 'tennis dad and honestly, that’s one of my proudest titles. I am the father of two daughters and it changed my entire approach to coaching. I understand how kids think and react. I know when to push and when to simply support. Being a parent made me a better coach, and someone children genuinely trust.
I wanted to tell some stories of my students to show the power of the coach-player relationship.
Luka’s is a story of strength, character, and a long road from playground to international tournaments. I remember the day Luka and I started working together. It was during the pandemic. Everything was closed and we trained on a regular playground, in masks, with tennis balls bouncing on asphalt.
From day one I saw the fire in him. Not just the “I want to play” kind but an intensity pushing to get out. He didn’t just want to learn, he wanted to win. Over the course of five years, we’ve come a long way; every session was like laying bricks — slow, deliberate, layer by layer.
And he endured it all. No complaints. No shortcuts. Just work. What makes Luka special?
He’s a fighter. He pushes through when others fade. One of the strongest moments we’ve had was at a tournament in Louisiana. He lost the first set, and in the second, he nearly broke down. It was over 100 degrees and he was close to heat cramps. And right then, in the hardest moment, something clicked inside. He pulled himself together and he won.
He chose to fight until the end. A leader not by title, but by action Today Luka is more than just a student in our programs, he’s a role model and a mentor.
I ask him to work with the younger players — to guide, to demonstrate, to support. And he does it in a way that makes kids want to rise to his level.
Brianna’s is a story of persistence, love for the process, and a girl who never says “stop”
Brianna came to me when she was just six. Quiet, focused, deeply inward, but with a powerful inner core. From the very first session, I knew what kind of player she was. She never asked to stop early. She never said, “I’m tired” or “let’s do a little less.” Quite the opposite — she’d tug at my arm: “Can we do a little more? One more set? One more drill?” If it weren’t for school, homework, and the family schedule, she’d spend entire days on the court. And she’d love it.
Her strength isn’t in her shots, it’s in her mindset. Brianna didn’t start winning tournaments right away, but she continued to move forward: carefully, patiently, step by step. Now she’s 11, and she’s already among the players who win consistently. But that’s not the point. What matters is that even now, years later, she still has that same internal engine.
Francesca is the type of girl who doesn’t stop until it’s perfect. Francesca came to me not long ago, just a year and a half back, and from
the very first lesson, it was clear: this was someone with an internal metronome of precision and high standards. She’s a perfectionist in the truest and strongest sense of the word. Doing it “well” isn’t enough, it has to be flawless. Francesca doesn’t tolerate “good enough.” Every movement, every shot, every step is under full control.
I realized early on that her pursuit of perfection wasn’t a weakness —it was her strength. A resource she knows how to use. When she first joined, we started from the ground up: fitness, coordination, fundamentals. Francesca soaked everything in. She didn’t just memorize, she analyzed, tested and rebuilt. Francesca loves to attack, and she’s got the physical tools: strong body and great coordination, but what sets her apart is how she uses them — calmly, logically, without wasted movement. Her game is mature and structured, and she has an inner motor that says: “It’s not finished until it’s perfect”
I share these stories to show that not every tennis player’s journey is the same, including my own, which is what makes coaching tennis such a beautiful art, and something that I truly embrace doing. Parents also play a vital role in a child's tennis development, and sometimes less is more. Parents don’t need to coach. Don’t need to pressure, critique, or step in when mistakes happen. The most important thing you can do is just be there. Bring them. Support them. Show them you're always in their corner.
Most parents weren’t athletes themselves, especially not tennis players. And that’s okay.
But even with the best intentions, overinvolvement can do harm if you don’t understand how the process works. Strong athletes come from strong partnerships: coach, player, parent each in their role. When that alignment is there, real growth begins.
Eugene Perepelov is the Director of Tennis at MatchPoint NYC in Mill Basin, Brooklyn. He is a former All-American at Hunter College, and has more than 10 years of coaching experience, including mentoring many players who have gone on to attend top colleges.
The Zone Is the Holy Grail of Sport: But how do you get there?
By Dr. Tom Ferraro
The ineffable state known as “The Zone” is the Holy Grail of sports. Every athlete seeks it. Any athlete who has played in the zone remembers the ease, joy and satisfaction of finding this special place.
The dictionary defines “The Zone” as “An area or stretch of land having a particular characteristic, purpose or use, or subject to particular restrictions.” In sports language, The Zone means “Being completely unaware of what’s going on around you as you are into what’s going on in front of you.”
The first definition implies that The Zone is a special, unique and distinct psychological space separated from the normal. The second definition implies that, when in The Zone, one’s focus is so keen that one is oblivious to all but the task at hand. Any one athlete who has found The Zone knows this to be true.
So how does one find this magical place and how does one stay there? Virtually all of my work with elite athletes will eventually culminate into an effort to build a path to The Zone.
I would suggest that standard sports psychology and/or pop psychology used by coaches has had little success in helping athletes find The Zone. Deep breathing and some positive self-talk will not do the trick. The Zone is that rarified place where the athlete is playing up to full potential, doing so in a confident, relaxed and near effortless manner.
To find The Zone, you need to employ the following psychoanalytic techniques that enable the following two things to occur:
1. The building up of mature defenses
To find The Zone, the athlete must learn a very specific set of defense mechanisms … defenses which work against the athlete include turning against the self, fantasy about winning, acting out and hypochondriasis. Defenses which can help include the mature defenses of suppression, dissociation, isolation, asceticism, displacement, sublimation and humor. Prior to and during a tournament, intense emotions will be felt. These include anxiety, the shame of mistakes, the anger when someone makes an off-handed remark, noise from the crowd, a bad call by a referee, etc. All this and more must be managed throughout a tournament. Good defenses include suppression where the athlete is taught how to temporarily push down emotions. Affects like anxiety, sympathy, compassion, anger and shame all must be suppressed during play. Another example of a good defense is humor. Novak Djokovic uses humor all the time to let off steam. Displacement is the defense of turning anger into aggression. Steph Curry, the star basketball player, described his use of displacement when he said the
criticism he faced as a rookie made him mad and that he used that anger to improve his game. However, all these defenses are only useful when the player is consciously aware of how they work.
2. Overcoming separation anxiety
The building up of esteem in order to separate from the opponent is the second step in teaching the athlete how to find The Zone. We build up sufficient self-esteem and teach them how to psychologically separate from their opponents. This process is especially important in individual sports like tennis, golf, swimming and track. One-on-one sports involve a tremendous amount of social interaction with the opponent and the expectation of being a ‘good sportsman.’ But connection to the opponent is not useful if you want to find The Zone and win. The more you can dissociate from and distance yourself from these social expectations, the more likely you are to enter The Zone.
Strong defenses, self-esteem and permission to separate and become silent are the keys to finding The Zone. The Zone is one of life’s peak experiences, and it’s something that can be taught.
