Guide to Chicagoland Tennis 2022

TENNIS

GUIDE TO CHICAGOLAND

Wheaton Sport Center As a family-owned and friendly facility, Wheaton Sport Center has been a pioneer and industry leader in the tennis community for the past 40 years. Whether you’re experienced or are new to tennis, the all-certified staff is dedicated to educating players of all ages and levels. They are committed to helping you reach your goals and enhance your everyday life. They believe that “Your success is Our success”. As a robust facility with 14 indoor and outdoor courts, Wheaton Sport Center is ready to help you grow in your game today.

Visit https://www.wheatonsportcenter.com/ for more information.

Guide To Chicagoland Tennis

LETTER FROM CDTA’S PRESIDENT endorsement contract. Those outcomes are the exception more than the rule.

What was more common for those in that room who share a love of tennis is the kind of life transforming benefits that come JASON STANISLAW Centennial Recreation Complex General Manager, Wilmette Park District Right before the pandemic brought life as we knew it to a halt, the Chicago District Tennis Association (CDTA) Board held a retreat to take a break from the day-to-day in order to clarify and revive enthusiasm for the organization’s work. The 20-some people assembled that day represented diverse backgrounds and involvement with the sport of tennis.

Whether it was a parent of a NCAA national champion, a veteran official, a teaching pro, tournament director, or league player, all present had committed countless volunteer hours to helping CDTA run programs, events, and promotions. . . raising the question: Why tennis?

For each person involved, there was a different specific answer to that question but the over-arching theme was that the lives of these volunteers had been transformed by tennis. I am not talking about the kind of transformation that comes about as the result of a Grand

from participating in a life-long sport that improves one’s health. . . the memories that come from competing with team mates at the high school, college, or recreational level. . . the connections made on the tennis court that positively impact lives off court and. . . the life lessons learned by juniors problem solving during a tennis match that has many ups and downs.

The melding of these personal accounts highlights that through tennis, lives can be transformed— we can be part of a supportive community and develop skills that helps us successfully navigate life and contribute to building a better world.

We hope this Guide will help you connect with the greatest game whether you are a newcomer or a veteran. Thanks for

“

saying “yes” to tennis; enjoy finding the transformative benefits of the game.

...through tennis, lives can be transformed...

Slam victory or a multi-million dollar 3

Guide To Chicagoland Tennis

Gladiator Tennis Gladiator Tennis is a flex tennis league in the city and suburbs of Chicago. Founded in 2007, we are in our 16th year, with over 2,000 singles and doubles players that will be playing in 2022. Our goal is to get you back in the game of tennis. If you haven't been playing for a few years due to the cost of playing club tennis, or because your schedule cannot handle a commitment to a specific time each week, we have the answer. We have a flexible scheduling format, and it only costs $42 to join for each 7 match season. You will meet dozens of new players at your skill level, and compete for playoffs and prizes.

Go to www.gladiatortennis.com for more information.

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Guide To Chicagoland Tennis

Guide to Chicagoland Tennis Table of Contents 3

Letter from the President

7

About the Chicago District Tennis Association

8

Chicago District Snapshot

9

Business and Organizational Listing

10 Chicagoland Indoor Facilities 14 Health Benefits that Make You a Winner On Court and Off 16 Illinois’ Former Top Doc is Top Dog on Tennis Court 18 Cardio Tennis – A (Fitness) Party on the Tennis Court 19 The College Tennis Scene in Chicagoland 21 The Professional Tennis Scene in Chicagoland 25 Equipping Yourself to Play 29 Getting Started in Tournaments 30 Making Tennis Available to All 34 Tech Tools for Tennis

Acknowledgements Juan Gomez, Young Creatives, Photography Madison Grezlik, Guide Project Coordinator Kent McDill, Writer Tara Moore, USTA Midwest Section Jeff Siegel, Data Visualization Jean Tumbaga, Graphic Design

CDTA Staff Jill Siegel, Executive Director Mary Beth Bowman, Tennis Service Representative Nancy Manolis, Adult League Special Project Coordinator Barb Rueth, Director of Junior Play Catherine Thom, Administrative Coordinator Tyrin Wages, Adult Play Coordinator

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Guide To Chicagoland Tennis

Serve & Return Chicago: Creating Opportunity Through Tennis

The mission of Serve and Return Chicago is to positively impact the lives of children in Chicagoland’s underserved communities through the game of tennis. We believe tennis is an inclusive, life-long source of physical, mental, and emotional well-being. The funds we raise support outstanding youth programs that provide equipment, education, instruction and fun competition in safe environments.

Go to www.serveandreturnchicago.org to learn more and find out how you can support our efforts!

All contributions to the Serve & Return Chicago, formerly Chicago Tennis Patrons, a 501(c)3 organization on file with the State of Illinois, are tax deductible to the fullest extent of the law.

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Guide To Chicagoland Tennis

About the Chicago District Tennis Association (CDTA) Guided by the belief that lives can be

directly deliver the sport. The many health

transformed through the game of tennis,

and social benefits of tennis have made it

USTA Chicago, a District of the USTA/

more popular than ever. Whether you are

Midwest Section, creates, sustains,

a seasoned player looking to improve your

and grows enthusiasm for the game of

skills or new to this great game, we can

tennis throughout Chicagoland. We are

help you connect with a myriad of play

a nonprofit organization committed to

opportunities.

promoting tennis and its physical, social, and emotional health benefits.

CDTA has a wide-reaching impact. The Chicago District encompasses the 284 zipcodes of Cook, Lake and DuPage counties – that’s 3,340 square miles. We operate leagues, tournaments, and other programs and events throughout the area for more than 5,300 junior and 3,000 adult players and nearly 10,000 members of all types.

CDTA Mailing Address 2027 W. Division Street #171 Chicago, IL 60622 | 847.803.2382 Connect with Us on Social Media USTAChicago ustachicago ustachicago Want to be included in a future Guide to Chicagoland Tennis? Contact us at

We represent the interests of nearly 500

info@chicagodistricttennis.com.

court and private facilities and support the

Learn more about us at usta.com/Chicago.

the community providers and coaches that

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Guide To Chicagoland Tennis Guide To Chicagoland Tennis

Chicago District Snapshot PLAYERS

365,740

42,968

YOUTH PLAYERS

14,000

TOTAL PLAYERS

TOURNAMENT PLAYERS

TENNIS COURTS

4,521

INDOOR COURTS 7%

974

2,034

SUBURBAN COOK COUNTY

OUTDOOR COURTS 93%

LAND COVERAGE OF ALL TENNIS COURTS

CITY OF CHICAGO DUPAGE COUNTY

TOTAL COURTS

498.2 acres

727

786

LAKE COUNTY

11 = NEARLY UNITED CENTERS

TENNIS ECONOMY

140,512,643

$

44,719,676

$

Shoes

8

32,888,104

$

Apparel

2,683,995

$

Racquets

ECONOMIC IMPACT OF TENNIS ACTIVITY

1,496,765

$

Balls

749,401

$

Strings

Guide To Chicagoland Tennis

Organizational Listing COMMUNITY TENNIS ASSOCIATIONS/NJTLS

WEBSITE/EMAIL

Barrington Area Tennis Association

barringtontennis.com

Chicago District Tennis Association

usta.com/chicago

Chicago Park District Tennis Association

cpdta.org

Chicago Prairie Tennis Club

cptctennis.com

Evanston Community Tennis Association

evanstontennis.org

Great Lakes Adaptive Sports Association

glasa.org

Love to Serve, Inc.

ltstennisacademy.us

Maywood Tennis Association

maywoodtennis.org

Midwestern Tennis Association

midtac.jrjox.com

Multicultural Tennis Association, Inc.

pres.mta@gmail.com

Second City Tennis

secondcitytennis.com

Sports for Life

rw333@yahoo.com

Tennis Opportunity Program, Inc.

toptennischicago.org

The ACE Project

activechildrenexcel

XS Tennis and Education Foundation

xstennis.org

Youth Education Sports

yesevanston.com

CHICAGO AREA TENNIS EXCLUSIVE RETAILERS

ADDRESS

CITY

Chicago Stringing

10 S Riverside Plaza

Chicago

(708) 744-3852

Racquet Man Pro Shop

2995 Dundee Rd

Northbrook

(847) 480-7841

Your Advantage

3900 N Ashland Ave

Chicago

(773) 248-0500

PHONE

Your Advantage II

310 Happ Rd

Northfield

(847) 441-8400

Tennis27

39 W Schaumburg Rd

Schaumburg

(224) 518-7471

Tennis Ballerz - Evanston

1623 Sherman Ave

Evanston

(847) 425-0103

Tennis Ballerz - Darien

6800 S Route 83

Darien

(630) 537-1914

Tennis Ballerz - Naperville

924 W 75th St

Naperville

(630) 946-6354

String It Racquet Shop and Stringing

1221 N Dearborn St

Chicago

(312) 925-0538

Strings Attached - Chicago

1369 W Fullerton Ave

Chicago

(773) 857-6900

Strings Attached Arlington Heights

1910 S Arlington Heights Rd

Arlington Heights

(847) 258-5192

Tennis on the Lake Shop

3655 N Recreation Dr

Chicago

(773) 278-8877

The Chicago Wilson Store

932 Rush St

Chicago

(312) 944-8233 9

Chicagoland Indoor Tennis Facilities Guide To Chicagoland Tennis

36

18

30

4

2 24

41

39

19 50

14

23

29

11 28

10

5 1

12 46

37

31

42

51

21

27 45

3

22 35 17 20 6

43

13 32

44

26

25

49 16

48

40

8

38

53

33

7

47

9

52

15

34

10

CARDIO TENNIS PROVIDERS

PHONE

Chicago District Tennis Association

(847) 803-2382

info@chicagodistricttennis.com

Chicago Net Sports

(708) 212-0108

chicagonetsports@gmail.com

Toss & Spin

(312) 588-9318

INDOOR TENNIS FACILITIES

CITY

WEBSITE

tossandspin.com

PHONE

WEBSITE

1. A.C. Nielsen Tennis Center*

Winnetka

(847) 501-2065

winpark.org/facilities/a-c-nielsen-tennis-center

2. College Park Athletic Club West*

Lincolnshire

(847) 276-2400

cpacweb.com

3. Courts Plus*

Elmhurst

(630) 833-5064

courtsplus.com

4. The Racket Club of Crystal Lake

Algonquin

(847) 658-5688

theracketclub.org

5. Deer Creek Racquet Club*

Highland Park

(847) 433-5450

pdhp.org/deer-creek-racquet-club

6. East Bank Club*

Chicago

(312) 527-5800

www.eastbankclub.com

7. Evergreen Park Community High School Sports Complex

Evergreen Park

(708) 425-7200

evergreenpark.org/domain/113

8. Five Seasons Family Sports Club

Burr Ridge

(630) 570-5200

fiveseasonssportsclub.com/burr-ridge

9. Five Star Tennis Center

Plainfield

(630) 282.4888

fivestartennis.com

10. Forest View Racquet & Fitness Club*

Arlington Heights

(847) 640-2574

ahpd.org/tennis/fv-about-us

11. Glenbrook Racquet Club*

Northbrook

(847) 498-5333

glenbrookracquetclub.com

12. Glenview Tennis Club*

Glenview

(847) 724-1570

glenviewparks.org/facilities/glenview-tennis-club

13. HealthTrack Sport Wellness*

Glen Ellyn

(630) 942-9600

htsw.net/tennis

14. Heritage Tennis Club*

Arlington Heights

(847) 398-7780

ahpd.org/tennis/heritage-tennis-club-about-us

15. H-F Racquet & Fitness Club*

Homewood

(708) 799-1323

hfracquetandfitness.com

16. Hinsdale Racquet Club*

Hinsdale

(630) 325-6066

hrctennis.net

17. Lakeshore Sport and Fitness Club*

Chicago

(773) 348-6377

lakeshoresf.com

18. LifeSport Libertyville*

Libertyville

(847) 362-5553

lifesportlibertyville.com

19. LifeSport Lincolnshire*

Lincolnshire

(847) 913-2000

lifesportlincolnshire.com

20. Arrive Streeterville

Chicago

(773) 278-8877

tennisonthelake.com/mcclurg-tennis

21. McFetridge Sports Center*

Chicago

(773) 478-2609

mcfetridgesportscenter.com/tennis

22. Midtown Athletic Club Chicago*

Chicago

(773) 235-2300

midtown.com/chicago

23. Midtown Athletic Club Bannockburn*

Bannockburn

(847) 607-7091

midtown.com/bannockburn

24. Midtown Athletic Club Palatine*

Palatine

(847) 991-4646

midtown.com/palatine

(630) 912-0113

midtown.com/willowbrook

25. Midtown Athletic Club Willowbrook* Willowbrook 26. Naperville Tennis Club*

Naperville

(630) 355-5600

napervilletennis.com

27. Norris Recreation Center*

St. Charles

(630) 377-1405

norrisrec.org

28. North Shore Racquet Club*

Northbrook

(847) 729-0450

northshorerc.com

29. Northbrook Racquet Club*

Northbrook

(847) 498-2520

northbrookracquetclub.com

30. Northwestern Medicine Health & Fitness Center*

Huntley

(847) 802-7014

nmhfc.com

31. Northwestern University Combe Tennis Center*

Evanston

(847) 467-4313

nurecreation.com/facilities/combe-tenniscenter/4

32. Oak Brook Tennis Center*

Oak Brook

(630) 990-4660

obparks.org/facilities/tennis-center

33. Oak Lawn Racquet Center

Chicago Ridge

(708) 857-2215

olparks.com/parks-facilities/racquet-fitnessgymnastics-center

34. Park Forest Tennis and Health Club

Park Forest

(708) 481-6060

villageofparkforest.com/facilities/facility/details/ParkForest-Tennis-and-Health-Club-13

35. Racquet Club of Chicago

Chicago

(312) 787-3200

rcc.club

36. Racquet Club Of Lake Bluff

Lake Bluff

(847) 295-1322

rclbtennis.com

37. River Trails Tennis Center*

Arlington Heights

(847) 593-0580

rivertrailstennis.net

38. Rush-Copley Healthplex Fitness Center*

Aurora

(630) 978-6280

rush.edu/rush-copley-healthplex-fitness-center

39. Schaumburg Tennis Plus

Schaumburg

(847) 884-0678

parkfun.com/facilities/schaumburg-tennis-plus

40. Score Tennis & Fitness*

Countryside

(708) 482-4800

scoretennis.net

41. The South Barrington Club*

South Barrington

(847) 381-2570

sbpd.net

42. Tam Tennis Club

Niles

(847) 967-1400

niles-parks.org/tam-tennis-club

43. T he Tennis and Fitness Centre of Oak Park*

Oak Park

(708) 386-2175

tenandfit.com

44. Vaughan Athletic Center

Aurora

(630) 907-9600

foxvalleyparkdistrict.org/facilities/vaughanathletic-center/vaughan-tennis-center wheatonsportcenter.com

45. Wheaton Sport Center*

Wheaton

(630) 690-0887

46. Wilmette Tennis Club*

Wilmette

(847) 256-9676

wilmettepark.org/tennis-club

47. Wimbledon Raquet Club

Palos Heights

(708) 389-9100, ext. 12

paloswimbeldontennis.com xstennis.org

48. XS Tennis Village

Chicago

(773) 548-7529

49. Ace Performance

Chicago

(773) 420-3365

50. College Park Athletic Club East*

Deerfield

(847) 948-5330

51. Centre Court Athletic Club*

Hanover Park

(630) 837-6300

hpparks.org/ccac

52. Challenge Fitness*

Lockport

(815) 838-3621, ext. 0

lockportpark.org/challenge-fitness-information

53. Eola Tennis Academy

Aurora

(630) 556-1199

eolatennis.com

54. DuPage Winter Tennis Club

Wheaton

(630) 853-0626

sites.google.com/view/dwtchome

cpacweb.com

*Cardio Tennis provider 11

ADULT LEAGUES CATS

WEBSITE/EMAIL

Guide To Chicagoland Tennis

catstennis.org

Chicago Net Sports

chicagonetsports@gmail.com

Chicago Park District Tennis Association

cpdta.org

Chicago Sport & Social Club

chicagosocial.com

Chicagoland Indoor Tennis Association

citatennis.net

ChiTown Tennis

chitowntennis.com

Fox Valley Women's Tennis League

foxvalleytennis.com

Gladiator Tennis

gladiatortennis.com

Greater Suburban Indoor Traveling League

greatersubrubantennis.com/gsitl

Illiana Indoor Tennis League

cfox108@gmail.com

Jack Barry Indoor Tennis League

jbitl.com

North Shore League

northshoretennisleague.tennisscores.com

Northern Illinois Traveling Tennis League

nittl.com

Play Your Court

playyourcourt.com

Second City Tennis

secondcitytennis.com

Skokie Tennis Association

howardtennes@gmail.com

USTA Leagues

adultleague@chicagodistrictttennis.com

UTR Flex League

app.universaltennis.com/clubs/13529

World Team Tennis

info@chicagodistricttennis.com

JUNIOR LEAGUES

WEBSITE/EMAIL

USTA Junior Team Tennis

info@chicagodistricttennis.com

Gladiator Tennis

gladiatortennis.com

UTR Flex League

app.universaltennis.com/clubs/13529

2021 CDTA SPONSORS & PARTNERS

WEBSITE

Bodytime Chicago

bodytimechicago.com

coco5

coco5.com

Dick's Sporting Goods

dickssportinggoods.com

Flex Yoga by Julie Mackey

juliemackey.com

Illinois High School Tennis Coaches Association

ihstca.org

ITA Alumni Chicagox

wearecollegetennis.com/college-tennisalumni-network/chicago

Laner Muchin

lanermuchin.com

Midtown Athletic Club

midtown.com

miha Bodytec

miha-bodytec.com

Open Water

drinkopenwater.com

PGA Tour Superstore

pgatoursuperstore.com

Serve and Return Chicago

serveandreturnchicago.org

Slinger Bag

slingerbag.com

Tennis Ballerz

tennisballerz.com

Tennis-Point

tennis-point.com

Wilson Sporting Goods

wilson.com/tennis

xfinity

xfinity.com

12

Guide To Chicagoland Tennis

Chicago Sports Chiro Virgilio “Jon” C. Castillo, a sports chiropractor

sports chiropractor and as a tennis instructor/

since 2002, strives to achieve his mission

coach provides a unique perspective of the

to help “active” conscious individuals

ailments and issues racquet sport athletes go

achieve their physical goals whether they

through. By creating a positive environment

are sports athletes, desk athletes, or home

and understanding each patient, Jon is able to

athletes. Oftentimes, athletes are sidelined

customize individualized plans for each athlete.

due to pain and/or injury and unsure how

Visit www.alliancechiropractic.net

to get back to 100%. The combination of chiropractic care and rehabilitation are for regaining mobility and strength. Jon is one of a few healthcare providers in Chicago who is RacquetFit Certified and a Certified Tennis Performance Specialist through the International Tennis Performance Association the only Sports Chiropractor that is an active PTR Level 2 Instructor. His experience as a 13

Guide GuideTo ToChicagoland ChicagolandTennis Tennis

Health Benefits that Make You a Winner On Court and Off Let Tennis add years to your life – and life to your years!

Of all the sports and activities available today for those looking to get active and healthy, why should you choose tennis? Numerous studies have shown that tennis – over most other sports - is one that improves your overall health in a variety of ways.

Known as “the sport of a lifetime,” tennis not only provides many physical benefits, it also provides important mental and social benefits for people of all ages.

• Develops, Tones and Strengthens Muscles: Works both your upper and lower body.

• Increases Bone Strength and Density: No matter your age, weight-bearing activities like tennis are important for bone health, according to the National Institutes of Health.

YOUR BODY • Burns Calories: According to the Mayo Clinic, playing one hour of singles can burn between 580-870 calories.

• Keeps Your Heart Healthy: The Cleveland Clinic says tennis is “an ideal sport for a healthy heart.” A Johns Hopkins study showed that middle-aged men who play tennis – more than any other activity – had a significantly lower incidence of cardiovascular disease as they aged.

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• Improves Flexibility: Because you work all your limbs, joints and muscles when you play tennis, an expert panel at ESPN ranked tennis in the top 12 out of 60 sports in terms of flexibility.

• Improves Balance, Coordination and Reaction Time: By moving and adjusting to hit the ball, tennis helps overall body coordination, and by constantly judging the timing of the ball, it improves handeye coordination.

Guide To Chicagoland Tennis

YOUR MIND

YOUR LIFE

• Develops Your Mind: From alertness to tactical thinking, tennis enhances the neural connections in your brain.

According to a 2013 USTA study, kids who play tennis regularly get better grades.

• Develops Social Skills: Tennis outperforms all other sports in developing positive personality traits based on a study out of Concordia University.

• Helps Develop a Strong Work Ethic: Through lessons and practice, tennis reinforces the value of hard work.

• Develops Self-Discipline: Regular practice keeps you disciplined in your approach to improvement.

• Helps Manage and Reduce Stress: The physical and mental challenges of the sport increase your capacity to deal with stress.

• Improves Self-Image: According to a Southern Connecticut State University study, tennis players scored higher in vigor, optimism, and self-esteem while scoring lower in depression, anger, confusion, anxiety, and tension than other athletes or non-athletes

• Develops Teamwork and Sportsmanship: Whether it’s playing on a doubles team, league team or school team, tennis helps develop your ability to communicate and work together.

• Connects Family and Friends: Tennis is great for the whole family no matter what your age. With minimal equipment needed and plenty of courts nearby, it’s easy to bring a friend or find one at the courts.

• Helps in Managing Mistakes and Solving Problems: Being able to move past mistakes is critical, whether in tennis or in life. Tennis is a sport that is based on evaluating angles, geometry and physics to get the best result, which translates into better problem-solving off the court.

✔ Tennis players live longer laying just 3 hours/week will reduce your risk of ✔ Pheart disease by 56%. study from the Copenhagen City Heart Study shows ✔ Athat playing tennis can extend your life by nearly 10 years.

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Guide To Chicagoland Tennis

Illinois’ Former Top Doc is Top Dog on Tennis Court Story courtesy of Victoria Chiesa/USTA During the COVID-19 crisis, Dr. Ngozi Ezike guided Illinois residents through the COVID-19 pandemic as the state’s director of public health, a near-constant presence

by Gov. J. B. Pritzker’s side during his daily media briefings. Ezike, a Harvard University graduate, board-certified internist and pediatrician – and the first Black woman to hold the IDPH top spot – is also an avid tennis player. In fact, in 2021, she became a USTA League national champion.

Ezike shared thoughts with the USTA on the pandemic and the benefits of tennis:

16

“Obviously, we’ve gone through multiple evolutions of this journey… in the midst of this global pandemic that has thrown us curveball after curveball for the last 19 months. Tennis has served so many purposes. It’s given people an outlet to be able to stay healthy to try to battle all the COVID poundage. It’s been a mental release for me, something to look forward to after grueling days, working seven days a week: carving out two hours for that USTA match where you can just put the phone down, put the computer aside, and just hit that ball, smash the heck out of it.”

Guide To Chicagoland Tennis

A volleyball player during her undergraduate

“Tennis allows us to do so many things. If

years at Harvard who also played basketball

you just want exercise, you can just play.

and softball growing up outside of Los

If you want to do the competition that’s

Angeles, Ezike first found tennis as a player

available, there are so many options for

in 2009 after the birth of her fourth child,

you… it absolutely is for everyone of any

returning to a sport that was nonetheless

ability. You don’t have to have grown up

present in her youth.

with the tennis racquet. All of my kids have

Outside of USTA League competition, Ezike says she’s grateful that her professional and personal paths have converged through tennis: some of her earliest USTA League

taken tennis lessons. Some of them have competed, but it’s something that we’re going to be doing into our late senior years for fun or for competition.”

teammates were colleagues from her then-

“I think people who play tennis learn the

hospital, and her husband and children

important lesson that it’s not over until it’s

have all played the game at various levels.

over. I have definitely had those matches. I

She says that those who’ve picked up

definitely remember a match where I was up

tennis in the last year should stick with it,

9-2 in the third-set match tiebreak, and we

and that it can and should have a place in

lost that match. I’ve also been spanked 6-0

American society long after the pandemic’s

in the first set and gone on to win the match.

effects subside.

Just remembering that you have to go all

“I think sports are just like this big metaphor for life. It’s funny that there are just so many parallels between what you have to endure in your tennis matches versus whatever it is that you’re doing in your work life. The exact

the way, you have to fight all the way to that last point, that it’s never over and that you can always come back, it’s just such a great lesson for life.”

Photos by Cos Lymperopolous/USTA

same lessons completely apply,” she said.

17

Cardio Tennis – A (Fitness) Party on the Tennis Court Guide To Chicagoland Tennis

EFFORT WINS OUT OVER SCORE IN THIS ACTION-PACKED CLASS

Cardio Tennis is a unique group fitness

ladders and cones. Lower compression

program that gives people the opportunity

balls can extend the length of points

to play tennis while achieving a full-body

allowing an even greater workout.

workout.

For beginner players, it can be a better

Cardio Tennis is played on a tennis court

workout than traditional tennis because

and led by a tennis coach. But unlike a

the instructor keeps the balls coming at a

traditional tennis lesson, the emphasis is

fast pace.

on movement rather than technique. You won’t necessarily perfect your backhand or your overhead playing Cardio Tennis but you will increase you court coverage and anticipation, and burn up to 1,000 calories

Cardio Tennis is growing at a rapid rate. A recent national survey conducted by the Tennis Industry Association, showed that Cardio Tennis was ranked No. 1 of 118 sports

in an hour (for men, 500 for women).

and activities in year-over-year growth.

Music is key to Cardio Tennis, helping

Cardio Tennis is offered at clubs and in

to keep energy high. The class format is similar to other fitness classes and consists of a warm-up, cardio drills and games, and a cool down. Players can use heart rate monitors and fitness props like agility

18

parks across Chicagoland. Check our business listing on page 12 to find a location near you.

Guide To Chicagoland Tennis

The College Tennis Scene in Chicago Individual success is part of the thrill of playing

The Chicago State Cougars play their home

competitive tennis. Playing for a team in the

matches at the H-F Racquet and Fitness Club

process adds to the excitement and personal

in Homewood or the Park Forest Health and

pleasure. Having a team of players to root

Fitness Club in Park Forest. The Cougars play in

for adds creates a thrilling environment for

the Western Athletic Conference.

spectators. College tennis in the Chicagoland area is a thriving sport. The area is home more than two dozen schools that host men’s and

Lewis University in Romeoville is the Chicago area’s only DII tennis program. There are

women’s tennis teams in all NCAA divisions..

numerous DIII schools in the area, and most

In the Chicagoland area, there are four NCAA

include Concordia University Chicago,

DI schools, some of which have enjoyed

Dominican University, Elmhurst University,

impressive results in their conference and

Illinois Institute of Technology, Lake Forest

have competitive tennis teams. The schools

nationally. The Northwestern University

College, North Central College, North Park

Wildcats play their indoor home matches at

University, University of Chicago, University of

the Combe Tennis Center in Evanston which

St. Francis-Joliet, and Wheaton College.

includes six courts and balcony seating for 300 which allows spectators to watch every match concurrently. The Northwestern women won the Big Ten title for 11 consecutive seasons from 1999-2009 and are always in the top half of the conference. Northwestern last won the Big Ten men’s title in 1990.

The DePaul Blue Demons play in the Big East conference. Their indoor home matches are played at XS Tennis Village. The Blue Demons men’s team won its first Big East championship in 2021.

The University of Illinois-Chicago men and women Flames play their home indoor matches at XS Tennis Village also and their outdoor matches on the school’s campus. The Flames play in the Horizon League. From 1997-2013, the UIC women won the league title.

Coach Marisa Arce talks to members of her DePaul Women's tennis team.

(DePaul Athletics Photo)

The National Intercollege Athletic Association (NAIA) is a smaller association than the NCAA, with just over 60,000 student athletes.

Judson University, Roosevelt University, and University of St. Francis-Illinois are Chicago 19

Guide To Chicagoland Tennis

Oakton Community College, Prairie State College, and Waubonsee Community College.

The Intercollegiate Tennis Association (ITA) is the national governing body for all collegiate tennis in the United States. It has held national indoor championships at both Midtown Athletic Club and at XS TennisVillage in Chicago. These events are outstanding opportunities to see high level tennis up close and personal. In the fall of 2021, the 11th annual River Forest Collegiate Invitational was held hosting collegiate teams from Northern Illinois, St. Louis University, University of Illinois-Chicago, Jesus Perez Plaza prepares to hit a backhand in a Chicago State University match. (Chicago State Athletics Photo)

area NAIA schools who play several other Illinois-based schools in the Chicagoland Conference.

The National Junior College Athletic Association (NJCAA) includes Chicago area teams at the College of Dupage, College of Lake County, Elgin Community College, McHenry County College, Moraine Valley Community College,

Xavier of Ohio, Youngstown State, Illinois State, Eastern Illinois, and Washington University in St. Louis.

For former college tennis players, the ITA has a chapter of the College Tennis Alumni Network representing the greater Chicago area. This is volunteer-led group that helps former college tennis players in the area connect through events and other resources. Learn more at www.wearecollegetenniså.com/college-tennisalumni-network.

The North Central College Women Cardinals are two-time College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin champions. (Steve Woltman Photo) 20

Guide To Chicagoland Tennis

The Professional Tennis Scene in Chicagoland Professional Tennis in Chicago The story of professional tennis in Chicago took an exciting turn in recent years. For 20-plus years Chicago was an integral stop on the women’s WTA Virginia Slims Tour, as well as the ATP Tour on the men’s side. Pro tennis has been played in Chicago off and on at a variety of locations but 2020 marked the year that Chicago got a WTT franchise (for the second time). One year later, tennis fans were given the chance to see some of the current best women in the game, some legends, and some surprising newcomers.

World Team Tennis (WTT) Chicago was one of the WTT league’s eight charter franchises in 1973; the Aces played their matches at Lakeshore Racquet Club in Chicago in the league’s inaugural 1974 season. The franchise was later rebranded as the Chicago Fyre in 1983. That year, league co-founder Billie Jean King led the franchise to its only league championship defeating the Los Angeles Strings. For many years, WTT’s main offices were headquartered in Chicago.

Early in 2020, league organizers announced a new franchise team, the Chicago Smash. The Smash was scheduled to play its home matches at the Credit Union 1 Arena (former UIC Pavilion). But, due to the onset of the coronavirus, the league hosted all matches in a bubble scenario at The Greenbriar resort in West Virginia. The 2021 season was hosted by the Indian Wells Tennis Garden near Palm Springs, CA. At the time of this printing, no plans had been announced for the 2022 season.

The Chicago Smash celebrates during a 2021 match against the Orange County Breakers. (WTT Photo) 21

Guide To Chicagoland Tennis

Chicago tennis fans certainly hope to see this fun format return to Chicago as it is a far cry from usual restrained tennis viewing.

It features NBA-style introductions, music between points, coaching, and on-court team celebrations. XS hosted a special WTT match in 2018 between the Philadelphia Freedom and the Washington Kastles featuring 2017 Kamau Murray coaches the Chicago Smash during a 2021 match against the New York Empire. (WTT Photo)

U.S. Open champion Sloane Stephens and Chicago native Taylor Townsend.

The Women Come to XS Tennis Village In August of 2021, the WTA returned to the Chicago area for the $125,000 Chicago Tennis Festival tournament, won by Clara Tauson of Denmark against Britain’s Emma Raducanu.

Just a few short weeks later, Raducanu, would become the youngest player to win a Grand Slam singles tournament since 2004 when she won the U.S. Open.

The August tournament was the first of three WTA events hosted by XS Tennis Village on the south side of Chicago. In the second tournament, Elina Svitolina defeated Alize Cornet in the inaugural Chicago Women’s Open. Included in the field for the Women’s Open event was former world No. 1 Venus Williams who played to a capacity crowd. Later in September, the Fall Tennis Classic, the Chicago Festival event with the greatest prize money, attracted more big-name players in former world No. 1 Kim Clijsters, then world No. 2 Aryna Sabelenka, and former U.S. Open champion Bianca Andreescu. The Fall Tennis Classic was won by Ons Jabeur who defeated Garbine Muguruza in the finals. At the time this guide went to print, neither the WTA nor XS Tennis had announced plans for the 2022 Chicago Tennis Festival.

Kim Clijsters, of Belgium, serves against Su-Wei Hsieh, of Taiwan, during her first round match in the 2021 Chicago Fall Tennis Classic.

(AP Photo/Matt Marton) 22

Guide To Chicagoland Tennis

Past Highlights Going back to the roots of Chicago professional tennis, in 1927, the U.S. Pro Championships were held at various sites before finding a permanent home in Massachusetts in 1964 until the tournament ended in 1999. The South Shore Tennis Club and the Chicago Town and Tennis Club each hosted the tournament twice from 1932 to 1941.

Much of the professional men’s tennis played in the Chicago area in the last 50 years occurred at the (then) UIC Pavilion which was home to the Chicago Grand Prix, a professional tournament played from 1985 to 1987. The initial event in 1985 was the highlight of the three-year run. In that tournament, John McEnroe defeated Jimmy Connors in, as one would expect, a spirited match. Boris Becker in 1986 and Tim Mayotte in 1987. The Pavilion would later host the PowerShares Series, a collection of tournaments featuring the greatest names in tennis over the age of 30 that brought John McEnroe and others back to Chicago.

Bill Tilden, at the opening of the U.S. Pro Tennis Championship Tournament at the South Shore Country Club, Chicago. July 28, 1932. (Age Fotostock Photo/ Everett Collection)

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Guide To Chicagoland Tennis

Intermittently since 1984, Chicagoans have been able to watch up-and-coming men’s players at the Nielsen Pro Tennis Championship in Winnetka at the A. C. Nielsen Tennis Center. The event was part of the ATP Challenger Tour. Players who succeed on the Challenger Tour earn sufficient ranking points to become eligible for main draw or qualifying draw entry at ATP Tour tournaments.

Austin Krajicek in action during the Nielsen Pro Tennis Championship in 2017.

(Photo by Quinn Harris/Icon Sportswire) (Icon Sportswire via AP Images)

Quite possibly the Chicago tennis event of a lifetime occurred in 2018 when the Laver Cup came to Chicago. Created to honor the career of two-time Grand Slam champion Rod Laver, the event pits Team Europe against Team World. Team Europe was led by Roger Federer and Novak Djokovic who were joined by teammates Alexander Zverev, Grigor Dimitrov, David Goffin and Kyle Edmund. Team Europe was captained by Swedish legend Bjorn Borg. New Yorker John McEnroe captained Team World leading Kevin Anderson, John Isner, Diego Schwartzman, Frances Tiafoe, Jack Sock, and Nick Kyrgios into battle. The competition was on indoor courts at the United Center. Team Europe defeated Team World 13–8.

Team Europe poses with the Laver Cup after defeating Team World in Chicago in 2018. (AP Photo/Jim Young)

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Guide To Chicagoland Tennis

Equipping Yourself to Play Obvious essential equipment for playing tennis is a tennis racquet and balls. If you want to practice but aren’t near a court, a wall adjacent to a concrete surface is a reliable partner that never fails to send another ball back to you. Whether you are hitting with a wall or another live person, here are some tips on how to equip yourself to play.

Racquets for Adults Most racquets are 27-28 inches long from the tip to the end of the handle. Racquet weight (unstrung) varies from about 9 to 11 ounces which doesn’t seem like much but the weight can make a difference. Be careful not to use something too light or too heavy for your arm.

The best way to find your perfect racquet is trial and error. Most tennis retailers allow you to “demo” a racquet at a nominal charge.

Even online retailers allow that, knowing that investing in a racquet can be a big decision.

An important thing to think about in choosing a racquet is the size of the grip or handle. An easy way to find the correct size is to hold the racquet with the dominant hand and slide the index finger of the other hand between the tips of the fingers and the base of the palm. If the grip is too small, the index finger won’t fit. If the grip is too large, the index finger will have extra wiggle room. Choose a grip size that’s comfortable, but keep in mind that too large or too small a group can affect how tightly you squeeze the racquet; over squeezing can tire your arm.

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Guide To Chicagoland Tennis

Strings

Balls

If you buy a racquet at a general retailer, it will

When you’re on the lookout for new tennis

likely come pre-strung. This is an entry-level

balls, the type of court you play on matters.

product that is perfect for beginners. Higher

If you frequent clay courts or indoor courts,

quality racquets will come unstrung so that

you’ll want regular duty tennis balls; if you play

you can customize your strings.

on hard courts, go for extra duty. Regular duty tennis balls have thinner felt that lessens the amount of clay absorbed on impact, while extra duty felt will hold up better on the more demanding hard courts and grass surfaces.

See below under Equipment for Children for information about lower compression training or transition balls. Don’t feel embarrassed about using transitional balls for adult play.

Because they come across the net more slowly, they are a great tool for refining your

Knowing how tightly to string your racquet

swing shape. These balls won’t come at you

and what type of string to use can take time

as quickly and don’t bounce as high or hard,

and experimentation. A professional stringer

so stay on your toes so you can run down

can help you find the best fit for you. As you

short balls.

play more and if you play competitively at all, you will find that it is a good practice to have a second, spare racquet in case you break a string.

There is something oddly satisfying about feeling the pop of your strings breaking when you hit the ball; but, to get the best performance you should restring your racquet regularly based, generally, on how often you play. As a rule of thumb, consider how many times you play tennis each week; that same

Shoes

number is a good estimate of how often you

Athletic shoes, termed court shoes, that

should restring your racquet annually. If you

provide good support are essential for the

play an average of 2 times a week, you should

quick movements necessary for tennis.

restring your racquet twice a year.

Running shoes are not recommended due

It is best to not leave your racquet in the car or in a place where it will endure temperature swings which can affect your strings.

to a higher heel height that can lead to turned ankles. Avoid black soles, as these can permanently mark the court. Be aware that most indoor courts won’t allow any shoes that are not non-marking.

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Guide To Chicagoland Tennis

Outdoor courts can be up to 10 degrees warmer than the air temperature; so, make sure the sole of your shoes are supportive and thick so you don’t feel the heat radiate on your feet.

Weather Preparedness Sunscreen and a hat or visor are essential if playing outdoors.

If you are playing inside or out, make sure you wear comfortable, loose clothing, have plenty of water, and a towel so you can towel off between points.

Don’t let a drop in temperature keep you off the courts. Wear layers that you can take off as your body warms up. Be careful, however, when playing on courts after a rain storm. Wet courts – particularly the lines – can become very slippery and dangerous for play.

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Guide To Chicagoland Tennis

Equipment for Children

to go up a size, and kids who are shorter will

There are many different things to consider

need a shorter racquet.

when buying a child’s tennis racquet, beginning with size. If your child picks up a heavier full-sized racquet to play, he/she is going to find it harder to hit the ball and increase risk of injury.

When choosing a racquet for a 9- or 10-yearold, you will want to take skill level and on-court experience into account. 25-inch racquets range from recreational and beginner racquets to performance level

Having an appropriately sized racquet for

youth racquets which are slightly heavier and

children aids their development and boosts

meant for a more competitive junior player.

self-confidence. The good news is that

If your child is still relatively new to tennis or

children’s racquets are significantly cheaper

doesn’t play competitively, then they should

than adult versions, so upsizing racquets as

be fine with a lighter recreational racquet.

children grow does not have extreme costs.

Skill level and experience also play a factor

17-inch, 19-inch, and 21-inch racquets are very lightweight and made with young muscles in mind. They come pre-strung and are recommended based on age and height rather than skill level. 17-inch racquets are best for really young kids, aged 2-3, while the slightly longer 19-inch racquet can be used for kids up to 4 years old. 21-inches is the next size up and is ideal for kids aged 5-6 years; 23-inch racquets are intended for kids aged 7-8 years old.

Remember to take your under-8 child’s height into account when choosing a racquet for them. Kids who are tall for their age may want

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when selecting a racquet for a slightly older child. 26-inch racquets are slightly longer and slightly heavier than smaller frames and to help young players transition slowly and safely toward an eventual adult frame when their height warrants that move. There are a variety of beginner tennis balls that are specially designed for development and are great for teaching and training. There are four stages of tennis balls illustrated in the diagram below.

If your child gets the tennis bug and show interest in competing, check out the information that follows on how to get started with USTA junior tournaments.

Earn your ranking.

GET STARTED WITH USTA JUNIOR TOURNAMENTS

WHEN SHOULD I START PLAYING IN USTA JUNIOR TOURNAMENTS? Players with some competitive match play experience may be interested in exploring USTA Junior Tournaments. The variety of formats available allows you to compete in a way that suits your level and helps you experience success.

WHAT LEVEL TOURNAMENT SHOULD I START WITH? USTA Junior Tournaments range from Level 7 (intermediate) to Level 1 (National Championships). All players who are new to tournaments should start with a Level 7 tournament.

WHY SHOULD I START WITH A LEVEL 7 TOURNAMENT? • Bottom-up selection process: Players with no USTA ranking will be selected first.

• Minimal time commitment: Tournaments are no more than one day. Participants get match play without a large time commitment.

• More play: Non-elimination format means more match play experience for players.

• Earn ranking points: Play a Level 7 and start earning USTA ranking points. Points are earned for each match win.

WHAT'S NEXT? • Enjoying this level? Keep playing Level 7 tournaments.

• Want more competition? Check out Level 6 tournaments.

SCAN THE CODE TO FIND A USTA JUNIOR TOURNAMENT NEAR YOU.

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Guide To Chicagoland Tennis

Making Tennis Available to All

Tennis, perhaps more than any other sport, struggles with its social identity. The game began in 12th century France where it was called “Jeu de Paume” and was adopted by European royalty who converted it into lawn tennis in Great Britain. Most people know that Wimbledon requires players to wear white and that the audience sips champagne, eats strawberries and cream, and rubs shoulders with royalty. But tennis has also given the world colorful characters such as Jimmy Connors, Ilie Nastase and John “You Cannot Be Serious” McEnroe. While the game’s roots may come from elite swaths of society, several organizations in the Chicago area work hard every day to give people from all backgrounds the opportunity to play.

USTA Community Tennis Associations (CTAs) are not-for-profit, volunteer-based organizations that support programs that grow tennis. Some CTAs offer only one program, tournament or special event; some run a tennis program at a specific facility, and some simply fundraise to support the game.

In 1969, the National Junior Tennis League (NJTL) was created by the USTA as a way to gain and hold the attention of young people, with the hope of teaching them the importance of character, getting an education, and becoming productive adults. Today, the NJTL network is comprised of youth development organizations that offer free or low-cost tennis and education programming to under-resourced youth.

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Guide To Chicagoland Tennis

Our Chicago area CTAs and NJTLs described

Multicultural Tennis Association, Inc. seeks

below play an important role in developing

to raise the profile of tennis in local Spanish-

tennis for people of all ages in neighborhoods,

speaking communities by running programs

gyms, parks and schools. Some offer after-

in Chicago parks.

school tutoring that also focuses on academic enrichment and life-skills curriculum along

Maywood Tennis Association works with area

with tennis.

youth teaching them the game of tennis and

The ACE Project nurtures children living

off the courts. ​

in underserved communities by building character, confidence, and competency

helping them to pursue success both on and

Sports for Life grows the game to people

through the sport of tennis.

of all ages and abilities by offering tennis,

Barrington Area Tennis Association runs

area.

instructional programs for youth including Buddy Up Tennis, a high energy adaptive tennis and fitness program for children and

fitness and sports camps in the Chicagoland

Great Lakes Adaptive Sports Association (GLASA) strives to ‘Let No One Sit on

young adults with Down syndrome.

the Sidelines,’ operating under a mission

Chicago Park District Tennis Association has

development and well-being of youth, adults

been running an adult team-based summer

and military veterans who have a physical

league in the parks for more than 75 years.

or visual disability through the provision of

Chicago Prairie Tennis Club focuses on the development of junior tennis players,

to promote and support the optimal

inclusive recreation, fitness, and competitive sports activities.

believing that youth involvement in the

Midwestern Tennis Association (MID-TAC)

game of tennis assists in the development

is the Midwest Section of the American

of character, social skills, sportsmanship and

Tennis Association (America’s oldest African

discipline.

American Tennis Association), an organization

Evanston Community Tennis Association coordinates leagues, tournaments, and

that uses tennis as a vehicle to cultivate strong family values.

recreational events throughout the year for

Second City Tennis is focused on creating

tennis enthusiasts in Evanston and beyond.

and supporting social and competitive tennis

Love to Serve, Inc. provides tennis and education programs that contribute to positive youth development, improve student academic outcomes, and build knowledge and skills for future success in college and careers.

programming for Chicago’s LGBTQIA+ and allied communities. SCT hosts the Second City Tennis Classic, the largest tournament in the region sanctioned by the Gay and Lesbian Tennis Association.

Tennis Opportunity Program, Inc. (TOP) provides academic and athletic training so its kids can achieve excellence beyond the tennis court.

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Guide To Chicagoland Tennis

XS Tennis and Education Foundation strives to introduce as many underserved Chicago youth as possible to tennis with the intention of guiding them down a pathway to college through attainment of a tennis scholarship and sustained excellence thereafter. XS Tennis is open to everyone; full scholarships are available for Chicago Housing Authority (CHA) residents and income-based scholarships are available to others.

Youth Education Sports (YES) works to improve the lives of Evanston youth through tennis and academic assistance, creating opportunities for children, especially those

efforts by a group of dedicated tennis players who want to serve their community. If you are interested in forming a CTA, find out more by emailing info@chicagodistricttennis.com.

with limited resources and those needing

If starting a new organization isn’t in the cards

extra help in school.

for you, the organizations above may be able

Forming a new CTA is a huge, but rewarding, undertaking. It involves ongoing coordinated

to use your passion for tennis in a volunteer role. Check out our business listings on page 10 to find contact information.

MULTICULTURAL TENNIS ASSOCIATION The Multicultural Tennis Association Inc. 501(c)(3) is a non-profit youth community tennis organization led by Carlos Mendez, Michelle Robles and their kids Bella, Amadeo and Marvel. Since 2014, their mission has been to make tennis accessible for all, particularly Hispanic and BIPOC youth, promoting the notion that “Mi Cancha Es Su Cancha,” or My Court is Your Court.

Their FREE beginner tennis program TNNS Kids in the Parks! held at Douglass Park and McKinley Park teaches tennis to those who may not otherwise have the opportunity.

To register your child, please contact tnnskids@gmail.com Follow us on Instagram @tnnskids 32

McFetridge Sports Center Guide To Chicagoland Tennis

3843 N. California Ave., Chicago, IL 60618

McFetridge Sports Center is the only park district facility with indoor tennis courts in the city of Chicago. McFetridge is home to 6 indoor tennis courts, an active tennis community and offers classes for children and adult programs, classes and competitive play. Players return session after session because of the friendly pros, competitive level of play, and camaraderie developed on the courts. No membership fee is required, therefore, anyone who lives in the city can sign up for classes or reserve a court online through the Chicago Park District website: www.chicagoparkdistrict.com.

For more information please contact Lynn Rau, Tennis Coordinator at Lrau@mcfetridgesportscenter. net or visit us at www.McFetridgeSportsCenter.com!

CHICAGOLAND INDOOR TENNIS ASSOCIATION For nearly 50 years, CITA has promoted, fostered, and encouraged the playing of tennis through its 13 member clubs who participate in indoor inter-club tennis leagues for men, women, and high school players of all levels. Play is indoors from September through mid-May, with playoffs and trophies for winners. Each club organizes its teams, providing practice and biweekly matches. The coaches and captains strive to teach anyone at any level to up their tennis skills while having fun and promoting a healthy lifestyle.

To learn more or to join the Chicagoland Indoor Tennis Association, go to CITATennis.net 33

Guide To Chicagoland Tennis

Tech Tools for Tennis Modern Technology to Improve Your Tennis Experience

If you are not using modern technology to enhance your tennis experience, you may be missing out. Obviously, nothing electronic can beat the feeling of the perfectly hit crosscourt winner. No artificial intelligence replaces the satisfaction of walking onto a well-maintained court in the early morning hours. But, technology could improve the quality of your game and your tennis experience. There are also smartphone apps that track scores and let you stay updated on tournaments.

Finding a new tennis partner You may have a tennis partner with whom you have played for years. You enjoy playing with them. He or she is a good competitive match for you. But you also know that your playing partner has trouble handling a well-placed lob, or is going to hit your lob into the net every time. You would like a new competitive challenge. iPlayMe2.com can find you a new playing partner that matches your skill level, no matter where you are. If you are one who travels with your racquets, and you want to set up a match while you are on that week-long business trip, iPlayMe2 can provide you with all you need.

A player partner, an available court, and a way to communicate are all available on this easy-to-use app. You can select “first come, first served” or “let me choose” to determine which new partner you want to meet. You can select the time you want to play, and the place. It’s simple and directed at others like you - avid tennis players.

Technique enhancing tools Have you ever hit a shot so perfectly that you wish you had it on video so you could enjoy the thrill time and again? Is there a part of your game you can’t figure out, no matter how much practice you get in?

Either scenario can be addressed with PlaySight, which provides the technology to broadcast live streams of your tennis practices, games and matches in high definition. PlaySight not only records your performance on your smartphone, it can provide multi-angle replays, line calling and statistics to count your aces and doublefaults. PlaySight also allows you to download and share the video of your practices or matches to whomever you want. PlaySight technology is available in several Chicago-area clubs.

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Guide To Chicagoland Tennis

With Swing Vision, you can level up your swing with some amazing technology. Start the video, then instantly review your swing and find out how to improve it based on artificial intelligence tennis coaching and video analysis. Swing Vision’s automated shot tracking will review your stroke type, spin type and ball speed, shot placement, contact and rally length, as well as footwork, pressure and positioning. And with the app, you can create easy highlight reels of some of your best work.

With the motto, “Train your brain; Raise your game,” NeuroTennis is a wearable technology based on a simple idea: positive feedback can build good habits that will enhance your game. Included with a Neuro Tennis purchase are two devices so you can drill together with a partner. The devices will pick up when you and your partner hit the ball and then voice instructions. Reminders such as: “Bend your knees”, “Step into your shot” will help you improve your technique.

You can upload drills, lessons, and instructions into your device to prepare for your next time on court.

Speaking of training our brains. . . sometimes our strokes aren’t what fail us on court! With the Apeak Tennis app, players all over will be able to build and strengthen mental habits to better their game and emotional well-being. We all know there is a lot that goes into keeping physically fit and equipped for sports play, but there’s a major mental game that gets played too, and this is the app that focuses on its importance. Learn how to implement and receive feedback in a healthy way with Dr. Jim Loehr’s help and guidance.

Equipment upgrade Your racquet may have a dampener on it to reduce the vibration in your hand, but your dampener can do so much more. Qlipp is a “smart’’ dampener, sensing every part of your stroke. It can provide analysis of your speed, spin and sweet spot accuracy. Connected digitally to your mobile device, Qlipp can also provide a video analysis of your swing.

For those times when you are practicing alone, a Singer Bag can help. Slinger is either an equipment bag with a ball launcher attached or a ball launcher with an equipment bag attached. This rolling bag has room for 144 tennis balls and storage for your wallet, keys, towel and water bottle.

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Guide To Chicagoland Tennis

TennisLineCall app turns your phone into an AI line calling reviewing device like the pros do on the tour with Hawk-Eye. This time, the pro is you. With it, there are no more disagreements, self-doubts or suspicions of cheating when it comes down to line calls. The concept is simple.

After you and your opponent set up your phones on a tripod to the side of the court, you can challenge calls you disagree on with your smartwatch or by raising your hand up for 3 seconds. Within seconds the phones’ sound and flash indicate if the ball was OUT (blinking for 5 seconds) or IN (solid for 5 seconds). This app even tells you the speed when a serve is challenged.

Tracking the pros In an ideal world, you would be able to watch every single tennis match you want in-person. But this isn't an ideal world. Life gets in the way. TennisONE has you covered.

TennisOne strives to be the ultimate global, mobile tennis app for fans, players and coaches.

The app allows you to follow professional ATP and WTA tennis for free with unlimited access to information such as live scores, match stats, rankings and more. TennisOne partners with premier tournaments such as the Miami Open, Hall of Fame Open, and NCAA Division I championships throughout the year as their “Official App.” During events like these, users have access to additional benefits such as match streams, highlight videos, player interviews, and more. What sets TennisOne apart from other tennis scores apps, is its “CrowdVIEW LIVE” technology, which allows users to connect virtually with pro tennis players, coaches, and other industry professionals. Imagine video chatting with former number one in the world, Ivan Lendl, to get his take on Wimbledon, or to check in with current pros like Shelby Rogers from her hotel in Paris before Roland Garros. It’s all possible, and it’s all free in the TennisONE app.

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Guide To Chicagoland Tennis

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Speeds as fast as your serve Proud to support the Chicago District Tennis Association Xfinity gives you the speed, coverage, security, and control you need. Choose from a range of fast, reliable speeds to fit your needs, including speeds up to 1 Gbps, and count on a reliable connection for all your devices with Xfinity xFi. Plus, Advanced Security is included at no extra cost, allowing you to protect your devices and help keep loved ones safe and secure online.

1-800-xfinity

xfinity.com

xfinitystores.com Restrictions apply. Not available in all areas. Internet: Actual speeds vary and not guaranteed. For factors affecting speed visit www.xfinity.com/networkmanagement.

Xfinity xFi and xFi Advanced Security available to Xfinity Internet customers with a compatible Xfinity Gateway. Gig-speed Internet: Gig-speed WiFi requires Gigabit Internet and compatible gateway. Many factors affect speed, including equipment performance, interference, congestion, and speeds of visited websites. WiFi speeds affected by additional factors, including distance from Gateway, home configuration, personal device capabilities, and others. Advanced Security and xFi: xFi Advanced Security is available to Xfinity Internet customers with a compatible Xfinity xFi Gateway. Must activate Advanced Security through Xfinity app. © 2022 Comcast. All rghts reserved.

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06/01/2022 16:12 41

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Guide To Chicagoland Tennis

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Guide To Chicagoland Tennis

IN-STORE SERVICES FREE Stringing Labor with Racquet Purchase | Re-stringing Grommet Replacement | Grip Build Up | FREE Racquet Demos PLUS, SHOP ALL YOUR FAVORITE BRANDS IN TENNIS

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Guide To Chicagoland Tennis

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Guide To Chicagoland Tennis

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Guide To Chicagoland Tennis

The mental edge in tennis can sometimes be the greatest edge.

Turn your focus on actionable items to serve up better results.

Put a coaching band on your racquet grip!

Get your head in the game & a grip on the score!

You Need One!

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Guide To Chicagoland Tennis

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Guide To Chicagoland Tennis

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DPA22_Tennis_Publication_Feb1.indd 1

2/1/22 11:57 AM

Guide To Chicagoland Tennis

LETSTENNIS.COM

Tennis is always open for everyone.

All ages. All grunts. All zip codes.

All across America. On all sides of the net.

Singles. Doubles. Newbies. Pros.

Forehands. Backhands. Everyone. Every background.

Every story. Every hairstyle. Even the mullet.

From hardcore athletes to lazy athletes alike.

(Don’t tell anyone, but there’s a tiny tennis court hidden inside every regular tennis court.)

If you can smash things, you can tennis.

So what are you waiting for?

Let’s Tennis. © 2022 USTA. All rights reserved.

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Guide To Chicagoland Tennis

MORE THAN A TENNIS SHOP Visit us at Tennis-Point.com

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wilmette tennis club

SINCE 1972

THE WILMETTE TENNIS CLUB HAS BEEN SERVING TENNIS ENTHUSIASTS SINCE 1972.

PLAY IS BY RESERVATION AND CAN BE BOOKED AS A TENNIS CLUB MEMBER OR NON-MEMBER. WE OFFER:

> Private and group instruction > Full-service pro shop > Special events and party rentals > Summer camps > Woman’s team tennis > Cardio tennis > Permanent court times > drop-in breakfast club tennis and pickleball

WILMETTE TENNIS CLUB SINCE 1972

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WILMETTE TENNNIS CLUB 2300 oLd gLENvIEW road AT THE CENTENNIAL RECREATION COMPLEX

Centennial

WILMETTE TENNIS CLUB

2300 OLD GLENVIEW ROAD, WILMETTE 847-256-9789 • WILMETTEPARK.ORG/TENNIS

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FULL PAGE INSIDE COVER

TENNIS

BENEFITS:  Build Strength  Improved Quickness  Increase on-Court Mobility  Develop Core Stability  Improved Dynamic Power

Whole Body EMS (WB-EMS) training is scientifically proven to be an efficient and highly effective training modality for tennis players, all while developing and maintaining a healthy and active life style.

Reach out to learn more or see where you can experience WB-EMS Training in the Chicagoland Area!

Contact Us: usa@miha-bodytec.us 833-367-6442 www.ems-training.us