Leftwich court repairs are underway!

The outdoor courts at the Leftwich Tennis Center are finally getting the repairs they need and deserve. Some people have commented about the bad timing-- just as the weather is getting warm, just as Team Tennis is starting, etc. That might be true, but we had to take what we could get. What people might not know is that Tennis Memphis has been working with the City of Memphis for over a year (at least) to get the Leftwich project off the ground. Resources are tight, and there are a lot of facilities in the Memphis Park System and a long list of capital improvement projects. Every delay seemed to increase the cost because the courts kept deteriorating, which caused more delays to redo the estimates and project scope. But, finally, our number came up and things fell into place. Yes, it is an inconvenience, but just for a few more weeks. Then, we will be able to enjoy the results. The only problem is, now that the cracks in the courts are gone, what can we use as an excuse for mishitting the ball?

Now that the tournament is over, can spring be far behind?

Many of us here in the Memphis tennis-playing community look forward to the Regions Morgan Keegan Championships/Cellular South Cup tournament every February. It gives us a rare opportunity to see professional tennis players up close and personal. If you are able to sit close enough, you can even see the spin on the ball as it flies across the court. One day, I was able to sit in the very front row behind the baseline to watch Jonas Bjorkman play Donald Young. Wow. So that is what a kick serve looks like!

Even though some of our favorite players lost in the early rounds, or did not show up at all, I still found the tournament inspiring. Unfortunately for me, the pro players make it look so easy that after a week of watching them, I am convinced that I can make the same shots in my hotly-contested 3.5 matches. Well, my opponents don't seem to mind.

Another good thing about the pro tournament is that its passing seems to herald the start of spring. Okay, so this year we had some snow, but you can still sense that the prime tennis-playing weather is right around the corner, just in time for Team Tennis. So, is everyone ready?