Into the Breach: Playing a Pro Tournament
Some readers of this blog probably wonder, “Who in the hell is this idiot, and why does he think he can write about pro tennis? I bet he couldn’t win two points against a pro.” I feel like I might be able to win two points against Roger Federer if we played three out of five sets, heck, maybe even three. Even the Great Fed misses every now and again. We’ll never know, but next weekend you will be able to follow how I’ll do in an open pro, prize-money tournament on a much-smaller scale. I signed up today to play in the Lukoil Open at the Green Valley Tennis Club Aug. 6-8 in Haddon Township, N.J., my home club. Prize money for the winner is $2,000, and the runner-up gets $1,000. I’m not counting on this to make my mortgage, but just would be very happy if I can get a draw that gives me a chance to win a match. Hopefully, there will be others my level (4.5) and as delusional as me.
My preparation plan is not the usual ATP method. I’ve been playing only about once a week over the past month. I may get out and hit tomorrow, but only if it doesn’t rain early, because I plan to go bass fishing in the afternoon. On Sunday, I’ll be at the Nascar race in the Poconos in Northeast Pennsylvania, and Monday I’ve got other obligations. But Tuesday and Wednesday I plan to get in a good practice, and then maybe an easy hit Thursday, and Friday the first round. I have been running and stretching and working out my 42-year-old shoulder some, and the tendonitis that plagued me last year is most gone. It ain’t going to help me if I draw a seed. A Barry Bonds-sized dose of steroids wouldn’t even make a difference.
Whatever happens, I guarantee that I’ll get two matches in next weekend. I’m signed up for the doubles as well. Follow my progress here, or check out the tournament web site for scores.
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