Senior Tennis and Fitness

Today started the Category II tournament at Naples Bath & Tennis (aka “Academia Sanchez-Casal”). Here some of the early results:

• Tom McCune won easily over Roger Upton,
• Len Saltzman (Newk camp friend) was out-matched by former Rhodesian touring pro Clive Kileef,
• Bob Dilworth won easily.

My match was against Larry Letwin, a teaching pro just down from the indoor/hardcourts in Bath MI. Larry had closely beaten Bob Dilworth a couple of years back in a consolation and as Bob said, “hits the ball hard off both sides.” Big topspin, driving forehand and excellent crosscourt topspin backhand.

My advantage was he was not used to the soft courts and playing outside; so I jumped out to a quick 4-0 lead. He then settled down and took control of the set, bringing it back to my serving at 5-4. I was able to hold for the set.

In the second set, I started with a break and a hold; then he won an easy service game and jumped to a 0-30 lead on my serve. This was the critical game. I was able to pull it out; and that seemed to break his spirit. And I went on to a 6-4, 6-2 victory.

Tomorrow is singles against #9 seed Don Long, who beat me in the first week’s tournament in Ft. Myers. And my planned-doubles partner Dick Valentine just got injured; so I scrambled and got today’s singles opponent, Larry Letwin to play with me. First match is tomorrow, after the singles matches.

Also tomorrow,

• Nick Ourusoff (New Hampshire tennis friend) @ 10,
• Jack Lease (Pelican Bay) vs. Richard Bowling @ 9,
• Gordon Hammes #3 seed (Pelican Bay) vs. Joe Friedes @ 9.