The USTA Super-Senior Men’s Teams (age divisions 60’s, 65’s, 70’s, 75’s and 80’s) have now been selected (4-player Team) to represent the USA at the 2009 ITF World Team Championships in Perth , Australia in November of 2009. I am a member of this USTA national committee (men’s committee) and we have been working for the last 5 weeks to determine who are the best players in the USA in their respective age divisions. We look at the entire USTA tournament records of the top 20 or so players during the previous 12 months up to the time of selection and bring the list to 6-10 of the best players. These players then are sent a notification letter that they are in the group of players, and are asked to return another sheet of paper. The player fills it out to indicate their availability, their US citizenship status, contact information, if selected would they like to captain the team, and mails it back to the USTA representative. The strongest players are then compared again in committee and the committee determines the best team, selected by the USTA to represent the USA in the international competition, which is called the ITF World Team Championships. Again, this is the equivalent to the Davis Cup for men and the Fed Cup for women. (I obviously cannot have any input whatsoever on selecting members of the 35’s team because of conflict-of-interest).
Well, the men’s players have now each received a phone call to notify them of their selection (I am the representative for the Men’s 80’s team), each will soon receive their order forms for USA uniforms, player shirts, and player-to-player gifts, and each will soon receive their USTA player stipend to cover their expenses for this specific competition (flight and housing). Those players not selected receive the turn-down letter and asks them to remain ready as an alternate.
Next stop, I will be attending the 2009 USTA Semiannual Meeting and Conference in New York City during the US Open. I am member of the USTA Senior International Competition Committee, charged with selecting the best men’s and women’s senior age-division teams (equivalent to Davis Cup and Fed Cup) to represent the USA in international competition sanctioned by the ITF, publish information about these events and the players, and to grow the game of tennis.
My next tournament will be the USTA National Category 2 Kansas City Adult Open Tennis Tournament. The tournament takes place in Kansas City, Missouri on the beautiful Plaza Tennis Center. To follow the tournament, click this link: http://tennislink.usta.com/tournaments/TournamentHome/Tournament.aspx?T=78371 I will be playing the Men’s 35’s Singles and then also Men’s 35’s Doubles with Jim Slonac (Jim was a groomsmen in my wedding and if you recall, he and I witnessed the 2008 Wimbledon Final with Nadal beating Federer in five sets!).
Following that, I will be playing the National Clays in November, 2009 in Florida.
Friday, August 14, 2009
Marriage!
Tuesday, July 28, 2009---
I married Stacy Wright on June 26, 2009. We honeymooned in Costa Rica for a week. We are back “in circulation” (as a friend told us!) and getting situated here together in Kansas City.
Since I was in Costa Rica during the Wimbledon Final, I was not able to watch the match. Uhhhhhhh! But, Ralph and Wendy Cassone (my uncle and aunt), dvr’d the Final and I was able to watch it on the following Tuesday! What a match between Federer and Roddick.. Way to go Federer. Congrats on your win and #15!!! Thanks, Ralph and Wendy!
Marriage is great and Mr. and Mrs. Carey are doing great together, also!
I married Stacy Wright on June 26, 2009. We honeymooned in Costa Rica for a week. We are back “in circulation” (as a friend told us!) and getting situated here together in Kansas City.
Since I was in Costa Rica during the Wimbledon Final, I was not able to watch the match. Uhhhhhhh! But, Ralph and Wendy Cassone (my uncle and aunt), dvr’d the Final and I was able to watch it on the following Tuesday! What a match between Federer and Roddick.. Way to go Federer. Congrats on your win and #15!!! Thanks, Ralph and Wendy!
Marriage is great and Mr. and Mrs. Carey are doing great together, also!
Tennis on the Maine-land
+Jesse,+Stef,+Kline,+Lew,+Willie,+Guillaume,+Chris,+Tony,+and+Jason.jpg)
Friday, May 29, 2009----
As for tennis on the US homeland, ...today, I am in Brunswick, Maine , at the USTA National Men’s 35 Indoor (May 29 – June 5, 2009 ). In Singles, I am the #2 Seed.
Here's the tournament link (then click on Draws):
http://tennislink.usta.com/tournaments/TournamentHome/Tournament.aspx?T=71088
I am staying with Willie Dann and Lew Miller (seeds) and we are staying at a farmhouse owned by two tennis players, Jack and Anne Thompson. They are senior players and lovers of the game of tennis! Today, all three of us have byes and so we are all at Starbucks doing a little internetting and finishing some work. Plans are to go watch the Star Trek movie at 1:00 and then have a hit at 5:00pm today.
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June 5, 2009 ---Tournament Update and Results----
Round of 16 – Win over Rushan Samarasinghe 7-6(5), 4-6, 6-3
Quarters – Win over Geoff Burton 6-4, 6-3
Semis – Lost to Lew Miller (#3 seed) 6-4, 0-6, 0-6
Playoff for 3rd – Lost to Willie Dann (#1 seed) 6-1, 6-3
Result = 4th place
Tournament link can be found at:
http://tennislink.usta.com/tournaments/TournamentHome/Tournament.aspx?T=71088
Now, I have returned to Kansas City for Final preparations for our wedding! Our wedding day is June 26, 2009!
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As for tennis on the US homeland, ...today, I am in Brunswick, Maine , at the USTA National Men’s 35 Indoor (May 29 – June 5, 2009 ). In Singles, I am the #2 Seed.
Here's the tournament link (then click on Draws):
http://tennislink.usta.com/tournaments/TournamentHome/Tournament.aspx?T=71088
I am staying with Willie Dann and Lew Miller (seeds) and we are staying at a farmhouse owned by two tennis players, Jack and Anne Thompson. They are senior players and lovers of the game of tennis! Today, all three of us have byes and so we are all at Starbucks doing a little internetting and finishing some work. Plans are to go watch the Star Trek movie at 1:00 and then have a hit at 5:00pm today.
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June 5, 2009 ---Tournament Update and Results----
Round of 16 – Win over Rushan Samarasinghe 7-6(5), 4-6, 6-3
Quarters – Win over Geoff Burton 6-4, 6-3
Semis – Lost to Lew Miller (#3 seed) 6-4, 0-6, 0-6
Playoff for 3rd – Lost to Willie Dann (#1 seed) 6-1, 6-3
Result = 4th place
Tournament link can be found at:
http://tennislink.usta.com/tournaments/TournamentHome/Tournament.aspx?T=71088
Now, I have returned to Kansas City for Final preparations for our wedding! Our wedding day is June 26, 2009!
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USA Tennis - Mallorca, Spain
+Carey+volley+on+clay+-+Mallorca,+Spain.jpg)
+USA+Italia+Cup+Team+-+2009+-+Mallorca,+Spain+-+(L-R)+Dougal+Williiams,+Willie+Dann,+Lew+Miller,+Chris+Carey.jpg)
Blog from Mallorca, Spain – April 2009The direct link to the USTA blog can be found here:
Here is the direct link to all your updates: http://cms.missourivalleyusta.twiihosting.net/MissouriValley/Global/News/News/2009_04/Player_Blog_Chris_Carey.aspx
Wednesday, April 15, 2009----
We just received our USA warm-ups, shirts, player-to-player gifts, and banners I depart for Mallorca, Spain on Thursday, April 23rd. The Opening Ceremony is on April 26th. Team play is from April 27th - May 2nd (Rain date for the Finals is May 3rd).
Sunday, April 26, 2009----
Have arrived here at Club Font de sa cala on the east coast of Mallorca, which is a Spanish-owned island off to the east of Spain. I am part of the USA Italia Cup Team (Men´s 35 and over). I am getting ready for the Opening Ceremony tonight.
Here are the latest updates:
* We are at Hotel Beach Club Font de sa cala.
* We are playing out matches at Tennis Club Au guait (don´t know the exact spelling so you might have to check it out.
* We have pictures for the USA Teams (in uniform, with hat, and flag) here at 6:15pm at Beach Club Font de sa cala.
* We have the Opening Ceremonies on Sunday for all teams here at 6:45pm at Beach Club Font de sa cala.
* We got the 5th seed. There are 8 pools, each with 3 teams. Since we are seeded 5, we got a bye on Monday. Therefore, we will watch and practice, and then start play on Tuesday. The other teams in our pool are Sweden and Lithuania.
Well, I´m heading off to the pictures and the Opening Ceremonies....
Tuesday, April 28, 2009----
Today we played Switzerland . We knew this would be a tough match within our pool and looked to finish them off as soon as would could. So Dougal Williams started us off at the #2 Singles match with a great lead and finished strong, winning 6-2, 6-0. Then, our #1 Singles match of Willie Dann continued the strong tennis with another win, 6-1, 6-3 to seal the USA victory. We continued to play out the remaining Doubles match, where Lew Miller and I won 7-6 (6), 6-2, and a final result of 3-0 over Switzerland .
Today was also the Photoshoot for the USTA with Christy. We met poolside with Christy Radecic and Marianna, then woke Willie from a nap, grabbed Dougal who had just finished playing a little tennis with his wife, Katie, and head out to the courts. With our USA /USTA gear on we took some action photos on the courts, and headed to the beach. On the beach we also we joined by Peter Markes and Ross Persons (Men’s 50’ Fred Perry Cup Players), and also with Gretchen Majors and their friend Mary-Clare. One of the jokes among the players that we started calling each other by their Calendar Name, such as Mr. June, Mr. July, while others preferred to be more clothes and called themselves, Mr. November and Mr. December. You can check out these photos at the USTA website…or maybe in the upcoming Player Calendar! Christy Radecic was great! Thanks, Christy!
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Wednesday, April 29, 2009----
Today we played Lithuania and handled them pretty good. Lew Miller won in the #2 Singles 6-0, 6-1, and Dougal won the #1 Singles 6-3, 6-0. Willie Dann and I played the Doubles and won 6-1, 6-1. We had won our pool, thus enabling us to move into the Quarterfinals pool, against France on Thursday.
Also, today I also borrowed Michelle’s (Lew Miller’s wife) bicycle and took a ride into Cala Ratjada. This is a beautiful 2 mile bike ride along the coast from our hotel into this quaint seaport. Leaving the hotel and the street, I jumped on the path, which is more like a rustic boardwalk and rode seaside. Absolutely beautiful and easy, pleasant bike ride! There and back, a bit of shopping and all within a wonderful refreshing 2 and a half hours!
Today, I also met and then talked extensively with Alex Lopez and Oscar Martinez, Spanish tennis players in the Men’s 35 division. We congratulated each other on tennis during the week and discussed results, opponents, tennis federations/associations in Spain and in the US and Missouri , and talked a little about family and life in the countries. Alex is married and his wife and 2 children (ages 4 and 2) are here also, and I talked about my upcoming marriage to Stacy this summer, life in Kansas City .
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Thursday, April 30, 2009----
Today we played France and lost 2-0. Dougal Williams played the #2 Singles and lost 6-0, 6-3. The French player, Bruno, was a strong lefty, who preferred to stay back and grind away clay-court style, and also had penetrating groundstrokes. Tough loss. Now, the pressure would be on Willie Dann at the #1 Singles spot to win, and push the match into the Doubles. If we can make it into the Doubles, all 4 of us are tough at Doubles and we feel like we can win it against any team. Unfortunatley, Willie lost today to their top-ranked French player, Arnaund, who was ranked as high as #120 in the world ATP 6-4, 6-1. With the match lost 0-2, the French agreed to play out the Doubles, and Lew and Dougal won a great match on center court with 75 spectators 4-6, 7-6 (4), 6-4. Great USA Doubles! Tomorrow we will play Sweden , who lost today in their match against the host team, Spain .
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Friday, May 1, 2009----
Today we had rain in the morning and matches were pushed back until 2:00. Lew Miller played the #2 Singles slot today and is a great clay courter. That is, he has a very consistent first and second serve, not flashy but very consistent from the baseline also, he is patient, a great defender, and strikes the ball excellently with great topspin, high over the net, deep into the opponents court keeping him pinned on his baseline also. This was a 3 and a half hour battle but Lew on the losing side of the match. He lost 4-6, 6-3, 3-6.
Next up came Dougal Williams who came out storming, winning the first set 6-3, but then lost the next two sets, 3-6, 4-6. The first set was awesome tennis by Dougal, and great tennis all the way through. This match went on close to 3 hours also. So, with the sunset upon us, both teams agreed to not play the Doubles, and so we departed on the shuttle bus and arrived at our hotel at 8:50pm. What a day of tennis! Great matches, but unfortunately we lost. Tomorrow, we will play Argentina (who lost today to Croatia ) for 7th or 8th place.
Thanks for the ITF for letting me use their internet access to put this blog together.... more later...
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Saturday, May 2, 2009 ---
Today we played Argentina . The winner of this match will be the 7th place team.
First, I started play today in the #2 Singles spot. I went down early in the match, but rebounded quickly and took the first set 6-4 against the Argentine. Then, I lost the second set 6-2 and also the third set 6-3. Then, Willie Dann played the #1 Singles match next. He had a slow start, losing the first set 6-3. He then came back and won the second set 7-6 (4), and continued on to win the third set 7-5. With the match now equaled at 1-1, Dougal Williams and Lew Miller came into play the Doubles. We handled the Argentines pretty cleanly, winning the match 6-2, 6-2, earning us the 7th place team finish. It was a great time with these teammates and I look forward to playing more with them and representing the USA in the future!
As for Championship match between Spain and Austria , it had great tennis, powerful shots, and yet smooth also on the clay. Spain won the #2 Singles first 7-6(6), 7-6(5), but Austria equaled the match score by winning the #1 Singles 7-6 (4), 6-0. Oscar Martinez ( Spain ) had a pulled muscle in the second set of this match. The Austrian player in this match, Werner Eschauer, has consistently been ranked in the ATP #200-#300 in Singles. His highest year end ATP ranking was in 2007 where he was #65. Then, Austria also went on to win the Doubles match, thus beating Spain 2-1.
To conclude the Team Championships, my friend, Alex Lopez (a Spanish Team player who played the doubles against Austria ) and I exchanged Team warm-ups, as a demonstration of camaraderie and good relations in international tennis. Alex now proudly wears his Team USA warmup top and bottoms, and I the same --- sporting his Team España top and bottoms. His wife and child came to Mallorca as well, and Alex’s highest pro ranking was #71 in 2003.
Thanks to my Italia Cup Teammates---Dougal, Willie, and Lew!
Go USA!!!
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Go USA!!!
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Carey Press Release for Mallorca, Spain 2009
CAREY HOPES TO LEAD U.S. WORLD CUP TENNIS TEAM TO VICTORY
For Immediate Release
Contact: Mickey Maule, Press Relations
2009 Italia Cup Team
Phone 952-974-9899 or email: mickmaule@yahoo.com
The United States Tennis Association (USTA) recently announced that they have selected Chris Carey, Kansas City, MO to be a member of the U.S. Italia Cup Team for men 35 and over.
Carey will represent the United States at the ITF Sr World Team Championships on European red clay courts of Mallorca, Spain April 27th- May 2nd, 2009.
Carey is one of a four-man team selected to play by the USTA from the top American players in his age division. His teammates include, Dougal Williams, Portland OR, Willie Dann, Denver CO, and Lewis Miller, Denver CO. This event is sponsored annually by the International Tennis Federation (ITF) and will include the world’s top players in each age division competing during the weeklong event.
Currently one of the top ranked player in the Men’s 35 and over category in the USA, Carey is now a seasoned vet in international competition as he was selected to the 2008 Italia Cup Team that competed in Turkey. Carey, a Kansas City native, currently teaches Spanish and serves as the Asst Coach at Staley High School in North Kansas City.
The USTA is the national governing body for the sport of tennis in the U.S. and the leader in promoting and developing the growth of tennis at every level -- from local communities to the highest level of the professional game. It owns and operates the US Open, the largest annually attended sporting event in the world, and launched the Olympus US Open Series linking 10 summer tournaments to the US Open. In addition, it owns the 94 Pro Circuit events throughout the U.S., and selects the teams for the Davis Cup, Fed Cup, Olympic and Paralympic Games. A not-for-profit organization with more than 725,000 members, it invests 100% of its proceeds in growing the game.
For more information on the USTA, log on to usta.com.
Player contact info: Chris Carey/ cell 816-679-1771 / email: ccarey73@yahoo.com
For Immediate Release
Contact: Mickey Maule, Press Relations
2009 Italia Cup Team
Phone 952-974-9899 or email: mickmaule@yahoo.com
The United States Tennis Association (USTA) recently announced that they have selected Chris Carey, Kansas City, MO to be a member of the U.S. Italia Cup Team for men 35 and over.
Carey will represent the United States at the ITF Sr World Team Championships on European red clay courts of Mallorca, Spain April 27th- May 2nd, 2009.
Carey is one of a four-man team selected to play by the USTA from the top American players in his age division. His teammates include, Dougal Williams, Portland OR, Willie Dann, Denver CO, and Lewis Miller, Denver CO. This event is sponsored annually by the International Tennis Federation (ITF) and will include the world’s top players in each age division competing during the weeklong event.
Currently one of the top ranked player in the Men’s 35 and over category in the USA, Carey is now a seasoned vet in international competition as he was selected to the 2008 Italia Cup Team that competed in Turkey. Carey, a Kansas City native, currently teaches Spanish and serves as the Asst Coach at Staley High School in North Kansas City.
The USTA is the national governing body for the sport of tennis in the U.S. and the leader in promoting and developing the growth of tennis at every level -- from local communities to the highest level of the professional game. It owns and operates the US Open, the largest annually attended sporting event in the world, and launched the Olympus US Open Series linking 10 summer tournaments to the US Open. In addition, it owns the 94 Pro Circuit events throughout the U.S., and selects the teams for the Davis Cup, Fed Cup, Olympic and Paralympic Games. A not-for-profit organization with more than 725,000 members, it invests 100% of its proceeds in growing the game.
For more information on the USTA, log on to usta.com.
Player contact info: Chris Carey/ cell 816-679-1771 / email: ccarey73@yahoo.com
Sunday, January 25, 2009
Chris Carey is featured in the Kansas City Star
Chris Carey is featured in the Kansas City Star today, January 7, 2009 (in the Liberty Neighborhood News section). The article focuses on his passion for tennis and his recent play in Antalya, Turkey playing on the USTA Senior Davis Cup Team (Italia Cup - Men's 35 and over). He even manages to weave in a message for his students at Staley High School!
Here's the link to check it out!
www.kansascity.com/news/neighborhood/northland/story/966993.html
Here's the link to check it out!
www.kansascity.com/news/neighborhood/northland/story/966993.html
Monday, December 1, 2008
2008 Adult Player of the Year Awards (MVTA and HOA)
Chris Carey is the 2008 Male Adult Player of the Year for the USTA Heart of America (HOA) District and also the USTA Missouri Valley Tennis Association (MVTA) Adult Player of the Year!
Saturday, November 15, 2008
USTA (MVTA) Writes a News Story on Chris and the USA Team
The USTA - Missouri Valley Section (MVTA) wrote on article on Chris and the USA Team going to Turkey. Click here to read the article.
New Rankings Out
Chris holds the #1 Ranking in Singles in the USA and the #1 Doubles ranking with Jim Slonac (Men’s 35 and-over, as of 12/30/2008).
Click here for all USTA Rankings.
Click here for all ITF World Rankings.
Click here for all USTA Rankings.
Click here for all ITF World Rankings.
Wimbledon 2008 Pics & Europe Summer Tennis Tour
As I look back on my Europe Tennis Tour this summer for 6 weeks with my great friend Jim Slonac, I am reminded of some great times. For one, we had just found out a few days before departure that we had made the USA Italia Cup Team and would be teammates with Willie Dann and our Captain Andy Lake. In Europe, we had lots of adventures playing and traveling from one country or city to another as we practiced on the red clay, played 3 tournaments (2 clay and 1 grass), and had a great time seeing the sights, too! All this was in preparation to represent the USA as players on the Men's 35's Team (Italia Cup) at the World Team Championships in Turkey, Oct. 12-18.
As I think back to our adventures of traveling and playing, I am trying to determine the funniest story....:
Maybe it was the story of how we were able to play on the Monte Carlos Tennis Courts,
Maybe it was the story of our arriving at the Babolat factory in France,
Maybe it was the story of us getting a flat tire in our rental car in England (while it's raining---again!),
Maybe it was the story of how we got in to see the Federer vs. Nadal Final at Wimbledon (yes, we did have a seat and watched it live--the greatest tennis match ever!)....
There's so many more........
As I think back to our adventures of traveling and playing, I am trying to determine the funniest story....:
Maybe it was the story of how we were able to play on the Monte Carlos Tennis Courts,
Maybe it was the story of our arriving at the Babolat factory in France,
Maybe it was the story of us getting a flat tire in our rental car in England (while it's raining---again!),
Maybe it was the story of how we got in to see the Federer vs. Nadal Final at Wimbledon (yes, we did have a seat and watched it live--the greatest tennis match ever!)....
There's so many more........
The Lightning Storm: A Funny Story during the 2008 Team World Championships
The USA 35's team had lots of fun together, playing tennis matches, watching each other, rooting our teammates on during the day matches, and then relaxing during dinner with trivia every night in Turkey. We had trivia of all sorts and topics.
One story that sticks out is the Lightning Story. So on this particular day, after playing the Doubles matches for the first two days, I was scheduled to play the #1 Singles match against Romania. Today started out with a cloudy morning while Jim played his Singles match. When Jim finished, it was my turn to go on. The guy I was playing was good and I went down early in the first set, but with a bit of momentum I was turning things around early in the second.
Then it started to rain, and we had to stop for a rain delay. Our FIRST rain delay! We retuned to the court, I was eager to continue my play and momentum and had earned a lead in the second. Play continued and I was able to keep the momentum going and got deep into the second set with a lead.....but also with more rain starting falling now. And this time it brought with it ----thunder and lighting! That's right, crack! bang! in the background ....and like all tennis players do (hahaha) ....do we stop now or play on....? After all, it was still safe and I have the momentum, right.
So, with the rain now coming in steadily, the lightning cracking and electrifying the afternoon sky, I continued on, not realizing that that the lightning was so close to us. Afterwards, I learned others had sought shelter, even some of those watching our match! The Romanian player continued to play on ...and so did I....I had no inkling of stopping either! So,...I in the midst of it all on the court, I think to myself "do I stop or keep it going." And after all, I was on-a-roll, right! And the courts are very much still playable! But as the rain increased further, it really was lightning close by us.
So with that, my Player-Coach Jim, comes out on the court and asks me midway through the game (because we can have an on-court Player coach us): Do you want to play on or do you want to stop? Some players and our fans are leaving the courts...?
At this time I'm locked into my game and closing out the second set, here! So, without thinking too clearly on the weather, I said (like any of us would, right....), "We can keep playing, right....the Ump. is still letting us play, right....and I'm on a roll, right. I WANT TO KEEP GOING!"
And Jim adds, "People are stopping....even Stacy and your parents want you to stop it. But it is still playable. I think you should keep going, too!" And then with a squinted face while brushing off rain and avoiding the thunder and lighting claps as he headed back to his chair courtside, he yells, "CHRIS, LET'S KEEP IT ROLLING!!!
And we played on!
But, it was not two more points later ...that I remember, that the rain began to pour and the umpire came in and stopped the match for the second rain delay. Then, we sought shelter quickly!
There are witnesses (and apparently pictures out there, too) of lightning crashing in the background while I was serving but......
One story that sticks out is the Lightning Story. So on this particular day, after playing the Doubles matches for the first two days, I was scheduled to play the #1 Singles match against Romania. Today started out with a cloudy morning while Jim played his Singles match. When Jim finished, it was my turn to go on. The guy I was playing was good and I went down early in the first set, but with a bit of momentum I was turning things around early in the second.
Then it started to rain, and we had to stop for a rain delay. Our FIRST rain delay! We retuned to the court, I was eager to continue my play and momentum and had earned a lead in the second. Play continued and I was able to keep the momentum going and got deep into the second set with a lead.....but also with more rain starting falling now. And this time it brought with it ----thunder and lighting! That's right, crack! bang! in the background ....and like all tennis players do (hahaha) ....do we stop now or play on....? After all, it was still safe and I have the momentum, right.
So, with the rain now coming in steadily, the lightning cracking and electrifying the afternoon sky, I continued on, not realizing that that the lightning was so close to us. Afterwards, I learned others had sought shelter, even some of those watching our match! The Romanian player continued to play on ...and so did I....I had no inkling of stopping either! So,...I in the midst of it all on the court, I think to myself "do I stop or keep it going." And after all, I was on-a-roll, right! And the courts are very much still playable! But as the rain increased further, it really was lightning close by us.
So with that, my Player-Coach Jim, comes out on the court and asks me midway through the game (because we can have an on-court Player coach us): Do you want to play on or do you want to stop? Some players and our fans are leaving the courts...?
At this time I'm locked into my game and closing out the second set, here! So, without thinking too clearly on the weather, I said (like any of us would, right....), "We can keep playing, right....the Ump. is still letting us play, right....and I'm on a roll, right. I WANT TO KEEP GOING!"
And Jim adds, "People are stopping....even Stacy and your parents want you to stop it. But it is still playable. I think you should keep going, too!" And then with a squinted face while brushing off rain and avoiding the thunder and lighting claps as he headed back to his chair courtside, he yells, "CHRIS, LET'S KEEP IT ROLLING!!!
And we played on!
But, it was not two more points later ...that I remember, that the rain began to pour and the umpire came in and stopped the match for the second rain delay. Then, we sought shelter quickly!
There are witnesses (and apparently pictures out there, too) of lightning crashing in the background while I was serving but......
Final Results from the Senior Davis Cup (ITF World Championships) Antalya, Turkey, Oct., 2008
+2008+-+Willie+Dann,+Andy+Lake+(Captain),+Chris+Carey,+and+Jim+Slonac.jpg)
The United States Tennis Association (USTA) selected tennis players to represent the United States of America at the 28th International Tennis Federation (ITF) World Team Championships for 2008. This is equivalent to the Senior Davis Cup and Senior Olympics for Tennis. Thirty-eight countries from around the globe participated in the team event which was held October 12-18 in Antalya, Turkey. The USTA selected only 4 players from across the nation to participate on the men’s team as a player and ambassador.
The United States has done quite well in the history of the championships since its inception in 1981, by finishing first or second in 12 of the 19 divisions last year. The ITF Seniors/Super-Seniors World Team Championships is the most coveted team event on the ITF Seniors circuit.
With this being an Olympic year and everything that the Beijing Olympics represent about countries uniting and coming together in competition, it was exciting that I earned the chance to compete the this world event representing the United States of America. I was selected by the USTA as 1 of 4 players to represent the USA in the Men's 35 Division. The player selected were Andy Lake (Captain), Willie Dann, Chris Carey, and Jim Slonac. What an honor and a great opportunity! The USTA and ITF covered the expenses on this international event. With the distance of travel and length of time that it took to go overseas I requested the time off from school teaching.
Packed and ready to go, I boarded the plane with Stacy (my fiancée) on Wednesday, Oct 8 following our work. We traveled from Kansas City through Chicago, onto London, into Istanbul, and finally arrive in Antalya, Turkey on Thursday night. Friday was a practice day. Saturday, Oct 11 at 4:00pm (local time) was the Opening Ceremony, where all teams wore their official team clothing. Sunday, Oct 12 was the Start of Play.
Teams were divided into pools, with the winning teams advancing to the knock-out round throughout the week, concluding with the Finals on Saturday, Oct 18. In the event of bad weather, Sunday Oct 19 was reserved to play the Finals. Teams competed against one another remained on the same tennis court during the day. Play proceeded as follows: The #2 Singles match played first, the #1 Singles match played next, then a Break for Lunch, and the Doubles followed. The winning team had to win 2 of the 3 matches. The court surface was red clay, which requires the player to be more patient and use more angles when hitting, as opposed to the hard courts which we mostly play on here in the United States, which require the player to hit more offensive shots and keep the ball low and flat. There were 60 tennis courts at our venue, Club Ali Bey Manevgat.
Here are the Men's 35's (Italia Cup Division) day-to-day results from the competition, beginning with the 23 teams divided into 6 round-robin pools, with the winners each advancing to the knock-out phase.
Pool Play (Round Robin):
Day 1: USA def. Estonia (3-0); I played the Doubles with Jim Slonac
Day 2: USA def. Great Britain (3-0); I played the Doubles with Jim Slonac
Day 3: USA def. Romania (2-1); I played the #1 Singles.
Pool Winner: USA
Final Round (Knock-out Phase):
Day 4: Argentina def USA (2-1); I did not play today. Argentina moved on to semifinals and will face France, as Czech Republic moves on and will face Germany.
Day 5 (Playoff for 5th and 6th place): Austria def. USA (2-0; Doubles unplayed); I played the #1 Singles; and day off for semi-final teams.
USA Result: 6th Place
Semis and Finals:
Day 6 – Semi-finals: Argentina def. France (2-1), Czech Republic def. Germany (2-1).
Day 7 – Argentina def. Czech Republic (2-0, Doubles unplayed).
Winner: Argentina
The United States has done quite well in the history of the championships since its inception in 1981, by finishing first or second in 12 of the 19 divisions last year. The ITF Seniors/Super-Seniors World Team Championships is the most coveted team event on the ITF Seniors circuit.
With this being an Olympic year and everything that the Beijing Olympics represent about countries uniting and coming together in competition, it was exciting that I earned the chance to compete the this world event representing the United States of America. I was selected by the USTA as 1 of 4 players to represent the USA in the Men's 35 Division. The player selected were Andy Lake (Captain), Willie Dann, Chris Carey, and Jim Slonac. What an honor and a great opportunity! The USTA and ITF covered the expenses on this international event. With the distance of travel and length of time that it took to go overseas I requested the time off from school teaching.
Packed and ready to go, I boarded the plane with Stacy (my fiancée) on Wednesday, Oct 8 following our work. We traveled from Kansas City through Chicago, onto London, into Istanbul, and finally arrive in Antalya, Turkey on Thursday night. Friday was a practice day. Saturday, Oct 11 at 4:00pm (local time) was the Opening Ceremony, where all teams wore their official team clothing. Sunday, Oct 12 was the Start of Play.
Teams were divided into pools, with the winning teams advancing to the knock-out round throughout the week, concluding with the Finals on Saturday, Oct 18. In the event of bad weather, Sunday Oct 19 was reserved to play the Finals. Teams competed against one another remained on the same tennis court during the day. Play proceeded as follows: The #2 Singles match played first, the #1 Singles match played next, then a Break for Lunch, and the Doubles followed. The winning team had to win 2 of the 3 matches. The court surface was red clay, which requires the player to be more patient and use more angles when hitting, as opposed to the hard courts which we mostly play on here in the United States, which require the player to hit more offensive shots and keep the ball low and flat. There were 60 tennis courts at our venue, Club Ali Bey Manevgat.
Here are the Men's 35's (Italia Cup Division) day-to-day results from the competition, beginning with the 23 teams divided into 6 round-robin pools, with the winners each advancing to the knock-out phase.
Pool Play (Round Robin):
Day 1: USA def. Estonia (3-0); I played the Doubles with Jim Slonac
Day 2: USA def. Great Britain (3-0); I played the Doubles with Jim Slonac
Day 3: USA def. Romania (2-1); I played the #1 Singles.
Pool Winner: USA
Final Round (Knock-out Phase):
Day 4: Argentina def USA (2-1); I did not play today. Argentina moved on to semifinals and will face France, as Czech Republic moves on and will face Germany.
Day 5 (Playoff for 5th and 6th place): Austria def. USA (2-0; Doubles unplayed); I played the #1 Singles; and day off for semi-final teams.
USA Result: 6th Place
Semis and Finals:
Day 6 – Semi-finals: Argentina def. France (2-1), Czech Republic def. Germany (2-1).
Day 7 – Argentina def. Czech Republic (2-0, Doubles unplayed).
Winner: Argentina
Now, for the entire USA Senior Davis Cup Final Results (from Carolyn Nichols)
The U.S.A. senior and super senior teams won four titles in Turkey at the ITF Senior and Super Senior World Team Championships, held October 12-18, 2008. The USTA sent 19 teams to Antalya, Turkey to compete in the largest international tennis team competition ever held. The U.S. came home with four championships, and finished in the top three in 14 divisions overall. The U.S. won the women’s 50, 55 and 75 and over age divisions and the men’s 75 and over age division. The U.S. was the finalist in eight divisions: men’s 45, 55, 70, and 80 and women’s 60, 65 and 70 and won the bronze medal in the women’s 45 and men’s 50 and 65 age divisions. In the other age divisions, the U.S.A. finished fourth in the men’s 40s and women’s 35s; fifth in the men’s 60s; sixth in the men’s 35s, and seventh in the women’s 40s.
Next year the seniors, ages 35-55 will be playing April 27-May 2, 2009 in Mallorca, Spain and the super seniors, ages 60-80, will be playing in Perth, Australia November 2-7, 2009.
The U.S.A. senior and super senior teams won four titles in Turkey at the ITF Senior and Super Senior World Team Championships, held October 12-18, 2008. The USTA sent 19 teams to Antalya, Turkey to compete in the largest international tennis team competition ever held. The U.S. came home with four championships, and finished in the top three in 14 divisions overall. The U.S. won the women’s 50, 55 and 75 and over age divisions and the men’s 75 and over age division. The U.S. was the finalist in eight divisions: men’s 45, 55, 70, and 80 and women’s 60, 65 and 70 and won the bronze medal in the women’s 45 and men’s 50 and 65 age divisions. In the other age divisions, the U.S.A. finished fourth in the men’s 40s and women’s 35s; fifth in the men’s 60s; sixth in the men’s 35s, and seventh in the women’s 40s.
Next year the seniors, ages 35-55 will be playing April 27-May 2, 2009 in Mallorca, Spain and the super seniors, ages 60-80, will be playing in Perth, Australia November 2-7, 2009.
Here are some final but important details that led up to this Team World Championships and my tennis:
I always write on the back of my shoes "Rip it up", but for this USA trip I have written "USA." My favorite past player is Ivan Lendl; my favorite current player is Rafael Nadal.
Jim Slonac and I did some great preparation work when we went to Europe this summer 2008 for 6 weeks to train on the red clay and prepare just for this USA team event. And we had a great time with some great adventures and we actually watched the Federer vs. Nadal Wimbledon Final!
Thanks for these people who have most helped me improve my tennis game and enjoy it so much:
Thanks for these people who have most helped me improve my tennis game and enjoy it so much:
Jesus Christ, Stacy, my parents Chuck & Linda, Kendra & Geoff, Kevin, my good friend & coach Ray Lake, Paul Montello, Mike Jordahl, Drew King, Doug Nuenke, Harry Durgin, Jim Slonac, John Powless, Hayden Perez (Univ. of Nebraska Assistant Women's Tennis Coach), Bob Zoller, Tim Reynolds, Phil White, Willie Alumbaugh, Chris Smith, Sam Keeton (Notre Dame), Grant Fleming (UT), Nick McFee, Babolat, KC Racquet Club, The Babolat/KCRC Sunday Doubles League Players, Aaron Marchetti, the Frye Family, Eric Looney (my website), Carlos Acosta, Mark Whiting, my Texas friends and tennis players (Jory Ereckson and Guillaume Gauthier), my Arizona friends and tennis players (Bobby Bull and Jesse Ponwith), Blue Hills Country Club, Kirkland Gates and Drake Vidrine at The Carriage Club, John Shaw, Pete Stroer, and Stuart Waters at Overland Park Racquet Club, Rex Haltain and the Players, The Stephanie Waterman Tennis Foundation, Bob Litwin, Phil Landauer, Mickey Maule, Andy Lake, Willie Dann, Jim Nelson, Glenn Erickson, Craig Pagenkopf, Oak Park High School, Staley High School (Clark Mershon, Principal), and the North Kansas City School District (Superintendent Tom Cummings), the HOA, the MVTA, and the USTA.
Thanks to my Italia Cup Teammates---Jim, Andy, and Willie!
Thanks to my Italia Cup Teammates---Jim, Andy, and Willie!
Go USA!!!
What other players made the USA World Team?
2008 Senior USA Men’s Team: http://www.usta.com/USTA/Global/Play_Now/Adults_Seniors/Information/2008_Seniors_Men.aspx
2008 Super-Seniors USA Men’s Team:
http://www.usta.com/USTA/Global/Play_Now/Adults_Seniors/Information/2008_Mens_Super_Seniors_USA_Teams.aspx
2008 Seniors USA Women’s Team
http://www.usta.com/USTA/Global/Play_Now/Adults_Seniors/Information/2008_Seniors_Women.aspx
2008 Super-Seniors USA Women’s Team
http://www.usta.com/USTA/Global/Play_Now/Adults_Seniors/Information/2008_Womens_Super_Seniors.aspx
2008 Super-Seniors USA Men’s Team:
http://www.usta.com/USTA/Global/Play_Now/Adults_Seniors/Information/2008_Mens_Super_Seniors_USA_Teams.aspx
2008 Seniors USA Women’s Team
http://www.usta.com/USTA/Global/Play_Now/Adults_Seniors/Information/2008_Seniors_Women.aspx
2008 Super-Seniors USA Women’s Team
http://www.usta.com/USTA/Global/Play_Now/Adults_Seniors/Information/2008_Womens_Super_Seniors.aspx
Teams Named - How was I notified that I had been selected for the USA Team?
Click here->Teams Named to Represent the USAThe USTA announced the players who will represent the United States of America at the 28th ITF Seniors & Super-Seniors World Team Championships. The nation’s top tennis players in age groups from 35 to 80 will compete against 375 teams from 38 countries around the globe, Oct. 12-18, in Antalya, Turkey.
The ITF Seniors/Super-Seniors World Team Championships is the most coveted team event on the ITF Seniors circuit. Since its inception in 1981, the number of competitors attracted to this event has increased year by year.
This year’s tournament boasts an all-time record, with more than 1,000 players scheduled to compete for their respective titles in each division. In all, there are 374 teams competing -- 225 teams in the Seniors division and 149 Super-Senior Teams. The Seniors (35-55) and Super-Seniors (60-80 for men and 60-75 for women) World Team Championships are held yearly in countries all over the world. South Africa, South America, Australia, New Zealand, Europe and the United States have each taken their turn hosting the Seniors and Super-Seniors World Championships.
So, how did I get named to be part of the USA team?
Currently I am the #1 player in the country in the Men's 35's in Singles and Doubles (with Jim Slonac). But selection is not based soley on ranking. Teams are selected based upon significant direct and indirect wins and losses against USTA players in the same age division. Results in Category I National Championships are more important than other events, results on the surface of the competition are more important than results on other surfaces, and recent results are more important than earlier results. Results from a different age division may be considered but will be less important than results in the age division being considered. Both length and strength of a playing record will be considered. I was first sent a letter on May 16, 2008 (this letter also goes out to about 6-10 other prospective players) from USTA headquarters asking me to consider my availability for acceptance---but not yet selection---for the USA World Team and to send back asap. Then, I was later notified this summer in mid-June 2008 that I had been selected!!!! I was at dinner with Stacy at the home of Ralph and Wendy Casone when I received the call from Jim Nelson, from the USTA Senior International Competition Committee (along with our Captain Andy Lake, Willie Dann, and Jim Slonac). I was really excited and honored ---and still am! I truly is a dream come true! I was "Living the Dream" as we tennis players like to say!
This great news came just before I headed to Europe to train on Clay with Slonac, play 2 clay tournaments and 1 grass tournament, tour Europe, and go to Wimbledon. And yes, I did have a seat at The Wimbledon Final---it was only the greatest tennis match of all time!
Saturday, October 4, 2008
Departing for Turkey
I have been selected by the USTA as 1 of 4 players to represent the USA at the Senior Olympics for Tennis in the Men's 35 Division (official name is the ITF Seniors and Super-Seniors World Team Championships). What an honor and a great opportunity! The ITF Seniors/Super-Seniors World Team Championships is the most coveted team event. The nation's top tennis players in age groups from 35 - 80 (by five-year age categories) will compete against the best from 38 countries from around the globe Oct. 12-18, in Antalya, Turkey.
Who is on the USA Team? How was I selected to play & represent the USA? Who else made the list of players representing the USA in their age-division team? What countries will we play against?
Click this link for more info: http://www.usta.com/sitecore/content/USTA/Global/Play_Now/Adults_Seniors/Information/14442_Senior_International_Competition.aspx
Teams Competing(pdf.)
http://www.itftennis.com/shared/medialibrary/pdf/original/IO_31809_original.PDF
Packed and ready to go, I will be boarding the plane with Stacy (my fiancé) on Wednesday, Oct 8 following our work. We will fly from Kansas City through Chicago, onto London, into Istanbul, and finally arrive in Antalya, Turkey on Thursday night. Friday will be a practice day. Saturday, Oct 11 at 4:00pm (local time) will be the Opening Ceremony, where all teams will wear their official team clothing.
Sunday, Oct 12 will be the Start of Play. Teams will be divided into pools, with the winning teams advancing to other pools thoughout the week, concluding with the Finals on Saturday, Oct 18. In the event of bad weather, Sunday Oct 19 is reserved to play the Finals. Teams competing against one another will remain on the same tennis court during the day. Play will proceed as follows: The #2 Singles match played first, the #1 Singles match played next, then a Break for Lunch, and the Doubles match to follow. The winning team is that which wins 2 of the 3 matches. The court surface is Red Clay and there are 86 courts at two venues.
Who is on the USA Team? How was I selected to play & represent the USA? Who else made the list of players representing the USA in their age-division team? What countries will we play against?
Click this link for more info: http://www.usta.com/sitecore/content/USTA/Global/Play_Now/Adults_Seniors/Information/14442_Senior_International_Competition.aspx
Teams Competing(pdf.)
http://www.itftennis.com/shared/medialibrary/pdf/original/IO_31809_original.PDF
Packed and ready to go, I will be boarding the plane with Stacy (my fiancé) on Wednesday, Oct 8 following our work. We will fly from Kansas City through Chicago, onto London, into Istanbul, and finally arrive in Antalya, Turkey on Thursday night. Friday will be a practice day. Saturday, Oct 11 at 4:00pm (local time) will be the Opening Ceremony, where all teams will wear their official team clothing.
Sunday, Oct 12 will be the Start of Play. Teams will be divided into pools, with the winning teams advancing to other pools thoughout the week, concluding with the Finals on Saturday, Oct 18. In the event of bad weather, Sunday Oct 19 is reserved to play the Finals. Teams competing against one another will remain on the same tennis court during the day. Play will proceed as follows: The #2 Singles match played first, the #1 Singles match played next, then a Break for Lunch, and the Doubles match to follow. The winning team is that which wins 2 of the 3 matches. The court surface is Red Clay and there are 86 courts at two venues.
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