Tennis can be played at any age and it is great for physical and mental health. According to Tennis Industry Association, U.S. tennis participation grew by 1 million players in 2022 with more than 23.6 million playing the sport–the third consecutive year that the sport has seen an increase. Since the start of 2020, tennis has seen an increase of 5.9 million, or 33 percent, since the start of 2020.
Tall Oaks Tennis Club introduced an easier way to start playing the game or continue to play the game coming back from an injury or surgery, Masters Tennis.
Nancy Fontana, Sun City resident, and masters tennis ambassador, said, “When my husband started researching about masters tennis, he got so excited about bringing it to Sun City. Luckily, he realized that an easier form of tennis was needed to extend the life of a tennis player. I knew it would be a great way to play tennis for many years to come and jumped at the chance to promote it and become the coordinator.”
Masters tennis is played on a smaller, 60-foot court with a slower ball and a regular tennis racket. It’s perfect for beginners learning to play and for players with mobility challenges. You can serve underhand, which is easier on the shoulders. The first team to get four points wins.
Robin Chambers, an avid player of both tennis and masters tennis, said, “Masters is easy to learn, fun to play, social, and keeps you active.”
Fontana said, “Residents can play masters tennis when they don’t want to play so strenuously in hot weather, don’t move as well as used to, coming back from injury or surgery, are just new to the sport of tennis, or just want to come out for fun and exercise.”
Sun City residents came out to the courts to try masters tennis indoors for free at Northwestern Medicine Health and Fitness Center Huntley sponsored by Tall Oaks Tennis Club.
Frank Eisler said, “An easy and fun way to get started in tennis. Also, super fun for those of us who are slowing down and still want to enjoy the game.”
Rita Schank, a Sun City resident trying tennis for the first time, said, “It was fun. I loved it and I will continue to play.”
Gerry Slinn-Sala said, “After three years of absence off the tennis courts, I had a great time learning masters tennis. I am looking forward to coming back to play soon.”
Another free event to try Masters Tennis is scheduled on Sun City courts with a tennis pro on April 14 at 4 p.m. There are group lessons offered at low rates through the Charter Club. Anyone wishing to try Master Tennis can contact Nancy Fontana at owllover11@hotmail.com.
