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FOUR SEASONS BREEZE | OCTOBER 2019 57 Tennis Club Looking backward a bit, we had the largest turn-out for our August Play Day in the history of the world. Of course, our Four Seasons Beaumont Tennis Club world only goes back ten or 12 years, but it was still momentous to have 21 players come out to The Courts and participate in the rotating matches. Let's see if we can beat that at the Saturday, Oct. 26 Play Day! Looking forward now, plans are well under way for another new event – the Autumn Aces Doubles Tournament on Saturday, Nov. 9. In addition to the doubles' competition, there will be a serving contest called "Ace the Turkey." Players will attempt to hit turkey targets (not the ones dropped from a helicopter on WKRP in Cincinnati) with their serves in hopes of winning a can of tennis balls. Losers can just stuff it. Some players have noticed that the net adjustment straps on some courts are frayed and broken. The HOA has been informed and replacement straps have been ordered so that the nets can be properly adjusted. As noted in the September-October edition of Tennis Magazine, USTA Rule 1 specifies that the net height at the center is to be 36." If the height is not correct, it should be adjusted at a convenient and fair time, such as a set changeover. Another citation in that edition talked about making ethical line calls. It referred to #13 of The Code, which states that "With the exception of the first serve, a player should call out the player's own shots if the player clearly sees the ball out, regardless of whether requested to do so by the opponent." I now apologize for when I haven't done that. One more reference to court conduct: this occurred at the men's championship of the U.S Open tournament. The two players were Rafael Nadal and Daniil Medvedev. During one of his earlier matches in the tournament, Medvedev made an obscene gesture to the New York crowd, which was not favoring him. Needless to say, that just riled up the crowd more. So, players should avoid flipping the middle finger to the crowd. However, there are times when your racquet has misbehaved that it should be shamed with a surreptitious little digital signal or a private and quiet profane scolding. It deserves it. Visit our website: https://sites.google/view/tennis- fourseasons/home. ~ Steven Hovey, sahovey47@hotmail.com Paddle Tennis This month we would like to feature our most senior player. Diego Santos was born in November, 1944, which make him 75 years young. However, if you were to meet him you will think that he is much younger as he speaks with a strong voice, has bright eyes, and moves like a man half his age. Diego started playing paddle tennis about five years ago; and, after a few games, he was hooked. He tells me that he cannot wait to get on the court to challenge younger players. Diego is a very competitive player and his favorite call is "Out." His winning play is the drop shot. Diego's advice to new players is to come out and watch the better players play as you may learn a lot. His favorite drink is tequila, and you can be sure he has a bottle on hand at all our parties. If Diego can play at 75 years young, I am sure you can also do it. Truly, age is just a number. For more information, please call Alex at (909) 746-7529 or Alan at (310) 251-9269. ~ Alan Chan Diego Santos

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