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60 60 | SUN LAKES LIFESTYLES | OCTOBER 2021 | | SUN LAKES LIFESTYLES | OCTOBER 2021 | On a balmy afternoon or evening it is not uncommon to find several who are new to tennis trying out their strokes against the green wall on court #2. Perhaps they are acting upon a dream long delayed. All residents of Sun Lakes enjoy access to our first-rate facilities along with the further prospect of working on their skills. Novice players would do well to take advantage of formal lessons. Our Mixers, held on the first Saturday of each month, include a free skills session that is open to all playing levels for both men and women. The fall season typically turns out to be a busy time for the Tennis Club. September included a Mixed Doubles tournament. Men's and Women's Doubles Tournaments find their home in October. Each of these events is open to the participation of Club members. Here is a thumbnail sketch of our proposed calendar for the balance of 2021: Oct. 1-3 – Men's Doubles Tournament Oct. 15 – Friday Night Lights Oct. 22-24 – Women's Doubles Tournament Nov. 20 – Turkey Shoot Dec. 11 - Quarterly Meeting & Holiday Party A number of Club members choose to go beyond these immediate, Club sponsored activities, through USTA (US Tennis Association) competition. As we are past the COVID-19 shutdown of last year, USTA leagues are returning. Notably, a men's 65 plus league has been formed with Bob Walter as the captain of our Sun Lakes team. There are also those who follow tennis at the professional level by way of attending major tournaments such as the one held annually in Indian Wells, the BNP Paribas Open. Due to COVID-19 the event is delayed in 2021 to Oct. 4 to 17. Information about tickets, venues, and parking is readily available on the internet. Several members of the Tennis Club will very likely take in the excitement and inspiration of this event. It is not uncommon for those of us who have attended major tennis events such as the BNP Paribas Open, the US Open, or Wimbledon, for example, to report that we were hugely excited and inspired by what we saw and felt. We came home ready to work on the variety of skills that are needed to play at a more advanced level. However, whatever one's skill level, the object in tennis is to find on-court parity where the game can be both challenging, and a boatload of fun. In closing, a tennis tip offered by Phil Hazelton: As we enjoy tennis during our older years we must realize we are not in our 20s. Daily stretching is a must. Stretching on and off the court is important. Be sure to stretch 'after you play.' Start your morning tennis from the short court area (service boxes) till you feel warmed up. Hitting in a smaller area makes one focus, and most importantly warms up one's body. If you do have an injury, let it heal. Remember to keep your eye on the ball and the fun in your game Tennis