Used to play competitively when I was younger. Lettered 5yrs in HS. Played regional tournaments, was sponsored by the Dunlop National Tennis team. My mom taught me tennis - she was really good and sponsored by Prince. The last time I picked up a racquet was in 2015 when I bet my friend $1K for a 1 set match and lost. I rage quit tennis and haven't played since then. Recently a client of mine invited me to play a few times per week and will probably play on Thursday at an exclusive private tennis club. I got some new K-Swiss shoes, had my racquet re-strung with new strings and got some new tennis attire to play the part. I actually have 3 racquets so need the others re-strung as well and need some new grips, but will probably get that done tomorrow.
I just don't want to look like a total fool, but am somewhat excited to get back in the game. It is good exercise and can be very fun and is healthy, but I know my serve is going to be trash. I told my client I'm out of practice and he said 'don't worry about it' so that's fine, but I know I'm going to absolutely suck initially. I know my game in my mind, but previously when out of practice I've been playing bad and lost that set for $1K. The courts are mostly clay and I like clay and typically slide to get near the net drop shots.
Anyone play tennis or used to play tennis? How often do you play? I know Numi on here used to play tennis, but haven't seen him post in a while.
Based on the most helpful WSO content, it sounds like you're gearing up for a solid return to tennis! First off, don't stress too much about looking rusty—your client seems understanding, and the fact that you're preparing with new gear and re-stringing your racquets shows you're taking it seriously. Here are a few quick tips to ease back into the game and avoid feeling out of place:
Focus on Fundamentals: Since you mentioned your serve might be rusty, spend a little time practicing it before Thursday. Even 15-20 minutes of serving on your own can help you regain some muscle memory. Keep it simple—focus on consistency over power.
Adapt to Clay: You already like clay courts and sliding, which is great. Just remember that clay can be slower, so positioning and patience will be key. If you can, practice a few groundstrokes to get used to the bounce.
Pace Yourself: Since it's been a while, don't overdo it in the first few sessions. Focus on enjoying the game and getting a feel for your strokes again. The fitness and precision will come back with time.
Mindset: You’ve got a strong tennis background, so trust that your skills will resurface. Don’t let the $1K match loss from 2015 linger in your mind—it’s a fresh start.
Lastly, it’s awesome that you’re reconnecting with the sport. Tennis is not only great exercise but also a fantastic way to build relationships, especially in a setting like a private club. Have fun out there, and don’t hesitate to share how it goes!
I played competitively in the juniors (itf, national tournaments) and at a top 20 D1 school. Haven’t picked up the racquets in a few years but like you I’ve been feeling the itch to get back on the court. Not sure where most people in the city play, I heard the courts on the UWS near 127th(?) are decent.
Nice. Sounds like you got skills - you’re better than me. I have reservations to play at a country club on clay on Saturday and Sunday. Should be fun. Got 3 racquets restrung with all new grips.
Nice man, hard to beat some well-groomed country club clay
What strings and what racket? If you're on TT then lmk and we'll connect. I'm currently trying to play about 8-10 hours a week but life keeps getting in the way. Probably average closer to 6-8 hours of on-court time.
I’m not sure what TT is but live in SC. I have 3 Wilson Hammer 6.2 95s with Power Holes strung with 17 gauge Volkl Cyclone at 55.5. I used to use Wilson NXT 17 and just got a reel of that recently for when I break strings. I used to string my own racquets but don’t have a stringer anymore.
That’s cool you play. It’s a fun sport and good exercise.
TT is talktennis, which is a tennis forum- Cyclone is awesome, and the NXT will never die on you, but if you're hitting with pace, be prepared for it to break quickly. Have fun, and try not to get as addicted as I am!
This is timely, I've been thinking about getting back into it, there's a public court not too far from me. I similarly haven't played in years but I really enjoyed it and would like to get back into it, considering I suck ass at golf and can't ski that well either so I might as well get back to being good at this. Racquetball and squash are really fun too, my undergrad had courts which was a lot of fun to play around in.
Played tennis today - I absolutely suck. My serve doesn’t work, I was shanking my high spin forehand and the only thing intact was my one handed slice backhand. Playing again tomorrow.
Enjoy Isaiah. Always good to get back into a hobby. Don’t sweat the details. Are you still doing Muay Thai or switching to new (old) stuff?
I had to drop Muay Thai last year to take care of my Dad (making dinner every night), but I am really tight with the Muay Thai community in my area and might make a return next year as my Dad passed Nov 1. I really like Muay Thai sparring over the actual classes so might ask my coach if I can just spar. I like hitting the heavy bag too. The classes are just so many combos and I forget the moves but with sparring it’s just free flowing and I like that a lot better.
I’m also a member at Crunch so can hit the heavy bags there as well. I love kicking the shit out of the bag in low kicks and also love elbows.
Charleston Muay Thai (@charleston_muay_thai) • Instagram photos and videos
Had a similar problem when I picked up tennis. Used to hit hard / flat forehands consistently as a late teen but cannot do that anymore at 30+ (had a shoulder injury in college that never got better, for some reason it tends to get aggravated with forehands but not on my serve or backhand).
Also a Wilson racket fan here. Forgot which old Federer frame I once used but I never hit cleaner with any other racket. Friend had it strung with a very similar setup to prime Federer. Was so fun to play with.
I play with heavier rackets now since they're better for control and switched over to a 1-handed backhand.
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