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Saturday and Sunday's Tennis

I can only comment in part right now and will wait for a copy of the final draw with correct scores and names before I give an in depth review of the final two days of this Club Sport Junior Tournament.

But what I will address are the top five events that took place, in my opinion. Each time I write here or interview a person it is based on complete honesty. In other words, there is no couched lingo or contrived,  insincere words for the sake of having something to ask or to write. That is why the company I run, AHonestVideo.com, is named as it is. Each comment and question, video and article is 100% honest and sincere. And each of us has their own honest perspective of what takes place and insights into the game. In this review and throughout this site is mine, and I welcome others to submit their own. You may have seen something worth mentioning or have an opposing view. All perspectives are welcome. But when I see a match or interact with others I have my own insights and what I saw to be the most significant moment of this weeks tournament was in the Boys 12 and under consolation match.

I was in the parking lot about to leave, after having been at Club Sport each day through almost all the matches. Then I knew it was not time to go. Why go three sets and let down in the final tie breaker? There was only one match left and the rational was I had already gotten highlights and there was no need to stay any longer. But I knew I should stay as I began to drive away. So I turned around and parked. I went inside and just as I was going outside to the match I saw on the floor my battery charger. I smiled knowing had I not come back it would have been left there, and the hour I thought I was going to save by leaving earlier would have turned into a otherwise unnecessary trip back to Club Sports.

I went out to the court and watch the second set. Patrick Kawka had won the first set easily. But now it was 5-4 with Angel Getsov winning and serving to force a third set. He got the first three points making it 40- 0 and set point and I could see he believed he had the game tied up. This is a big mistake. When ever a "Thought" implies you have it won when it is not over, it is a lie, that if believed you carry, and this invisible weight brings you down until you snap out of it, which often times is too late.

Angel served and began to hit defensively, leaving the strokes that got him to 5-4 behind. Now he was maintaining the lead waiting for Patrick to miss. And Patrick used this as fuel to hit very nice winners, tying up the game to deuce and eventually his add. Angel got it back to deuce with a nice shot and in the next point was something very admirable. It was not only that he did it, but the way it was done. Angel hit a great approach shot and took to the net forcing Patrick to hit quick, and Patrick hit a long ball way over Javier's head that to me and Angel  looked way out. In fact Angel had already celebrated yelling out "Yea" but as he turned around Patrick's ball with heavy topspin came flying down just on the back edge of the line. So close that it left much room for a man lacking integrity to justify calling it out. Even many on the sidelines would agree it may have been out. But Angel  knew it had touched the line and without hesitation reversed his call with the stroke of his flat hand and a sigh. When I asked him about it after the match he looked at me as if what he had done was normal and not a significant point of the match. In fact at first he had not remembered it.  And that is the way it should be. Being honest is not something a person should get rewards for, it is something one just does, selfishly even. He had the attitude of "Of course I called it in what else would I have done", not capable of fathoming a dishonest call. And I explained that to he and I it is just natural but some people over ride that natural inclination to be honest and justify calling balls they know to be in out, especially in match deciding points like this one where the ball looked in may ways out. Now I would not be writing this if the ball were out and he called it in out of fear. I am writing this because he made a great call without hesitation in a match deciding moment, and did so with grace. And at the end when he did lose to Patrick he again was a gentleman. He played well. Patrick played well, and it was a great moment. Then I saw Angel Getsov's  Bulgarian father who had a serious look the whole tournament laughing and enjoying the time with his other son court side. Also there was Patrick's mother who offered Mr. Getsov   a post match compliment in Bulgarian. I asked Patrick to tell me how the match went in Polish and he obliged. To Patrick's credit he played some very nice tennis towards the end of the match to break even and regain the lead. One point in particular was a back and forth volley that had to cross the net 4 or five times before Patrick hit an ungettable.  The video highlights of this and other matches can be viewed in the Video highlights section of this site after they have been edited. To be notified when the edited Video and pictures are ready, you may submit your e-mail by clicking here.

The number two impression made on me was Stan Breland. I have witnessed him progress this summer as he has become a gentleman on the court. I remember seeing him win the Summerlin junior tournament and he at times had difficulty keeping his calm on bad points and tight situations. Yet today he played one of the best, closest matches of the tournament, (tied with or second to Candynce Boney and Asia Muhammad's match) against the number one seeded player Rishi Baulat. Stan was hitting great shots, ungettable, then Rishi got them back, then Stan would get it back, and it was great play after great play. Stan put up a fight in every game sending it to deuce. I noticed Rishi's game improved dramatically from his play in other matches I had taped as his limits were tested and pushed to a higher level as the two players forced the best out of each other. And at the end with Finalist trophy in hand Stan had a huge grin on his face, no resentment for having come in second, and nothing but acknowledgments for Rishi's game. While Rishi too explained how he "Played out of his mind" and , Rishi, who usually has very little to say, went on about how great the match was and how Stan forced him to play at another level. Rishi said by far Stan was his best competition yet and it was a great attitude, in both players, to witness. This is helped by the fact that on the side lines was Stan's father who was as cool as a cucumber throughout the whole ordeal. Both his daughter Candynce and Stan were in the finals and he was enjoying the whole experience as if he were on holiday. Not once did I see tension in the man's face as both matches were extremely close. A player's disposition can often times be improved and at the very least stay the same when they look over and see a calm and easy going parent. I notice when taping juniors many often look over constantly at their parents, and for them to see a calm and stable force is going to be better then seeing one who is more uptight then they are. This is not to say a parents stable demeanor will always keep the players in order. But is sets a standard for them to go back to, and one that can possibly snap them out of losing focus. All in all It was the ultimate match where both players played their best with integrity and resolve, leaving them both satisfied at the end.

Then came the closest, most fascinating match play of the day. Asia Muhammad and Candynce Boney, both of TEAM AGASSI,  played one set in the time it took other matches to almost complete. And not because they played it safe either. With a few exceptions, these ladies were going all out and taking a number of angles and deep shots to the baseline. And what is amazing about these two players is the no quit running. Both go after every single shot where others may quit. The last time I saw a player fight like these young ladies was at Mutterspaw witnessing Christian Thompson fight for every point never letting down. The first set went to Asia, then the second went to Candynce and the third set was neck and neck as Candynce went up 2-1. then went up 3-1, but not until each game was fought out tooth and nail. Then Asia went on fire, no longer holding back she started to nail forehands down the lane often times just grabbing the baseline. Here comes Asia 2-3, then 3-3, then 4-3, then 5-3, then 6-3, set, match. An excellent well fought win that had to have been three hours or more. I can not do a match like this justice with words. You had to see these young ladies hitting and going after every ball.

Court side watching this match was Both Candynce and Asia's parents who attend every event, along with Ki Kroll, the Team Agassi coach and other team Agassi members and fans, including Donald Muhammad's children, Asia's brothers and his friends, who took advantage of the Club Sports facility by playing pick up basketball among themselves and by beating some older players in two on two.

 Also on Team Agassi , Jasmine Muhammad (no relation to Asia), the number two seed played, played Christala Andrews, the number one seed for the 16 and under finals. This is not the first time they have met. It is often this showdown in local tournaments with each having taken on the other and won in the past. But today was Cristala's day as she danced hitting hard and moving often on the court.  Christala just got back from playing in the National Tournament in California where she made it to the semifinals against the top players in the nation. Jasmine was also in California for this tournament and won a number of matches against players from all over the country.

Click here to see the Roxy/Quicksilver Local review by Robert Merriman

All in all Team Agassi left today with four pieces of metal. One Finalist winner trophy and three Finalist trophy's. That translates into 3 second places and one 1st place trophy. Court side to watch these matches was Sabrina Capanollo, who might have to play one of these girls one day as they progress. Also keeping track of all the matches was Club Sport's Head professional Michael James.

Stan Breland's dad has informed me that the players from Team Agassi will be going to Wimbledon this year to participate in some junior tennis events there and that Stan had just gotten back from the Quicksilver National Tournament in California where he made it to the quarterfinals of the main draw.

Roxy National Tournament Results

QuickSilver National Tournament Results

The family environment was strong as the Murphy parents and children not only watched and played in the tournament, but played well as Lindsey won the girls 12 and under singles with Alicia Karafa coming in second, and her sister Ali Murphy winning the 14 and under consolation trophy against Louise Miclat.

Other notable matches in the girls 14 and under was Racquel Martinez and Ali Murphy who's games were pushed to deuce almost every time with the first set going to Racquel, the second to Ali and the third set to Racquel. Both players got their money's worth out of this match alone. It was 7-6(8); 4-6; 6-1. Ali and Lindsey Murphy,  Alicia and Alan Karfa all play on Rick Storozuk's Mighty Aces out of Mission Hills. Also on that team is another finalist of this tournament Jonathan Fragoso. In fact, their father is very involved in working with Rick and the Nevada Tennis Association in getting junior tennis programs off the ground. This year the ducks came in second place to Club Sports team after a great finals match at the UNLV Tennis center just weeks ago. Mr. Murphy who has his two daughters on the team is quoted as saying his team did great all years and did very well in the finals but Club Sport had more depth and talent on that given day. Right now he is working on a program to bring local High School Tennis coaches up to speed on what the NTA has to offer them in support and communication. Clinics are being established for the coaches and students to help promote the game and how to fund their programs. Veterans like Gordon Hammond, who runs Summerlin Tennis and is the coach of the Bishop Gordon team, will be on hand to discuss the tennis program he has put together and to offer assistance to the new High Schools who are developing programs or other schools who's programs want a boost. Not that Gordon or other local Tennis professionals know more. It will simply serve as a place where, at the very least coaches can begin to communicate with one another which could lead to more ideas and working relationships. Like these tournaments, this web site, or any of the other things individuals have put together; a person is led to do something and by doing so something is created and enjoyed by all. This one tournament at Club sports open the door for many new players to come and play tennis, like the girls from Bolder City, and for players like Angel and Stan to shine in moments that otherwise would not have been there. A place for the Garrett's, Murphy's, Uriarte's, James's, Muhammad's, Breland's, Shivley's, Kawka's, Morrissey's, Gestov's, Kenyon's, Baulat's, Schofield 's, Ribaste's, Whiting's, Miclat's , Karafa's , Guiffria's, Harper's and Lovett's to spend time as a family. One man asked me about a coach for his daughter who is about seven, and I pointed out the truth any grown parent can attest to, that now they want to play with you. Later when they want to play with others they will. But at this age the development is in a proper bond with their parents as they show them by example how to be stable, firm and correct under pressure and in enjoyable environments. A great example of how physical skills can come to a player in no time is in Michael Uriarte who plays tennis by choice as he has put aside a life long career in basketball for a new found sport he loves. After playing pick up game after pick up game at Club Sport and seeing others move on to the courts he picked up a racket and has thrived. After playing for about two years he made it to the finals of this tournament and others including the Desert Palm Junior open that just past. He played in the open category at Stacy Darling and was able to keep up and win against some of the best players in the Valley. Some people believe there is little time, hurry, hurry. There is plenty of time. There is a natural progression that if allowed to take it's course works perfectly.

I spoke with Kevin Bradley who has been a staple of Junior Tennis in Las Vegas after picking up the game "Late" as a junior, but wound up getting a full ride to a top twenty tennis school in the likes of San Diego and went on the play professional tennis breaking the top 500 in the world. Not that I find awards and achievement to be proof that the proper approach to life and tennis will be rewarding. There are many untold story's of success where a player takes the principles he or she acquired in playing the game of tennis right and incorporated them into how they run their life today with family's, jobs, and the various challenges that approach us every day, like fixing the car. If you can choose to be calm under pressure on the court, being honest and true to oneself at match point, then when the radiator breaks or the kids are acting out and the job is requiring all you have, it is there to be given. You rise to the occasion, and the only award and spectator in this match is yourself. The greatest reward of all. And that is why when I write about what I see on the court I not only mention the valiant efforts to score points but the attitude and mental toughness used to do so. It is a intricate part of the game that long after your forehand is gone, you will have.

It was nice to hear that Club Sports not only has a Junior Academy that offers the players an environment to play and compete, but to address the various principles to the game of tennis. Michael James explained in length his philosophy in tennis as one to prepare children to win in the world long after tennis is a fond memory. I know my mother won Club Tournament after Club Tournament, yet at one point her knees said no more tennis, and had she placed all of her satisfaction for life into hitting a ball, that would be the end of being satisfied. In fact those who do this lose satisfaction once they lose, and in tennis this eventually happens. There is a way to play, and play well, never quitting and giving it a 100% thriving under "Pressure" without getting upset and losing ones composure. And it is in winning this game, and keeping score on this account that never ends and can keep you satisfied for all of your days. In short, for now you are just kids and can go out and play and enjoy the game of tennis, ...basketball...swimming...squash...racquet ball...dancing...and any of the other activities that Club Sport or your local community has to offer.

That is what I noticed was great about Club Sport the first time I went there 2 years ago for their adult tournament. It was exactly the type of Club I had thought of putting together. It had everything down to the spa, hair salon, restaurant, tennis, swimming twice, indoor and out, Olympic size pool, lots of grass and trees, with open spaces where people can pick up a tennis or basketball game at will.

Lauren Harman  played Stojanka Pantic in a very close match. The first set went to a tie breaker with Lauren losing it 7-6(7-5), and the second set was almost as close as Stali won it 6-4.  Stojanka plays tennis at the Monte Carlo and was also a finalist at the Desert Palm Junior Open. Lauren was one of the girls out there with a terrific attitude. When I pointed out that she does not look like she lost she said "It is only a game and there is always another time." I have witnessed enough matches to see losses become wins, and wins become losses, with only weeks apart. Look at Michael Uriarte who defeated Jason Harper at the Desert Palm Junior open only to face him again in this final. But this time Jason was victorious.

........... It's not over when you lose, it's over when you quit........................................... It's not over when you lose, it's over when you quit.......................................................... It's not over when you lose, it's over when you quit.........

Another great match was with Iesha James and Asia Muhammad. While Asia plays on Team Agassi and Iesha plays at Club Sport, they often are seen together like team mates. Yet Saturday they were opponents in a very close match where Iesha proved to be one of the few players of this match that attacked the net forcing her opponents to play perfect or face the wrath of her put away over head. Many players could not deal with this approach but this time Asia was able to win it in a very close match 7-5, 6-4. Both parents were on hand to witness the event, along with Iesha's sister Natasha. Both Natasha and Iesha had a wonderful attitude of playing serious on the court while completely forgetting a tournament was taking place after their match was over. They were playing with their friends, playing basketball or working with their father in the bubble on drills and chores. But all in all they seem to be enjoying the whole experience. Their father often giving his stern orders as they listened , but all seemed to be moments away from laughter. Some times parents and players get lost on the "Worry's" and negativity that try's to ruin great experiences like this, but not this group.

Devon Morrissey continued his play making it into the consolation finals but lost in a good match to Jonathan Fragoso. Jonathan said he was happy with his serve and many winners he was able to produce. These two seemed to get on well on and off the court as Jonathan's mother was there to see her son and Devon's father was there as well. Devon's father plays at Club Sport in the 4.5 league and was in the Stacy Darling 4.5 finals as well.

THE TPC CHALLENGE

Ken Shioi, the head professional at Tournament Players Tennis Club, and former coach of the National Champion Thompson sisters was on hand to see one of his tennis students play against another one of his tennis students as both made it to the semifinals for the boys 18 and under division.  It was 15 year old Chris Painter playing up to face Jason Harper, who also made his face known at the Easter Circuit tournament earlier this year. Chris Painters coach Paul Anthony, also of TPC, was there as the two coaches and their two students began the TPC CHALLENGE. And although the final score was 6-2, 6-3, Chris stayed in each and every point. Yet he was unable to unseat Jason's power and diversity. Mentally Jason was not giving up or losing his composure during the key points. And this was also the case in a very close match between he and Michael Uriarte. Michael and he play often and at times has gotten the best of Jason, but not today. Jason was able to adapt and play well, as Michael brought him to the net with many drop shots and he thrived on this pressure making many great leaping and put away volley's. Michael passed him a number of times but not enough. Courtside sat Michael's mother and sister, while Mr. Harper was also there throughout his son's play in the semifinals and finals. After the match Jason mentioned that his matches with Michael are always close and that he knew his opportunity would come and all he had to do was act upon it. And today he did and he was satisfied with how he did as he was able to stay calm and focused throughout the duel.

 Michael was also at the National Tournament in California but having left for the trip sick, he did not get any better and stayed sick throughout the tournament. I asked him if he knew he should not go before hand and he said yes. Often times players choose to over ride their own knowing about their body and it never pays. I interviewed a girl today who was on the fast track to being a professional tennis player when her knees gave out from over use. I remember what it was like to be younger and "Know" my body was an "invincible machine", but soon an injury can take that illusion away. Or one can take heed to their own knowing of when to stop and when to start again. I was playing in the Club Sport facility for the Stacy Darling tournament and stretching on the floor when an older man came by and gave me a piece of his wisdom, "Take care of your body now so it can work later", and I am mature and wise enough to know he is speaking from a place of knowing. Our health is not something to take for granted. After being out for months with a hurt arm, the urge to go play came often, yet I knew this push was too early and waited. When it was time and I was hitting the ball, it was great just to hit a ball. Hitting the ball. That was all I felt and saw. And I realized then this should be the wonder I carry every time I am playing. So when I find something trying to carry me off into some useless emotion on the court I take hold of that wonder once again and hit the ball. Not over playing or trying too hard, not playing easy to maintain a lead, just hitting the ball and enjoying every minute of it. Life is a beautiful thing.

Chrissy Uriarte  and her mother have taken Michael's lead and gotten into the game of tennis. Chrissy played in the 10 and under girls and won her first match to reach the semifinals. Michaels mother is playing in the various tennis events at club sport, along with hitting with her husband who she described as very athletic and able to play anything. And that is true of everyone, if they would just realize it. You can play anything. Simply overcome the doubt that says otherwise. Case in point is the 9 year old Alexis Garrett who is 9 and recently won the Desert Palm Junior Open.

In fact, a rematch of that tournaments final took place Saturday with Lindsey Murphy who took second to Alexis at Desert Palm, only to beat Alexis this time taking first place. This tournament the tables were turned as Lindsey was able to beat Alexis in a three set marathon that went back and forth for some time. With Lindsey winning the first set 6-2 and Alexis winning the second 3-6. But in the end it was Lindsey's day taking the third 6-3. Losing is not the aim, but knowing how to lose without losing oneself is an intricate part of winning.

The whole tournament it was either Brendon or Brian Kenyon on court with their parents and family camped out to watch. Mr. Kenyon has played and enjoyed the game for years playing a variety of levels and is now very much involved with Rick Storozuk's Mission Hills Team, the Mighty Ducks.  So much so that he has bought a stringing machine and has been having fun stringing his kids racquets and those of the team. He will even string another players racquet for $14.00. How many people have been led to string their own racquet only to doubt themselves believing the lie that tells them it will be too hard to learn? I have been looking for a stringing machine myself. I have yet to get a clear explanation as to the principles in stringing, or rather, perhaps knowing can only be achieved in the doing. So if you have a stringing machine I am in the market. Then I can experiment for myself and see if there is any truth to the marketing campaigns of various strings. I have had doubts myself that, " it will be hard to learn", but I know they are not the truth. I had those doubts about learning my computer, my back hand, the software I am using now to create this web site, and each time I knew the doubts were not genuine. Looking back I see all that would have been missed had I listened to them. WHAT IF Michael Uriarte did not pick up a new sport at 14? What if the girls from Bolder City did not play in the tournament out of fear? What is Michael James had not created and tried the many new tennis programs at Club Sport? What if the man who designed and created Club Sport had doubted his idea? One man or woman's willingness to follow their intuition and do what they are led to do leads to a satisfied life and opportunity for others to do the same. There is a web to life, do you see it?

I saw it in Mr. Whiting's story about acquiring an extra piece of land to their property and in discussing what to do his wife had the idea to put up a tennis court. At first the idea seemed odd because no one in the family played tennis. But he chose to build the court and they came. His oldest son, then his other son, then he and his wife, and soon the whole neighborhood. The coach of his son now teaches all his students at their house and in doing so brings worthy opponents by for Lenny to play. Mr. Whiting said almost always there is someone at the house playing tennis. Lenny Whiting won all his matches except one against the tournament winner Richie Bualat  7-5; 6-1, Maybe the next tournament will be at Mr. Whiting's house or some other person who does what they are led to do instead of letting these opportunity's be discarded into the realm of "I had that idea." Some people were originally not happy that the Nevada Tennis Association was going to manage and spearhead the new Darling Tennis center, feeling that this was the purview of local entrepreneurs and tennis professionals of which the NTA is suppose to be supporting and not competing against. Even I had originally believed that defeatist attitude. Then realized how foolish I was to entertain those thoughts. Each of us has our own venue of ideas and have the opportunity to act on them, and by doing so create meaning and substance to our lives. Sandy Foley and the NTA may very well be doing just that opening yet another door and realm of possibility's. Maybe next year I will be writing about the Darling Center's 1st Annual Junior tournament and it's many moments in time. In addition, worth mentioning was Lenny's post game attitude after being served a dish of Rishi Baulat. Rishi won the first set 7-5 then the second 6-1, and Lenny's post game attitude will serve him well as he was of the same nature after he lost as he was the other day after he won.

Sitting side by side for the finals in the boy's 12 and under was Brian Kenyon and Jimmy Lovett's parents. Jimmy plays tennis at Spanish Oaks and today his game was on fire as he was able to win the final after a good match between the two players. Also there to support their teammate was Alicia and Alan Karfa. In hand was Alicia's finalist trophy that she won in the finals with Mighty Ace Teammate Lindsey Murphy. It may not be long before Alicia is afforded a rematch due to the fact that these girls play together often.

Louise Miclat and Lindsey Murphy played for the consolation final and Ali was able to win the match with the support of her teammates and parents. Shanta Pillai and Karly Hurst played in the consolation final with Shanta winning in two sets.

Virginia Rodriguez played Chrissy Uriarte in the semi finals of the girls 10 and under and won the second set swiftly. But Chrissy decided to put up a fight as her mother and Virginia's father sat and watched through the glass. Club Sports Professional Michael James made a point of putting the younger girls in the indoor courts, an option no other club in town has. And in the second set there was a firestorm of play as Chrissy forced a tie breaker vying for a third set showdown. But not today. The Desert Palm 10 and under winner Virginia Rodriguez was able to win when it counted and move forward to the finals while Chrissy was able to leave satisfied with her efforts.

 Virginia's father is the captain of the Summerlin 4.0 team and was the site operator at the Easter Circuit tournament at Sierra Vista high school earlier this year. That same day his men's league team was playing their last match against my team Desert Palm. In fact I had just come from my seven o'clock match where I lost to his number one singles player Kenneth Moi. Bruno, Virginia's father. explained that he pulled out of playing himself the last minute to be there with his daughter. As fate would have it Desert Palm ended up defaulting the two doubles matches anyway. Life is funny that way. In the finals Virginia had a long and well fought match against the number two seed Alex Uglow. Alex won the first set 3-6, then Virginia came back to win the second set 6-1, and the final set was neck and neck but Virginia took it 7-5.

Sergent Kolteryahn and the tennis players he coaches from Bolder City were playing again today, and as serendipity would have it, they played each other for the Consolation finals in the girls 16 and under. Heather Malugani and Kristi Gildner.   After the match Heather walked home wit a trophy in hand for her first tournament ever. She said the final match was very close and hard fought but that she learned in this tournament to just let go of the perceived pressure and just play the game. Sergent himself had much to say about his experience at the tournament which can be summed up in his last refrain, "It was memorable."

Getting into the semifinals Saturday was Jonathan Ribaste who was able to beat the very competitive Spencer Aguilar in a very close match  6-3, 6-4. Both parents were on hand and Spencer's brother showed me his fearless rendition of Dance fever.

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Other Junior Tennis Articles

Local Tennis News

Muterspaw Championships

Lorenzi Junior Tournament

Easter Circuit

Summerlin Junior Tournament