I just started playing tennis again this Jan after a 20 year hiatus. I had played doubles for my HS team that went to the states but was obviously very rusty when I picked up a racquet again in Jan. The tennis pro at my club ranked me as a "strong 3.5", mainly because I lacked a second serve. He never saw me play in match situation. In late Jan, I was asked to join a 3.5 summer league by a captain who saw me hit against the ball machine, which I happily accepted. When it came time to register for usta, I had to submit an appeal to play below 4.0 and that was granted.
I have been playing 3-6 times a week over the past few months at the club and noticed that I'm consistently the strongest player against the other 3.5 players, esp in singles. It's not that my strokes are so much better but rather I think I've been better mentally than those I've played against so far. I've also had opportunity to hit with a benchmark 4.0 and have taken sets from her on occasion.
I played my first usta match this Monday in 1st singles and beat my opponent 6-0, 6-0. She is computer ranked for 3.5 and has a good record (played mostly singles last year and only lost 2 matches; plays on 4.0 team in singles and has come close to beating 4.0 players). She admitted that she did not play well that day. I will likely play against a benchmark 3.5 on 6/4 and that may be a better indication. If I continue to do play well, am I at high risk of getting DQ'ed early in the season? I would never throw a game but will use the opportunity to work on tougher shots, coming up to the net (which I hardly ever do), and doing a spin 2nd serve instead of the dink one that I currently have. I really hate the thought of getting DQ'ed, not only for myself but also for the team. My team will probably finish in the middle of the flight and there's little chance of going to the playoffs based on what I've seen so far.
I have been playing 3-6 times a week over the past few months at the club and noticed that I'm consistently the strongest player against the other 3.5 players, esp in singles. It's not that my strokes are so much better but rather I think I've been better mentally than those I've played against so far. I've also had opportunity to hit with a benchmark 4.0 and have taken sets from her on occasion.
I played my first usta match this Monday in 1st singles and beat my opponent 6-0, 6-0. She is computer ranked for 3.5 and has a good record (played mostly singles last year and only lost 2 matches; plays on 4.0 team in singles and has come close to beating 4.0 players). She admitted that she did not play well that day. I will likely play against a benchmark 3.5 on 6/4 and that may be a better indication. If I continue to do play well, am I at high risk of getting DQ'ed early in the season? I would never throw a game but will use the opportunity to work on tougher shots, coming up to the net (which I hardly ever do), and doing a spin 2nd serve instead of the dink one that I currently have. I really hate the thought of getting DQ'ed, not only for myself but also for the team. My team will probably finish in the middle of the flight and there's little chance of going to the playoffs based on what I've seen so far.