4.0 or Over 35?

[Spinal Tap]

I would like to enter a tournament this summer, and I don't know if I should enter the 4.0 tournament or over 35? I'm 36 years old and would rather play adults than high school kids, but are the players in the over 35 tournament usually ex-college players who would wipe the court with me?

[J_R_B]

Originally Posted by Spinal Tap

I would like to enter a tournament this summer, and I don't know if I should enter the 4.0 tournament or over 35? I'm 36 years old and would rather play adults than high school kids, but are the players in the over 35 tournament usually ex-college players who would wipe the court with me?

35s (around here anyway) is generally a higher level than 4.0. There will be a lot of 4.5s at that level and occasionally a 5.0 or 2 at the bigger tournaments.

[Cruzer]

Playing in an age category like 35s means you could be playing anyone from a 3.0 to a 6.0 since eligibility is purely age driven. The reality is the guys that play in the age eligibility tournaments are almost without exception really, really good, i.e. a lot better than your average 4.0 player. Now if you want to get a half of hitting with a really good player under the guise of playing a tournament match then maybe it will work out for you.

[J011yroger]

Play both.

J

[rudester]

Originally Posted by J011yroger

Play both.

J

I agree, i always enter 4.0 and 60's and still find there are 60's players who are much better than 4.0. I like to play ntrp and age division.

[NLBwell]

Yes, there could be anyone in an over 35 from 3.0 up. The winners of the state open around here would be 6.0s, but guys who are 5.0 and top 4.5s do OK in some tournaments. Could get you some good experience even if you get killed.

[Ronaldo]

Find out if there is a back draw for those who lose 1st rd. Our age division tournaments usually are dominated by club pros, 5.0 and up.

[jigar]

Well if you want get kicked in behind then play over 35 else play 4.0.

[dmsick]

35s in my area are tough. Alot of teaching pros are playing in that age range. I entered one last year and there were 4.5s getting beat 0-0.

Dave

[goober]

Originally Posted by Spinal Tap

I would like to enter a tournament this summer, and I don't know if I should enter the 4.0 tournament or over 35? I'm 36 years old and would rather play adults than high school kids, but are the players in the over 35 tournament usually ex-college players who would wipe the court with me?

In a 4.0 tournament you will not see high school students (except in the rare case where the TD allows them to play in it.) From what I have seen 4.0 players in tourneys are in the 30-50 year range. Occasionally you will run into somebody in their 20s or 60s, but you would actually be in the younger half of the average age of the players in all likelihood.

35s are one of the toughest age group . You are very likely to run into a 4.5-5.0 in the first round, although it is possible to get 3.5-4.0 players if you are lucky.

[LeeD]

Agree wid all the above.
35's can be a tough 5.5 player in the first round.
4.0's, IF your're a real 4.0, is your real level, so some 4.5 and even a couple of 5.0's involved, but overall, 3.5 tru 4.5. You have a better chance.

[iankogan]

Play both, it's all fun. You have nothing to loose. If you happen to draw a much stronger player in the first round of Age Division, just consider it an inexpensive tennis lesson.

[polski]

I've played in Open draws before purely for the hitting. I actually change my game and don't go for winners in the first set & just try to play longer rallies to stay on court longer. I'm usually dog tired from this in the second set & I go for broke. Hence I get beat 0 & 1 or 0 & 2 a lot in Open draws.

I figure that around me it costs $55 for an hour lesson with an average pro. I can enter an Open tourney with FMLC and get 2-3 hours of good hitting for less than $55.

[Gemini]

I play both but like most have said the 35s can be tough. In my area, you've got LOTS of former college players (I'm 36) and I usually end up playing lots of other 5.0+ players. If you're concerned about the competition, I'd play the 4.0 tournament as that may give you a more predictable level of competition rather than the age-based tournament.