Advice me, playing M70 (ITF worlds)

[tommyfr]

Hi, Im going to play ITF Worldchamionships, next month in Turkey. Clay court. Men's 70, singles and doubles. I haven't played a seniors tournament since 20 years. Presently I live in Philippines and lately playing on hardcourts only. My level is est ntrp 4.0. What advice can you give me going into such a tournament?

 

[Injured Again]

The top 70 year old players in the US are NTRP 4.5 so go to the tournament and have fun! Don't put any pressure on yourself, and don't try to play a game you don't normally play. Enjoy the experience of competing, and hopefully a fun time will encourage you to play more tournaments in the future!

 

[stapletonj]

Your serve will not be the weapon it was.
Their serves will kick higher (and shorter) than you expect.
You will have an extra millisecond to react on your returns. (as will they)
Your reactions nearer the net will be off until you adjust due to the "slippery" footing of clay.

Personally - I play on hard courts 51 weeks out of the year and I then play on clay 1 week a year in Florida. It usually takes me at least a day to adjust.

 

[Badlad4023]

Tommy, first congratulations. You have already won challenging yourself entering the tournament.

Please do the following to compete at your best physically:
1. Drink an electrolyte hydration mix the night before all matches.
2. Pack water and a hydration drink in your bag
3. Pack snacks in your bag: cashew nuts, bananas etc
4. Wear a head band during match, have a spare in bag
5. Wear two wide wristbands, have spares in your bag
6. Pack a beach towel.
7. Pack a couple hand towels
8. Pack extra grip tapes
9. Wear sun protection
10. Wear a hat
11. Pack multiple rackets, restring them b4 the tourney
12. Have fun

Bring a lawn chair. You never know about seating

 

[Roforot]

How is your drop shot? And how well can you cover a short ball? It may be good to practice both.

 

[tommyfr]

Thanks, yes. I have seen some M65 youtube videos. Some of the best guys seems to use dropshot extensively. And many are poor picking them up. Worked on that last session w my coach. Will need do more practice on that, with and without racket, ball. Your response gives me more motivation on that aspect.

 

[fritzhimself]

My tip: The Ali Bey Club has almost 60 tennis courts. Pay close attention to the numerous signs, otherwise you won't find your clay court.
After the game, try asking at the office whether they have entered your correct score.
It sometimes happens that you have won, but are mistakenly entered as the loser. It's often total chaos.
So good luck and have fun—enjoy the trip and everything that goes with it.

 

[stapletonj]

Powdered Rosin in a hot humid climate is a lifesaver for your hands.

The old Rosin bag that was kinds of sticky has been replaced and isn't sticky at all

Sorry, I was thinking clay only advice, forgot about the heat and humidity

 

[EP1998]

It could actuallly be cold and windy there in March, take layers and rain jacket.

 

[Thomas the Tank Engine]

You need to be seeded in order to play the WTMT so I’d expect you to have played multiple ITF tournaments by now. No one named Tom or Thomas on the draw.

 

[sureshs]

Beware of slippery clay surfaces.

 

[EP1998]

You need to be seeded in order to play the WTMT so I’d expect you to have played multiple ITF tournaments by now. No one named Tom or Thomas on the draw.

No, anyone can enter an ITF seniors unless it is a regional closed or the team events. The ITT individual worlds will take anyone with an IPIN and a bank account.

 

[am1899]

Couple of my buddies have been playing 65 and 70’s ITF’s. Both of them mentioned most guys don’t serve big, and that being proficient at coming forward and finishing points at the net is critical. YMMV. Good luck!

 

[Thomas the Tank Engine]

No, anyone can enter an ITF seniors unless it is a regional closed or the team events. The ITT individual worlds will take anyone with an IPIN and a bank account.

https://www.itftennis.com/en/tournament/wtmt-jack-crawford-(m70)/tur/2026/s-gc1-tur-05a-2026/draws-and-results/

It would have cost the same amount of effort to look up the actual tournament instead of posting.

 

[EP1998]

https://www.itftennis.com/en/tournament/wtmt-jack-crawford-(m70)/tur/2026/s-gc1-tur-05a-2026/draws-and-results/

It would have cost the same amount of effort to look up the actual tournament instead of posting.

The link you posted is for the team event. There are two events, the first week is team event and second is the individual event. The team is by selection and how teams are selected varies by each federation. The individual event is open to anyone age eligble, with an IPIN and pays the entry fee. Some age groups may have qualiies but in most cases its DA.

 

[Thomas the Tank Engine]

The link you posted is for the team event. There are two events, the first week is team event and second is the individual event. The team is by selection and how teams are selected varies by each federation. The individual event is open to anyone age eligble, with an IPIN and pays the entry fee. Some age groups may have qualiies but in most cases its DA.

Ok apologies, you are aright and I looked up the wrong event. It’s this one: https://www.itftennis.com/en/tourna...-6570)/tur/2026/s-wc-tur-2026-001/fact-sheet/

 

[Cage Rattler]

Can be cold there in March.,may even see snow on the mountains in the distance. When I played worlds there a few years ago the courts had just opened up after winter and were not in good condition. Depending on your level and the draw it could be worthwhile to lose the first match and then play the consolation backdraw and get a lot more tennis.Had a friend who did that and ended up winning it and playing the entire week - max tennis for the buck.