Going Full Time at Tennis

[J011yroger]

Aren't you supposed to be a very good tennis player? I was under the impression that you were one of the few here who were going for the tour.

Only thing I can say for certain is that I am not good enough to make money at it, so the way I see it we are all lumped together.

Like I said, I am a never was, trying to become a has-been before it's too late.

I will keep you guys updated on how it works out for me. Working hard and playing a bunch of tourneys, and see where the cards fall.

J

 

[CAM178]

There are a select few competitive players on here who I will be keeping tabs on this year. We've already joked about getting together at the end of the year to raise a beer or 3 to celebrate and drown out our year in tennis. You guys know who you are, so let's keep moving forward and kick some ass in '08.

 

[Double Fault]

Only thing I can say for certain is that I am not good enough to make money at it, so the way I see it we are all lumped together.

Like I said, I am a never was, trying to become a has-been before it's too late.

I will keep you guys updated on how it works out for me. Working hard and playing a bunch of tourneys, and see where the cards fall.

J

Good luck to you too then!

 

[Moz]

Cam summed it all up rather well! I'm disappointed about the tournament but it's a minor one and I can't hang around here forever.

I have a matchplay next saturday. Two singles matches against people of a similar rating.

The following weekend I have an o35's event in the UK. The weekend after that is a men's open event.

I'm hoping to start training at this academy this week, starting on tuesday.

Is anyone on here planning on playing this event?

http://tennislink.usta.com/tournaments/TournamentHome/Tournament.aspx?T=60819

 

[1012007]

$80 for entering the singles!!

 

[Moz]

$80 for entering the singles!!

Yes, these national tournaments tend to be a bit of a con.

 

[Sup2Dresq]

Yes, these national tournaments tend to be a bit of a con.

The price of fame!

At least you get 2 matches out of it.

 

[Moz]

It's pretty hard to justify the cost when you don't stand a hope in hell of winning it. You don't even get an indoor court for the privelege!

 

[kissmyace]

Hello Moz...Which 35's event are you playing in the UK?

 

[J011yroger]

It's pretty hard to justify the cost when you don't stand a hope in hell of winning it. You don't even get an indoor court for the privelege!

You never know when a case of bird flu or some such will break out and take out half the draw!

J

 

[Alexio92]

Alright moz, I am not entering sutton now I couldnt afford it... However I got to the quarter final of mens county closed, and I beat a 7.1 so

 

[Moz]

kissmyace

It's the West Middlesex Easter Open - looks like the draw maybe okay. Only drawback is that it's outside! You can find it via www.matchplays.com

Alexio - well done on the win mate. The winter period ends on march 16th - willl you get bumped? Shame about the tournament. Twist your old man's arm.

 

[Alexio92]

kissmyace

It's the West Middlesex Easter Open - looks like the draw maybe okay. Only drawback is that it's outside! You can find it via www.matchplays.com

Alexio - well done on the win mate. The winter period ends on march 16th - willl you get bumped? Shame about the tournament. Twist your old man's arm.

I have a matchplay next week on the 15th and if I win and the 2 matches count which they should I will be 8 - 6 up on wins, which means my percentage will be 59% I think so I will appeal anyway.

 

[CAM178]

Cam summed it all up rather well!
Is anyone on here planning on playing this event?
http://tennislink.usta.com/tournaments/TournamentHome/Tournament.aspx?T=60819

Thanks, Moz.

As to Scottsdale, HELL no. That tourney will be seriously deep. Oren and all of the other ballers will be there for that. That is one hell of a tough tournament. The fact that it's located close to the West Coast doesn't help, as that is where most of the tennis talent is located. Easier for those guys to get to it.

Speaking of Oren, I saw that guy play today. One word: frightening. The guy literally did not break a sweat, and just dismantled the guy ranked #2 in M30's in Texas last year. Took maybe 35 minutes. Guy only had two game points, and couldn't convert because he double-faulted both times. Oren is that rare breed of player: takes it easy and plays juuuuust hard enough to beat you soundly. Should you get a wild hair up your ass and decide to play out of your mind good, rest assured that Oren has another 5 more gears to your 1 more gear. I was joking with someone during the match that the opponent probably just wants the hell off of the court so as to get taken out of his misery.

The one point that summed up the match: for fun Oren threw up a skyball (lob that's 30 feet or higher) in the middle of the point that bounced close to the net. The opponent rips an overhead, and guess who (Oren) was right there to hit the overhead back for a screaming backhand winner by the guy before he had even finished his overhead stroke. That's the first time in a while I've seen someone look like they just watched their dog get run over.

 

[goober]

Thanks, Moz.

As to Scottsdale, HELL no. That tourney will be seriously deep. Oren and all of the other ballers will be there for that. That is one hell of a tough tournament. The fact that it's located close to the West Coast doesn't help, as that is where most of the tennis talent is located. Easier for those guys to get to it.

It is a deep tourney. But there are some local 4.0-4.5 hacks that enter this tourney. There also some weak local 5.0s that will enter as well that you could probably beat. If you don't get any of these guys the tourney also has consolations so you could potentially go far there if you get knocked out.

You and Moz could enter the doubles too!

 

[CAM178]

It is a deep tourney. But there are some local 4.0-4.5 hacks that enter this tourney. There also some weak local 5.0s that will enter as well that you could probably beat. If you don't get any of these guys the tourney also has consolations so you could potentially go far there if you get knocked out.

You and Moz could enter the doubles too!

Me likes that idea. The only thing that scares me is that I think that Moz is an English version of me. That means that he parties hard, so we might be a bit tender for some of our dubs matches. Or we could just do a little 'hair of the dog' and stay in that 'state' for our matches.

Of course I'm only kidding. I used to be that way, but I haven't had a drink since 12/27/07. Have no plans on stopping that, either.

Timing-wise, it might not be a bad idea. I've got to pick up a car from California and drive it back, and I was going to stop in Scottsdale, as I've got family there.

Moz, are you going to play the M35 Nat'l Hards?

 

[tbini87]

how much do these tournies cost in general? i ask because after this season i am going to be going to school in North CA (@ chico state) and they don't have a team. so i am going to join the usta and hopefully play in leagues and tournies. just seeing how much it will cost a poor college kid to play some more tennis!

 

[goober]

how much do these tournies cost in general? i ask because after this season i am going to be going to school in North CA (@ chico state) and they don't have a team. so i am going to join the usta and hopefully play in leagues and tournies. just seeing how much it will cost a poor college kid to play some more tennis!

depends on location and how big is the tourney.

National tourneys around $85
Local tourneys anywhere from $25-60.

 

[CAM178]

how much do these tournies cost in general?

Nationals cost around $80, and sectional/regional/local tournies cost $20-40. Depends on the facility and tourney, really. If it's public courts, it won't be much. If it's indoors or a country club, expect to pay more. If it's a big tourney (big draw) then it will cost more, as it's expensive to manage all of that.

 

[J011yroger]

Varies by area aswell. You would be hard pressed to find a local tourney with a fee less than $50 here.

And the nationals are more aswell.

J

 

[tbini87]

depends on location and how big is the tourney.

National tourneys around $85
Local tourneys anywhere from $25-60.

Nationals cost around $80, and sectional/regional/local tournies cost $20-40. Depends on the facility and tourney, really. If it's public courts, it won't be much. If it's indoors or a country club, expect to pay more. If it's a big tourney (big draw) then it will cost more, as it's expensive to manage all of that.

Varies by area aswell. You would be hard pressed to find a local tourney with a fee less than $50 here.

And the nationals are more aswell.

J

thanks for the responses guys. i wonder how many tournies i will be able to find up in nor cal (way way nor cal). i might be able to afford a few tournies a month... if i can find that many! i will have to play the open division being only 21 years old? that might be trouble!

 

[montx]

If you ever read this post Moz, I am in a similar boat to you. I lost a lot of my 20's, I lost a lot of time, and I struggle about future worries but tennis just puts me in the present. You said bugger all and did what you had to do, I admire you for it.

You know, there are many levels to enjoy the wonderful game of tennis, and at some point you may get to 5.5 or 6.0 and then start coaching with the wealth of knowledge you have attained.

I wish you every success. Best of luck.

 

[Moz]

Me likes that idea. The only thing that scares me is that I think that Moz is an English version of me. That means that he parties hard, so we might be a bit tender for some of our dubs matches. Or we could just do a little 'hair of the dog' and stay in that 'state' for our matches.

Of course I'm only kidding. I used to be that way, but I haven't had a drink since 12/27/07. Have no plans on stopping that, either.

Timing-wise, it might not be a bad idea. I've got to pick up a car from California and drive it back, and I was going to stop in Scottsdale, as I've got family there.

Moz, are you going to play the M35 Nat'l Hards?

I must admit I've partied hard twice in the last 2 weeks and to be honest I think I'll stop again. The hangovers were enormous and the women dubious.

Doubles would be amusing and we could stage a few interventions to get us through the initial rounds sober!!

The timing is pretty good for me, but the cost isn't. The likelihood is that I won't be going unless I can find a few more tournaments either side in the US to make the whole trip worthwhile.

If I can start training in this academy my game will benefit more from being here I suppose. I am supposed to speak to the coach today.

Glad you got to see Oren play - pretty unique style!

 

[Moz]

If you ever read this post Moz, I am in a similar boat to you. I lost a lot of my 20's, I lost a lot of time, and I struggle about future worries but tennis just puts me in the present. You said bugger all and did what you had to do, I admire you for it.

You know, there are many levels to enjoy the wonderful game of tennis, and at some point you may get to 5.5 or 6.0 and then start coaching with the wealth of knowledge you have attained.

I wish you every success. Best of luck.

Thanks for the post mate. Are you playing full time at the moment? Got any tournaments coming up?

 

[ajalaw]

That's the first time in a while I've seen someone look like they just watched their dog get run over.

:lol:HAHAHAHAHA:lol: That cracked me the hell up!

You successful businessmen seem to have money stocked up in the bank to get you through this quest of yours. Is there any way someone could attempt to go full time at tennis while having some kind of part time job? So I can like, ya know, eat:neutral:

Good luck Moz and the rest a yas

 

[Moz]

:lol:HAHAHAHAHA:lol: That cracked me the hell up!

You successful businessmen seem to have money stocked up in the bank to get you through this quest of yours. Is there any way someone could attempt to go full time at tennis while having some kind of part time job? So I can like, ya know, eat:neutral:

Good luck Moz and the rest a yas

Cheers mate.

I'm probably stating the obvious but.... going full time while working without savings is going to be more about saving costs than making money due to the type of job you're likely to get (assuming you don't have in demand special skills). Here's my suggestion, make a list of your costs, i.e:

Court time
Stringing
Equipment
Coaching
Food
Drink
Gym Membership
Tournament Entry
Travel
Accomodation

If you were to start work at a tennis club with a gym many of these expenses would be eliminated and you would also be able to build up a network of players to hit with. If you could live with a relative even better. If it had a restaurant that you could dive into even better. Maybe you could travel with other players to tournaments. The job itself could be working on reception but your choice of employer could really help defray costs.

Remember for every $7 you spend you probably have to earn $10 before taxes etc. Make your choice based on how it helps your tennis and cost savings rather than looking for a job that pays you a buck an hour more.

 

[CAM178]

^^^Nah, just tell the kid to do what you know that we both do: we are gigolos. We play tennis as a cover, but it's really our other racquet that's in demand. :mrgreen:

LOL. . . .just kidding. There are ways to make money on the side (legally) that you could do. Anything from odd jobs to using special skills to medical work. Ha ha. . . this reminds me of hte article in Men's Health or Maxim about the kid who was living a very nice lifestyle by. . . . guess what. . . . sperm donation. Kid was making $50K a year doing that. Unbelievable. Can't wait to see his front door in 20 years when all of those kids want to know who 'Daddy' is. . . LOL.

 

[Moz]

^^^Nah, just tell the kid to do what you know that we both do: we are gigolos. We play tennis as a cover, but it's really our other racquet that's in demand. :mrgreen:

Shhh, I could do without the competition mate.

 

[J011yroger]

:lol:HAHAHAHAHA:lol: That cracked me the hell up!

You successful businessmen seem to have money stocked up in the bank to get you through this quest of yours. Is there any way someone could attempt to go full time at tennis while having some kind of part time job? So I can like, ya know, eat:neutral:

Good luck Moz and the rest a yas

I work fulltime, 50 hours a week, and in the outdoor season find a way to get in 20 hours on court and 10 in the gym per week.

Sure I don't watch much TV, but hey.

J

 

[goober]

^^^Nah, just tell the kid to do what you know that we both do: we are gigolos. We play tennis as a cover, but it's really our other racquet that's in demand. :mrgreen:

.

It's ok, we understand. There are worse things you can do than bop bluehairs on the side to support your tennis habit. 8)

 

[Julieta]

It is a deep tourney. But there are some local 4.0-4.5 hacks that enter this tourney. There also some weak local 5.0s that will enter as well that you could probably beat. If you don't get any of these guys the tourney also has consolations so you could potentially go far there if you get knocked out.

You and Moz could enter the doubles too!

I completely agree...it's worth entering. It's very possible to win a least one match in the main and then once you get into the feed-in anything can happen as lots of players pull out once they are out of ball contention. Plus we all need to support these events as if we don't, they'll eventually go away. There are some Cat II events out there that are badly in need of participation.

 

[Julieta]

Thanks, Moz.

As to Scottsdale, HELL no. That tourney will be seriously deep. Oren and all of the other ballers will be there for that. That is one hell of a tough tournament. The fact that it's located close to the West Coast doesn't help, as that is where most of the tennis talent is located. Easier for those guys to get to it.

Speaking of Oren, I saw that guy play today. One word: frightening. The guy literally did not break a sweat, and just dismantled the guy ranked #2 in M30's in Texas last year. Took maybe 35 minutes. Guy only had two game points, and couldn't convert because he double-faulted both times. Oren is that rare breed of player: takes it easy and plays juuuuust hard enough to beat you soundly. Should you get a wild hair up your ass and decide to play out of your mind good, rest assured that Oren has another 5 more gears to your 1 more gear. I was joking with someone during the match that the opponent probably just wants the hell off of the court so as to get taken out of his misery.

The one point that summed up the match: for fun Oren threw up a skyball (lob that's 30 feet or higher) in the middle of the point that bounced close to the net. The opponent rips an overhead, and guess who (Oren) was right there to hit the overhead back for a screaming backhand winner by the guy before he had even finished his overhead stroke. That's the first time in a while I've seen someone look like they just watched their dog get run over.

Did you see van Rensburg play as well?

 

[Moz]

Schedule Update

I've been looking at my calendar and reckon I will stay this side of the atlantic during April.

So here's the latest plan:

April 8 - 13 Teia, Spain. Grade 2 over 35's. This is just north of Barcelona on the coast.

http://www.memorialsimonmateo.org/msmenglm.htm

April 17 - 20 Tallinn, Estonia. Grade 4 over 35's. Tallinn is the capital and this seems as good an excuse as any to go.

 

[ajalaw]

^^^Nah, just tell the kid to do what you know that we both do: we are gigolos. We play tennis as a cover, but it's really our other racquet that's in demand. :mrgreen:

hahahaha. I would so do that sperm bank idea!!!!
Im a brit Moz, live in London so you can speak in sterling terms to me.
Thanks for your guideline advice.

Court time
Stringing
Equipment
Coaching
Food
Drink
Gym Membership
Tournament Entry
Travel
Accomodation

I can get most my court time really cheap if not free.
Stringing discounted
Coaching discounted - however low level
Gym membership free

But this still doesn't prevent going over the list feel like a stiff slap in the face:-|. Looking at all the other costs and im pretty sure theres a whole bunch more thatd need to be taken into account.....

Well I'm thinking of taking a gap year out of uni and concentrate alot on tennis. Got a lot of planning to do and decisions to make right now

 

[Moz]

Ah mate, if you're in the UK you don't stand a chance.

It's too friggin expensive!!!:evil:

 

[ajalaw]

Nooooooooooooooo!!!!

What if, I like, rob a bank.
Really, so it's kind of a stupid idea. Really really stupid idea??

 

[Moz]

Nooooooooooooooo!!!!

What if, I like, rob a bank.
Really, so it's kind of a stupid idea. Really really stupid idea??

It's a great idea my friend.

Where there's a will there's a way.

 

[ajalaw]

How can not standing a chance be great!!!
Well I seem to be always hoping for somekind of miracle in my life. So I'm gonna stick to my pursuit for now

 

[Moz]

How can not standing a chance be great!!!
Well I seem to be always hoping for somekind of miracle in my life. So I'm gonna stick to my pursuit for now

It can be both a great idea and stand no chance. They aren't mutually exclusive.

I'm sure you can find a way mate.

 

[ajalaw]

It can be both a great idea and stand no chance. They aren't mutually exclusive.

I'm sure you can find a way mate.

HAHAHa ok I like that way of thinking. I think I've decided to live a financially poor life to attempt to experience an overall rich one. But I feel like I'm at a crossroads situation right now which freaks me out!!!!

 

[J011yroger]

It can be both a great idea and stand no chance. They aren't mutually exclusive.

I'm sure you can find a way mate.

Brings to mind another great rocky quote from Paulie to Rock.

"It takes a lot of guts gettin into that ring, knowin that you're gonna take a beating."

The fact that I know that I can't do something, has never stopped me from trying.

J

 

[tbini87]

none of you older guys could make money stringing? or is there just not enough money in it to make it worth your time? any of you guys string for yourself? i personally like stringing, and string for myself and friends. i string for cheap for my friends... but have made a good chunk of change just in the first half of our season alone. but i have 10 guys who break strings all the time who need their racquet next day... so i am in a good spot as a stringer.

 

[JRstriker12]

^^^Nah, just tell the kid to do what you know that we both do: we are gigolos. We play tennis as a cover, but it's really our other racquet that's in demand. :mrgreen:

LOL. . . .just kidding. There are ways to make money on the side (legally) that you could do. Anything from odd jobs to using special skills to medical work. Ha ha. . . this reminds me of hte article in Men's Health or Maxim about the kid who was living a very nice lifestyle by. . . . guess what. . . . sperm donation. Kid was making $50K a year doing that. Unbelievable. Can't wait to see his front door in 20 years when all of those kids want to know who 'Daddy' is. . . LOL.

Well, if you ever decide to turn Tennis pro, just make sure they don't find out about you- like this guy:

http://www.azcentral.com/arizonarepublic/local/articles/1108fired1108.html

 

[montx]

Just doing my weekly training Moz, not in any serious tournaments but I take my training pretty darn seriously.

 

[Moz]

none of you older guys could make money stringing? or is there just not enough money in it to make it worth your time? any of you guys string for yourself? i personally like stringing, and string for myself and friends. i string for cheap for my friends... but have made a good chunk of change just in the first half of our season alone. but i have 10 guys who break strings all the time who need their racquet next day... so i am in a good spot as a stringer.

Buying a stringer is one of those things I've been putting off for years. Life has always seemed too short to get into it and the demand round here isn't high.

If my breakages start to increase I'll probably get one.

 

[Moz]

Just doing my weekly training Moz, not in any serious tournaments but I take my training pretty darn seriously.

Great - would be interested to hear what your training consists of.

 

[Moz]

Academy

So, today is my first day at the tennis academy from 2 - 5 p.m.

I'll see what it's like there but it's the next logical step.

If it suits both sides it looks as though the tennis training will be 8 - 11 a.m. and 2 - 5 p.m every weekday.

I feel like a 35 year old school kid.

 

[J011yroger]

So, today is my first day at the tennis academy from 2 - 5 p.m.

I'll see what it's like there but it's the next logical step.

If it suits both sides it looks as though the tennis training will be 8 - 11 a.m. and 2 - 5 p.m every weekday.

I feel like a 35 year old school kid.

Make sure not to get sent to the principal's office, and try not to get caught looking at the young girls!

J

 

[DJG]

Good luck at "school". Please do keep us all updated as to how it went. (As I'm sure you will anyway.)

 

[Moz]

Make sure not to get sent to the principal's office, and try not to get caught looking at the young girls!

J

I'm taking a small step ladder so I can peak into the ladies shower room.