USTA Grass Court National 45s: Anyone here playing in it?

McLovin

Legend
See tournament info here. It's being played in Philly the last week of August.

I'm giving up on USTA leagues and starting to play tournaments again. If anyone is interested in playing doubles, give me a shout.

Note that this will be my 1st time playing on grass, so no guarantees on how I'll play.
 

dizzlmcwizzl

Hall of Fame
I live in the area ... and one day would love to play. However, I do not turn 45 until November ... do that work tourney like leagues in that you need to be of age sometime during the calendar year, or is it that you need to be of age at tourney time?
 

maggmaster

Hall of Fame
I am traveling down with a group from my club to play the 30s. I am a 4.0 and haven't played on grass since juniors but I hope to get in some practice at a local club. Mostly I am going to cheer on our 5.0+ guys but I figure what the heck?
 

McLovin

Legend
I am only a 4.5 and have never played on grass

Pretty much describes me. I'm mostly a singles player, but play in a doubles league weekly (all of us are pretty much 4.5s, with a few 5.0s and 4.0s thrown in here & there). I play a 'traditional' style of doubles, meaning that while S&V isn't my strong point, I do come to the net on both 1st & 2nd serves, and look to get to the net on returns.

I'm not expecting to win the tournament, just have a good time playing doubles. I figure if I'm driving up from VA, I might was well get as many matches in as possible. I'll shoot you an e-mail & we can talk more.
 

dizzlmcwizzl

Hall of Fame
Pretty much describes me. I'm mostly a singles player, but play in a doubles league weekly (all of us are pretty much 4.5s, with a few 5.0s and 4.0s thrown in here & there). I play a 'traditional' style of doubles, meaning that while S&V isn't my strong point, I do come to the net on both 1st & 2nd serves, and look to get to the net on returns.

I'm not expecting to win the tournament, just have a good time playing doubles. I figure if I'm driving up from VA, I might was well get as many matches in as possible. I'll shoot you an e-mail & we can talk more.

Sounds good ... you should be able to contact me from my profile.
 

dizzlmcwizzl

Hall of Fame
Which video ... there are about 50 in that thread.

If you mean the bald, fat, and overweight one then yes it is me in all my glory.
 

dcdoorknob

Hall of Fame
Off topic, and no offense intended, but I can't help but think that someone who can play the 45s is probably not the target demographic of that username/avatar combo, McLovin. :D

Good luck tho guys!
 

McLovin

Legend
Off topic, and no offense intended, but I can't help but think that someone who can play the 45s is probably not the target demographic of that username/avatar combo, McLovin. :D

Yeah, basically, when I created my account here, my username was my real name (i.e. firstname.lastname). I quickly realized that was a mistake, putting my true name out there, so I contacted the Admins & requested a new name. I had just watched the movie, and McLovin was fresh on my mind (and to be honest, I'm not that creative), so I went w/ it.
 

dizzlmcwizzl

Hall of Fame
Sorry McLovin ... Just sent you the e-mail I got from the tourney director. Weekday match play times means I cannot play. I hope you find a partner.
 

mikeler

Moderator
That sounds like fun playing on grass. One of these days when I'm up in DC or you are down in Orlando we should team up for a tournament. You'll have to play up though since I just turned 40. Good luck finding a partner.
 

McLovin

Legend
You should ask the Bolivian Necktie. He's played it in the past I believe.
I e-mailed him. He's playing both 45 & 50 singles (did not know he was older than me), and there's a two event limit.
Tell the TD you are looking for a partner.
Yeah, that's my next stop. I thought I'd give TT a try first...thought it might be fun to play w/ someone who posts here regularly.
 

Topaz

Legend
I e-mailed him. He's playing both 45 & 50 singles (did not know he was older than me), and there's a two event limit.

I hope you don't get each other in the first round or something like that...that would suck!

Roomies??? LOL. There would be some good stories from that!
 

RobFL

Rookie
I played in that tourney 3 years ago, play in the 55s now. Mr Rick Leach was in the 45s draw that year, of the 9 Majors Rick Leach's. He lost in the Dubs Qtrs, yeah pretty tough fields in a national. In the 50s if you're a strong 4.5 you can compete, get a decent draw and you might win 1-2 rounds including the back draw. But the top players are 5.0-5.5 and the top 5 nationally might be 6.0. 45s obviously look a hare better when I see them playing. If you're a solid 4.5, go for it, where else could you get 4 matches on grass. Try some Category 2 events too, fields not as deep but stil tough and all you want for competition if you want to test yourself at that level.
 

McLovin

Legend
I'm a fairly solid 4.5 (I can hang w/ many of the 5.0 college players in my area), but have no 'visions of grandeur' as far as winning anything at this level. As I said in my original post, I'm giving up on USTA leagues and returning to tournament play, but I'm just looking to have fun. That, and I've never played on grass before, and have always thought it would suit my game because of the speed (even though I'm a baseliner, I prefer fast hardcourts).

I'll be playing many of the 40s & 45s tournaments in the Mid-Atlantic area over the next year, as well as *maybe* a south Florida one (parents own a condo in Naples, so I have lodging). If I can talk my wife into it, we may even play the mixed draw.
 

Topaz

Legend
I'm a fairly solid 4.5 (I can hang w/ many of the 5.0 college players in my area), but have no 'visions of grandeur' as far as winning anything at this level. As I said in my original post, I'm giving up on USTA leagues and returning to tournament play, but I'm just looking to have fun. That, and I've never played on grass before, and have always thought it would suit my game because of the speed (even though I'm a baseliner, I prefer fast hardcourts).

I'll be playing many of the 40s & 45s tournaments in the Mid-Atlantic area over the next year, as well as *maybe* a south Florida one (parents own a condo in Naples, so I have lodging). If I can talk my wife into it, we may even play the mixed draw.

You mean you won't play 8.0 with me once I get bumped down next year??? :cry::cry::cry:
 

Gut4Tennis

Hall of Fame
I will be playing the 35 and 40 nats grass. The 45 nats grass is a mile or so away from the 35 site going on at the same time.

I have played the grass nats a few years now and can give you a few very important tips

1.Shoes make a HUGE impact on how you will play. Use shoes that are clay specific. I have a pair of babalot clay shoes that i use only for clay and grass. The sole almost never wears out this way. footing for grass on a hard court shoe sucks unless its a herringbone tread and new.

2. slice return and chip and charge. This is old school thick grass that is super fast. Hitting passing shots on this grass is a female dog, so whoever gets to the net the most will most likely win the match.

3. get there a day early to practice. if not you're toast

4. bring a foam roller to roll out your hamstrings and buns the grass courts will leave you will sore muscles you never though you had.
 

McLovin

Legend
I will be playing the 35 and 40 nats grass. The 45 nats grass is a mile or so away from the 35 site going on at the same time.

I have played the grass nats a few years now and can give you a few very important tips

1.Shoes make a HUGE impact on how you will play. Use shoes that are clay specific. I have a pair of babalot clay shoes that i use only for clay and grass. The sole almost never wears out this way. footing for grass on a hard court shoe sucks unless its a herringbone tread and new.

2. slice return and chip and charge. This is old school thick grass that is super fast. Hitting passing shots on this grass is a female dog, so whoever gets to the net the most will most likely win the match.

3. get there a day early to practice. if not you're toast

4. bring a foam roller to roll out your hamstrings and buns the grass courts will leave you will sore muscles you never though you had.
Interesting. I looked up the 35s & 40s tournament info, and the club you are playing at doesn't have the same restrictions as the one the 45s are playing at. For example, stated in the 45s tournament info RE your shoe comment:
Tennis Attire and Footwear

All white tennis attire is required. Modest colour trim is accepted. This rule applies to shoes, socks, hats, warm-ups and any other attire worn on the court. Tennis specific shoes are required. Soles must have a flat surface and may not have anything protruding from the soles. Grass court, clay court, cross training or running specific shoes are not permitted. All players will be subject to a shoe check prior to each match. Players found to be wearing incorrect footwear risk default from their match. Please note that the Adidas Feather shoe is not permitted.​
Also, it says nothing about courts being open for practice nor anything about a 'Player Party' (yours is on Wednesday the 28th). I'll e-mail the tournament director & see what she says. Thanks for the info.
 

Gut4Tennis

Hall of Fame
Interesting. I looked up the 35s & 40s tournament info, and the club you are playing at doesn't have the same restrictions as the one the 45s are playing at. For example, stated in the 45s tournament info RE your shoe comment:
Tennis Attire and Footwear

All white tennis attire is required. Modest colour trim is accepted. This rule applies to shoes, socks, hats, warm-ups and any other attire worn on the court. Tennis specific shoes are required. Soles must have a flat surface and may not have anything protruding from the soles. Grass court, clay court, cross training or running specific shoes are not permitted. All players will be subject to a shoe check prior to each match. Players found to be wearing incorrect footwear risk default from their match. Please note that the Adidas Feather shoe is not permitted.​
Also, it says nothing about courts being open for practice nor anything about a 'Player Party' (yours is on Wednesday the 28th). I'll e-mail the tournament director & see what she says. Thanks for the info.

Wear the clay shoes and bring others if they say you cant wear them. At the very least, make sure your tread is very new. Worm down tread on grass is a recipe for falling often. Always the first grass experience is filled with falls and cuss words.
 

EP1998

Semi-Pro
Interesting. I looked up the 35s & 40s tournament info, and the club you are playing at doesn't have the same restrictions as the one the 45s are playing at. For example, stated in the 45s tournament info RE your shoe comment:
Tennis Attire and Footwear

All white tennis attire is required. Modest colour trim is accepted. This rule applies to shoes, socks, hats, warm-ups and any other attire worn on the court. Tennis specific shoes are required. Soles must have a flat surface and may not have anything protruding from the soles. Grass court, clay court, cross training or running specific shoes are not permitted. All players will be subject to a shoe check prior to each match. Players found to be wearing incorrect footwear risk default from their match. Please note that the Adidas Feather shoe is not permitted.​
Also, it says nothing about courts being open for practice nor anything about a 'Player Party' (yours is on Wednesday the 28th). I'll e-mail the tournament director & see what she says. Thanks for the info.

if you cant get on there to practice try Merion. they may let you on to practice. The grass is slower at merion than germantown.

that shoe thing is weird. its standard to not allow grass - not that every american has a pair in their closet anyway - but the clay - weird! wonder if those courts are in a fragile state.
 

McLovin

Legend
that shoe thing is weird. its standard to not allow grass - not that every american has a pair in their closet anyway - but the clay - weird! wonder if those courts are in a fragile state.

Some clay-specific shoes have nubs on them, similar to grass shoes (see Yonex 308 CLAY), so maybe that is what they are referring to.

I was talking w/ the pro at my club yesterday, and he played in the tournament two years ago. Apparently the courts where horrendous. He said they were so bumpy that the ball would literally take a 90 degree bounce left or right on you. He also mentioned a rumor they were going to 'torch' the courts & start from scratch. Maybe they did, and now they are trying to prevent them from getting ruined?
 

RobFL

Rookie
I was in philly for business about 3 weeks before the tournament and was able to get on for an hour and a half hit, they are pretty accommodating assuming they're not having a problem with the courts. There will be a lot of guys practicing the day before, make the most of that, i'd hit 2 hours in the morning then back out for 2 more in the afternoon. Good luck and keep us posted!! Sounds like you're ready. Gut's tips are all good. There will be a bunch of tall, big servers that come out of the woodwork for a big grass event.

That would be interesting to see if they allow the Yonex 308 shoe. I would guess No, because the color is gonna stand out, and the officials will know that shoe a mile away. Guys in my clay club swear by that shoe, i'd already have a pair if they came in a different color. The lighter weight Asics with the full herringbone might be a good choice, it is holding up well for me on the dirt.
 

RobFL

Rookie
And yes Gtown was bumpy 3 yrs ago. If you have a short backswing backhand slice, that would be good. Quick hands and the ability to fight off balls occasionally with a shorter backswing helps. But don't let it get into your head, its the same on both sides. Like Gut says, try to get to net first.
 

Gut4Tennis

Hall of Fame
Looking for a few guys to fill a 2 bedroom suite starting Sunday Aug 25th - Fri Aug 30th


149 (169 a night is normal rate & 149 is the tournament rate) a night divided by 6 guys = 24.83 a night or closer to 30 a night with tax.

HYATT House plymouthmeeting.house.hyatt.com
501 East Germantown Pike, East Norriton, PA 19401
(866) 974-9288 and ask for the USTA National Grass Court room block.
One Bedroom Suites (sleeps 4): $119
Two Bedroom Suites (sleeps 6): $149
All rooms have fully equipped kitchens, 24-hour fitness center and complimentary buffet breakfast.

I will arrive Sunday early, get a hit in in AM, then go check in, eat lunch, then go back for a second hit in the PM.

Two Bedroom Trio Suite
Our two bedroom, two bathroom trio suite includes one king bed and two double beds as well as a sofa sleeper in the living area. These large suites are ideal for families and teams. Each bedroom has its own bathroom, spacious closet, television and telephone line, ensuring that each guest can unwind and relax. We also offer a living area with a TV and DVD player, as well as a fully-equipped kitchen. The suite also has a dedicated work space, including a full-size desk, dual-line phone, voicemail and complimentary high-speed Internet access. The option to bill each room separately is available upon request.

or

Our two bedroom, two bathroom suites are perfect for families and corporate travelers attending the same meeting or event. These large suites offer each traveler a high degree of privacy and functionality. Each bedroom has its own bathroom, spacious closet, television and telephone line, ensuring that each guest can unwind and relax. We also offer a living area with a sofa sleeper, TV and DVD player, as well as a fully-equipped kitchen. The suite also has a dedicated work space, including a full-size desk, dual-line phone, voicemail and complimentary high-speed Internet access. The option to bill each room separately is available upon request.

leftlane10credit@gmail.com If you want to join our suite and be included with our practice

** edit**

The 149 a night group rate ( only available from Sunday the 25th) for the 2 bedroom suite only applies to 1 king bed per bedroom and 1 queen pull out sleeper. 1 king ( sleeps 2) 1 king ( sleeps 2) 1 queen ( sleeps 2)

The 1 bedroom suite rate of 119 is for 1 king( sleeps 2) and a queen sleeper ( sleeps 2) = 30 a night per person

The 2 bedroom suits has 2 bathrooms so that's a huge plus

The hotel is about 8.5 miles from the courts
 
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