USTA Tri-Level

[NetMaster70]

Have any of you guys played the USTA Tri-Level doubles event? What did you think about it? In Texas we had two Tri-Level competitions. One included levels 4.5-4.0-3.5 while the other had 4.0-3.5-3.0.

The USTA arranged for a Nationals competition for the top group but not the second competition. It seemed like the best 4.0 and 3.5 players competed in the 4.5/4.0/3.5 event while weaker 4.0 and 3.5 players competed in the other competition which did not offer a Nationals competition. In fact some poeple referred to this as the "real" Tri-Level and the "fake" Tri-Level. But I think most players had a decent time.

Anything similar happen in your State?

 

[Jim A]

I see it on the schedule block here for 08 here in Intermountain, but not sure if its being held in '09 or not....I hope so..but wish it were singles

 

[cknobman]

I competed in the Texas Tri level this year and last year (both time 4.5-4.0-3.5).

Last year we made it to the sectionals tourney in Houston but this year we lost and do no get to go.

My local area tournament is fun because so many people I know play it and I get to hit/practice with higher level players than myself.

The Houston tournament is a blast. Lots of people and lots of partying.

 

[BiGGieStuFF]

We're in it this year as well. Looking forward to it as last year our team lost in the finals. It was pretty depressing. I'm playing the 3.5 line again this year and this is my last hurrah for tri-level as I got bumped to 4.0 and I'm not a strong enough 4.0 to play for the super Houston team. You definitely could consider it the real and fake tri-level as the lower level tri-level can use self rated players as the higher level tri-level will only let you use computer rated players which is great. It makes it much tougher to find ringers since you can't use some self rated player off the street.

This is my favorite of all the league tournaments because the nationals is played during the Pacific Life open so there is much more going on then just league tennis.

cknobman, sorry to hear that your team didn't make it to sectionals. Were you playing 3.5? Any tips on the 3.5s? hehehe

 

[Spokewench]

I participated in the tri level league this year; We, in our small area (Northern Arizona) did an adaptation of the league. The Sedona area does not have many 4.5 women; so we played 4.5; 4.0 and 3.5 (if they had 4.5 teams); and we played 4.5/4.0; 3.5 and 3.0 if they did not have 4.5 teams.

Our team went to Surprise this weekend. I have not heard yet how they did. They left us 3.0s at home since the league is actually 4.5/4.0 and 3.5. We had fun though and it was nice to be able to meet and get to know the ladies in the higher levels that I see all the time on the court, but never play with.

 

[cknobman]

We're in it this year as well. Looking forward to it as last year our team lost in the finals. It was pretty depressing. I'm playing the 3.5 line again this year and this is my last hurrah for tri-level as I got bumped to 4.0 and I'm not a strong enough 4.0 to play for the super Houston team. You definitely could consider it the real and fake tri-level as the lower level tri-level can use self rated players as the higher level tri-level will only let you use computer rated players which is great. It makes it much tougher to find ringers since you can't use some self rated player off the street.

This is my favorite of all the league tournaments because the nationals is played during the Pacific Life open so there is much more going on then just league tennis.

cknobman, sorry to hear that your team didn't make it to sectionals. Were you playing 3.5? Any tips on the 3.5s? hehehe

Yeah I played the 3.5's.

I can give you a few tips.

I only know one of the 3.5 players on the advancing team really well. He is a big tall guy with a devastating 1st serve. Id say its a firm 110 with a little kick. His serve can be erratic when he looses confidence but when its on (and its on more than its off) you need to be ready. He has a powerful forehand but if you keep the ball to his backhand side your fine.

The other 3.5's are average consistent players but nothing special. I dont know too much about them so I cant really say too much more.

 

[BiGGieStuFF]

Yeah I played the 3.5's.

I can give you a few tips.

I only know one of the 3.5 players on the advancing team really well. He is a big tall guy with a devastating 1st serve. Id say its a firm 110 with a little kick. His serve can be erratic when he looses confidence but when its on (and its on more than its off) you need to be ready. He has a powerful forehand but if you keep the ball to his backhand side your fine.

The other 3.5's are average consistent players but nothing special. I dont know too much about them so I cant really say too much more.

and this is a 3.5 player? hahaha What the heck? I was expecting something like he's 70 years old can't move well but is crafty and talks a lot of sh*t.

 

[BiGGieStuFF]

Just wanted to report that Houston will be representing Texas at Nationals for tri-level. Although I barely contributed with a 2-3 record. 4.5s and 4.0s for our team carried our sorry 3.5 asses all the way to california. Who else will be at Indian Wells?

 

[cknobman]

Damn your lucky, congrats. Hey are they giving you guys passes to the Pac Life open this year?

 

[BiGGieStuFF]

Damn your lucky, congrats. Hey are they giving you guys passes to the Pac Life open this year?

Yes they are giving us passes this year. From what I heard they are nosebleed seats but that doesn't bother me. I'm going to try to get in as many matches as possible whether it be singles, doubles, mixed, men or women, I don't care. I'd probably never go to an event like this on my own accord which is sad but to have a team event and the effort the other guys put forward (since I went 2-3 the whole tourney) I'm just trying my best to hold up my end of the bargain and help them to a national title.

The 3.5s this year were tough. Last year we had Jeff Tomek as one of the 3.5s and we really missed having him this year in the line-up. He sure as hell made my life much easier last year. our 4.5 lines and especially our 4.0 were impressive. The 4.0 line didn't drop a match the entire tourney. The 4.5 line probably wouldn't have dropped a line either if it wasn't for a freak accident where Tim Green dislocated his finger in a match they were easily winning. It'd be nice to contribute to the victory but it sure ain't bad riding the coattails of these awesome players either.

 

[goober]

Yes they are giving us passes this year. From what I heard they are nosebleed seats but that doesn't bother me. I'm going to try to get in as many matches as possible whether it be singles, doubles, mixed, men or women, I don't care. I'd probably never go to an event like this on my own accord which is sad but to have a team event and the effort the other guys put forward (since I went 2-3 the whole tourney) I'm just trying my best to hold up my end of the bargain and help them to a national title.

The 3.5s this year were tough. Last year we had Jeff Tomek as one of the 3.5s and we really missed having him this year in the line-up. He sure as hell made my life much easier last year. our 4.5 lines and especially our 4.0 were impressive. The 4.0 line didn't drop a match the entire tourney. The 4.5 line probably wouldn't have dropped a line either if it wasn't for a freak accident where Tim Green dislocated his finger in a match they were easily winning. It'd be nice to contribute to the victory but it sure ain't bad riding the coattails of these awesome players either.

I wonder if all those guys mind you mentioning them by name?

The phoenix/central arizona team made out of the Southwest region on the Mens side. Very good team but there did not seem to be a high level of participation in the qualifying tournament so I am not sure if it was the best players in the area. Still it would be interesting to see how they do.

 

[NetMaster70]

Good luck Houston!!!!

 

[goober]

Old news but I didn't find out till recently that Southwest won the national event in a playoff with Southern California. I am actually pretty surprised. I have played with many of the guys on the Mens team. They weren't the top players at each level, but of course very good. The women's team was from El Paso.

Socal and Southwest finished tied after the round robin and they had a single match elimination with all 6 lines mens and women's divisions with the Southwest sweeping all 6 lines.