Let's do great things for men’s tennis, together!
ARTICLE archives
Carolyn Nichols | September 2021
On September 8, 2021, the USTA informed players selected to participate in the ITF Super Senior World Team Championships in Mallorca that it had withdrawn the teams from the event.
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Steve Duffel | September 2021
This month, the NSMTA President updates us on this year’s progress including the appeal of the NSMTA Invitation Team Series events and what occurred at the annual Board of Director Meeting in Texas. Steve also shares his “Game Ball” and “Jockstrap” awards which are much deserved!
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September 2021
NSMTA Member, Roy Barth’s book, Point of Impact was recently accepted into the permanent collection of the library at the International Tennis Hall of Fame in Newport, Rhode Island. Roy is enjoying being an author of his well-received book and is incredibly flattered to be a part of the library at ITF. In January 2021, NSMTA Board Member, Jimmy Parker, reviewed Point of Impact in the Literary Lobs section of our website. Reach the review, then follow the link to purchase Roy’s book.
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Fred Robinson | August 2021
There are precious benefits of playing sports and the painful detriments of not being active. In the Body Helix blog, NSMTA Member, Fred Robinson examines these benefits with topics including how to choose what sport is best for you, the benefits of the activity, diet, and more.
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Roy C. Riley | August 2021
As the famous song goes: “You gotta have heart. All you need is heart.” Like many super senior players, Roy Riley has miles and miles of heart. He loved several sports, especially tennis, and played them with gusto and skill, until his physical heart, his ticker, started failing him. This heartfelt and heartening story tells how Roy is coping with his disease and offers hope for other tennis lovers with debilitating illnesses.
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Paul Fein | August 2021
For BJ Miller, analysis has never led to paralysis. On the contrary, analysis and passion for his occupation led to a highly successful career as a civil engineer. Though BJ discovered tennis at the late age of 30, his new passion soon became an obsession. So, true to form, he applied many of these same analytical skills for hone his technique and tactics to become a leading senior player. In this idea-provoking interview, BJ tells his on-court and off-court story with engaging candor.
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Ross Mclean | August 2021
Here’s a wonderful insight into the current world #1 in the 85 & Over, our own King van Nostrand. He is chasing the men’s all-time record for world championships, and he’s only a couple away! In this wide-ranging article from ITF World, we get to see King’s humor, modesty, and competitive drive on full display.
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Mas Kimball | August 2021
Jimmy Parker | August 2021
In his review of The Fein Points of Tennis: Technique and Tactics to Unleash Your Talent, Jimmy Parker calls the unique, 511-page instruction book “thoughtful and thought-provoking.” The author’s vantage points as a longtime tennis writer, tournament player, and USPTA Elite Pro provide the information and expertise for a wide array of in-depth instruction articles as well as for the probing questions for engrossing interviews with leading coaches Pat Cash, Rick Macci, Patrick Mouratoglou, Nick Bollettieri, Harold Solomon, and others.
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Noble Hendrix | August 2021
The annual now named Ralph Grieco Memorial Cup took place in Boone, NC from July 17-20. The weather was perfect, NSMTA members, friends and family played and enjoyed the matches and all who attended remembers Ralph as a good friend and tennis player that will be missed.
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Steve Duffel | August 2021
The world is unfolding as we speak, and as usual, it’s a mix. I’ve always loved the old Clint Eastwood film, “The Good, the Bad, and the Ugly,” partly because the title sort of covers the whole shebang, doesn’t it?
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Joe Rasgado | August 2021
The Inaugural NSMTA Larry Turville Team Classic took place over the Fourth of July Weekend in the Blue Ridge Mountains of Asheville, NC. It was a very special experience to honor the legacy of such a fantastic player and NSMTA Board Member who sadly passed away while still on top of his game.
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USTA | August 2021
The USTA asked some of the members who represent the United States at the Tokyo Olympics and Paralympics this summer, for some of their best tennis tips. Hear from our stars on how they get mentally prepared on match day, their best tip for your tennis game, and what it means to them to represent the red, white and blue on the international stage.
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David Linebarger & David Hall | August 2021
Ranked #1 in the world for six different years and a member of both the International Tennis Hall of Fame and the Australian Sporting Hall of Fame, David Hall is quite simply one of the greatest wheelchair players in the history of the sport.
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Mas Kimball | July 2021
A lot has happened with Mas over the last couple of weeks, most notably a new do and his 72nd birthday celebration. Mas also brings us up to date on the side effects of chemotherapy phase 2 and how it’s affecting his tennis game.
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Bert Stratton | July 2021
This article, submitted by an NSMTA member and originally published in the Wall Street Journal, is a funny story about aging in the game of tennis and that to some, age difference definitely matters.
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USTA | July 2021
The Adult Tournament Rankings have been published and the Adult National Standings Lists will be updated on a weekly basis on the USTA’s website. A special shout-out goes to the NSMTA Members and Board of Directors in the top 10!
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Chuck Garcia | July 2021
We all have something that fuels our passion and keeps us young at heart. For professional tennis player and coach Jimmy Parker, that thing has always been tennis. This is Jimmy’s Story of Transformation on Chuck Garcia’s podcast series.
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Mas Kimball | July 2021
In Mas’s post on his blog, Some Days Are Better Than Others, he shares his latest medical update including his most recent scan results, moving onto phase two of chemo treatment and all the crazy side effects that come with it. (Don’t worry, there’s a pill for most things!) Along with the new chemo regimen, Mas has been researching and seeking augmented therapy like acupuncture and massage therapy. As always, Mas brings us a hilarious funny of the week.
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David Linebarger | July 2021
In the newest post in Tennis Players As Of Art, we learn about Bobby Blair and his story in the book, Hiding Inside the Baseline. Being a gay tennis player in the ’80s and ‘90s, he struggles on whether to hide his sexual identity or come out.
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Kyle Lutz | July 2021
One of the many gifts of tennis, the sport for a lifetime, is that it often produces lifelong friendships. Selim Benbadis and Alex Kor, two tennis lovers and ardent tournament competitors, come from different parts of the country but became fast friends, doubles partners, and occasional singles opponents at national tournaments this century. This story tells how that long-distance friendship formed and flourished.
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Matt Fuchs | June 2021
After a big break in competitive play from our favorite sport, how do we get ready to return to tournaments? Our senior tennis friends and a few NSMTA Members share what they did throughout the pandemic to stay as tournament-ready as possible.
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Mas Kimball | June 2021
After a long week enduring chemo #13, Mas updates us with how he’s been feeling… not so great. But with the warm weather and sunny days here and the excitement of traveling to Louisville for a Level 3 tournament, he can’t throw himself a pity party for too long!
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Keiko Kimball Gouty | June 2021
The USA rosters for the 2021 Senior International Teams have been released. After a year hiatus due to the Coronavirus pandemic, the Senior Worlds will take place beginning at the end of August 2021.
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Ed Trost | June 2021
In this substantive and amusing piece about Paul Fein, Ed Trost writes about his new tennis instruction book, The Fein Points of Tennis, his long and varied career as a tennis writer, the ways he’s served and promoted tennis, and his interesting and exciting experiences as a senior player starting in 2007. And one more thing—Paul’s unusual addiction.
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David Linebarger | May 2021
Toupie Lowther was a Wimbledon semi-finalist in 1903 and 1906 and was believed to be the first openly lesbian player in the sport. She was also a keen fencer, motorist and jujitsu player, and held a science degree from the Sorbonne University a public research university in Paris, France.
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Jeremy Wachtel | May 2021
With a heavy heart, we share the news of the passing of George Wachtel, an NSMTA member and blog contributor to NSMTA.net. George was also the author of Senior Tennis: Strokes, Strategies, Rules and Remedies, a tournament-level senior tennis player, a family man and friend to many. He will be sorely missed.
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A giant of senior tennis recently passed away. In this appreciation piece, Jimmy Parker recalls how John Powless contributed mightily to our sport both on and off the courts for decades.
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Mas Kimball | May 2021
This month, Mas updates us on what’s new since his last medical update. While there have been some downs like scan results and mouth sores, there are lots of ups including traveling to South Carolina for the NSMTA Hilton Head Cup and quickly selling his RV.
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Keith Richardson | May 2021
The pandemic changed the tennis world for better and for worse. We lost several months of tournaments in 2020. But some players, like super-senior Keith Richardson, used the time off the courts to ensure they’d bounce back better than ever. Besides being better dressed and equipped, Keith put better fuel in the body. In this personal story of late-career evolution, he reveals how pre-match, on-court, and post-match recovery fueling have energized him and re-ignited his game.
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Steve Duffel | May 2021
In the most recent President’s Letter, Steve Duffel celebrates the return of competitive tennis and updates us on what’s happening with the NSMTA and in the world of tournaments. From the Invitational Team Series Events to new pro shop items, there is no shortage of new news from the NSMTA.
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Joe Rasgado | April 2021
The inaugural NSMTA Froehling Team Cup proved a huge success, both competitively and socially. The recent event honored Frank Froehling, one of America’s top players in the1960s. The Gold Coast team, captained by Geoff Moore and Joe Bouquin, prevailed. Find out all the details in this report from senior standout Joe Rasgado.
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Ed Trost | April 2021
From issues surrounding the pandemic to the new USTA software, there were a handful of challenges leading up to and at the Wilson World Tennis Classic. Regardless of these setbacks, the country’s largest adult tournament was a success with over 600 players competing. NSMTA Members and tennis friends were excited to get back to Level 2 competition after being cooped up for over a year.
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Mas Kimball | April 2021
In Mas’s medical update, he brings us up to speed on his recent chemo, upcoming treatment plans and CT scan schedule. We also get great news he is traveling to Hilton Head in May to participate in the NSMTA Team Series Jerry Kirk Memorial Cup Team Event.
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USTA | April 2021
The International Tennis Federation (ITF) World Tennis Number is a new, single global tennis rating for all players, regardless of age, ability or gender. It will be one of the most advanced and easy-to-use rating systems in tennis and comes with many benefits for those that deliver tournaments and events, as well as players. The USTA, along with over 100 other international governing bodies to date, will be adopting the ITF World Tennis Number. Review the changes then share your thoughts in the NSMTA Forum.
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Steve Born | April 2021
Steve from Hammer Nutrition brings us an article discussing the immense differences between sugar-laden fuels—those that are comprised of glucose, sucrose, fructose, etc.—and the Hammer Nutrition fuels, which are comprised of complex carbohydrates (maltodextrin).
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April 2021
On March 16, 2021, Coach Jerry Hirst, 79, died peacefully surrounded by his loving family. Jerry was born in San Francisco, CA, on January 22, 1942, and started playing tennis with his brother at a young age. He played throughout high school and was a nationally ranked player at East Texas State.
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Victoria Chiesa | March 2021
Only four women have been tasked with umpiring a men’s singles championship at a Grand Slam tournament and three of them have been at the US Open. In celebration of Women’s History Month, the US Open shares their stories.
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Steve Duffel | March 2021
Who would have known, a year ago, when we went into lockdown all over the world, that we would still be enduring this pandemic 12 months later. While tennis saw an increase in participation in 2020, the tournament calendar continues to have cancelations and postponements due to the virus. The NSMTA has some new features of membership like sign-up gifts and an upgraded Tournament List.
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ITF | March 2021
The 2021 ITF Seniors (50-55-60) World Championships in Umag, Croatia, originally scheduled to take place from June 6-19 2021, will now be played from August 29 - September 11.
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Jimmy Parker | March 2021
It’s been exactly a year since the NSMTA posted a tournament recap or review on the Court Reports page of our website. Earlier this month, vaccinated tennis friends and foes participated in a round-robin-style doubles Invitational in Rancho Santa Fe, California. Jimmy Parker recounts the fun weekend filled with good tennis, friends and food.
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Barbara Mejia | March 2021
After a month-long battle with Covid-19, NSMTA member, Miguel Mejia passed away on January 18, 2021. Miguel’s wife Barbara shares a beautiful homage to her tennis-loving husband. ”Winning and losing do not define us, it's what's in our heart that matters, playing with integrity and gratitude.”
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USTA National | March 2021
Recent data from the Physical Activity Council’s (PAC) report produced by Sports Marketing Surveys shows that there was a 22% increase in tennis participation in 2020. That means a whopping 4 million more people played tennis in 2020 than 2019. “Tennis is an ideal social-distancing sport, which puts it in a great position to continue to grow and allow people to stay active and social in a healthy and safe manner,” says Mike Dowse, USTA CEO and Executive Director.
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Mas Kimball | March 2021
In his Some Days Are Better Than Others blog, Mas brings us some great news after his most recent scan. After gaining back some weight, taking less OxyContin and increasing his strength, Mas took to the (pickleball) court this week and only lost 1 game!
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Bill Simmons | March 2021
Tennis lost another friend on February 26th. Seventy-seven-year-old Gene Cantin passed away due to a brain hemorrhage. He will be greatly missed.
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David Linebarger | March 2021
Head over to blog, Tennis Players as Works of Art, for a poetic tribute to Gustavo Kuerten’s unruly, loose locks which metaphorically matched his playing style and character.
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Fernando Velasco | March 2021
Executive Director of Capital Area tennis Association and Tournament Director, Fernando Velasco shares his tips to face the challenges of being a tournament director. From pre to post-tournament, there are a variety of things to plan, organize and follow up with.
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Mas Kimball | February 2021
Mas's new updates include wrapping up his sixth chemo treatment, getting vaccinated for Covid-19 and his pain management plan. He also shares how he keeps track of his medicine and symptoms with a handy app that could be helpful to many of us. Mas has also been spending time in his “happy place,” Martha’s Vineyard, but the cold weather has him freezing, so now he’s waiting like a kid on Christmas for UPS to deliver his heated vest! As always, check out the funny video that is sure to crack you up.
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George Wachtel | February 2021
While there have been some compelling 5-set comebacks, is that really the best length of a match? In George Wachtel’s Senior Tennis and Fitness blog, he discusses whether five sets is too much for the pros and viewers. He shares his personal thoughts on the tournaments he’s playing, doing away with the full third set in singles and play a Match Tie Breaker at one set apiece in 70+ senior tennis tournaments. After reading the blog post, check out others thoughts on “Is 5 Sets Too Much?” and share your thoughts on our forum.
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Keiko Kimball Gouty | February 2021
The USTA has announced the teams that will represent the USA in the Senior International World Championships in Umag, Croatia. Senior International competition features the top players from across the world competing for their countries and the ITF Seniors World Team Championships are the most prestigious team events on the ITF Seniors circuit.
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Jake Ten Pas | February 2021
Small in physical stature, John Popplewell has achieved big things in sports and life ever since he lettered in tennis at Marshfield High School in Oregon. This November 2020 article, originally published in The Winged M magazine, recounts John's eventful journey along with his enduring relationships with boyhood buddy Larry Eickworth and life partner Patsy Bruggere. In the past 60 years, this elite super senior and self-described "sports junkie" has not only won 328 tennis titles, but also traveled to 40 countries and all seven continents, including Antarctica, recently. On his next trip, John will proudly represent the U.S. at the ITF Super-Senior World Team Championship in Mallorca, Spain.
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Jimmy Parker | February 2021
Jimmy Parker had the good fortune of developing his game in St. Louis, a hotbed of junior tennis in the late 1950s. As fate would have it, another teenage standout, Arthur Ashe, would move from segregated Richmond, Virginia, to St. Louis to accelerate his progress. The innocence of youth would abruptly give way, though, to the harsh realities of life, as Jimmy witnessed the overt racism Arthur, his good friend and doubles partner, faced. In this poignant remembrance, and in commemoration of Black History Month, Jimmy describes the temper of those charged times and notes how far America has come in its quest for equality—and in view of recent racial turmoil—how far we have to go.
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Steve Duffel | February 2021
“Welcome to the brave new world of 2021, with the vision of better things to come for all of us!” In Steve Duffel’s first letter as NSMTA President, he reviews some new changes like our updated motto and new partnerships. He also explains some of the NSMTA’s goals for 2021; the most important one is finding ways to bring additional value to membership and how to better serve our members.
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Mas Kimball | February 2021I
In this week’s Some Days Are Better Than Others blog, Mas tells us about his new chemo schedule closer to home, how his pain is better managed, and other changes since his last medical update. As always, he brings us a funny of the week with a cute video.
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Billy Crawford | February 2021
Stephen Carter was yet another tennis player who lost his life to the Coronavirus this winter. He was a husband, father, grandfather, coach, and friend to many. No matter who Steve was to you, he was a tennis player that will be greatly missed.
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David Linebarger | January 2021
For Cliff and Nancy Richey, arguably the greatest brother-sister duo in the history of tennis, “…winning was the be-all and the end-all. It was our life, our business, our religion.” While such a laser-like focus on winning might help one beat depression, it might also, at least for many world-class athletes, lead to some form of depression later in life. Depression, of course, is a complex topic. The latest blog post in Tennis Players as Works of Art, brings us artist and past tennis player, Jeffrey Sparr’s Beat Depression, a painting of Cliff Richey.
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Keiko Kimball Gouty | January 2021
The National Senior Men’s Tennis Association has announced the appointment of new NSMTA President, Steve Duffel, and the addition of three new Board Members, Tony Dawson, Larry Eichenbaum, and James “Noble” Hendrix.
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Bruce Y. Lee | January 2021
In the tennis pandemic year 2020, we sadly lost lives, livelihoods, and tournaments. But, paradoxically, we enjoyed a Tennis Boom. Player participation and racket sales soared as Americans learned tennis ranked as one of the safest sports to get a good workout and have fun. This highly informative article from Forbes.com explains how the USTA and allied tennis organizations helped our sport thrive during the worst of times.
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Mas Kimball | January 2021
Many friends, family, and tennis acquittances have asked for updates on my condition. I've been sending out medical update emails, but the NSMTA has generously allowed me to share my journey with stage IV pancreatic cancer on a new blog on the NSMTA website.
Thanks for your thoughts, prayers, sending positive vibes and giving support during this time!
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Book Review by Jimmy Parker | January 2021
Today tennis ranks as the No. 1 individual pro sport worldwide with its superstars so famous they’re known by their first names (or nicknames)—Roger, Novak, Rafa, and Serena. The most prestigious tournaments award champions $3 million or more in prize money, something unimaginable 50 years ago. What was life like on the pro tour way back in the early days of Open Era? Roy Barth tells the inside story in his new book, Point of Impact. Our own Jimmy Parker, a contemporary player of Roy, reviews this engaging book, which applies what Roy learned on the tour to his successful life after his pro career ended.
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