A new year, a new tennis season!
And what a season we just had. Professional tennis saw the rise of new stars—Coco Gauff, winner of US Open and Carlos Alcarez, Wimbledon champ—and the staying power of seasoned veterans—Novak Djokovic triumphing over Jannik Sinner at the ATP Finals in front of Sinner’s hometown crowd in Rome.
Alto Lakes Tennis Association (ALTA) capped its season in grand style, too. We held our annual Crazy Christmas Sweater Mixer and Party on December 2, with our sister club, Alto Lakes Pickleball Association (ALPA), for the first time. Brent Kriegel won the men’s contest and Deborah Harris the ladies’ contest. We also used the occasion to say goodbye to Belinda and Rick Campbell as they embark on their next
adventure-full time RVing!
Just to recap, ALTA enjoyed a most successful season in 2023. In addition to regular play throughout the year, ALTA’s chief activities included mixers and parties in conjunction with tennis’s three of four Grand Slam events, the French Open in May-June, Wimbledon in July-August, and the US Open in August-September. Themed decor and refreshments set the stage at Outlaw Courts for a morning of Grand Slam fun, ALTA-style.
Headlining news for ALTA members in 2023 was the acquisition of two courts at newly-acquired Kokopelli. Sign up on Foretees for courts at either “Koko” or Outlaw. Work continues on the pavilion and restrooms located between the courts for the benefit of all Alto members. The pavilion will be available to “reserve,” also on Foretees/Courts. Tennis at Alto Lakes Golf and Country Club has never been better!
Looking forward to 2024, the Australian Open begins Grand Slam season January 14 - 28, 2024. What big names will contend? Which newcomer will blast out of the pack? Stay tuned.
TENNIS TIP: Communication in doubles is key. It is always helpful if the server lets their partner know if they plan to serve down the
middle, down the center line, or out wide. That prepares the server’s partner where the return of serve might be placed, as illustrated in the diagram below.
What does 2024 promise for us?
Tennis, anyone? Tennis, everyone!
Yvonne Lanelli, ALTA