Happy New Year, Tennis Players!

 No, I’m not a few strings short of a racquet. It is, or was, New Year’s Day in March  long before modern folks celebrated on January 1.
 
What has this to do with tennis? And why celebrate New Year’s Day in March?
 
First answer: As days lengthen and warm, we tennis players return to the courts, eager to start our new season. Inspired by the Australian Open in late January, which we watched next to our warm fireplaces, we’re keen to emulate Novak Djokovic, Coco Gauff, and all our favorite players. Alto Lakes Tennis Association (ALTA) plans many fun and competitive activities for the coming season. So, Happy New Tennis Season! 

SAVE THE DATE for these TENNIS EVENTS:
FRENCH OPEN – Saturday, June 8
WIMBLEDON – Saturday, July 13
PROFESSIONAL TENNIS CLINICS–week of July 22
US OPEN–Saturday, September 7

 As for the second question, why celebrate New Year’s in March, |the answer’s easy.
 
The Spring Equinox in the Northern Hemisphere occurs between March 19 and March 21.  In ancient cultures this was a time for rituals of balance and new beginnings to mark the beginning of the year, says Medium.com. For example, an ancient Egyptian tradition involved decorating boiled eggs and displaying them. If this sounds like our modern Easter tradition, remember that Easter occurs within four weeks of the spring equinox. This year, we celebrate Easter Sunday on March 31.
 
The March New Year tradition was followed throughout much of the ancient world, only giving way to a January 1 New Year when Roman Emperor Julius Caesar created a new calendar, appropriately called the Julian calendar. Out with the new year beginning in spring; in with the new year beginning in mid-winter.  And that leads us to April Fool’s Day, a topic for next month.
 
Answer to last month’s question, “Did Andre Agassi love tennis?” His surprising answer can be found in his amazing autobiography, Open, available at our Ruidoso Public Library.
 
ALTA welcomes players of all abilities for scheduled play, weather permitting, and to social mixers and club play during Grand Slam weeks, as well as other social events during the year. We also conduct “First Racquet”, a free introduction to tennis for your children and grandchildren; to be held July 3, 2024.  For further information, check out the ALTA page on the Club’s website: https://www.altolakesgolf.com/Associations/ALTA.

Tennis, anyone?  Tennis, everyone!  
By Yvonne Lanelli

PROFESSIONAL TENNIS and PICKLEBALL CLINICS
coming to Alto the week of JULY 22. 
OPEN to ALL ALGCC MEMBERS
(do not have to be a member of ALTA or ALPA to participate).
 
The Pickleball/Tennis Commission is excited to announce that Michelle King will be in residence the week of July 22 to provide clinics and lessons for pickleball and tennis at the beginner/intermediate/advanced levels.  Michelle is  PPR and IPTPA
certified and has been a full time pickleball pro the last six years; and has been a USPTA certified tennis pro for over 30 years.
 
Rates:  Two hour clinic for 8-10 is $55 per person
One and a half hour clinic for 4 is $56 per person
 
If you are interested in reserving a spot or need more information, please contact Elaine Wedgeworth at [email protected] or (512) 635-6730.