Dear Member,
Hope you’ve had a great week! Check out all the latest news from Rackets Academy. We have results from the Men’s Invitational UTR event last weekend and details on our upcoming Ace for Good Tournament. We have information on our new partnership with Community Advisor and an interview with Ladies League player, Margaret Dean. Check out our Rule and Tip of the Week from Coach Fuad and review our upcoming tournaments. Find out who was lucky enough to meet Russia’s former No. 1 player…Read on!
Men’s Invitational UTR event – Results
Well done to everyone who took part in our Men’s Invitational UTR event last weekend. The two-day prestigious singles tournament which took place at Atlantis Hotel, The Palm saw Daniel Cox beat Sean Hodkin 6-7 6-2 (10-8) in the final. Congratulations Daniel and well done to you both on a fantastic tournament!
Ace for Good Tournament – 29th & 30th Jan
We are delighted to be hosting the Ace for Good Tournament on 29th and 30th January. This is tournament is an initiative by Hussein Nada, a grade 11 student at American School of Dubai, “Plan and Play” a tennis tournament in Dubai via reaching out to the tennis community to join and play in a 2 day event that, aimed at supporting Lebanon’s communities that are affected by Lebanon’s economic crisis.
The donations generated from the registration fees, and the generous sponsors’ support will go directly in the form of a donation cheque to the “Emirates Red Crescent” who will ensure that the donations (in the form of aid) reach those affected communities living in Lebanon. See details below.
AED100 for Group Doubles’ event (per player)
AED120 for Juniors – B&G (per player)
AED150 for Men’s (per player)
Friday 29th January
Venue: Motor City
Doubles: Parent & Child / Coach & Pupil / Husband & Wife
5 Groups of 5 Pairs (4 matches Guaranteed)
11am- 8pm
Venue: Atlantis
Boys & Girls 14 & Under Singles
Knock Out Draw of 28
Round of 28, 16 and Quarters (Possible 3 Matches)
11am – 8pm
Venue: Sofitel
Men’s Invitational Singles
Knock Out Draw of 16
Round of 16 & Quarters
9am – 10pm
Saturday 30th January
Venue: Atlantis
Semi Finals & Finals (All Categories)
9am – 6pm
For more information or to sign up, call 052 992 8595 TODAY or email register@racketsacademy.ae.
Ernest plays with Russia’s former No. 1 player, Mikhail Youzhny!
Last week, one of our Elite Player’s, Ernest Yakubovskiy, got to play with Russia’s former No. 1 player, Mikhail Youzhny at the Atlantis Hotel, The Palm. What an inspirational experience for Ernest, one that will not be forgotten!
Download your amazing Community Advisor App!
Rackets Academy would like to announce a new partnership with Community Advisor. Community Advisor is your community’s social network which allows you to participate in forums, trade on the local marketplace, plan activities and easily find reviewed services and their discounts around you at the tip of your fingers! Download the Community Advisor App for Apple or Android and enter the lucky draw to win a free tennis lesson by reviewing Rackets Academy on Community Advisor!
Upcoming Tournaments
Check out our tournaments that are taking place over the next few weeks. To sign up, call 052 992 8595 TODAY or email register@racketsacademy.ae:
Fri 22nd & Sat 23rd January – UTR Boys & Girls U12 Singles, Rackets Academy, Motor City
Fri 22nd & Sat 23rd January – UTR Boys & Girls U17 Singles, Atlantis Hotel, Palm
Fri 29th & Sat 30th January – Ace For Good Tournament, RA Motor City & Atlantis Hotel, Palm
Fri 5th February – UTR Boys & Girls U14 Doubles, Atlantis Hotel, Palm
Fri 5th & Sat 6th February – UTR Men’s Doubles, Rackets Academy, Motor city
Fri 12th & Sat 13th February – UTR Boys & Girls U13 Singles, Atlantis Hotel, Palm
Interview with Margaret Dean
This week’s interview is with our lovely Rackets Academy Ladies League Player, Margaret Dean.
1. Who is your favourite professional player?
Gael Monfils, he is very entertaining and athletic on the court!
2. Who is your favourite Rackets Academy Coach?
Well Coach Dean has just taken over our ladies team so if I want to earn some points… Dean! He is great at double tactics and constantly encouraging us to hit harder!
3. Why do you love tennis?
I love tennis for many reasons; it’s great exercise without feeling like it’s exercise, I love the feeling of improving, learning tactics, playing as part of a team and winning! (Rare ?)
4. How did you get into tennis?
I started playing tennis in Dubai as my son started taking lessons with George and I was encouraged to have a go and take lessons too.
5. How long have you been playing tennis for?
Maybe 6 years now.
6. List 3 things you like about Rackets Academy
- 1. Friendly, experienced coaches
- 2. The quality of the courts
- 3. The location
Rule of the Week: Racket / Player Crossing the Net
A player cannot go over or touch the net. A player is not supposed to touch the net and is neither allowed to cross over. As for the racket, it is not allowed to touch the net either. In case of the racket crossing over, it can only happen during the follow-through of a shot, provided the first contact was made inside the player’s half.
Coach Fuad’s Tip of the Week: The Forehand – The Role of the Left Arm
“The role of the left arm in the forehand is a neglected part of the stroke. In my experience it has three main benefits: 1. Preparation, 2. Balance, 3. Space. The left arm should be placed across the body in preparation for the oncoming ball. This will allow a good set up before the ball arrives. The player should also discover that they will have created space between the body and the ball. This will prevent that ‘jammed feeling’ that players get. The left arm across the body is an excellent checkpoint to prevent this from happening. Players should also feel better balance which should equal a better quality of impact through the ball. …Good luck!“
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Have a great week!
Rackets Academy