Dear Member
Well, that’s a wrap for another month. The end of September and the beginning of winter in Dubai, meaning perfect tennis weather. Dust off your racket and join a cardio session or a coffee morning held in various locations throughout Dubai. Read on to find out about our new Desert Tennis courts and our new Elite Players. There’s also news of all the latest competition results.
Courtesy
Can we politely request that any players using our hotel facilities are mindful of hotel guests. Please ensure you respect guests’ leisure time by being courteous, keeping noise and any other disruption to a minimum. Thank you.
Elite Players
We are thrilled to bring 5 new players into the Elite Players Program. Debarshi Sen, Diya Tamse, Ralph Farah, Aaqib Zahir and Raed Rizvie.
Each player brings with them a determination to develop their technical and tactical play, improve their ITF rankings and perhaps ultimately gain a college scholarship. With the right attitude, support from their families and Rackets Academy we look forward to seeing how far these young people progress.
Desert Tennis
Ever played Desert Tennis? Why not give it a go at our new sandy courts in the beautiful surroundings of Al Forsan, Bab al Shams. Soak up the sunshine and work up a sweat in the ultimate cardio workout as you serve and dive to keep the ball from the ground. Open from 7am – 7pm and available to residents and non-residents. Prior booking is required via the Rackets Academy App.
Coffee Mornings
We have tennis coffee mornings running two days a week, where you can practice your tennis skills and meet some new players in a friendly, social atmosphere. All ability levels are most welcome and you don’t need to have a partner.
On Sunday mornings there are 8 places available at the spectacular setting of Atlantis, or if you’re free on a Thursday Coach Raduan has a session at Motor City.
All coffee mornings are available to book on the Rackets Academy app
Tournaments
U13 Boys and Girls tournament was held at the weekend. Congratulations to Saad Bukadida and Jose Landicho who made it to the final.
U17 Boys and Girls saw Idhant Kastwar and Khaled Ibrahim through to the final. Both finals will be held on Thursday 30th September 2021. Good luck to all players!
U14 Boys and Girls finals saw George Bucharov triumphed over Chris Jovan Gubza in an exciting three set match. Well done George!
U18 Boys and Girls tournament finalists were Hussain Nada and Theo Nasralah. Congratulations to our Champion, Hussain for your win!
We have a new Men’s Singles Champion in Christian Costin and a worthy runner up in Vishal Narayanan. Congratulations on a hard-fought competition.
U12 Singles Boys and Girls and U16 Singles Boys and Girls tournaments will be played weekend of 8th October 2021. Registration is now open for both events.
Player of the week
This week George Bocharov has been awarded player of the week for his fabulous play during the U14 tournament. His first tournament win in UAE. Great work!
Coach Sam’s Tip of the Week
You hit a great shot!
It may be tempting to stand there and watch where it lands and how your opponent reacts, but there is something else you should be doing.
Make sure you recover and get back to the middle of the court. Don’t ever expect that your opponent will miss a shot…you should always be thinking that you will be playing out the point until it is actually over!
Player interview with one of our Ladies League Players, Sarah French
1. Who is your favourite professional player?
My favourite male player is Roger Federer, maybe slightly unoriginal but I admire his professionalism, drive and determination over such a long career.
My favourite female player is Kim Clijsters, not a current top player but someone who managed to come back to top form after having a baby and after many injuries.
2. Who is your favourite Rackets Academy Coach?
I of course have to say Moro. I wouldn’t dare turn up to team training if I said anything different.
3. Why do you love tennis?
I have a love hate relationship with tennis. I love the memories of how I used to play and the occasional ability to hit that form for the odd point, but have a continual frustration that I am nowhere near that level any more!
4. How did you get into tennis?
I started playing short tennis when I was 5 or 6 and I loved the competitiveness and the fact that I was able to win matches and tournaments. I moved on to play tennis when I was 8 and got into school, county, regional and Club Teams in UK. I took a 16 year break and picked up my racket again a year ago.
5. Name 3 things you like about Rackets Academy.
- There’s always something going on and tennis to be played, it’s just a case of having enough time in the day to fit it in.
- All standards are welcome and there is a place for everyone.
- I have made some great friends through Rackets Academy, who will be friends for life.
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Have a great week!
Rackets Academy