“Crucial conversations” are pivotal interactions that occur in high-stakes situations where opinions vary, and emotions run strong. As the NWTO advocates for better resources and support, these crucial conversations are foundational to the future viability of Senior Adult tournament tennis…

The Friendship Cup has a rich history and successful story of establishing international camaraderie and sisterhood both on and off the court. The tradition started in 1967 when Walter Foeger of Vermont was looking to establish competitive senior tennis play in alliance with the New England Lawn Tennis Association (NELTA), now USTA New England. He contacted George Barta of the Canadian senior division, and together, they created the Friendship Cup. In that year, players competed on three courts at the Jay Peak Resort in Vermont…

Back in the era of wood, metal, and plain graphite racquets players came to net much more often. Your racquet wasn’t going to allow you to hit hard enough to take time away from your opponent much less allow you to hit a zinging passing shot or overpowering baseline shot. If you wanted to take time away from your opponent or hit a winner, you needed to be at the net…

Angele Taylor Ray  (March 16, 1930 - July 30, 2023)

This was my first time playing in the Grass Court Championships at Germantown Cricket Club. I’ve seen pictures but never imagined how big the club really was. The clubhouse is the first thing you see when you drive through the gates of the club. It is the original building from when the club was founded in 1854. Then, you look to the left and you see the huge field with 22 grass courts. It is impressive!

Our Member Spotlight this month is Sheila Weinstock. The midget baseball team of Lancaster, Pa., lost out big in 1952. And it wasn’t the boys’ fault. They wanted then-11-year-old Sheila Allison on their team. She practiced with them at the field across from her family’s home. She was their best pitcher. Unfortunately, the team’s board decided that if Sheila were on the team “the boys would consider it a sissy sport.” …

The Level 2 tournament in Asheville, North Carolina, wound up on Friday, July 14, 2023. This was the 91st year of this tournament!

On July 14, 2023, two expert groups of the World Health Organization released their evaluations on the safety of aspartame–with somewhat different conclusions.

Our Member Spotlight this month is Sarah Flood. A new member of NWTO, Sarah has had a lifelong passion for the sport of tennis. In many ways, it has been her saving grace. Life has thrown her many curveballs and seemingly insurmountable obstacles along the way, yet she has always sought to find the joy in life – and tennis has been a big part of that…

Lillian “Lil” Peltz-Petow (1951 - 2023)

During the summer months, tennis players are more often outside for extended periods of time for training and matches and thus likely exposed to higher UV intensity, which could increase the risk of skin cancer…

The Addie Cup was formed in 1981 when several long-time Sears Cup players began to age up into the over-40 division. These events are annual and rotate venues once a year…

Elaine Mason (1926-2023)

The backhand slice is one of my favorite shots because of the different ways it can be used in a point and how it can disrupt your opponent’s game. …

The 14th Ralph and Mary Wilson Friendship Cup, held in beautiful Villach, Austria, ended with the International Team besting the US team, 15-9. Points were decided counting 1 point for each singles match and 2 points for the doubles.

Ruth Webb

The La Jolla 50s Nationals started with overcast skies but beautiful temperatures for tennis. Every time I come to one of the national tournaments, I say to myself: “It’s always amazing to see these women.” It’s great to not only reconnect with women I played with in juniors and college, but also to make new friends and acquaintances. It’s truly an honor to be here at La Jolla with multiple generations who have wonderful stories and experiences to share…

You have probably heard of one or more of the following: Monster Energy, Red Bull, Alani Nu, Celsius, Rockstar Energy, Bang Energy, and Ghost. These energy drinks are widely consumed to enhance energy, alertness, and physical performance. Let’s look at what’s in them and how they could affect tennis performance and training…

The 2023 USTA National Indoor Championship was played at one of the premier indoor court facilities in the U.S. With 15 indoor courts and viewing of all courts, the setting was ideal whether playing or watching. As I start to write this article, it is the second day of the tournament and it is pouring rain outside. We do not have to hole up in our hotel rooms or contemplate shortened formats. The play goes on…a prime benefit of indoor play, along with no need for sunglasses or sunscreen…

“Who are you? Write it down,” she recounted God telling her. “‘I’m a tennis player.’”

Our Member Spotlight this month is Mia Vaughnes. It may have taken 14 years, but Mia would eventually rekindle her tennis game in an unexpected way.