Tennis has been an interest of mine for a long time…mostly watching matches and hitting a few balls here and there. It was on my actual 40th birthday while in Arizona that I took the tennis lesson that would make me fall in love with playing the sport. I was checking out at the spa when I overheard someone booking a tennis court. Me being the curious person that I am, I inquired about the courts and learned the property was formerly a tennis ranch. I also learned that I could sign up for lessons and they had availability the next day! All that was left for me to do was head to the mall for a tennis outfit and it was on :-)
On my way to my 40th birthday tennis lesson - in running shoes :-)
It was quite hot so I took an early morning lesson to beat the Scottsdale heat. I am not sure if it was the scenery, my amazing pro or the satisfaction of the ball hitting the sweet spot on the racquet (and staying in the court) but I was instantly HOOKED! I worked up a sweat, I was challenged intellectually and I had fun. When I asked if I could come back the next day, he said yes but only if I bought actual tennis shoes - apparently I was at risk of hurting myself playing in running shoes made to go forward versus side to side! Back to the mall again for me to procure my first pair of tennis shoes. This marked the start of my tennis gear obsession - racquets, hats, skirts, dresses - oh my!
After returning to Charlotte, I was fortunate to have a built in tennis buddy in my friend, Soror and devoted tennis mom, Sutanne. Her husband and son are already deeply entrenched in the tennis world so it was a no brainer for her to jump in too! We started taking lessons with a pro and playing together locally each week. This has truly been an ongoing life highlight - lots of exercise and laughs! Our group expanded to include more women and #TennisFridays has become an ongoing tradition one year later!
Since I’ve started playing, watching tennis has become even more serious for me! As part of my 40 for 40 journey, I’ve experienced more tennis through playing and watching than I could have imagined in a life time. Many of the experiences I’ve shared with fellow tennis lover, friend and world traveller, Molly.
Top R - With Sutanne in our 2023 US Open Ball Crew fits; Bottom L - With Molly gearing up for a lesson
Studies have shown that adults who play tennis are shown to having a longer life expectancy! Why you ask - not only is it exercise for your body but it’s exercise with others! If you play tennis or have any interest in playing with a 2.0 player on the rise, Charlotte and beyond, drop me a note and we can hit the court when I’m in your city!
Your call to action: Explore physical activities that are of interest to you. Take the lesson, meet up with other enthusiasts, buy the gear! Ask around to see who is interested in joining in with you. You may just find a new habit that may pay dividends for life!
Your fav tennis lover,
Megan.