Going for the Gold was the theme for February as athletes from around the world gathered in Sochi for the Winter Olympics. Closer to home, we had our own Olympics as ninety-seven tennis players travelled throughout the northeast in pursuit of gold medals. Five level singles championships and the coveted Tuxedo Gold Racquet were up for grabs. Read on to find out what happened.

World Championship action got underway, as the first round of the Eliminators was played in Tuxedo, Newport, Queen's and Chicago. Camden Riviere and Steve Virgona will go on to the next round - the Final Eliminator - in Chicago later this month. The winner will earn the right to challenge World Champion, Rob Fahey, in May in Melbourne. Match reports from the first leg as well as ticket information for the Final Eliminator can be found below.

Bruce Katz is back with a story entitled "Virtual Galleries". What's better - a boast or a direct force to the dedans? Read on for the answer. Rich Smith offers some advice on preparing for tournaments in this month's "Tips from the Pros." Check out the latest Top 25 List of players or find out which club is the busiest.

Finally, don't forget to look into the Court Tennis Academy July 14-18 in Tuxedo for your junior player. It's going to be a blast.

Happy First Day of Meteorological Spring!

Until next month...

Sincerely,  

For players traveling to various clubs around the country to compete in the USCTA tournaments. Here are a few tips!

Always make sure your rackets back, this will help ball striking on an unfamiliar floor.

Serving

Watch what the locals serve and try and mix up your serving to see what works.

Get behind the ball

On an unfamiliar court, it's easy to get use to the same movements that you're used at your home club. Always get behind the ball.

The Knock up

Always warm up from both ends of the court and receive a few balls off the penthouse.

Find the Gallery

It's hard enough adjusting to an unfamiliar court; let's make it easier by getting a chase and spending time at the serving end.

Good luck, have fun and bring back the gold!

The 2014 World Championship will be held in Melbourne on May 5-10. World Champion - Rob Fahey - will defend the title he has held since 1994. The Challenger will be the winner of the Final Eliminator between Steve Virgona and Camden Riviere. 

For information on the World Championship, click here. 

FEBRUARY 

2/28-3/2

 ANNE BOLEYN DRAW

 Women's Handicap Singles

MARCH

7-9

ETCHEBASTER

Registration Form 

New York

Newer Player Singles

14-16

LORD PERCIVAL

Philadelphia

Invitational inter-club team doubles

18,20,22

Chicago

21-23

U.S. 60s

Chicago

National Championship - Singles & Doubles for players over 60

U.S. 70s

New York 

National Championship - Singles & Doubles for players over 70

28-30

U.S. AMATEUR 

Philadelphia

National Amateur Championship

Singles & Doubles  

APRIL

4-6

U.S. 40s & 50s

Boston

National Championship - Singles & Doubles for players over 40 and 50

10-13

CHERRY BLOSSOM

Washington

Doubles round robin for multiple amateur levels

18-20

NORTHROP KNOX

25-27

LADIES' INVITATIONAL 

Boston

Singles & Doubles for  

U.S.- based amateurs