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Hi Tennis Fans,

      I want to begin by wishing you a Happy Thanksgiving.  This is a time to bring families together, drop any indifferences, and love, forgive and be thankful for one another.  And - be thankful for all the blessings God has given us.  I am learning that people's relationship with the Lord can not be made right until their relationship with others is make right.  This is a good time to start mending bridges.

     I have been watching the WTA Finals and the ATP Finals.  We had 4 Americans in the WTA Finals.  The farthest one of them went was the semifinals.  Sabalenka was too strong for Pegula.  But in the finals Rybakina was victorious over Sabalenka (6-3, 7-6).  Just think, to be that good they dedicate eleven months out of the year to tennis.  It is strenuous.  Both the men and women are asking to shorten the season in order to work on improving their game and giving their bodies a rest.  I hope it happens.  No other sport has such an extended schedule.

     So far, in the ATS Finals, Alcaraz defeated A. de Minaur 7-6, 6-2.  Shelton and Zerve have just finished playing.  Zerve won 6-3, 7-6.  Our one other American, Tayor Fritz, plays Monday against Sinner.  That should be a good match to watch on the Tennis Channel.

      The Kenny Huffman Tennis Classic is going on its 53rd year.  Our committee will be meeting again at the end of January to start plans for our tournament.  We belong to the Appalachian Tennis Series which will hold a meeting November 16 at 7:PM on Zoom to discuss about 10 items.  I can inform you of any changes in the next newsletter.

     Now I want to discuss two necessary things that are really essential to the growth of tennis in the Pike County area.  One is keeping the Bob Amos Tennis Courts in tip top condition.  The courts are used by UPIKE, Pikeville High School, Shelby Valley High School, and Belfrey.  The city has not kept the courts clean, pressure washed, or treated any repairs this year.  I think you coaches and players should approach those in charge of repairs in a genuine kind manner and request them to keep the courts up.

      The second item is indoor courts.  I have been writing about this for about five years.  We really need at least 4 to 6 indoor courts, due to the bad weather in the winter in the mountains.  This is needed to keep the sport of tennis growing and progressing in Eastern Kentucky.  This would bring in better players for UPIKE and increase the interest in the local high schools.  I am asking for some wealthy people to have a heart to go in together and have these indoor courts built, or find a way to get a grant.

    I am so very thankful that the YMCA resurfaced their indoor court.  Thank You!  Enjoy your Thanksgiving.  I thought these quotes were good:  "This Thanksgiving we are thankful for a double fault free day, a sport that keeps you young at heart, and for teammates who become family." "May your Thanksgiving be filled with the joy of a great match, the fun of good company, and the gratitude for a sport that brings us all together,"  From USTA Mid-Atlantic Foundation:  The next quote is from the Christian Athlete:  "I am thankful for the rivals who push me to be better, the rules that give structure to the game, and the strength to overcome challenges."  Finally a quote by Arnold Palmer:  "For thanksgiving I'm thankful for the opportunity to have done my best, even when the odds were against me."

 

     

Sue Huffman Stanley
Founder of Kenny Huffman Tennis Classic
KHTC Secretary
KHTC Board Member
Author of “A Tennis Love Story”

      

      

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