My father was an avid tennis player. Well, actually, he loved all sports (except baseball!). He played tennis at the University of Chicago and then played for fun all during his lifetime.
We became a tennis family. Every weekend we would load up the car with our rackets, bucket of balls, and a picnic lunch and head for the local college courts. My dad taught the three of us kids how to play. He would have us hitting against the backboard for hours. I actually got pretty good. Barbara was good too. My brother gave it up.
In 1954, Barbara and I entered a city tournament. I played really well and got to the finals (Barbara got to the semi-finals). Then, gulp, I was faced with my opponent, 6 foot tall, Linda Forrest, the Goliath of my age group. I was tiny in comparison. I barely reached her head. But, as they say, "size isn't everything" and I beat that amazon 6-3, 6-1 to win the trophy.
I think I was 13 at the time. I kept playing for awhile, but then since our high school didn't offer tennis for girls (only boys - this was way before Title 9) I gave up tennis for awhile. My father wanted me to continue and pushed me a little too hard. You don't push a Taurus (do you Bob Scotney?). After all these years, I'm still feeling guilty that I had disappointed him by giving up the sport that he loved.
Now, I just watch tennis on TV. Like you, LittleNell, I've been engrossed in Wimbledon all week.
But what happened to my brother who gave up tennis as a teen? He just recently was a runner up in a tennis tournament at the ripe old age of 71. So the seed was planted early and only my brother has kept up the game. My father would have been so proud of him.
Hop over the net to read more stories about tennis and games by clicking Sepia Saturday.
Your Dad was sooo handsome. And you look more like Brooke Shields than David! On top of everything else, you're a tennis champion too. Do you two ever play tennis together? Great photos, lovely post, as usual.
ReplyDeleteNo, no more tennis. Those days are over. I just don't have the energy anymore.
DeleteMy ex-husband was a super good tennis player and we used to play a lot. I haven't played in years.
But I love watching it on TV. And it was fun watching my brother play in his tournament.
I had to quit tennis, too. It's just too embarrassing when your little sister beats you...and wins the tournament.
ReplyDeleteBarbara
I never had enough energy to play tennis.
ReplyDeleteCongratulations several decades late on your win!
ReplyDeleteMy dad taught me to play too. He bought me my first racket, the same one I used for YEARS. Daddy thought I could be good at tennis, but I couldn't take the heat. I think our dads would have gotten along pretty well.
ReplyDeleteThat is very impressive and well doen to your brother too for keeping up the game. I have to confess to being the opposite of engrossed in the tennis this week, but I may watch from now on as things have started to take an interesting turn.
ReplyDeleteAn interesting turn is right. Still can't believe that Nadal lost.
DeleteHey, Nancy, great job at winning that tournament! I really enjoyed your post, and seeing all of you back then. I played a little bit and really did enjoy it. I'm not a jock though, and never have done any sport seriously.
ReplyDeleteKathy M.
A Taurus pushes back, Nancy. Interesting to see the family love of tennis. My children all played; my daughter still does occasionally but get plenty of practice hitting balls for her dogs.
ReplyDeleteNancy good on you that you won that game! Wonderful memories of your tennis years! Lovely photos.
ReplyDeleteGreat post. It seems like you all had natural ability. Very interesting to see that your brother gave it up and now he is the only one playing.
ReplyDeleteMy dad was a great footballer so my brother didn't play because he didn't feel that he could live up to my dad's standards and didn't want to let him down. Maybe your brother was the same?
That's quite and achievement, Nancy. Our daughter played regularly until the age of 13 or so. then she turned her attention to other interests. This year's Wimbledon is shaping up nicely, and if Andy Murray doesn't make into the final, I'll be very surprised. No pressure, Andy!
ReplyDeleteYour father coached you well how wonderful to win the tournament. Guess you have all inherited the tennis gene whether watching or playing. The first week of Wimbledon has certainly been unpredictable.
ReplyDeleteYour father taught his children well if you were able to beat the "amazon" and your brother now plays tennis. What an interesting read.
ReplyDeleteI'm not sure if the Sepia Saturday theme might be fathers inside of tennis. Seems like so many bloggers have chosen a father/tennis combo. Great post.
ReplyDeleteLovely photos and story. And congratulations on your tennis tournament win!
ReplyDeleteWhat a cool and interesting post. I have some other family tennis stuff, but not time or energy to put together before our weekend family outing...but I scrape up something quick...not as tennis cool as this post you have for us...but a post!
ReplyDeleteWinning against a "Goliath" at 13 had to be a self-esteem booster & a life lesson. Your dad must have been so proud of you!
ReplyDeleteGreat old pictures and I love the newspaper cutting!
ReplyDeleteVery cool story Nancy - a real tennis family! Great stuff with you winning against the "giant" and your brother taking up tennis again!
ReplyDelete