TheBoiledEgg
Jun 19th, 2002, 10:48 PM
http://www.tennis-ontheline.com/Jo01.htm
Player Diary Entry #1
by Jo Moore
First of all I need to give some background information. I was born in England, where I started to play tennis at the age of 4. During the next 8 years I was consistently ranked #1 or #2 in the nation. When I was 12 years old I was offered a full five-year scholarship at the Nick Bollettieri Tennis Academy in Bradenton, Florida. After a huge soul searching family decision I decided to accept the offer. I spent the first school year living on campus, missing home, going to school and obviously playing a lot of tennis. After the first school year my parents also made the big move out to Florida, so we could resume being a family. I am now coached my best friend, my Dad.
I played my first professional tournament when I was 15 years old and for the next few years played just enough tournaments to keep an average ranking. During my 11 years playing pro tennis I have gone thru many drawbacks, often being unable to travel due to lack of funds. Twice I managed to organize sponsorship contracts but in both cases, after significant progress the sponsors backed out (due to their own personal reasons), leaving me in midstream. Also during this period my father and coach suffered a massive heart attack and four minor strokes. Miraculously, he has been able to continue coaching me. Also, of course, I have gone through a few minor injuries, with the most recent and major being a serious wrist injury which caused me to be out of tennis for 9 months. Before I stopped with my injury, in September 2001 my ranking was at my personal best, WTA 252. I was able to freeze my ranking (Special Ranking) at 295, which will enable me enter 8 tournaments with this ranking. So, now my diary starts.
EL PASO, TEXAS May 20th - May 27th.
I was in the main draw of El Paso, so I decided to get there a few days early to get used to the altitude of about 3500 feet. I arrived on Saturday afternoon where a tournament volunteer picked me up. Coming to the tournament I knew that El Paso was close to Mexico, but I didn't realize how close. On the highway, driving towards the club the Mexican border was about 200 yards away on the left side. I have traveled extensively and constantly appreciate our home here in the States.
When I arrived at the club it was a pleasant surprise, a very nice club -- lots of courts, pool, gym and just a beautiful setting. My Housing Family came to pick me up and I went to their house, which was less than a one-minute walk from the club. I was very lucky this week because the people were great and it was so convenient. In these size tournaments it really helps us out financially if we can get housing, as it saves on hotel, food and laundry expenses.
During the next few practice days I felt very good, also very positive mentally. I knew I could do well this week. My first match was against a qualifier, Neyssa Etienne from Haiti.
thanx Jo, a pretty good read :)
Player Diary Entry #1
by Jo Moore
First of all I need to give some background information. I was born in England, where I started to play tennis at the age of 4. During the next 8 years I was consistently ranked #1 or #2 in the nation. When I was 12 years old I was offered a full five-year scholarship at the Nick Bollettieri Tennis Academy in Bradenton, Florida. After a huge soul searching family decision I decided to accept the offer. I spent the first school year living on campus, missing home, going to school and obviously playing a lot of tennis. After the first school year my parents also made the big move out to Florida, so we could resume being a family. I am now coached my best friend, my Dad.
I played my first professional tournament when I was 15 years old and for the next few years played just enough tournaments to keep an average ranking. During my 11 years playing pro tennis I have gone thru many drawbacks, often being unable to travel due to lack of funds. Twice I managed to organize sponsorship contracts but in both cases, after significant progress the sponsors backed out (due to their own personal reasons), leaving me in midstream. Also during this period my father and coach suffered a massive heart attack and four minor strokes. Miraculously, he has been able to continue coaching me. Also, of course, I have gone through a few minor injuries, with the most recent and major being a serious wrist injury which caused me to be out of tennis for 9 months. Before I stopped with my injury, in September 2001 my ranking was at my personal best, WTA 252. I was able to freeze my ranking (Special Ranking) at 295, which will enable me enter 8 tournaments with this ranking. So, now my diary starts.
EL PASO, TEXAS May 20th - May 27th.
I was in the main draw of El Paso, so I decided to get there a few days early to get used to the altitude of about 3500 feet. I arrived on Saturday afternoon where a tournament volunteer picked me up. Coming to the tournament I knew that El Paso was close to Mexico, but I didn't realize how close. On the highway, driving towards the club the Mexican border was about 200 yards away on the left side. I have traveled extensively and constantly appreciate our home here in the States.
When I arrived at the club it was a pleasant surprise, a very nice club -- lots of courts, pool, gym and just a beautiful setting. My Housing Family came to pick me up and I went to their house, which was less than a one-minute walk from the club. I was very lucky this week because the people were great and it was so convenient. In these size tournaments it really helps us out financially if we can get housing, as it saves on hotel, food and laundry expenses.
During the next few practice days I felt very good, also very positive mentally. I knew I could do well this week. My first match was against a qualifier, Neyssa Etienne from Haiti.
thanx Jo, a pretty good read :)