Hi {{first name |there}},
In this week’s issue, we’re thrilled to introduce Charlie Owens, a former World No. 36, who shares one thing every doubles team should practice, the secret to staying positive under pressure, and an easy way to improve your game. We love sharing advice from great pros: if you have a favorite coach you’d like to see featured in Tennisette, fill out this 2-minute form.
On the fashion front, Sarah Hallenbeck of @acetheoutfit shares her favorite high-low style picks, from a super-affordable skirt to the luxe tennis visor she wears every day. As a tennis-obsessed player on several USTA teams, Sarah knows what she’s talking about when it comes to fashion that feels as good as it looks!
And in case you missed it, the most popular links in last week’s newsletter were Wilson’s flattering new split-pleat tennis skirt, this adorable needlepoint tennis racquet holiday ornament, and this well-priced organic cotton fisherman’s sweater that comes in 6 colors.
😂Finally, here’s a fun trivia question to test your tennis IQ: Which tennis legend said this: “You’ve got to get to the stage in life where going for it is more important than winning or losing.” Scroll down to the link list for the answer…
Welcome to the club; we’re so glad you’re here.
Team Tennisette
P.S.: Know someone who'd love Tennisette? Forward her this email!🎾❤️
Charlie Owens, Country Club of Landfall, North Carolina
Charlie Owens is the Head Tennis Professional Emeritus at the Country Club of Landfall, a golf, racquets, and social club set alongside the stunning marshes of coastal Wilmington, North Carolina.
A former pro player from Tuscaloosa, Alabama, Charlie reached World No. 36 in 1975 and earned the nickname “Charlie Hustle” for his athletic dives and rolls. He defeated tennis legends Vitas Gerulaitis, Cliff Drysdale, and Brad Gilbert, among others; at the 1974 US Open, Charlie and doubles partner Mike Estep upset third seeds Arthur Ashe and Roscoe Tanner in front of a packed center-court crowd.
Landfall member Brandi M. said this about Charlie: “Charlie’s a tennis legend, but what’s truly special is the way he treats people, the laughter he brings, and the lasting impact he has on everyone lucky enough to know him. I play every day mostly because of Charlie and the sense of community he's created. He means more to many of us than he’ll ever know.”
Charlie has been coaching adults and kids for over 30 years. Here are his top 10 tips for club players…
Improve by watching the pros. Mimicry is a great way to improve the fundamentals of strokes and footwork. Every year during the Grand Slams, I notice everyone suddenly plays better just from watching the pros on TV and emulating their technique.
You're only as good as your second serve. Recreational players generally don’t have a controlled second serve: someone will hit a great first serve, then pop a baby lob on the second just to get it in. Differentiate yourself by developing a consistent second serve with spin or kick.
Stop swinging at volleys. The key to a good volley is not swinging; instead, meet the ball with your racquet. This is more related to catching than throwing: you’d never swing your arm to catch a ball; you stick your hand out and wait for it. Do the same with your racquet face: keep your wrist firm and think of the racquet as a catcher's mitt. Then volleys become very easy, even on fast balls.
In doubles, always know who will take the middle ball. One thing everyone can do better in doubles is moving together as a team, especially at the net. Both partners should be clear on who takes the middle ball in every situation. One way to fix this is to practice playing on both sides of the court, calling and covering the middle ball, until it’s second nature as a team.
Hydrate the night before. In the summer, focus on hydration the evening and morning before your match, so you don’t have to overfill your tummy while you’re playing. While you’re playing, take small sips of room-temperature water. When it’s ice cold, you absorb it more slowly.
How can players stay focused and positive under pressure?
Give positive directions. When telling yourself what you need to do on court, keep it positive; for example, replace “Don’t miss my forehand!” with “I will hit a strong forehand.”
Visualize a friendly face. Imagine your best friend’s face on the person you’re playing—or someone you can beat easily! Positive imagery can really help instill confidence.
Develop a between-point ritual. Watch the pros and steal their reset routines to shift your focus from the last point to the next. I like to turn my back to the net and do a few jumps.
Smile. Smiling releases positive energy. I also like to pick a happy or upbeat song and replay it in my mind while I’m on court.
Don’t let your eyes wander. To stay focused during a match, just look at three things: the ground, your racquet, and the tennis ball.
What’s the best piece of tennis advice you’ve ever received?
Sarah in Recreational Habits tank ($75), Old Navy skirt ($10.47), and Fenix visor ($160)
My Tennis Style Essentials by Sarah Hallenbeck of @acetheoutfit
Sarah lives in San Juan Capistrano, in sunny Orange County, California, and runs the fun Instagram account, @acetheoutfit, where she reviews cute tennis outfits and makes light of her tennis obsession!
Sarah began playing tennis four years ago, quickly got hooked, and now plays on several USTA teams! As a mom of three, one of her biggest accomplishments has been “influencing” her whole family to play tennis, and now they love heading to the courts on weekends with the ball machine or a basket of balls.
Sarah is “completely addicted (and humbled) by tennis every day. I love competing with myself, the constant challenge to improve, and, of course, the people I’ve met and played with along the way.”
We love the way Sarah mixes high and low! Here are some of her on-court favorites…
My current favorite dress is the Fore-te Harper in ecru. Vintage-inspired A-line with sporty stripes and detachable shorts. $140
I wear my Fenix visor every day! It’s a splurge, but I love the fit and look. $160
Old Navy seamless fitted tee. 4 colors. Sizes XS to 4X. $12.49
Wilson classic pleat mini skirt. 7 colors. Undershorts included. Some colors on sale, from $59
I usually opt for tinted moisturizer with SPF, currently using DRMTLGY Universal Tinted Moisturizer. $31
I love the Park Avenue Tennis bag from Queen of the Court! It comes in 4 colors and can be monogrammed. Also available on Amazon, in two colors. $129.99
I always wear Old Navy socks! They are the perfect thickness and are always on sale. $6.49 for a 3-pack
My Lucky in Love Hypercourt Express 3 x Lil Preppy sneakers are 20% off with acetheoutfit20 $140
Arthur Ashe
In Case You Missed It…
🕵️TRIVIA ANSWER: Arthur Ashe wrote “You’ve got to get to the stage in life where going for it is more important than winning or losing,” in his memoir, Days of Grace, which he finished shortly before his death in 1993.
We love this 4-piece set of Grand Slam tennis court posters. Potential holiday gift idea?!
Maja Chwalinska of Poland won her first career title in Wuhan, China this month
Tournament Calendar
19 October to 25 October: Almaty Open, ATP 250, Almaty, Kazakhstan
19 October to 25 October: Grand Prix Auvergne-Rhone-Alpes, ATP 250, Lyon, France
19 October to 25 October: BNP Paribas Fortis Open, ATP 250, Brussels, Belgium
19 October to 25 October: Ningbo Open, WTA 500, Ningbo, China
19 October to 25 October: Japan Open, WTA 250, Osaka, Japan
26 October to 1 November: Erste Bank Open, ATP 500, Vienna, Austria
26 October to 1 November: Swiss Indoors Basel, ATP 500, Basel, Switzerland
8 November to 15 November: WTA Finals, Indian Wells, USA
