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Saturday, March 10, 2007

Mobile Tennis Center Ready for Spring Nationals


©Colette Lewis 2007--
Mobile, AL--

Registration for the USTA 18s Spring Nationals began on Saturday afternoon, but when we arrived at the Newton Cox Tennis Center shortly after 1 p.m., it was filled with players practicing, parents reconnecting and the general bustle of anticipation that comes they day before a tournament begins.

It was great to feel the warm and moist Southern air; the sun broke through the fog around noon today, just as we emerged from the local mall where I had to purchase some shorts. I'm on an string of bad travel luck, I guess, but our luggage did not arrive with us last night, nor did Delta locate or deliver it this morning, so although I had a clean shirt and a few necessities in my carry-on, a quick shopping trip was in order. Not the way I normally begin a tournament, but at least I had some free time this morning.

With a 128 draw played out over seven days, the weather needs to cooperate, and the forecast suggests that it will, at least for the crucial first three days, with little chance of rain and temperatures in the mid to upper 70s.

A few players, some of whom were taking their SATs today, had not arrived in Mobile, but most were at the mandatory meeting in the evening and at the Fazoli's-catered dinner. Lorraine and Scott Novak, who direct the tournament, (as well as many others at the Mobile Tennis Center) will be up until late tonight working on the doubles draw, and then will be right back for 8 a.m. matches Sunday morning.

Perhaps it is not the best Sunday to start a tournament--the earlier Daylight Saving Time takes effect overnight, and anyone who doesn't set their clocks ahead is going to be late for their match.

For the seeds, draws and match times, see the TennisLink site.

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