n The qualifying matches were im- cision. He stayed around and talked pressive—so it was amazing that to his fans after each match, patient- OPEN Observations the main draw was an even higher ly answering questions. Spectators By Ray Collins caliber of . were happy to see he and his part- n It was exciting to see an impressive ner Ryler DeHeart win the doubles run by University of Florida student final. (You can see clips of his serve hile plans are already under- and local player Sekour Bangoura. on YouTube.com.) way for the 4th Annual Saraso- He’s a bright kid and a class act. n IMG legendary coach Nick Bollettieri Wta Open, I thought it would be n Kei Nishikori is quite a ‘rock star’ watched the matches, enjoyed a dish good to talk about the one that many of back in Japan. The finals were tele- of ice cream and was spotted reading you had a chance to enjoy last month at vised on the web for his fans back Totally Tennis magazine. How many Longboat Key Club. in the Far East. At one point, I saw times we’ve seen him on TV watching n The venue is beautiful. The relatively him pump his fist at the camera after his players in the Grand Slams? new Tennis Gardens at the Long- winning a big point. n Other fans questioned the need for boat Key Club is a $4.5 million dollar n The player who captured the most the South Beach-style lounge chairs beauty. attention was Brian Battistone of that sat virtually empty all week long. n A big thanks to tournament founder Southern . First of all, he Though aesthetically pleasing, it put and director Tony Driscoll for having uses a double-handled racquet fans in the bleachers even farther— the ambition and expertise to pull- which he says gives him more reach half a court away—from the action. off this tournament. It was a great and power. But wait, there’s more: n Thanks to all the volunteers who help­ week to see lots of tennis friends He serves like a pro beach volley- ed the tournament run so smoothly. and watch some good matches ball player, tossing the ball up with I don’t think I’ve ever seen a wider along the way. And thanks to Totally his right hand, switching his racquet age range of ball boys—or... um... Tennis sales rep Doc Johnson who into his right and jumping up and “ball people.” Looking forward to was Tony’s right hand man. spiking his serve with amazing pre- next year’s event! River Strand Mixed Doubles Classic May 28-29, 2010: Pupils Defeat the Coaches

atalie Beazant, Tiffany Dabek’s star pupil won Nthe OPEN Mixed Doubles Championship with Nathan Leavitt 6-4, 6-4. The young duo defated the #1 seeded team of Dabek, a former World ranked WTA player, and River Strand Third place on left: Dennis Hendrickson and Tennis Director Nate Griffin in Champions Natalie Beazant and Jennifer Fiers; Finalists on right: Tiffany Dabek and this exciting event. Nathan Leavitt Nate Griffin

Totally Tennis August/September 2010