JAMES BECK: WTT Finals conclude with magic moment
Charleston tennis has experienced more than its share of magic moments, particularly lately.
There was the moment at the 2010 U.S. Open when Charleston was named America's Best Tennis Town.
And there was the championship moment of World TeamTennis.
It was more than cool. The moment was sheer magic.
Celebrating on a five-colored plywood court was unique in today's world of guarded tennis moments on the Grand Prix circuits where only limited communication between the average fan and the stars of the event is allowed. Even most media inter-action comes in a usually somewhat staid post-event press conference.
WTT events have a life all of their own. They have their own identity, and WTT commissioner/CEO Ilana Kloss and founder Billie Jean King wouldn't have it any other way.
The recent WTT Finals were no different. Anyone who was at Family Circle Stadium a little after 1 a.m. the Monday morning the WTT Finals ended probably sensed the magic.
It felt like a high school football moment of jubilation following a big victory. After overcoming three rain interruptions thanks to the help of an army of helpers using towels and air blowers to outlast the rain, and more than four hours of delays, it was an event that anyone who participated in or watched likely won't forget.
Billie Jean reveled in the moments before and after presenting the King Trophy to the history-making and unbeaten Washington Kastles. Perhaps Leander Paes, a magician with his doubles wizardry, said it best as he walked up while I was talking with Billie Jean. "I'm the apprentice. Billie Jean is the magician," the likeable star of Calcutta said.
Florence with a wow!
While the City of Charleston Tennis Center on Farmfield Avenue is in near desperate need of expansion to support its bustling league tennis operations, Florence opened a new 30-court municipal tennis complex last month. That's 24 hard courts and six clay courts for the impressive $6 million Florence complex.
Sitting on 25 acres of land that was donated by Florence physician Edward Floyd, the Dr. Eddie Floyd Florence Tennis Center showcases a multi-level clubhouse/activity center with outdoor decking, a lounge area, student study area with computers, restrooms, locker rooms, meeting and office space, and a pro shop. The courts also have dividers, making them super tennis friendly.
Court update
The City of Charleston has completed its resurfacing of two courts at the downtown Moultrie Playground. Work is now underway on the last two courts at the Jack City Tennis Center. One court also will be resurfaced at the Westchester Playground on James Island, according to city tennis manager Peggy Bohne.
Renovation of Maybank Tennis Center is tentatively scheduled to start on Nov. 7, according to Bohne.
The defending Class AAA SCISA state champion Ashley Hall girls have started practice at Charleston Tennis Center, while the James Island girls will practice at Maybank.
The Alan Fleming Tennis Complex on Johns Island is the practice site for the Charleston Collegiate girls, while Charleston Math & Science will practice at the Jack Adams facility adjacent to Johnson Hagood Stadium.
Notes
--Wednesday is the deadline for entering next weekend's 10-and-under tournament at Snee Farm Country Club. Registration is available atsctennis.com using the tournament number (704199911). Call director Richard Shy (345-8338).
--The St. Andrew's Back-To-School Challenger is scheduled for Aug. 19-21 at St. Andrew's Parks and Playground. Director Phil Burke has set Aug. 15 as the entry deadline. Registration is available online (No. 704113611). For information, contact Burke (763-4360).
--Charleston Tennis Center will hold the Charleston Rated Adult Open on Aug. 26-28. Players can register at ctennis.com (tournament number 704134711). The entry deadline is Aug. 21. Contact the Tennis Center (766-7401).
--Local 11-year-olds Brant Fenno and Jared Pratt tied for fifth place in the boys 12 division of the recent Southern Open in Dothan, Ala. Pratt also was a finalist in doubles.
--Local traveling pro Shelby Rogers, based out of Family Circle Tennis Center, has been training this summer at the USTA's training center in Boca Raton, Fla.
Reach James Beck at jamesbecktennis@gmail.com. See his columns on pro tennis at ubitennis.com/english.
