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Clearwater man gains many life lessons on court

By NANCY MORGAN
Published September 29, 2005

Franz Henikl compares tennis to life, and he constantly strives to improve in both areas.

Though Henikl had some experience on the court in his homeland of Austria, he lacked the time to continue until he came to Florida.

Henikl retired from his work in Austria and arrived here in 1991. Three years later, he picked up a racquet after watching tennis great Pete Sampras and Masters Circuit players such as Boris Becker .

"I participated in a lot of different sports in Austria, like soccer, skiing and handball," said Henikl, 56. "By far, tennis is my favorite.

"Tennis involves your mind, your body, everything," he said. "How you play and react compares so much to life experiences."

When Henikl tried the game in Clearwater, he immediately was hooked and started playing practically every day.

A great believer in proper training, Henikl took lessons from various area teaching professionals to develop a strong foundation.

"My advice to anyone starting out, especially at the age I was, is to take lessons from a pro," Henikl said. "Have someone professional get you started on the right foot so you don't develop bad habits."

Less than two years after Henikl started, he entered his first tournament, at Cheval Golf and Country Club in Lutz. A win added to his enthusiastic attitude.

In 2000 and '02, Henikl was a member of men's teams that won state championships and qualified for national competition. In 2002, he competed in singles and doubles at the World Championships.

"A few years ago, I had a No.3 ranking in 4.0 singles in the state and was about No.12 in the 50 age division," Henikl said. "Then, I kind of stopped competing in tournaments. I just played flex leagues at McMullen and league tennis around the area."

Henikl is competing in tournaments again. Next month, he will play in his third USTA National 50-and-over Clay Court Championships in Sarasota.

"I plan to really start preparing next week when I go to Bollettieri's for a few days," Henikl said. "I've gone there about every year since I started playing. It's tough, but it's like a vacation to me."

Henikl is an offensive baseliner who likes to hit with power from both sides, he said. He continues to work on improving his style and how he deals with court situations.

"Tennis has taught me so many things and is like therapy for me. It's important to learn to respect a player and his game, to learn how to lose and move on and deal with line calls - good or bad," he said. "You can relate all of this to life. In all cases, you've got to step back and start over.

"I'm so thankful for all the people that have played with me and the fine city facility we have in Clearwater," Henikl said. "Tennis is my life, and I'm a happy person through tennis."

NET SHOTS: Westin Innisbrook Resort had its monthly Junior Grand Prix Tournament on Saturday.

Jenny Healy captured the 16-and-under crown, and Danica Rodriquez was second. Matt Strahn took first in the 14 competition and was followed by Chris Ryan . Ann Marie Mooney topped the 12 field, and Samantha Page was the runner-up.

Innisbrook's next junior event is Oct.22. For information, call 942-5241.

Collecting singles titles in this month's East Lake Woodlands Fall NTRP were Karen Killen (4.0 division), Rena Khawam (3,5), Rachel Mayhew (3.0), Rick Workman (men's 5.0) and Kenneth Emery (3.5).

Posting consolation wins were Barbara Linares (3.0) and Wayne Adams (4.0).

Mayhew and Pam Collins won the women's 3.5 doubles. Other champs were David King and Will Rhame (men's 4.0) and Ed Malanik and Stephen Mutschler (3.5).

Among the winners in the Clearwater Fall Championship were Macey Cook (14 division), Kaylen Mandry (10) and Jorge Guerra (boys 16).

Finalists included Amy Lowther (girls 12) and Shaunte Southern (14).

Winners in this month's SPTC Adult Classic Championships were Juan Segovia (35-and-over division), Marc Mazo (55), Don Mathias (65) and William Gatlin (75). Bill Christensen was second in the 55 class.

Collecting consolation victories were Todd Stuart (35), Noi Saypharath (45), Henikl (55) and Chip Gamble (65). Mathias and William Herring were second in 65 doubles.

LEAGUE NEWS: Next weekend, local senior mixed doubles team champions Bardmoor Golf and Tennis Club 7.0, Shipwatch Tennis Club 8.0 and PGTA at Safety Harbor Spa 9.0 will challenge for bragging rights at the USA Tennis Florida State Championships in Daytona Beach.

Countryside Country Club won its second straight match in the Senior Men's 6.5 Combo League to take first place in the five-team division.

Winning for Countryside were Phil Kallaugher and Dennis Bianco in the No.1 position and Chris Likly and Art Esterbrook at No.3.

DID YOU KNOW? If you are in doubles and realize you're serving out of order, you should correct the order immediately while keeping any points scored.

According to the USTA Handbook of Rules , if the game were completed before the error was discovered, all points are kept as scored and the order of service continues as altered.

THIS WEEK: Activities for the 12th annual Humane Society Charity Tournament begin tonight at Royal Racquet Club in Clearwater with the Sports Media Tennis Challenge, which combines media personnel with local teaching professionals in a team format.

Friday, youths 4-18 are invited to participate in a tennis carnival from 6-8:30 p.m.

During the weekend competition are raffle drawings and a silent auction for spectators and players. For information, call 799-3200.

MARK THE DATE: Advantage Yours Tennis plans to celebrate its 20 years of business from 10 a.m.-noon on Nov.5 at McMullen Tennis Complex.

For information, call 442-7923.

COMING UP: Seminole Lake Tennis Center has its Halloween Bowl for junior singles players Oct.8-9. For information, call 394-1733. ... Treasure Island Tennis and Yacht Club offers the Fall Rookie Tournament for juniors Oct.15-16. Call 367-5479.

--News for this column may be faxed to Nancy Morgan, 796-5559; e-mailed to namorgan46@msn.com or sent to 710 Court St., Clearwater, FL 33756. Please include phone number.

[Last modified September 29, 2005, 01:19:16]