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Late bloomer conquers fear, then opponents

By NANCY MORGAN
Published November 30, 2005

It was only natural that Ria Graham be curious about tennis beyond the circle around her New Port Richey home.

From the time the Holland native picked up a racquet in her mid 40s, she was intrigued with the sport and impressed with those who had extensive backgrounds.

"I was in awe of a lot going on around me and at first had no idea how to hit a ball that came to me," Graham, 67, said. "I could run for it, but soon realized there was more to it than that."

She became a student of the game and in 2000 earned a No. 1 state singles ranking in the 60-and-over division. She later claimed the top spot in the 65.

The past three years, Graham has represented Florida in the USTA Team Intersectional event, a women's age-division singles and doubles team competition among the U.S. Tennis Association's 17 sections.

And this month, Graham defended her top seeding in singles and doubles in the Les Grandes Dames Fall Merrill Lynch Cup in Winter Haven.

"I'm making progress and working on being an all-around player," Graham said. "I've worked on my footwork and am better at using my energy more efficiently. It's a slow process, but I'm getting there."

Graham first played local leagues such as BATL and occasional charity tournaments. After she took some lessons from tennis professional Cruise Furious, her husband Bill encouraged her to take the next step.

Six years ago, Graham entered her first Les Grandes Tournament, a women's circuit with singles and doubles playing divisions divided into five-year age increments.

"I didn't know what to expect when I first entered those, and certainly didn't have any expectations," Graham said. "I told myself not to worry about it, just see what I could do and know that I have a lot to learn."

In 1997, Graham won the singles, doubles and mixed doubles club championships at Westin Innisbrook Resort. This year, Graham won the club's singles and women's doubles.

"The last few times I've played in Les Grandes Dames tournaments I've felt I'm doing better. In the beginning, my nerves were on edge and I couldn't sleep before I played. Now, I see I'm a decent player and I'm learning from so many of the other players who have so much more experience than I. It's amazing how willing the veteran players are to pull you in and help you without even asking them."

LEAGUE NEWS: Countryside Country Club-Walker/Emery leads the 7.0 adult mixed doubles division and is unbeaten. The league concludes Friday.

In the 8.0 adult mixed division, the top four teams will have a playoff starting Dec. 9. The final is Dec. 11. Top seed is Shipwatch Tennis Club at 5-2 overall with 15 position wins, followed by McMullen/Spa (5-2, 13), East Lake Woodlands (5-2, 12) and the Renaissance Vinoy (4-3, 9).

NET SHOTS: Local finishes in U.S. National Open Tournaments include Alexander Domijan, fourth in singles in the boys 16-and-under, and Joel Samaha, who advanced to the round of 16 in singles and to the quarterfinals in doubles with Bryan Swartz of Sarasota.

At the 14 national event, Kayla Rizzolo played to the round of 16 in singles.

Champions in last weekend's Turkey Bowl Junior Championships at Seminole Lake Tennis Center were Caitlin McKenna in the girls 18-and-under, Stephen Goldman the boys 12 and Jay Mendoza the 14. Christina Bell (girls 16), Shaena Keefe (18) and Charlie Luger (boys 14) finished second. Kristin Hurst won the girls 14 consolation draw.

Qualifying for this month's main-draw competition in the Eddie Herr International Junior Tournament in Bradenton were Ellah Nze and Stephanie Herz in the girls 18; Mariana Arana the 14; Johnny Hamui the boys 18; Felipe Angel the 16; Domijan, Paul Polarczyk and Borut Puc the 14; and Ben Hwang the 12.

Singles and doubles competition in the international event that includes more than 1,500 players from more than 90 countries ends this weekend.

MARK THE DATE: The Suncoast Tennis Foundation's Tournament of Champions is scheduled Jan. 13-15 at East Lake Woodlands and includes winners, finalists, semifinalists and consolation winners from charity events for the American Cancer Society, Good Samaritan Clinic, Big Brothers Big Sisters Frenchy's and the Humane Society of Pinellas and East Lake's Memorial Day benefit. Winners and finalists from the 2004 STF Tournament of Champions are invited, For details, call (727) 725-3681 or go to www.ourtennis.net

COMING UP: Westin Innisbrook Resort hosts a Junior Grand Prix Junior Tournament Saturday. Call (727) 942-5241. ... The Safety Harbor Holiday Classic is Friday-Sunday for adult singles players. Call (727) 724-7729. ... The Pre-Holiday Junior Classic is Saturday-Monday at the McMullen Tennis Complex in Clearwater. Call (727) 669-1919 today.

News for this column may be faxed to Nancy Morgan, 727 796-5559; e-mailed to namorgan46@msn.com or sent to 710 Court St., Clearwater, FL 33756. Please include phone number.

[Last modified November 30, 2005, 02:15:38]