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Fighter armed with racquet

Ria Graham's skills and stamina take her to the top.

By KELLIE DIXON, Times Staff Writer
Published December 4, 2007

ADVERTISEMENT [David Degner | Times] Ria Graham, 65, goes through practice drills at the Holiday Recreation Center last week.

HOLIDAY

Ria Graham wasn't raised with a tennis racquet in her hand. She didn't even play the sport until she was in her mid-40s.

But now the 65-year-old New Port Richey resident is ranked first in the state among singles players in her age group. She also is ranked high among doubles players. Graham plays three times a week and plans to play in her next U.S. Tennis Association tournament in January.

Graham, who was born in the Netherlands, started playing tennis when her whole family went for group lessons. She was living in Florida at the time and just fell in love with the sport.

Growing up, she always was quick on her feet and had good hand-eye coordination. Combine that with her 5-foot-8 frame and she showed promise.

"But the problem was, if you run really fast, you get to the ball and you don't know what to do with it," Graham said.

So Graham started taking lessons with Jim Miller. Miller said Graham has improved dramatically in her overall technique and transition game. She uses her stamina and consistency to wear down opponents.

But ultimately, Miller said before Thursday's lesson at the Holiday Recreation Center, he's inspired by Graham.

"I look up to her," Miller said. "She's a fighter."

Wendy Kall, who takes lessons with Graham, started playing tennis about 20 years ago. The 57-year-old New Port Richey resident said playing against Graham can be frustrating, but also enlightening.

"She is tough," Kall said. "She never gives up. If something doesn't work, she just tries something else. If you think she can't get a shot, she can."

Graham's passion for tennis isn't limited to her own game, though. When she isn't traveling to play in tournaments, she spends her Friday afternoons giving lessons to her grandson and other neighborhood children. She generally averages a crowd of eight children.

"They have fun, and also it's a very good learning experience," Graham said. "It's good for the activity. You can play tennis your whole life."

Submit story ideas, feedback to kdixon@sptimes.com or call 352 544-9480.

[Last modified December 3, 2007, 19:42:56]