Tennis stars from all over the globe have come down to play at the solano courts. Hoping to become the next champion; leading them to the US open. Famous tennis stars such as Ben Shelton, Denis Shapovalv, Brandon Nakashima and many more have played on these very courts.
This year’s Solano’s tennis challenger was held from October 6th through the 13th. All first four days were completely free for Solano students and staff. This allowed for many interested individuals to view the competition and how tennis works.
A total of 33 players from all around the globe have prepared themselves for this very moment. Walking into the solano courts with their heavy tennis bags, spare racquets, and change of clothes. They had their records straight on what was about to happen on the courts.
The games were split into 2 segments; singles and doubles. Both have one thing in common; the serve. If not served properly, it is an immediate point for the opposing team. As I watched and captured these players prepare themselves for their serve I noticed that it was the most nerve wracking part for them. Players only get two chances to make their serve count. One miss serve the more competitive the game would get.
Most players were filled with rage and competitiveness, grunting at every hit. Running as fast as they could to not let the ball hit the ground twice. Positioning their racquets to give their hits a spin effect. Not a smile in sight, only determination to win the game.
Therefore, these players had the most help and support from the ball kids. Ball kids had to make sure they had the balls they needed at all times. Running from side to side in a fashionable manner all throughout the court. Clearing every possible ball there is on the court to prevent any sort of injury for these players. Perhaps being one of the most important jobs during this challenger event.
Throughout this event I noticed the silence of the audience and how closely they paid attention, as if they themselves were a part of the game. Watching the ball spin back and forth while making sure the ball wouldn’t hit the ball twice in complete silence. The only sounds that were clearly heard were the hits of the ball and the grunts of the players’ rage to win the game.
At the end, it all came down to who the winners would be. The stakes were high and the audience wanted to see what these players had in them in order to win the game. Up first the doubles game where players Pattrick Trhac and Ryan Seggerman were announced Solano’s 2024 champions. Alongside with the singles champion Learner Tien at only 18 years old in only 39 minutes.
History was made on the courts of Solano. Making it a step forward for these winners on their tennis journey. And an opportunity for Solano students to be a part of the most exciting time of the year.
