SF Tennis Freak

Archive for May, 2013

Jarrett Zarate, a USGO participant from San Diego CA, caught my eye early on at this year’s tournament. Sure he’s tall and good-looking, but that’s not what got my attention. Every time I saw him I couldn’t help but think, “Marinko Matosevic!” I didn’t find anyone who agreed with me (and Jarrett had never even heard of him), but I stand by my assertion!

Even though he was getting ready for World Team Tennis, Jarrett graciously agreed to be interviewed for my site. We chatted about a variety of subjects, including a special spectator that was in attendance for his matches. But I’ll let you hear about that from him in his interview.

Once again the wind sound against my phone is problematic, and way more noticeable than I’d like.  But it’ll have to do until I build a soundstage.  🙂
Enjoy!

While doing bag checks at this year’s USGO, it occurred to me that I might as well take this opportunity one step further and learn more about the participants in this year’s tournament by doing a more formal interview.

Matt was the willing volunteer for my first bag check, and a fitting choice for my first player interview. He’s funny and outgoing, which made it easy. The sound levels are a little off, and you can hear the wind starting to pick up as we talked. But I still think it came out okay.
Hope you enjoy it.

A unique aspect of the United States Gay Open (USGO) is the inclusion of a World Team Tennis event in lieu of mixed doubles (or no mixed play at all). Over the years, this WTT event has been a great way to integrate the men and women in a team format that’s designed specifically for fun, along with an equal opportunity for everyone to do well.

Last year’s successful “Hunger Games”-inspired event was a big hit; featuring great costumes, wacky props, and quality tennis. This year’s “Survivor” edition looked to continue the USGO tradition of good times/good tennis. The man behind “Survivor” tennis is Gordon Crenshaw, a new-ish member of the GLTF who’s jumped headfirst into volunteering for club events.
Get to know Gordon in this short video that I shot during today’s final action at the USGO.

I know how much crap I carry in my bag, but it’s always interesting for me to see what other players view as the essential items for their bags.

I asked USGO participants what was in THEIR bags and got some interesting answers.
I hope you enjoy this video series.

I know how much crap I carry in my bag, but it’s always interesting for me to see what other players view as the essential items for their bags.

I asked USGO participants what was in THEIR bags and got some interesting answers.
I hope you enjoy this video series.

I know how much crap I carry in my bag, but it’s always interesting for me to see what other players view as the essential items for their bags.

I asked USGO participants what was in THEIR bags and got some interesting answers.
I hope you enjoy this video series.