On a bright July day, eager tennis players, all clad in pristine white, competed in the season’s most prestigious event.
Smashing serves, relentless baseline drives, clever placements, spin returns, razor-sharp line calls, high lobs, shot-making volleys, intense net play, and come-from-behind wins – players gave it their all and then some.
At the end, there was no doubt as to the winner: everyone who attended Alto Lakes Tennis Association’s (ALTA) annual Breakfast at Wimbledon at the Outlaw Courts on July 15.
“My best Breakfast at Wimbledon ever!” exclaimed one player. And why not?
Twenty-six members and guests celebrated ALTA’s second Grand Slam event in true Grand Fashion. Four ALTA members captained four player groups, named for the four Wimbledon Gentlemen’s and Ladies’ finalists. Kit Jordan captained Team Marketa Vandrousova, Larry Viselli captained Team Ona Jabeur, Brent Kriegel captained Team Carlos Alcaraz, and Barney Adams captained Team Novak Djokovic. Fifteen players took to the Outlaw courts with all the enthusiasm of their Wimbledon counterparts.
But, unlike the pros, ALTA players could partake of English “brekkie” delights in between matches.
ALTA Refreshments Chair Kandy Adams and her “Krew” outdid themselves with traditional Wimbledon fare – fresh red strawberries with whipped cream, scones, fried ham, jam, Caramelos, raspberry “biscuits” (“cookies” to Americans), and other typical English delights, all served with a New Mexico flare–mimosas made with frozen orange juice roses. Flowers, table decorations in Wimbledon’s official colors of purple and green, Wimbledon’s official Slazenger balls, and vintage tennis racket,s plus a Union Jack banner, lent English ambience to the Outlaw courts.
Back to court play: in true ALTA fashion, mixed doubles players included all ages and ability levels. One player confessed she hadn’t played “in such a long time,” but before long, Ann was nailing every serve and intimidating her opponents with aggressive net play. “Gosh, it all came back–and it sure feels good,” she exclaimed.
ALTA’s Grand Slammers are our favorite events of the year, all featuring mixed doubles, fun competition, and themed refreshments. In June, we enjoyed French Open petit dejeuner (French for “breakfast”) featuring croissants avec jambon et fromage (ham and cheese croissants) lemon-y, buttery madeleines (sophisticated little French butter cakes shaped like shells), fruit de saison (fresh fruits in season) and of course, sipped Champagne–no translation necessary!
On September 9, Grand Slam fun continues with our U S Open fun mixer and luncheon. Mark your calendar now so you won’t fuh-gedda-bout it!
And, speaking of favorites…
ALTA hosted 20 youngsters, the future of tennis, at its annual First Racquet clinic on July 5. Brent and Melissa Kriegel, Molly Rogers, Elaine Wedgeworth, Becky Reese, Connie Sacra, and retired Ruidoso tennis coach Dennis Johnston introduced their favorite sport to kids having so much fun “they begged us not to stop!”
And, in other July news;
Did you notice whose July 4th Parade float made the July cover of Avalanche? ALTA/ALPA’s, of course! Featuring a tennis-playing Teddy Bear riding a bright red Jeep. ALTA/ALPA’s float captured First prize for Best Float this year with “Kids are Our Future.” Thanks to float-builders and parade driver Tom Rogers, Molly Rogers, Cindy Stowe, Elaine Wedgeworth, and John and Sherri Castruccio. Who knows? We might enter the Rose Parade on New Year’s Day!
But, wait, there’s more!
You don’t have to wait for a summer event to enjoy tennis fun. All summer (and year-long, too), ALTA is your site for unlimited tennis fun, with scheduled play every week. Contact Paul Braun ([email protected]) for men's doubles; Elaine Wedgeworth for ladies’ doubles ([email protected]); or just show up on Fridays at 9:30am.
But, wait, there’s even more! Join ALTA!
ALTA membership includes all social events and club play. Members may bring guests for a nominal fee. All levels of play are welcome
Tennis, everyone!
Yvonne Lanelli
Publicity Director
