USTA League Featured Player Interview
Robyn Sondak
Robyn Sondak (bottom right)
Q: How many years have you played tennis?
I started playing tennis about 4 years ago. I had been teaching aerobics at our tennis club but never played until I was introduced to one of the pros who sparked an interest in the game.
Q: What age did you start playing tennis?
Let’s just say I came to tennis LATE in life, and leave it at that. Numbers are only a state of mind (or so I’ve been told)!!
Q: How many years in league play?
Our team just completed our second full year.
Q: Are other family members involved in tennis?
Not a one.
Q: Name the top 3 things that you like and keep you playing in leagues.
1. The people – primarily my great teammates.
2. The challenge of competitive play
3. The calories you burn in a match!!
Q: Name a top league season highlight, on or off the court.
On the court - Our team getting to the semifinals in our first trip to Districts. We got there by the slimmest of margins and everyone’s contribution counted.
Off the court – My team’s support when I broke my wrist this year and had to sit out the last two months of the season and just watch, which killed me.
Q: What is the funniest thing that has happened during competitive match between you and your partner?
Me hitting myself in the head with my own racquet and having to play the rest of the match with a beautiful goose egg on my forehead.
Q: Have you advanced to a USTA League Championship? What level (District, Section, and National?
Our team made it to the semi finals in our first trip to Districts.
Q: Favorite post-match celebration activity.
My team is notorious for our post-match festivities – whether we win or lose. We have often closed down the club – much to the frustration of the front desk attendants. On our post match refreshment list – wine is always at the top of the list and the one thing everyone always offers to bring.
Q: What sport(s) beside tennis do you play?
I love hiking and backpacking – the more off the beaten path, the better.
Q: Who is your favorite tennis player?
Female: Steffi Graf
Male: Pete Sampras
Q: Do you attend the US Open. If no, plans for the future?
I haven’t yet, but would really love to.
Q: Do you attend destination clinics or tennis venues? i.e. Grand Slams, US Open Series?
I watch as much on TV as I can (DVR is awesome) and regularly go to the Pilot Pen in New Haven, CT. I would love to make it to Wimbledon or the French Open one day.
Q: Favorite Film or Book?
Way too many to name. I love books that take place in locations I’ve never been to before. I listen to books on CD all the time – it makes the traffic to and from work almost bearable. And yes, I have read the Twilight books.
Q: Strongest part of your game?
This was the hardest question of all. At the 3.0 level, we have a lot to work on but working as a team is something we focus on, so I would have to say that keeping my partner positive, when we don’t play perfectly is one of my strengths.
We’re looking to shine the "spotlight" on League tennis players. If you have a teammate, captain, coordinator or friend who deserves to be noticed for what they mean to tennis in your League, on your team or in your area, we want to know about them.
Please send your suggestions to Tom Flanagan, USTA New England’s Communications Manager, at