Claudia Martin – My MPTA Story

1. Where did you grow up and what are some of your earliest memories playing tennis?

I grew up in Creswick always going up to the courts for a hit. When I was young, I always went to tennis with my mum on a Wednesday morning to watch her play in the ladies mid-week comp. I had a huge passion for tennis at that point, starting in the under 11 development, focusing on getting better and getting the ball over the net. My favourite memory playing tennis would be winning my first singles championship in the under 12’s, I was so excited and overwhelmed!

2. Describe yourself as a tennis player?

I see myself as a very determined tennis player, I’ve always tried to play as much tennis as I can. I started playing in the under 17’s when I was 13, I am now going into my 5th and last year in 17’s this season. I also started playing In the seniors competition on a Saturday afternoon when I was 14 and I now captain my own team in seniors. I enter the championships every year, always pushing myself to be the best tennis player whilst also having fun.

3. Who are some of the best players you’ve shared a court with over the years?

Some of the best players I have played with would be Courtney Righetti, Peter Bertoncini, Debbie Smith and Naomi Mizzeni.

4. How do you find the social aspect of the Association over the years you have played?

The social aspect at the tennis club is amazing, I feel I have connected with a range of people and made many new friendships. Tennis at Mt Prospect is extremely fun, I am always versing and playing with friends and family.

5. What do you enjoy most about playing on the grass courts?

I enjoy doing drop shots on the grass courts to see the oppositions faces when they can’t get to it, I also enjoy the grass courts because they are looked after very well and they are very nice to play on.

6. Who have been some of the most enjoyable players to play with? And can you recall any funny stories from one of your matches?

Casey and Jason Preston would be my most fun rivals, I always have to give it 100% when playing them, I will never forget sidelining both of them. Mitch and I love to do drop shots and tricky shots when we are playing Casey on a Tuesday night in doubles, making her mad so we win😁

7. Your family has also played at Mt Prospect, what are some of your favourite family memories with tennis?

Playing against my older brother in under 17’s would be my favourite memory, we would both try so hard to beat each other. I remember I was beating him 5 games to 2 and then he came back and won 7 games to 5. We would always go up to the courts and have a hit so we could improve. I also remember us racing to see who could set up a net the quickest by themselves.

8. You’ve filled in playing Midweek Ladies a number of times, whilst on school holidays. What differences do you see between playing in this competition compared to the Juniors?

I find that the midweek ladies competition has a lot more rallies, their accuracy with their shots is slightly better and their strength when hitting the ball is a lot harder to receive which helped my tennis skills improve. The midweek ladies is also a very social competition making it fun and engaging when playing.

9. You have won a number of Junior Singles Championships at the Association. Do you have a year that stands out as more memorable?

A year that stands out would be when I entered my first championship in the under 12’s division, even though I was playing against all my friends. I was so nervous, I felt like I was in the Australian Open. That was the first time I got a trophy and I was over the moon.

10. What do you think draws people to playing tennis at the Association?

The facilities and the social side of the association draws players to our country club, also it gives opportunities for all ages to play and teaching tennis in the hot shots program.