For over 15 years, I lived in the world of league tennis. Tournaments? Those were for the “serious” players—the ones who had polished forehands, ironclad nerves, and an air of mystery about them that us mere league mortals could only dream of. But then, at the ripe young age of 61, I decided to take the plunge. I signed up for my first tournament.
I still remember the feeling: stepping onto the court for that Level 7 NTRP 18+ 3.5 Singles one-day event. It was a round-robin format with three matches of one regular set each—essentially, no time to settle in or get comfortable. It felt like I’d been thrown straight into the deep end of the competitive pool without a floatie.
What struck me immediately was the sheer ruthlessness of tournament tennis. And no, I don’t mean trash talk or bad sportsmanship. I’m talking about the players’ laser focus. These guys barely said a word before or during the match, save for the occasional grunt or growl. Then, as soon as the match ended, they’d suddenly transform into the friendliest people you’ve ever met. Was it because they won? Or is that just “tournament etiquette”? I still don’t know. I mean, the pros do it, so maybe they’re onto something!
I walked away from that first tournament with one win and two losses. But more importantly, I walked away hooked. Why? Because in my mind, that one win felt like I’d beaten a better player (tournament play somehow does that to you). And just like that, I was on the path to playing more tournaments.
A Quick Primer on Adult Tournaments
For those of you who haven’t ventured into the world of tournaments yet, here’s a quick rundown of what we’re most likely to play. The USTA offers two main types of tournaments for us senior warriors: NTRP and Age Group. (We’ll leave the Open tournaments to the young guns under 35—let them have their fun.)
- NTRP Tournaments: These are divided by skill level (based on your NTRP rating) and age groups, much like leagues. You’ll find divisions like 18+, 40+, and 55+ for both men’s and women’s singles and doubles. There are even 18+ Mixed Doubles NTRP tournaments if that’s your thing.
- Age Group Tournaments: These are open to players of all skill levels but divided by age. Starting at 35 years old, they’re grouped in five-year increments all the way up to the 90s. In these tournaments, you might face a fellow “neophyte” like me… or you might draw a former D1 star or even an ex-pro from the wood racquet era. (Okay, maybe not that far back, but you get the idea.)
Now, I’ll admit, playing in Age Group tournaments can feel like being thrown into the lion’s den. Guys like me often find ourselves matched up against the #1 seed in the first or second round. But hey, without players like us filling out the draw, the tournaments wouldn’t happen! Plus, as intimidating as it can be, these matches are perfect for learning. And who knows—with enough time, persistence, and maybe a little attrition, we might just make a deep run by the time we reach the 85s. So, keep exercising and taking care of those old bones!
From Rookie to Tournament Veteran
Since my first tournament in late 2019, I’ve played 209 tournament matches—171 singles and 38 doubles. Along the way, I’ve realized a thing or two (and maybe even unlearned a few things). Here are my key realizations about tournaments and how they compare to leagues:
- There are some incredible players at tournaments who never play leagues.
- There are some incredible players in leagues who never play tournaments.
- And then there are some players who excel at both—because why not?
- For me, there’s less drama in tournament play. (Your experience may vary.)
- One of the best parts of tournaments is the camaraderie. You see familiar faces over and over, and you meet new ones, too. Leagues are great for team bonding, but tournaments bring a different kind of connection.
- Speaking of teams, as much fun as they are, there’s something liberating about playing for yourself (or with just your doubles partner).
- You don’t have to worry about letting your whole team down (or the unspoken thought, the team let you down, which reenforces the fact you should be playing singles).
- There’s always the next tournament. A bad day on the court? No problem—you’ll be better next time.
- And when all else fails, there’s always next year!
Why Tournaments Keep Me Coming Back
Tournaments have added a whole new layer to my love for tennis. They’ve ignited my competitive spirit, introduced me to amazing players, and given me a chance to grow as both an athlete and a person. Sure, the road can be bumpy (especially when you’re staring down a #1 seed), but every match is another opportunity to learn, improve, and enjoy this “beautiful” game.
So, to my fellow senior players: if you haven’t tried tournaments yet, what are you waiting for? Take the leap. You might just discover, like I did, that it’s not about beating the best—it’s about being your best.
Click on the if you like this post, it won’t help my tennis game, but it will make me feel good!
Now, if you’ll excuse me, I’ve got to start prepping for my next tournament. See you on the court!
