Tennis 360’s ILDL tennis: A chance for ladies to improve their game

Denzil Pinto 16:44 08/03/2014
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  • Staying ahead: The tennis league allows women to play in a competitive environment.

    Following the successful conclusion of Series two in the Inter-Clubs Ladies Doubles League (ILDL), organisers Tennis 360 is on the look out to add more clubs and players to join them in the next edition of this exciting and challenging league.

    Tennis 360 is co-hosting the third series of the ILDL, in conjunction with Talisse Fitness Madinat Jumeirah, Talisse Fitness Jumeirah Beach Hotel and Clark Francis Tennis Academy.

    The league competition will take place from March 11 and will be held at the participating clubs across Dubai – Talisse Fitness Madinat Jumeirah, Talisse Fitness Jumeirah Beach Hotel, Clark Francis Tennis Academy and Tennis 360 at Meydan Tennis Academy.

    The final will be played on 29 April at Meydan Tennis Academy in Dubai, home of Tennis 360. The competition is open to anyone who is 18-years and over, and has intermediate or advanced level of playing tennis.

    If you tick all the boxes then this event is for you!

    Matches will be played every Tuesday from 08:30 to 10:30, while compulsory training sessions are on Sundays at the same times.

    The cost per player is Dh1,500 which includes the practice sessions, matches and equipment. Fans are advised to hurry up as registration closes today. Each club will have two teams.

    Team ‘A’ and Team ‘B’, who will be playing in respective leagues. Potential players must attend an assessment class at Meydan Tennis Academy tomorrow and will be placed in Divisions A or B based on their playing abilities.

    “The assessment will help us see what kind of playing level they are at. That will help us determine their abilities at fitting at the right playing level. The top-ranked players will always play against players of similar levels,” said Gwen Sproule, business development director at Tennis 360.

    The rules of the league is similar to those on the professional circuit. However, each match lasts three sets, which is played in short deuces (next point wins). The third set will be played in a super tie-break, meaning it’s first to 10 points, with the team having to win by two clear points.

    The outcome of the match is determined in the team result. If one team wins and other loses, then the winner will be decided by the criteria of number of sets won, lost and games won, lost etc.

    “The league was created to provide a competitive platform for intermediate and advanced tennis players to compete weekly in a structured and organised format,” said Sproule.

    “The whole process is to give ladies a chance to train. They enjoy playing socially and this is to set them up with a competitive platform to improve and be challenged. “Sometimes when you are training, there is nothing at stake in terms of competitions.

    At the end of the day, Tennis 360’s sole goal is to ensure ladies improve and they have fun,” she added.

    Each club will be represented by teams of four players with two alternates playing in two divisions (A and B).

    Each club will host one tie on a home and away basis at their chosen venue.

    More divisions could be created depending on the number of participants. The finals day will feature an exhibition professionals doubles match, buffet lunch and an awards ceremony.

    Previous editions have been deemed a huge success, and although you may not be playing against the likes of Serena Williams or Maria Sharapova, the league is competitive and feedback has been positive.

    “The joy on the ladies faces is great to see. Everyone said they have had a great time and people have told me what a great concept it is,” said Sproule.

    To join the ILDL or to enquire about entering a club, please contact Tennis 360 on 04 381 3500/3504 or-055 753 7675 or email at [email protected].

    Where: ILDL tennis league for ladies. Registration closes today.
    When: Matches on Tuesdays and training Sundays
    Where: Various locations around Dubai
    Contact: Email [email protected]

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