FC LIFE March 2018

The Pros Aren’t Waiters, But They Sure Can Serve!

On Sunday, March 11, 2018, about 150 passionate tennis fans flocked to the patio over- looking the tennis courts. They were excited to see Tikky Srieud, Frenchman ’s Creek Tennis Director, introduce the tennis pros participating in the annual Frenchman ’s Creek Tennis Exhibition. This year, the fun-filled, light -hearted exhibition to entertain and bring awareness to the tennis program included Guillermo Rivas, Mateo Rivas, Haydn Lewis, and Alex Theiler. Buenos Aires born Guillermo started tennis at 13 and turned professional in 1982. He was a member of the Argentina Davis Cup squad; and his ranking peaked at 116 in 1985, the year he made the round of 16 at the WCT Tournament of Champions in Forest Hills. Mateo, Guillermo’s son, is currently Head Pro of Tennis at Banyan Cay Country Club in West Palm Beach. He has competed in ATP World Tour events; was Captain of the Anderson University in SC Team; and is ranked in the top 12 in the NCAA rankings. From Barbados, Haydn Lewis reached his highest ranking on the 2008 ATP Tour. Primarily playing on the Futures circuit and the Challenger circuit, Haydn is also a member of the Barbadian Davis Cup team with a 24-7 record in singles and a 14-9 record in doubles. Alex Theiler, a native of Santiago, Chile played for Saint Leo University in Tampa, FL finishing the 2016 campaign as the 13 th ranked player in the nation. In doubles he finished the 2016 season as a part of the #1 ranked doubles duo in the nation; and, he went on to be named to the 2016 ITA All Star team. Umpired by our own Dr. Barry Fenner; and with colorful commentary in the bleachers from Barry Byrd, the players took to the court. Starting with a singles match between Haydn and Theiler (Haydn won); and, ending with a doubles match where Mateo and Alex won with the help of our own Frenchman’s Creek pros, Tikky and Kristen, who “subbed” on the court in the latter part of the match. The onlookers applauded and cheered at drop shots, lobs, backspins, and volleys, while they sipped on cock- tails and sampled tasty treats. The Cotton Candy/Popcorn Girl made an appearance again this year (our own Kristen Wertenberger) and awarded raffle prizes to the crowd, which included ½ hour tennis lessons. After the match, many joined the pros for conversation and a yummy buffet meal. Billed as the most exciting tennis event of the year, next years exhibition promises to be bigger and better. Don’t miss it!

Left to Right : Guillermo Rivas, Mateo Rivas, Dr. Barry Fenner, Alex Theiler, Haydn Lewis

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