06 May Captain Anand Vennavelli, teammates have a blast in new 3.0 men’s league
USTA League season is in full swing, and this year’s teams are seeing an uptick in participation—and some new leagues on the scene. One such league, the new men’s 3.0 league out of Wichita, has become popular with players as a lower-stress, high-energy group that’s bonded on and off the court.
Anand Vennavelli, a lifelong tennis fan, recently got into playing through the Genesis Rock Road Play Tennis Fast program, and he’s been a fixture on the court ever since.
“My tennis background started more as a fan than a player. I grew up watching the greats like Sampras, Agassi and Federer on TV but never thought I’d actually play myself,” Vennavelli said. “When I turned 40, I realized I needed consistent physical activity in my life. Running on a treadmill wasn’t cutting it. I’d start and lose steam in a few days.
“Then I heard about the Play Tennis Fast program at Genesis, led by Zach Loomis. It was geared toward beginners and included a racquet and four lessons over a month for a small fee. The best part? Everyone was a first-timer, so there was no pressure starting out. That’s how I discovered this amazing community of tennis enthusiasts. I started about a year and a half ago and haven’t looked back since.”
Vennavelli saw tennis potential in the new friends he’d made at the club and banded the group together to start a team for the 3.0 men’s league.
“Before this, I didn’t even know leagues existed,” Vennavelli said. “(I) started building a great group of tennis friends and community. Through a mixed league Kim Ritchie had been running, I learned about USTA Leagues. I thought our group would make a great team, so I started a men’s team for the local competition.
“Pretty soon, we had a core group of 10 to 12 adults who just love playing the game.”
The team has had a blast as part of this new league, enjoying competition, camaraderie and creating new memories along the way.
“From personal milestones to team memories, this season has been full of highlights,” Vennavelli said. “One that stands out is when we carpooled to Salina to play their 3.0 team. It was more than tennis; we really got to know each other as friends.
“I remember when I first started I was so out of shape that 30 minutes of doubles would wipe me out. Just recently, I played a two-hour, high-intensity match and felt great afterward. That felt like a win on so many levels.”
The tennis bug has bitten Vennavelli and his teammates, and he is proof that one shouldn’t be intimidated by leagues. They’re fun for everyone, regardless of where you’re at in your tennis journey.
“The recreational league is exactly that—recreational. The USTA Leagues are a fun, low-pressure way to stay active and enjoy the game,” Vennavelli said. “You can always do drills and play casually with others, but leagues bring something special. They match you with players at your same rating level.
“That way, the matchups stay balanced, competitive and fun. You won’t find yourself playing someone way too advanced or too new, and that makes every match interesting and engaging. Plus, having a social group built around tennis keeps you motivated and coming back.”
If you’re thinking of taking up tennis or joining a USTA League, Vennavelli said to go for it. The rewards one reaps come in abundance, and one’s life may see some huge, long-term positives both physically and mentally.
“I’d encourage anyone even slightly interested to give it a shot. It may not be for everyone, but it’s a fun and friendly way to stay fit, have fun and make meaningful connections,” Vennavelli said. “It’s competitive in a way that brings out your best without any pressure. It’s something your future self will be glad you tried.
“And, hey, tennis is the only sport where love means nothing. But you’ll find plenty of it in the community!”
