LATA Member Interview: Tim Hughes
Wrapping the PS interviews up, but look for more content soon!
Where are you from originally?
I was born and raised in Fullerton, Orange County.
How long have you been in LA? What brought you here?
I have lived in LA since 1987, as I came to work for an IT firm as a project manager. I wanted to live in LA, as I wanted a rich cultural experience. Orange County was too white. LOL…
How long have you been playing tennis? How did you get started?
I have been playing tennis consistently for the past 3 years. A friend invited me to play in a more social tournament 6 years ago, and I was very nervous. I didn’t play well, but have always been a tough competitor in other sports. I was a pitcher in little league baseball for 2 years and played 7 years of water polo in high school and college. As a pitcher in baseball and shooter in water polo, my hard serve was my first strength in tennis that came with no effort.
How long have you been in LATA? How did you find it? What were you rated when you first joined?
I joined LATA for sporadic play 6 years ago, but really got focused 3 years ago. I was ranked an F, and moved up the ranks to B over time.
How often do you play? Do you play leagues? Do you practice with any other LATAers? Have you played a lot of tournaments?
I currently play 2-3 times per week, and credit LATA for my being more consistent in tournaments. I played Cheviot Hills over the summer, and Burbank many seasons. I play doubles with a group of guys on Monday nights. This year I have played in Palm Springs Doubles, Long Beach Doubles (as an A and won 2 and lost 2 matches), LA Open (B Doubles semifinalist with Wil Contreras from San Diego), SD Open (won the B doubles title with Michael Vasquez), PAC Cup (won both my singles and doubles matches), Centre Court and just recently the Palm Springs Open (I made it to semis in B singles and then twisted my ankle and had to forfeit both singles and doubles matches).
Tell me about the tournament. What was your toughest match? What was the difference?
I had great energy and felt alive at this tournament. It is one of my favorite tournaments, as I get to see old friends and make new ones. The tournament is run very well. My toughest match was the doubles match against Harold Boger and Richard Podolsky, as they were constantly jumping out to a huge lead over Russell Doe (my partner) and me. I really feel the thing that made a difference was to focus on each point of every match and not get ahead of myself. If I made a bad or good shot or got behind in points, I didn’t care. I always believe I can win (and want to win). I probably played my best match against the #2 seed (Martin Abbott from Brisbane, Australia), where I won 4-6, 6-2, 6-0. I mixed the shots up like never before, and I felt like I was in a zone.
How was the tournament otherwise?
I was obviously disappointed when I rolled my ankle walking off the court after qualifying for the semi’s. But, I have to say, everyone was so helpful and supportive. That is the reason I play tennis. It is a great bonding experience.
Tennis is spiritual for me. You have to be in the moment, or you will lose the point.
January 4th, 2013 at 6:37 pm
Well said Tim, well said.