January 2025 President’s Letter
A New Year, A New Chapter for the National Men's Tennis Association (NMTA)
As we step into the 2025 tournament season, I hope you all had a joyous and restful holiday season. This time of year, marks an exciting new chapter for the National Men's Tennis Association (NMTA) as we reflect on our past accomplishments and look forward to the future with great enthusiasm. One of the key updates I’d like to share with you is the transition of two of our most esteemed Founding Members, Jimmy Parker and Jerry Thomas, whose terms on the Board of Directors have officially concluded.
Both Jimmy and Jerry were instrumental in the creation, development, and sustainability of the NMTA. Their tireless commitment to the organization has shaped the success we’ve enjoyed today. Thanks to their hard work and vision, the NMTA has become a vibrant and dynamic community, where the passion for tennis thrives and players continue to grow. We are incredibly grateful for their leadership and the indelible mark they’ve left on the NMTA.
While their time on the Board of Directors has come to a close, we are pleased to announce that both Jimmy and Jerry will continue to play an important role in the future of the NMTA by joining our new advisory committee. In this capacity, they will continue to offer their invaluable insights and experience, ensuring the continued growth of our association.
As we bid farewell to two pillars of our organization, we are thrilled to welcome two new members to the NMTA Board—Steve Hayden and Chris Bussert. Both individuals bring a wealth of experience to the NMTA. Steve and Chris are not only seasoned competitive players but also have extensive knowledge of the USTA and its organizational structure. Their expertise and passion for the game will undoubtedly drive the NMTA forward and further enhance the players' experience.
The addition of Steve and Chris to the Board is a strategic step toward realizing our mission of expanding and improving the NMTA. We are dedicated to creating an environment that prioritizes the needs and growth of our players. As we continue to build on the legacy left by Jimmy and Jerry, we look forward to advancing our mission of giving back to the sport that we all love so deeply.
We’re excited to see what 2025 holds for our association, and with the leadership of our new Board members, the future looks incredibly promising. Together, we will continue to strengthen the bond between players, the NMTA, the USTA, and the broader tennis community, ensuring that the game of tennis continues to thrive for generations to come.
Where to Find Tournaments in Your Section: A Guide for NMTA Members
As the 2025 tournament season gets underway, one question that we repeatedly hear from members is: Where are the tournaments in our section? We understand that staying on top of tournament schedules and locations can sometimes be challenging, but we have a solution that makes it easier than ever for NMTA members to find and register for events.
I’d like to take this opportunity to remind everyone that the most comprehensive and user-friendly way to explore available tournaments is through our NMTA website. It’s a vital tool that allows you to plan your competitive tennis travels, whether you’re looking for National, Sectional, or local events.
How to Navigate the NMTA Tournament Menu
The tournament section of our website is designed with you in mind—making it easier than ever to locate tournaments that match your age group, skill level, and preferred location. Here’s a quick guide to navigating the website’s tournament menu:
Tournament Menu Dropdown
Simply visit the tournament section on our website and look for the dropdown tab that organizes all tournament options. Within this dropdown, you’ll find several categories of events to explore:
Level 1 National Events (by Age Groups): These are prestigious national tournaments are where the best players in each age group compete. These events are the pinnacle of competitive play at the national level for ages 30 and older.
Level 2 & 3 National Events: For players looking to compete at a high national level but not quite at the top-tier events, Level 2 and 3 tournaments offer fantastic opportunities to sharpen your skills and gain valuable experience.
Sectional Tournaments: For those focusing on local or regional tournaments, the sectional events are an excellent way to gain valuable experience and improve your ranking.
NMTA Team Series: A fun and competitive way to get involved in team-based tennis, this series brings players together in non-sanctioned team competitions. One of the newest events is the Hidden Dunes Snowbird Classic at Miramar Beach, FL in February.
The Florida Series: A unique offering for players in sunny Florida, this series allows you to compete in national and local tournaments while working toward ranking points in January.
Why Explore the NMTA Website?
Being a member of the NMTA not only gives you access to these incredible opportunities but also provides you with exclusive tools to plan your tournament calendar. By using our website, you can:
· Search and Filter Events: Easily search for tournaments by location, date, and event level. This allows you to find events that best suit your schedule and travel plans.
· Register with Ease: Once you’ve found the tournaments you’d like to participate in, registration is simple and straightforward. You can do everything right through the website, ensuring that you never miss a deadline.
· Stay Informed: Our website provides up-to-date information on tournament schedules, any changes, and important updates. This ensures that you have the latest information at your fingertips.
The Benefits of NMTA Membership
Being part of the NMTA community means you have access to the most comprehensive and easy-to-use tournament database available. Whether you're a seasoned player looking for your next challenge or a newcomer navigating the competitive tennis scene, our website helps you make informed decisions and plan your competitive journey.
Take advantage of your NMTA membership by utilizing our website to explore available tournaments and stay on top of your competitive goals. It’s an essential tool that will help you streamline your tournament participation and enhance your overall tennis experience.
We encourage everyone to explore the site and familiarize themselves with the many opportunities available. With the tournament season already underway, now is the perfect time to start planning your competitive travels!
Join Us at the Wilson World Tennis Classic: NMTA Hospitality Tent
We are excited to invite all NMTA members and tennis enthusiasts to visit our hospitality tent at the Wilson World Tennis Classic in Palm Desert, California, from January 24 to February 2! This prestigious event is the largest USTA tournament in the area, and it promises to be an excellent opportunity to connect with fellow players, fans, and organizations within the tennis community.
The NMTA will be sharing a hospitality tent with the National Women's Tennis Organization (NWTO), creating a unique space for both men’s and women’s tennis to come together and celebrate the sport we all love. Whether you're a player, coach, or tennis fan, our hospitality tent will be the perfect place to relax, mingle, and learn more about the benefits of being part of the NMTA and NWTO.
At the NMTA hospitality tent, you'll have the chance to Learn About Membership Benefits: Both the NMTA and the NWTO offer a wealth of opportunities for players, from competitive events to social gatherings. Discover how being a member can enhance your tennis experience, provide access to exclusive events, and foster valuable connections within the tennis community.
Expand Your Network: The tent will be a gathering place for tennis players, coaches, and enthusiasts from all over. It’s a great opportunity to expand your network, meet like-minded individuals, and engage in conversations that could help elevate your game.
Meet Representatives from Both Organizations: Our team members will be on hand to discuss the many programs, events, and initiatives that NMTA and NWTO are offering in 2025. Whether you’re looking for competitive opportunities, player camaraderie, or ways to get involved, we’ll be happy to answer all your questions.
Enjoy the Event: Of course, don’t miss the incredible tennis action happening all around the tournament! Whether you’re watching high-level matches or simply enjoying the atmosphere, the Wilson World Tennis Classic is a fantastic event for everyone.
2024 Donor Honor Roll: Thank You for Your Generosity
The NMTA Board of Directors would like to extend our heartfelt thanks to the following individuals for their generous donations to the National Men's Tennis Association (NMTA) in the past year. Your support is essential in helping us fulfill our mission to fund and create more opportunities for senior tennis players. Donate to the NMTA.
Jerry Thomas
Rick Chiricosta
Hill Griffin
James Orleans
Ron Tirapelli
Jack Courtney
Christine Hall
Jimmy Parker
David Wendt
Dennis Covington
Laurence Hammel
Richard Perry
John Wilcox
Geoff Cykman
Steve Hayden
Keith Sipe
Robb Bunnen
Bob Grieco
Bob Litwin
Rachel Stafford
Maxime Buyckx
Kristy Grieco
Philip Ludwig
Michael Stewart
Richard Chace Jr.
Richard Grieco
Steve Lunsford
Brent Able
James Farrell
Michael Jones
Leland Putterman
Steve Willoughby
Bill Drake
Noble Hendrix
Jerry Ratledge
Bob Zlotnik
Steve Duffel
Patti Hendrix
Steve Rubin
David Schermerhorn
Larry Eichenbaum Charles Hoevelre
Lisa Sandusky
Kristy Grieco
Philip Ludwig
Michael Stewart
Richard Chace Jr.
Richard Grieco
Steve Lunsford
Paul Settles
Phil Aurbach
Linda Freisitzer
Don Keenan
Scott Shepherd
Larry Back
Bill Gatlin
Bill Knestrick
Robert Siefert
Les Buck
John Geraci
Kip Layman
Keith Sipe
Robb Bunnen
Bob Grieco
Bob Litwin
Rachel Stafford
Maxime Buyckx
