2009 Fort Myers Pro League Nearing Kickoff
Ritzman Tennis Title Sponsor of Upgraded Tennis Competition
Oct 9, 2009
Four teams of 10 USPTA Tennis Professionals will be vying for bragging rights and cash, while putting on a show for local Fort Myers fans. After nine regular season matches, the season will culminate in playoffs at Grandezza on March 12.
This year promises to be one of the best ever as Roberto Saad, a former ATP pro who has tasted victory at the French Open (1985) comes out of retirement to captain one of the Pro League teams (Johnny Malloy’s). Although not yet on a team, Shane Lamely, the new Director of Tennis at Verandah and former player on the ATP Challenger circuit, will substitute on Court 1.
The Pro League has become so deep that the format has been expanded this season. Formerly consisting of three men’s doubles matches and one mixed doubles match, the format this season will include four men’s doubles and a mixed doubles match. A staggered format with mixed, 3rd and 4th doubles starting earlier than 1st and 2nd doubles should allow more fans access to the action.
Mike Curran, Director of Tennis and Fitness at Gulf Harbour Golf and Country Club will be maneuvering for his fifth consecutive Pro League title as captain of team Boston Retirement Advisors. With former Zambian Davis Cup standout, Fred Kangwa, joining Curran on Court 1, and Leigh Bradwell, a former University of Kentucky doubles specialist, playing mixed, a fifth title must be considered a real likelihood. However, the competition is stiff at all five positions and a five-peat is no given.
Scotty Harrington, Captain of the Key Private Bank team and one of the area’s premier players has teamed with Jared Kalpin, Director of Tennis and Fitness at Grandezza, at the No.1 position and should provide a stiff test for Curran and Kangwa. Another quality addition to the Pro League, hard-hitting Kerry Kendrick, will be anchoring Harrington’s mixed doubles team, making Key Private Bank a real challenger for the top spot in the League.
Local Favorite Shawn Hedrick will team with Chris Fletcher, who was a quarterfinalist at the 2008 NCAA Division III Championships, on Court 1. Representing the USPTA, this is the youngest of the No.1 teams, and will be as entertaining as any in the League. Local Heritage Palms favorite, Mike Lawver, who went undefeated last season, is teamed with talented Canadian newcomer Dave Rowat on Court 2. With his youthful new partner, Lawver is poised to go undefeated again this season.
The senior team in the League is team Johnny Malloy’s, with only one player on the team under age 35. Despite being somewhat long in the tooth, Johnny Malloy’s will be no pushover, with Roberto Saad and the cagey Denny Rager of Lely leading the way at the No.1 position. With other savvy veterans like Glen Kouns of Cypress Lake and T. A. Niles of Gulf Harbour on the team, Johnny Malloy’s could be the spoiler of the League.
Regardless of which team emerges atop the standings next March, there should be record crowds at virtually every Pro League stop. Chances are the competition is going to be as good as it has ever been in the Fort Myers Pro League. Thanks to new Title Sponsor, Ritzman Tennis, the United States Professional Tennis Association, Key Private Bank, and Boston Retirement Advisors for their sponsorship of the League, as well as the players and fans who comprise this special Southwest Florida tennis tradition.
Take a look at the complete Pro League schedule and team rosters and don’t forget to check back throughout the season for results and standings.
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