Ever wonder why, during the explosion in the last decade of extreme versions of other sports, no one came up with Extreme Tennis? It’s because it already exists: It’s racquetball, a sport that, when played at the highest level, is as aggressive, lusty, and bloodletting (while still retaining a modicum of sanity) as any other extreme sport out there.
The sport’s come a long way since the days of Joseph Sobek and his paddle rackets game. The technology has caught up with the racquetballer’s desire to fire precise, furious blue bullets beyond where the opponent can navigate. The sport is all angry angles, akimbo reverb, and sweat.
And the best practitioners in the world will be in Memphis November 15th through November 19th at the Choice Hotels U.S. Open; among others, you’ll see current men’s and women’s #1 ranked players, Jack Huczek and Rhonda Rajsich, respectively.
In addition to boasting the best players in the world, the Racquet Club will show off something else that can’t be seen at your local gym: a “made for television broadcast” portable racquetball court. Essentially, featured matches will be played “in the round,” on a court that provides excellent visibility not just for home viewers but also for the stadium-seated spectators. The matches will be televised on the Tennis Channel.
This year marks the 11th year the U.S. Open has been hosted by Memphis’ Racquet Club. Once again, the tournament will benefit St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital. All told, the tournament has raised over $130,000 for the hospital.
Beat feet to the Racquet Club and see the best wall bangers in the world turn a harmless little ball into a smart missile, able to elude even the most desperate flying reach.
Choice Hotels U.S. Open, November 15-19. The Racquet Club of Memphis. See www.choicehotelsusopen.com for more information.
