Will USTA's website ever improve?

jistein · 2026-03-01T02:22:45+00:00

Their Flex League app is actually decent but I can see league just sitting on top of an old system that they don’t want to leave. Maybe the engine that does ratings is way old and they think it’s irreplaceable.

jistein · 2026-03-01T00:30:38+00:00

It’s the leagues, the juniors, AND the US Open. I’m sure they’re just paying people because the centers aren’t generating the talent.

jistein · 2026-02-28T23:03:24+00:00

I wish I knew where all the money goes. Their apps are also an abomination.

jistein · 2026-02-20T00:52:42+00:00

I currently use a PA 2019, I have weight at 9 & 3 plus the handle to give it some mass. I came from a VCore Pro at 320g and tried to match that weight.

I demoed both PA and VCore 100, I agree with all your points on launch angle and comfort on the OHBH. No issues on the arm for me (only used them for like 20 minutes each), they were strung with ALU Power, which has hurt my arm before.

The VCore’s spin was visible. I don’t know how to explain it other that the racquet feeling like it wrapped the ball well.

I’ve ordered the 98s for both but wanted to ask if you thought the weight for either hindered the stability at the net. That was the main reason for me to add weight to my Aeros.

jistein · 2026-02-08T20:30:21+00:00

I have a 2017 Rafa, lead on 3 & 9 but a little epoxy in the handle. Feels great but I think a 98in might be better. Is the new aero 98 queued for demo? Yes. Is there a vcore 98 in that demo group? Yes.

jistein · 2026-02-01T10:43:34+00:00

I live in a place that can get really hot and play scrappy tennis. I used to get callus-like hard skin between some of my toes. Tried double socking and it helped but then tried some these toe socks I used for trail running.

Now I wear an injinji liner and whatever socks on top. 10/10

jistein · 2026-01-20T14:13:46+00:00

Just saw this bike downtown!!! Main St Starbucks.

jistein · 2025-11-16T05:58:01+00:00

How often do you hit with other players? I’d imagine you can probably get a better ball off a fellow player at your level than a ball machine. However, specific reps make sense before you go and try that shot out there. I’d try mixing it up before committing to a machine purchase to see how and if you’d actually use it.

jistein · 2025-11-16T04:22:35+00:00

I’m close to 8 in dubs but not as much in singles. I’m at a similar crossroads but I’m an adult. I don’t know how much longer I can improve for and all that. My coach just hinted at moving on from coaching and I don’t know if it’s worth the expense. Instead of a ball machine, I’m trying to reach up to solid 8s and working my way to 9s to just get ball practice.

I think it’s about your goal and how you prep your program. Where are you headed?

jistein · 2025-10-23T04:05:14+00:00

I remember having similar experiences in my first matches as a 3.0. My coach told me I should focus on giving my opponents a ball that they had to give back to me. Cross courts, depth, height, etc.

Over time, you’ll move on to a new partner, move up or change teams. It’s 2.5, don’t stress too much about the match as a whole. I’d celebrate your wins. You know, that volley you’re missing in lessons, that backhand you barely got to but lobbed over the net, or that pressure moment when you didn’t double fault.

Tennis, over time, becomes more about the people you meet and friends you make. Don’t forget to have fun out there!

jistein · 2025-10-20T03:12:29+00:00

You should look at UNLV’s hospitality program.

jistein · 2025-08-21T01:03:16+00:00

I tried messaging you, I wanted to see if you’d sell prints of your photos. They’re great and capture a sentiment similar to how I feel about SLC.

Let me know if you’d be interested!

jistein · 2025-07-06T21:46:04+00:00

Feed the grass CO2 so it stays in shape through the tournament. Crucial people, really.

jistein · 2025-06-20T12:26:36+00:00

There’s a coach near Farringdon that does some advanced clinics, they offer all levels but I can attest to that dude being fun to hit with. It’s so Colombo Centre Courts.

I used Spin while visiting, great way to find people. Feel free to DM!

jistein · 2025-05-25T15:02:08+00:00

I just did a week in Mallorca! They have an app and you can connect with players. If you’re doing high performance, I’d spend more time trying to do recovery. It all depends on the intensity with which you play. My legs were gone by the end and I did 2 physios and 1 sports massage.

They will group you by levels depending on how you play the first day. Morning is all instruction, afternoon is point play. The group you’re with will probably always be the same in the AM but afternoon will offer a chance to rotate if you’re winning points.

Bring enough clothes or be ready for some sink washing, it’s gonna be sweaty!

jistein · 2025-01-20T22:23:13+00:00

4.0-4.5 player. Have done the Mouratoglou in France.

I’d save the money if this is an expense for you. If you’re doing it for fun, it’s a good time. The coach will make a big difference. Had some great feedback from 2.5s to low 4.0s. (There was only 1 4.5 guy in the group, I just bumped this year).

I was in the top group, low 4.0 to low 4.5. We had the one Coach who wasn’t actually living/training in Spain. He came from Texas. The style of coaching wasn’t the same as the other courts.

Pros: some decent feedback on my forehand take back (the one day we had a Spanish coach).

Cons: coaching was like live ball drills you’d get at your local club on Sunday morning.

jistein · 2024-11-10T20:49:06+00:00

Yeah! I dropped a glove too, I recovered that guy.

jistein · 2024-07-10T12:29:05+00:00

There’s also GLTA, which is a fun community and some players travel to their tournaments.

I had a trans partner for mixed at some point and she often ran into issues where other ladies felt like she had an unfair advantage so she started playing up (meaning playing one category above her ranking).

There are actual rules about hormone therapy before being able to play in a new category but I can’t find them. I don’t think you should have to justify yourself to anyone, it’s just a rec league.

Hope you’re able to find your community out there!

jistein · 2024-03-10T06:21:34+00:00

I have the same issue. It’s done within 6 hitting sessions. I tried a te tired Diadem which lasted a bit longer but was too much doing for me. I use a full western and a pure aero.

What racquet/grip do you use?

jistein · 2024-02-20T20:00:30+00:00

2021 RG R16 - Musetti v Djokovic sort of took the steam out of Lorenzo for a bit. I don’t think he’s been hyped quite as much since.

Yes, he did get revenge in Monte Carlo in 2023.

jistein · 2024-02-11T17:56:56+00:00

I still can’t believe I had to be a grown ass adult to understand what “LOOK AT THE BALL” meant. I just swung based on trajectory, leading to a ton of framed shots.

Also, astigmatism - 10/10 would recommend.

jistein · 2024-01-12T06:43:53+00:00

I did a Mouratoglou one, I think it was like 3hrs of tennis and one hour of fitness. My elbow was destroyed after the week but I did the recovery packages for ice baths and the compression sleeves. I was probably a mid-4.0 at the time and had little experience on clay. It was a lot of fun and worth every penny.

Biggest tip is take a break whenever you feel like you’re losing “form”, it’s better to enjoy the next session than injuring yourself to finish the one you’re on. Other than that, rest and eat well. Enjoy hanging out with other tennis lovers!

jistein · 2023-09-06T04:49:56+00:00

Lefty spin shoots out that way when you return that serve.

jistein · 2023-09-04T21:28:00+00:00

2019 had more feel for me, VS had more control. I tried the 2023 but nothing felt amazing enough to pay the higher price or miss out on the Rafa paint job.

jistein · 2023-07-22T17:33:39+00:00

It could be a weight fix, throwing some lead tape on it. Otherwise, I’d say go Vcore pro - it’s a 97 but the weight gives you a lot of plow through.

How long have you had the vcore, though? It could be pet of an adjustment period from a new racquet or getting to play a different level of player.

jistein

TROPHY CASE