Recently, I had the pleasure of taking a private tennis lesson with Pro, Omar Lopez, at FS Tennis Club in Southampton. I’d never picked up a tennis racket before, so I was a little nervous about how it would go. Prior to my arrival, everything was done electronically through email, and it was a seamless experience. I received reminders about my lesson time and links to any information I needed beforehand. I’ve never been inside the FS Tennis Club before and was surprised at the size of it. The pro shop, where you enter, encompasses the reception area, merchandise shop, and sits as the middle ground between their 4 hard courts and 4 clay courts. After fitting me for my racket, Omar led me to the hard courts, which exist under a massive temperature-controlled bubble during the winter months. When you walk into the bubble, your ears tend to pop from the change of environment. Starting from the beginning, Omar went over hand and grip placement, swing form, and getting acquainted with the ball. In no time, we were rallying back and forth with each other.
I never knew what I was missing, and I can’t believe how fun it was! Not only was it an incredible full-body workout, but it combines techniques from many other sports that I love. Even though the temperature-controlled bubble shields you from the outside elements, it wasn’t necessarily warm on the courts, but that didn’t deter me from breaking a nice sweat! I was also surprised to find out how sore I was in the days following.
Being one of the only, if not the only, membership-free club in the Hamptons, you don’t have to worry about exclusivity or feeling like you aren’t welcome. Everyone, including other players who found out it was my first time, were so encouraging.
I’m eager to get back on the court, and I hope to see you all out there. You can find out more about FS Tennis Club on their website FSTennisClub.com.
Check out our Instagram reel where I take you along, in real time, for my tennis lesson with Omar on @HamptonsOnline.
