The Wilson Racket Review Crew are tennis enthusiasts here to give you their opinions and insight to the latest Wilson rackets.
Each Racket Review Crew player varies in their tennis level and abilities.
They will outline rackets features and benefits in order to help you find the best racket for you and your game.
We hope you find this blog informative and fun.
The Wilson Racket Review Crew introduces themselves below:
Prakash Armitraj
Hello there,This is Prakash Amritraj. I’ve been on the ATP Tour since june of 03. I was the US National Junior Champion and was MVP in the finals of the NCAA Championships helping USC to the national title, prior to turning Pro.
I have been playing Davis Cup for India since I turned pro. I reached a career high ranking of 154 this year.
I play an older style of serve and volley tennis and have played with many different rackets during my career before settling down with the wonderful traditional frame that I have found in Wilson.
2010 holds some very exciting rackets in store from Wilson’s new lineup and I look forward to giving you a pro’s perspective on the new rackets.
Cj Hobgood
Hey, I’m Cj Hobgood, I’m 30 years old and a professional surfer, traveling around the world since I was 15.
I have been on the ASP world surfing tour for 12 years now, currently ranked 5th and finished 1st in 2001.
I grew up with a dad who moved to Florida to surf and play tennis, so naturally me and my identical twin brother Damien, who also surfs on the ASP world tour, (currently rated # 10) took to surfing and tennis.
Traveling on the road all year long and not being able to surf all the time when the ocean was flat, me and Damien hit the tennis courts.
It was just too easy! I mean the racquets were small and easy to travel with….and we could always find a court no matter where we where in the world.
It was a great work out and I always had a partner to hit with.
A lot of the other professional surfers love to play tennis, mainly the Australians and South Africans.
It’s been fun to meet and spend time with professional tennis players who also love to surf.
I’ve become good friends with Mark Philippoussis who I get to hang with as we have a surfing tournament outside of Melbourne. I have also got to know Gustavo Kuerten, as we have a surfing tournament near his house in Florianopolis.
I love playing tennis because like surfing, it’s such a mental sport that really takes place in your head.
Maria Diegnan
I’m Maria Diegnan and I am 48 years old but fighting it every day!
I play on two leagues and also play club tournaments.
I am a 4.0 USTA ranked player and an AA ranked in club tennis.
I have been playing tennis almost 6 years due to a lack of softball players….my true passion. Although hitting people at the net or just drop shotting the person when they are on the baseline is lots of fun too!!
My claim to fame is being the oldest ball person in the US Open in NYC. After being a ball “girl” at my local club for a women’s challenger tournament, I was made privy to the fact that ball kids at the Open have to try out, and there is no such thing as too old.
I made the cut the first time out and now a second year rookie. Let
So let’s hear it for the old lady!!!
My style of play is aggressive, with soft hands and good feel when it counts.
I never give up and will eventually figure out my opponent’s weaknesses, sometimes a little too late! But then I say “Get ya next time!”
I enjoy scooting around to my matches on my Suzuki 400S.
When not playing tennis, I am taking rides on my Harley Road Queen with my old man John, who supports me all the way.
I look forward to trying Wilson’s new rackets and giving the opinion of a club player with a serious competitive streak.
Don Opici
My name is Don Opici, and tennis has been a big part of my life from an early age. I grew up playing in my hometown of Franklin Lakes, NJ. I began playing junior tournaments at age 9 but really dedicated myself at age 14. I traveled all over the NY tri-state area looking for the best competition to practice against and playing tournaments on the weekends. I played high school tennis for Ramapo High School and graduated in 1997.
I went on to play college tennis at Columbia University. I was the captain and an All-Ivy selection in 2001, and our team won two Ivy League titles during my four years. It was an unforgettable experience, and I was fortunate to be around great players and coaches that improved my game every day. I also made some life long friends.
After graduation, I wasn’t quite ready to hang up my racquets. I also had the urge to travel and see the world before getting a real job. I played about six months of futures and challenger tournaments that brought me to Europe, Japan, and Mexico. I’m glad I can say I did it and have no regrets, but I never found it as fun as being part of a team like high school and college tennis.
I turned 30 this year, and I work in my family business called Opici Wines. We import and distribute wine across the US. I don’t get to play tennis as often as I’d like, but I try to get on the court a few times a month. I would describe my tennis game as an aggressive baseliner. I’ve never had the game to overpower opponents, so I had to be consistent and take advantage of opportunities to be aggressive. I’m a huge NY sports fan, especially the Yankees, Giants, and Knicks. I figure the success of the Yankees and Giants make up for a decade of terrible Knicks basketball. Let’s just hope 2010 brings Lebron to the Garden.
Courtney Sargent
My name is Courtney Sargent, and I am second-year pre-dental student at the University of Florida.
I have played tennis for over ten years, competing in USTA tournaments as well as high school tennis.
My style could best be described as a counterpuncher/aggressive baseliner.
Now that I’m in college, my priorities have shifted a little more towards academics and a little further from tennis.
However, that has only allowed me to appreciate the sport even more as a means of stress relief, exercise, fun, and of course, a little friendly competition!
My hobbies include Outback Steakhouse, reading Us Weekly in the gym, my dogs Coco Puff and Mactavish, and hating mayonnaise.
