The first USTA Category II tournament of the year began today under sunny skies in Palm Beach Gardens, Florida. After a short morning practice, I went over to BallenIsles Country Club, the tournament site to watch tennis and visit tennis friends.

Erin Boynton of Toronto, a regular fixture on the USTA national senior circuit, played Pied Piper and brought a houseful of Canadians down to the tournament, including Sophie Ronan, who won her first round match in women’s 40 singles today. I did however see a lot of rather pink Canadians by day’s end (despite their stop to buy sunscreen at Publix).

The level of play seemed quite high, even though few seeded players were in action today. Most are in action tomorrow though, other than some of the 80s singles players.

Shelly Works is housing at the same location as I am. We have had a lot of laughs here. Tonight we all learned  that the Pee Wee she kept referencing is  her 6’3” husband, aka Scott (or to her young tennis students, Mr. Shelly).

Tomorrow I play Suzanne Siegler at high noon and then play doubles at 3pm with Pat Purcell.

All Draws: http://m.tennislink.usta.com/TournamentHome/tournament.aspx?t=185079