Longines Takes Center Court for Kids

September 13, 2011 | By Michael Sarro

On Thursday, Sept. 8, New York Tennis Magazine had the privilege to spend some time with tennis legend Steffi Graf for the Longines Tennis Court for Kids Clinic at the Harlem Armory. Taking part in the event was the Harlem Junior Tennis and Education Program (HJTEP), which provides 500 inner-city youth the opportunity to play tennis, while also receiving an education. Katrina Adams, former pro player and executive director of the HJTEP was delegated to emcee duties in a Q&A session with students of the program, Graf, and former pro circuit player Murphy Jensen.

The event was hosted by Longines, known for its solid heritage as a timekeeper for world championships in various sports and collaborator with different international sports federations. Longines teamed up with Graf for the Longines Tennis Court for Kids Clinic as part of their "Women Who Make a Difference Awards," which celebrates extraordinary women who have made an impact on children’s lives.

Adams interviewed Graf and Jensen with questions provided by students of the HJTEP. The first question presented to both was, “When did you start playing tennis?” Graf replied, “I was three-and-a-half years old. My father started by teaching me in the house, using the couch as a net, a slightly different way to learn than QuickStart which is a great way to learn tennis. In other sports, you grow into it which makes the game easier and gives you a better chance to succeed. QuickStart should be a great push for American tennis in the upcoming years.”

In response to the same question, Jensen said, “Well I don’t know about you guys, but I would say that QuickStart is a slight upgrade to a couch.”

After the laughter died down, he continued, “I started at the age of two or three as my father was a professional football player and wanted to play a sport that the entire family could play. It was because of him that my brother Luke and I got into tennis, which truly is the sport of a lifetime. Look at me, I started playing not knowing where it would take me, and I am retired at this point, but I am still here today speaking to you guys about the opportunities that tennis can lead to.”

Both Graf and Jensen described tennis as a way to lead to other opportunities in life. Graf said that, “Tennis gives you a wide range of cultures. It is played by people from around the world all because it is fun to play.”

Jensen added, “Tennis is an intense life. It takes hard work and dedication and gives you chances and platforms for life.”

When Adams asked Graf what biggest regret she had, she replied, “Definitely leaving school early. I turned pro at the age of 13 and didn’t have much time to get an education. Education comes first, I am telling you this here today and I tell my kids this every day. While tennis is fun and can lead to opportunities, it is important to get your education.”

After the Q & A session, it was time to hit the courts where lucky students had the opportunity to get some free lessons and hitting time with Graf and Jensen. The event was part of Longines’ global commitment to support and develop future tennis stars. Graf and Jensen were particularly impressed with one potential future superstar, DJ Spigner of HJTEP, who represents the best of what both Longines and HJTEP stand for.


Michael Sarro
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