Tennis players get sandy at Beach Tennis Tourney

Bill Van Glabek / Eagle i contributor

George Hayden serves ball over the net as Maria readies for return in the Beach Tennis Tournament at Mackle Park. The Hayden's came in second.

Bill Van Glabek / Eagle i contributor

The action was fun and fast-paced in the Beach Tennis Tournament, hosted by the Parks & Recreation Department. In the near court is Maria Hayden, while across the net is Jackie Pham and Greg Gadoua, the tournament winners.

How often do tennis players get sand between their toes?

Only when they play in a Beach Tennis Tournament, hosted by the Marco Island Parks and Recreation Department.

The event was held on the sandy volleyball court at Mackle Park on Saturday.

There were no swimsuit entries, like beach volleyball, all competitors were in tennis garb. Soft, kids beginner tennis balls were used as they are lighter and no bounce required in beach tennis.

Such competition actually is part of Beach Tennis USA.

According to Bill Van Glabek, city racquet center manager.

“Beach tennis merges the world of tennis and beach volleyball into one exciting sport. It is a fun, fast-paced game that is cultivating players and spectators.”

The sport combines tennis rules on a regulation beach volleyball court. Using tennis racquets, two players per team volley until the ball hits the sand. A point is scored each time the ball lands on the sand, or goes out of the court lines.

The winners were Greg Gadoua, teaming with Jackie Pham, to down George and Maria Hayden, 6-0, 6-4.

Van Glabek said the tourney was one of several events planned by the Parks & Rec Department in conjunction with Beach Tennis USA. There will be a Beach Tennis Camp in August. For more information contact Van Glabek at 394-5454.