As we celebrate National Tennis Month this May, it’s the perfect time to reflect on the lifelong joy and vitality the game can bring. One recent story from our own teaching team captures that spirit beautifully.

While teaching in Jamaica this past March, one of our teaching professionals, Jack Curry, had the pleasure of meeting an extraordinary player named Wolfgang, visiting from Frankfurt, Germany. At 91 years young, Wolfgang embodies the true essence of tennis longevity. He still plays twice a day, three to four times a week—and even makes time for golf on his days off.

Pictured here just after a 30-minute session with Jack, Wolfgang continues to refine his game with remarkable energy, focus, and enthusiasm. His dedication is a powerful reminder that tennis isn’t just a sport—it’s a lifelong pursuit that keeps both body and mind engaged.

Also joining them on court was Zuki, a local Jamaican Pro and friend, making the experience even more special.

Stories like Wolfgang’s inspire us all to pick up a racquet, stay active, and embrace the game for years to come.

Standing to the right of Wolfgang, Jack's friend, Zuki (from Jamaica) 

Are you new to the club? Do you need a few tennis friends? I'd like to help you. Set up an "orientation" with Larry Yakubowski for 20 minutes so he can assess your current skills and interests/goals on the tennis court. Email Larry@albanytennis.com to arrange an orientation.

The Friends of Albany Tennis Club Capital Campaign is still going strong, and you will see the results when you come to the club for the first time this season.

We’ve raised enough money to make significant improvements, including a new “Albany Tennis Club” banner welcoming players to the club, new tables, chairs, and umbrellas in the median, a new bottle-filling water fountain, new benches on the courts themselves, new scorecards on the nets, and additional fence hooks for hanging bags and backpacks. You will also see a new grass median, which was installed right after the close of the 2025 season. Plus, at the end of this season, we’ll be adding stone pavers at the club entrance and under the table seating areas. 

We could not have made these enhancements without the widespread support of our members. If you’d like to make a tax-deductible donation to the campaign, click here. We welcome and are grateful for any amount you choose to give.

We contract annually with a vendor to prepare our clay courts for the upcoming season, but ATC volunteers, led by the indefatigable Steve Beditz, are already hard at work getting the club ready. From turning on the water and dialing in the irrigation system to setting up tables, benches, chairs, and a windscreen on the perimeter fence, from testing the court roller to mowing our fresh new grass on the median, our member volunteers will have the courts and the club ready for you to play. Stay tuned, the exact opening date will be announced.

Thank you to the many members who have already supported the Friends of Albany Tennis Club capital campaign. We’re grateful to share that, thanks to your generosity, we’ve raised 30 percent of our goal in less than a week.

This early support tells us how much our members care about keeping ATC comfortable, welcoming, and enjoyable for everyone.

If you haven’t yet had a chance to participate, would you consider a $100 donation to help fund several practical improvements around the club?

If $100 isn’t the right amount for you, any contribution is sincerely appreciated. And for those who are able to give more, your additional support will help us reach our goal sooner and complete these projects in time for the upcoming season.

Making a tax-deductible donation is quick and easy—just click this link to give by credit card or check. Again, we are grateful for donations in any amount.

Improvements for Everyone

Your contribution will help fund projects and related costs, including but not limited to these improvements:

• A water fountain/cooler for filling bottles and rehydrating
• Six new benches around the court areas
• New paver block hardscaping for select areas of the grass median
• Three round tables with chairs and umbrellas for relaxation and socializing
• Hooks for hanging tennis bags and new score cards for each court

Click on the image below to view a short video of our planned upgrades to ATC.

And don’t forget to view the storied history of Albany Tennis Club.

Thank you for being part of ATC and for helping us invest in the club we all enjoy.

Warm regards,
Gary Henning
President

Please view this video highlighting the installation of fresh sod on the median walkway, a project that will enhance the beauty of our club next season.

Wim, Megan, Betty, and Scott were the Mixed Doubles finalists!

The team of Betty Lin and Scott Nevins narrowly defeated Wim Blindenbach and Megan Kelly 6-4, 7-6(3) to capture the 2025 Mixed Doubles crown!  The match was played on October 23rs at 9:00am at the Elm Avenue Park courts in Bethlehem. Congratulations to both teams for reaching the final match.  There were nearly 16 teams in this draw....so it was a meaningful draw.  Again, congratulations to both teams.

October 18, 2025 PHOTO of Helpers at the 2025 Work Party

While there are about 40 helpers pictured in the photograph above, we actually had over 50 helpers!!....Several helpers had to leave just minutes before the photo was taken.  

Here are a few thoughts.....

• The circle of helpers is symbolic of oneness, unity, and inclusion.   I think this captures the ATC community of players, don't you?
• We're proud of our association with the ATC and we are fortunate to belong......
• We expressed our gratitude for our hardworking and talented staff (Harry Lentz, Chris Mercogliano, Jack Curry, Chris Bradt, Daryl Bradt, Nicholas Demarco, and Declan Chirlin.)
• We also acknowledged the unsung heroes of the club....our Board of Directors......men and women who contribute many skills to improve our club.
• Gary Henning, our club president, thanked everybody for coming out to help put our CLUB TO BED and welcomes the return of everyone in 2026!  Gary also mentioned significant work on our grassy islands (new sod!) is scheduled to happen this week!
• I'd also like to thank Steve Beditz for leading the WORK PARTY effort and being so ultra-organized in the arrangement  and securing of equipment and supplies.

I'd like to wish everyone good health during the off-season.

I am grateful for countless friendships at our club.  I feel lucky to be with you.

Larry Y

The fundraiser to support the 15-Love youth tennis program was a tremendous success. Thanks to the generosity of our community, we raised the funds needed to help expand opportunities for young players to learn, grow, and enjoy the sport. We’re grateful to everyone who contributed and helped make a lasting impact on the next generation of tennis enthusiasts.

CLICK HERE to view photos from the event.