ULTIMATE FANTASY CAMP 2005

3 LEGENDARY DAYS... MEMORIES OF LIFETIME | HELD NOV. 17-20, 2005 - ORLANDO, FL
INSTRUCTION, COMPETITION AND INSIGHT WITH SOME OF THE BEST PLAYERS IN THE HISTORY OF TENNIS



Stephen Anderson, CO said: “I didn’t know what to expect but I was very pleasantly surprised at how EACH Pro was very friendly and took a serious interest in improving my game when I was on his court.” AND “I didn’t know what to expect but having MATS Wilander as my ballboy was extraordinary!”

Larry Johnson, TX said: “Imagine match play against a fellow camper at your level, then imagine Mats Wilander walking up to give a ball and a tip before your next serve. Next imagine serving points at Jim Courier and earning an occasional winner. Later imagine Jimmy Arias regaling you with Davis Cup stories about McEnroe, Ashe, and Conners over drinks and dinner. Welcome to my real life fantasy camp, a surreal experience with a group of great guys – that just happen to be grand slam veterans and champions!”

Cory Browarnik, Florida said: “What an unforgettable tennis weekend! From the amazing instruction by the friendly, enthusiastic former top pros to the nightly Q&A’s of life on the pro tour few are privy to. From the camaraderie of the team competition, to that point I won off Courier!! From the insightful, hysterical stories the pros recanted to us over a few drink, to all my new friends whom I will always share this fun time with. Cant wait till next year!

Federico Rojas, TX said: “The camp was an amazing experience. Would have to rate it A++. The friendliness and interest of the pros was genuine, and to share with them at that level made for an unbelievable and unforgettable experience.”

Rakesh Bhargava, NJ said: “ I highly recommend this camp to anyone who calls himself a true tennis fan! Aside from the excellent tennis instruction, the player-Pro interaction was unbelievable. We were given terrific insight into behind-the-scene life as a tennis player which now makes playing and watching so much more meaningful.”

George Seegers, FL said: “You can’t get more intimate with famous pros than the Ultimate Fantasy Camp. Spend time from breakfast to midnight with people who have seen it all and care about you and your tennis – really care – great instruction, great stories, great memories.”

Lonnie Goldman, CA said: “One of the most memorable things any fan could do. Truly spectacular – many thanks for creating something so special.”

Mark Altheim said: "The Courier Fantasy Camp surpassed my highest expectations. It was one of the best weekends of my life. I will be back and will bring some friends next year. You guys are a class act."

Anonymous said: I want to take the opportunity to thank you all once again for a great weekend of tennis. It was an extremely well run and organized event and I can’t wait to do it again next year. The tennis instruction and experience was simply superb and far greater than any tennis lessons I have ever experienced. The proof of this, as they say at Northwestern, is in the "boilermaker".

I had my first match on Sunday since Fantasy Camp and I obliterated my opponent 6-2, 6-0. He told me that nobody at the club had ever beaten him that bad and that he felt overpowered and I was too steady for him. (He was ranked 8 levels higher than me on the ladder) Thanks to all the advice I received, I played the best tennis of my life. I think I hit more winners that he had unforced errors. In case you didn’t notice, I took notes all weekend of the advice you all gave and put it all to work. Everything I did that you all told me to do worked like a charm.

I went into the match with the Mats Wilander mindset-“I’m the best and nobody can beat me”. With that thought, I was the most relaxed I have ever been. I played a lefty, so the first few minutes were a bit confusing, but I got it straight soon. As Todd Martin suggested, I concentrated on my first serve % and placement and was not concerned as much with pace. I also served into his body at break point as he recommended. I kept my toss close to my body and kept my shoulders turned for as long as possible. When I double faulted, I used extra spin to get in my next 1st serve. I also used the new serving and volleying grip suggested by Pernfors. It worked great and I never missed a volley. The guy I played was a serve and volley player who also approached the net as often as possible. Arias & Krickstein taught me that the best passing shots are the ones that go into the court. Sometimes it took two or three passing shots to win the point, but it worked. I kept remembering how I tried to stretch out Pernfors on a net drill and knew if I could eventually pass him (with great difficulty), I could pass this guy. I hit his cross court shots to my forehand up the line using extra topspin for control and trying to keep the ball in the court rather than going for a winner as Courier suggested. I got more winners with this strategy than I ever did before. I also kept my arm away from my body (no alligator hands) on forehands the way Pernfors showed me. Sometimes, my opponent tried hitting low shots to my backhand the way Mats did one day, but this time, I used a one handed slice to get the ball back as Mats suggested later that night over a shot of Tequila. I also kept control of the points the way Mats suggested by using more topspin for the tough shots and only hitting hard, flat forehands when I had the opportunity. When I was up by 40-0 or 40-15, I also used Mats advice and hit kick serves to his backhand and won the points easily. In summary, I felt like I had the six of you on the court with me at all times giving me excellent advice.

So, once again, Jim, John and Avanti did an excellent job organizing and running the event. Todd, Mats, Arias, Kickstein and Pernfors were not only fantastic instructors but a fun bunch of knuckleheads to hang out with all weekend. One of the greatest parts of the weekend was the opportunity (to live out our tennis fantasy) we all had to play live points against each of you. Thanks again.