By Christine Staudinger Ezra, USTA.com
We asked, you answered. Turns out tennis players are dreaming about more than just sugar plums and tennis balls this holiday season! You want everything from face time with top tennis stars to your very own court.
Here are the top ten things you're wishing for. (Drum roll please…)
10. A gift that will fit under the tree.
• "A pair of Adidas Barricade IV with some red tie for shoestrings." – Martino T. , New Brunswick, NJ
• "I crave this item. It is spherical and necessary for any tennis player to begin a game. I wish for some pressurized canisters of tennis balls!" – Jason M., Duluth, GA
• "A Prince Shark racquet." – Kelly M. of Williamsburg, VA
• "I always wanted a US Open towel for daily playing." – Marta W., Clearwater, FL
• "An autographed ball from Andy Roddick and Roger Federer." – Tucker M. of Waco, Texas
9. A little something for someone else.
• "For my 11 year old daughter to go to a mentally tough tennis camp for the summer. I'm hoping she gets a scholarship in 2006." –Quinetta C., North Charleston, SC
8. To finally master that oh-so-hard to obtain skill.
• "A consistent, no-brainer, solid, kick serve I can rely on through thick and thin." – Mark B. of Ft. Lauderdale, FL
7. Something you just can't have.
• "A Wilson Hammer 7.3. They don't make them anymore, but hey, it was a great racket!" – Jane D.
• "To have DIRECTV in Illinois offer The Tennis Channel and get rid of The Golf Channel…OK, The Golf Channel can stay, but it's killing me missing all this tennis!" – Kem J., Bolingbrook, IL
6. To be a tennis star for one day.
• "I want to make it to the qualifying round of the US Open." – Lisa B, Westchester, NY
5. A few pointers from a tennis mastermind.
• "For Christmas I wouldn't mind having a tennis lesson with Andy Roddick or Lindsay Davenport (in my dreams, haha)." – Joseph H., Glasgow, MO
• "A lesson with Robert Lansdorp, who coaches Maria Sharapova and Pete Sampras." – Vinh P.
4. A strong, healthy mind and body.
• “I was born with Cystic Fibrosis (a genetic lung and digestive disease), and had a bilateral lung transplant in 2004. I’m thankful every day that I am able to play tennis. It is a true gift.” – Laura A., Tampa, FL
3. To gawk at the best talent in the world.
• "My wish is to go to the US Open Championships at Flushing Meadows and experience the greatest tennis tournament on earth." – Steve B.
• "Tickets to US Open 2006." – Greta S., Washington Crossing, PA
• "To watch Andy Roddick play in the US Davis Cup match against Romania." – Allysia F., Santa Ana, CA
• "I would love to be able to go to the US Open or any Grand Slam event next year. I have never been to a professional tournament and it would be a great treat for me." – Libby D., Cornelius, NC
2. Your very own tennis court.
• "A neighbor is selling four acres of land behind us and I would like to have part of it and build a tennis court. (I never dream small)." – Elizabeth C., Lexington, SC
1. To get smacked around on the court by a tennis great.
• “I'd like to play one set against John McEnroe.” – Thomas B.
• “I sure would like to play against Andre Agassi. I know I am not that great, but it will make my dream come true.” – Cris A., Greensboro, NC
• "To meet Roger Federer because he's the best player out there." – Rachel K., Brentwood, TN
• "A few days to play tennis and hang with Mr. and Mrs. Agassi in their hometown." – Keith R., Sterling, VA
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