“You are never really playing an opponent. You are playing yourself, your own highest standards, and when you reach your limits, that is real joy.”

 

While it’s a short quote from tennis legend Arthur Ashe, it’s one that has made an impact for many players across the world. For Margie Davis, it’s something that motivates her every time she steps onto the court. 

 

Born in Kennett Square, Pennsylvania, Davis started playing competitive tennis when she was in high school. Both of her parents shared a passion for the sport, so she was able to quickly find time to learn and love the game. Her dad taught her how to play and was always her practice partner, which helped her create some of her favorite memories relating to the sport. Most of which came on Saturday mornings when she’d have weekly hitting sessions.

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“One in particular that stands out — two of my Dad’s coworkers challenged us to doubles match and we beat them in a 3rd set tiebreak,” Davis said. “It was probably the best time I’ve ever had playing doubles — winning with my Dad.”

 

Once high school wrapped up for Davis, her tennis career took a break. After not picking up a racquet for 14 years, she ran back onto the court when she moved to the Washington, D.C. area in 2015. Since then, she’s gained accolades that many tennis players yearn for in their careers. 

 

In 2019, Davis won the NTRP National Championship for 3.5 singles. She says it’s the biggest tennis-related achievement in her life, but she still has more goals she’s set to reach. She wants to win 4.0 singles in the 2020 NTRP National Championships and eventually reach the 4.5 level. At 35, the motivation to get better keeps growing for Davis. 

 

To help her prepare for tournaments like the NTRP National Championships, Davis practices with other players she knows will challenge her and make her play at a high level. Not only does it allow her to get valuable practice time, it gives her the chance to learn from other players and use that to improve her own game. 

 

Tennis is a major part of Davis’ life. Her parents met while playing tennis, so it’s been with her since birth. For her, the sport goes beyond the court and helps her in more ways than staying healthy — it helps her relieve stress from day-to-day life. 

 

“Tennis helps keep me sane - it’s the greatest distraction from everyday life stressors,” Davis said. “It’s my outlet when life gets crazy. It’s also enabled me to cross paths with people that share my love for the sport and have become some of my closest friends.”

 

Davis will go for 4.0 and strive for a coveted “golden ticket” to the 2020 NTRP National Championships in Surprise, Arizona, but she’ll always remember the little things that helped her fall in love with tennis. For her, tennis is not only a great way to stay fit and escape from any of life’s problems, but also an obsession that won’t go away any time soon.

 

You can strive for a golden ticket and play your way to the  2020 NTRP National Championships by participating in tournaments right here in the Mid-Atlantic Section, right now! Learn more about playing in NTRP tournaments in the Mid-Atlantic and find upcoming tournaments to play. There are events coming up now through the fall.