Tourney Time: Laurie Burke Loves Competing in Tournaments

Burke’s game and confidence grew as she got more reps and watched and listened to the veteran tournament participants. She’s had the opportunity to pay it forward on multiple occasions, answering newer entrants’ questions. McDonald taught her each match is important and to play tournaments to completion. As a result, Burke gained valuable experience in both the main draw and consolation rounds.

“What I like is it gives me a chance to sharpen my skills a little bit and see how I do against nationally ranked players,” Burke said. “You can get in a rut here in St. Louis — ‘Oh, gee, I’m really good at this particular level.’ But when you challenge yourself by playing national-level players, then you see people are really good even though they are in my age group or USTA level.

“Players have a different style. You go to Texas and those people play year-round and a lot of them play on clay. They’re very, very good. The heat and the sun don’t bother them. So you better show up and be ready to play, because they certainly are.”

Traveling to tournaments has enabled Burke to play on a variety of court surfaces and in unique weather conditions. She noted the difference of playing in Miami wind versus St. Louis weather. She enjoys the rigors of competing in multiple matches in a short timeframe to see how her fitness holds up.

“But the main thing is the opportunity to meet people who share a passion for tennis like you do,” Burke said. “The more you go and experience that, people start talking about tournaments they’re going to. ‘Have you ever played this one?’ ‘No, I haven’t played that one.’ ‘You should play. You’ll have fun at that one. So and so is going to be there. Why don’t you join us?’ You get invited to other experiences.”

Burke also joined tennis leagues in the mid-‘90s at McDonald’s recommendation and has participated in them ever since. She has captained a USTA St. Louis 3.5 and 4.0 team and enjoys league play, though tournament action is her clear preference. Burke serves on two of USTA St. Louis’s recently established committees — the Adult Fair Play Committee and Adult Tournament Committee.

Burke was named the 2018 USTA St. Louis Adult Player of the Year. That year, she was a top-ranked player on six separate rankings lists in three different sections. She has been a practicing chiropractor and acupuncturist at her Ellisville office since 1982. A graduate of Niagara University and Logan University, Burke was recognized by her professional peers as the 1996 St. Louis Chiropractor of the Year.

Burke hopes she can help as a catalyst to increasing interest and participation in adult tournaments. She said inviting players who recently wrapped up their junior careers is one way to do that. Improving advertisement efforts at tennis facilities and with club and high school coaches is another. She’d love for more players of all skill levels to give tournament play a try.

“I have a passion for them and have no fear of them,” Burke said. “It’s because of the coach who said, ‘Just go ahead and start playing.’ Also, meeting people and them being very nice and complimentary. Those nice people are everywhere. They’re at every tournament. You get that friendship developed. You get your confidence. You can get a national ranking by playing, and you see how you stand up with other players.”

To learn more about USTA adult tournaments, click here.