AESTHETICS

Feathered Grace

©ClubHouse

Cuiabá in Mato Grosso, Brazil

©Victor B. Ortiz Architecture

COURT-SIDE STAYS

Alibey Club Manavgt

Istanbul, Turkey

On the sun-soaked shores of the Turkish Riviera lies Ali Bey Club Manavgat - a tennis paradise we just had to feature in this Thanksgiving edition. Turkey? Thanksgiving? See what we did there? With 61 courts - the world’s largest tennis center - it’s a playground for anyone looking to perfect their serve or serve up a little humble pie on the court. From casual rallies to ego-shattering grudge matches, this place has it all.

Off the court, things only get better. Recharge in a spa that combines Ottoman elegance with modern treatments, or lounge on your private terrace overlooking the Mediterranean - views so good, you’ll consider never going home. Feast on beachfront BBQs or gourmet meals that’ll make you forget all about dry turkey, and cap it off with a dip in crystal-clear waters. Ali Bey Club isn’t just a destination - it’s a celebration of tennis, luxury, and a well-played holiday pun.

COURT-SIDE PROPERTIES

Plymouth, MA

© William Raveis Real Estate

Ever wanted to channel your inner Pilgrim? This $9m, 7.2-acre property in Plymouth, Massachusetts…yes, the land of turkey legends and questionable colonial decisions -gives you the perfect stage. Whether you’re building a private retreat, crafting a tennis utopia with courts and programs, or hosting a New England-style family camp complete with feasts and power struggles, this land is yours to conquer (ethically, of course). With room to create, entertain, and maybe reenact a dramatic first Thanksgiving or two, this isn’t just property - it’s history with a side of possibility. Plymouth may have been settled once, but this is your chance to settle it better.

THE PRO SHOP

FIT TO PLAY

It’s Gravy Gains this week, let’s talk Weighted Squats, the ultimate power move for tennis players. Tennis is a leg game, plain and simple. If your legs don’t feel like you’ve just run a marathon in quicksand after playing, newsflash: you’re not playing tennis, the court’s playing you. Whether you’re chasing down a drop shot or powering through a baseline rally, strong legs are your foundation. Weighted squats build explosive strength, improve endurance, and keep you balanced for all those quick directional changes on the court. Plus, they’re perfect for burning off that second helping of mashed potatoes! Pro Tip.

Thanksgiving Squat How-To:

1) Set the Table: Stand with your feet shoulder-width apart, toes slightly out, and a barbell across your back—or grab something heavy, like a turkey platter or the weight of your families expectations.

2) Core Tight, Turkey’s Right: Tighten your core like you’re preparing to look “natural” in the family photo.

3) Yam Slam: Push your hips back and lower yourself like you’re about to sit at the kids’ table. Get those thighs parallel to the ground - or deeper, if you’re trying to impress your hot cousin.

4) Chest Proud, Cranberries Loud: Keep your chest lifted, back straight, and knees aligned with your toes. Don’t break down - you’re not Aunt Carol after her third glass of wine.

5) Power Back Up: Press through your heels, stand tall, and squeeze those glutes like you’re trying to hold in a post-dinner regret.

6) Repeat: Knock out 3 sets of 8–12 reps, or until you’re ready for dessert.

AROUND THE NET

Hublot x Novak Djokovic – A limited-edition watch crafted from Djokovic’s racquets and shirts, embodying his 2023 Grand Slam victories.

Rafa x Nike Ad– Greatness. It only takes everything.

Racket Puzzle Box – A handcrafted wooden puzzle box designed in the shape of a tennis racket, offering both functionality and charm.

Tennis Jigsaw Puzzle - An intricately designed wooden jigsaw puzzle.

Red Bull Bassline - It’s coming to the Australian Open. An innovative tie-break tennis tournament set to debut at the Australian Open, featuring rapid-fire matches with a musical backdrop.

NBC News on Jon Wertheim – Tennis Channel’s decides to bench Jon Wertheim following an inappropriate remark about Barbora Krejčíková.

Nick Kyrgios on Grand Slams – Nick Kyrgios shares his perspective on aspects of Grand Slam tournaments he finds monotonous and suggests immediate changes.

UMass – Free grass for all.

FROM THE ARCHIVES

Gioco della Racchetta (Game of the Racket)

by Gabriele Bella (1730-1799)

Real tennis, often referred to as the king of games and the precursor to modern lawn tennis, is a sport steeped in history and aristocratic intrigue. Originating in 12th-century France as jeu de paume , a handball game played in monastery courtyards - it evolved over centuries into a sophisticated indoor sport played with racquets, sloping roofs, and ingeniously irregular walls. Its idiosyncratic charm captivated European royalty; Henry VIII famously commissioned a court at Hampton Court Palace, cementing the game’s association with the elite.

The intricate rules and complex architecture of the court made real tennis as much a game of strategy as physical skill. Scoring terms like “love” and the now-familiar 15-30-40 progression trace their roots back to these hallowed courts, connecting the past with the vibrant game we recognize today.

By the 19th century, real tennis had given way to lawn tennis, an outdoor adaptation designed for grass courts and social accessibility. Lawn tennis, with its streamlined rules and standardized equipment, exploded in popularity and eventually eclipsed its older sibling. Yet, real tennis remains a fascinating relic - a niche but fiercely dedicated sport that offers a glimpse into the origins of one of the world’s most beloved games.

Far from extinct, real tennis is still actively played today by a passionate community across the globe. Its strongest roots remain in England, where courts such as the one at Hampton Court Palace, built for Henry VIII, continue to host matches. Here, players dressed in white use handcrafted wooden racquets, preserving a tradition that feels as timeless as the game itself. The sound of balls ricocheting off ancient stone walls serves as a living reminder of the sport’s rich history, offering a rare blend of athleticism, strategy, and historical continuity that few other games can claim.

THIS WEEKS POLL

What’s the best Thanksgiving “disaster” story you’ll never forget?

Some Thanksgiving moments are so chaotic, they’re burned into your brain, but not in the “let’s laugh about it” way. Whether it’s a turkey disaster, an argument that got way too real, or an unforgettable faux pas, what’s the craziest Thanksgiving story you still think about (even if no one else dares bring it up)?

Last week, we asked, “How do you feel about the underhand serve?” A solid 57% of you went with a resounding Death before Dishonor, while 27% said it’s basically the tennis equivalent of sending a “K” text. Meanwhile, 14% felt it’s best left to Nick Kyrgios and his bag of tricks.

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Thanks for reading.

Until next time, we’ll see you out there.

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