By Nicole Jennings, Mixed Doubles Vice President
One of the greatest joys of ALTA Mixed Doubles is seeing our members come together to enjoy competitive tennis, connect with friends and family, and challenge themselves on the court. Recently, however, we’ve noticed a trend that, while understandable, can affect the experience for many members: players knowingly dropping down to a lower level just to play with a spouse, sibling, parent, or close friend.
I understand the motivation. We all want to share the court with those we care about; it’s natural to want that shared experience. At the same time, it is important to remember that just because you can play down does not mean you should. When highly skilled players compete at a level below their abilities, it can have unintended consequences for opponents, fellow members, and even for the players themselves.
From the perspective of your opponents, matches can become unbalanced and less enjoyable. Easy wins can leave an opponent feeling discouraged or frustrated. Recreational tennis should be fun, fair, and rewarding for everyone, and overqualified players can unintentionally take away that experience.
For other ALTA members, playing below your proper level also affects the overall balance of the league. Mixed Doubles works best when everyone competes at a level that matches their abilities. When one or two players are overqualified, it can impact match outcomes, standings, and even the confidence of teammates. Maintaining fairness is essential to keeping our league enjoyable and competitive for everyone.
Even for the player who chooses to play down, the experience is not as satisfying as it could be. Matches that end quickly or feel too easy do not provide meaningful competition or growth. One of the reasons many of us play ALTA is to challenge ourselves while having fun, and that purpose is diminished when we over-qualify ourselves.
I also want to acknowledge the perspective of captains. We understand their frustration when this happens to their teams. They want fair competition for their players, and as your League Vice President, I am on their side wanting to uphold integrity in all matches. Ultimately, the responsibility lies with each player to make the right choice. You know your skill level, and with that comes the responsibility to play in a way that is fair and respectful to your opponents and the ALTA community.
Competitive spirit is natural and something we celebrate. It is wonderful to bring focus, energy, and determination to the court. That spirit works best when paired with integrity. Being a strong player does not justify taking advantage of the system to compete below your proper level. Doing so diminishes fairness, reduces fun, and undermines the values that make ALTA such a special league.
If you want to play with a family member or friend, there are ways to make it work without compromising integrity. Consider finding a level that matches both of your abilities. Shared time on the court is meaningful, but it should not come at the expense of fair competition.
I encourage every member to pause, reflect, and commit to playing at the appropriate level. By doing so, you preserve the spirit of recreational tennis, honor your opponents, and ensure the matches you play are challenging, fun, and rewarding. ALTA thrives because of members who care not just about winning, but about fairness, integrity, and the joy of the game. Together, we can continue to uphold these values so every player can enjoy ALTA to the fullest.
