In the inaugural Williamsburg Open, Arthur Bobko defeated a feisty opponent, Michael Moshan, 7-6 (7-5), 6-1, but McCarren Tennis was the real winner this past weekend.
The new organization, made up of a group of North Brooklyn tennis players who have been playing on McCarren Park tennis courts for the past few years, threw the two-day tournament and fundraising party to pay for their restoration.
Sean Hoess, McCarren Tennis’ founder, said the event raised about $5,000 in total, which will go towards resurfacing the courts.After watching a few rallies in the finals match, it is clear why it is needed.
“We had to change balls in the second set because the balls get too beat up by the courts,” said Hoess.“We want some real courts with good surfaces so the balls can last.”
To his credit, Moshan, a Williamsburg resident, did not blame the courts for his defeat.After a tight first set, that Bobko nipped in a tie-break, Moshan appeared to tire while Bobko cruised easily to victory.
“We all know the cracks and patches.They have a different effect on the ball,” said Moshan. “The black areas have a slower surface than the green and they’re almost unplayable.The ball goes sideways sometimes.”
Bobko called the weekend tournament “a great event” and that his strategy was to keep the ball in play because the wind kept moving the balls around a lot.
“You have to watch the weather and use the wind in the right way,” said Bobko.“You shouldn’t get too excited or upset because you’ll pay a price in the end.”
