Opting to pursue tennis on a more serious basis less than one year ago, 15 year-old Lo-Ellen Park junior Daniel Kulik was recently rewarded with a win at the OTA (Ontario Tennis Association) rookie level at an 8-player event hosted in Waterloo.

While the bulk of his training occurs on the hard court surfaces of the Sudbury Indoor Tennis Centre (SITC), Kulik apparently took quickly to the clay courts of this recent competition.

“I had to put more topspin on my shots and with the rallies being slower, I had to control my speed and not just smack the ball,” said Kulik, receiving some very helpful hints from coach Kiran Arunachala in Sudbury.

With some background in soccer and swimming, Kulik had integrated a more casual interest in tennis over the past few years before deciding to see just how far he might take this.

"I really want to take a shot at that, maybe getting a scholarship," Kulik suggested. "I like that it's fast; I like that you can play singles or doubles; I like how the ranking system works."

Bumping from a singular weekly practice to being on the court every day, the youngest of three children in the family (a couple of years younger than twin siblings Milena and Adam), Kulik has seen his game leap forward, exponentially.

"My power - my serve power and forehand power - are a lot better - and also my strategy has improved a ton," he said. "I am watching a lot more tennis now."

Putting himself out there against tougher and tougher competition in the province, Kulik was thankful for the very accommodating setting in Waterloo, all while knowing there is plenty of work that still lies ahead.

"There was no wind, so perfect playing conditions," he noted. "My consistency and my strategy still have to improve - and my backhand. I am a lot more comfortable with my forehand."

Still with tennis, the SITC summer camp offerings have been filled through much of July, though openings still exist for the one-week sessions open to children ages six to 14.

Camps are being offered the week of August 5th and August 12th, with the registration fee of $280 covering technical skills sessions, practice workouts as well as game play from 8:30 a.m. until 1:00 p.m., five days a week.

For more information, visit the Sudbury Indoor Tennis Centre website at www.sudburytennis.ca.