Tennis, Anyone? Christo is not Just Anyone

Meet Christopher Maltby from Forest Glen School. Christo, as his friends and family call him, is in the fourth grade and is 10 years old  He is an incredible tennis player.  He started playing tennis six years ago, and has since taken all kinds of classes and lessons. I personally remember taking a few classes with my son Jacob, and Christo was in the same group. He was practicing with older kids even back then Christo was very excited to answer all my questions and, although not quoted, most of this article consists of his actual responses.

Currently, Christo is taking tennis lessons at Hinsdale Racquet Club. The head pro there is great and also coached Christo's dad when he was Christo’s age. He has played several matches at both the local and regional levels. His favorite was a match where he played against a rival of his and came back from being down in the third set to win.

Most tournaments are within driving distance, but he also has competed in several tournaments outside of Illinois. He has been to South Carolina, Ohio, Michigan, Wisconsin and Indiana. His favorite tournament location was a place that had a water park connected to the hotel where he was staying.

The tournaments Christo participates in are run through the United States Tennis Association and are broken down into various boys' and girls' age groups. There is a point system for the rankings of players in the local, regional and national levels.

Because Christo is 10 years old, he has played mostly 10 and under matches but now plays with the 12-and-under group since he will be turning 11 at the end of June.  The local tournaments do not give you as many points as the regional or national ones, but you have to qualify for those tournaments, so it is a big deal just to be invited to play in them.

Christo’s favorite stroke is the drop volley  It is like a regular volley at the net, but you hit it with backspin and it is like a trick shot that bounces super close to the net so your opponent has to run fast to the net to get it.

Christo has also been lucky enough to have met several legendary pro players at pro tournaments. This past weekend Christo played in a national tournament in Indiana and won two of his matches.

When Christo is not playing tennis he enjoys playing outside and writing stories. When he grows up he would like to be a professional tennis player. 

I am quite sure he is well on his way!  His parents, Jay and Tracey, are very proud of him as is his little sister, Suzanna. Not only is Chistopher Maltby a great tennis player but he is also a really neat kid!