Longboat tennis player reminisces on his career

Ron Tirapelli’s high school tennis teacher in Michigan didn’t know how to play tennis.

“He was just a teacher,” said Tirapelli. “He would take us to play at tournaments because we needed a chaperone. We really taught ourselves.”

Now at 83 years old, Tirapelli has won numerous tennis tournaments around the world and participated in three tennis world championships. Even through this, he will still say that his favorite tournament took place in high school.

Those high school years encouraged him to play tennis throughout his career in the U.S. Army, college and his adult life. 

Even though he never had a professional career like he wished, Tirapelli was able to pass down his athleticism to his family. He won 15 doubles tournaments with his daughter Natalie, who now is a trainer for athletes.

With the popularity of tennis on the island, Tirapelli moved to the Key after playing in tournaments at the Longboat Key Public Tennis Center. He now plays there five days a week. 

As doctors clear him of health complications that have prevented him from playing competitively for the past few years, Tirapelli has big aspirations for the rest of his tennis career.

What made you pick up a racket?

When I was 13 years old, my mother bought me a Mary Hardwick tennis racket, and I don't even remember who she was. But I think other kids had rackets, so we would go and practice because that is what we did for fun: play sports. I would even go by myself to the courts at 6 at night. I'd take the box of balls because the coach gave them all to me, and I would practice my serve until 9 or 10 p.m.

What benefits do you get from playing tennis?

The people you meet from around the world are amazing. I've got an Italian friend that I have played three times so far. He doesn't speak English and I don't speak much Italian but we will always get together after matches. We have trouble understanding each other but it is still such a special friendship. I have friends in Australia and across Europe. I have also learned to travel the world, especially playing the world championships. I've been in the 80s and over category, but soon I will be in the 85 and over division, which is an advantage for me because I will be on the younger side of the ti. 

How competitive are you?

Competition is my whole drive. I call it the killer instinct. It's the immense desire to win, which is my favorite part of playing tennis. Winning is amazing. It really builds you up, and that'll last a lifetime.

Name one thing you do that wins matches.

You have to have a good serve. I've been told that my serve is one of the top in my division because of how I taught myself when I was younger. You really have to push yourself to get to that ball, and then you have to execute. 

Give me the best experience you’ve ever had on the court.

The one that comes to mind is my senior year in high school when we got to the finals. We played our sets and we tied. When we played into a tiebreaker, I remember coming to the net after I hit it. I just blocked the ball up over his head and landed it in. It helped us win the whole championship. 

What is the funniest thing or most embarrassing moment you’ve had while playing?

One day, I was practicing at the public tennis center right when I moved here. For whatever reason, maybe I was thin, but I hit a ball deep in the baseline and my shorts fell off. There were ladies on the balcony and I'm sure they didn't see anything, but it was funny when it happened.

What is special about passing down your athleticism to your family?

It's just fun being on the court with my daughters, especially Natalie. I know her game, and I know what she can do. I just open up and let her take what she needs to take. We communicate well and it is just a great way to bond together. Her daughters have so much talent too. I've got high hopes for them.

What are your aspirations for tennis at this point in your career?

I am going to be playing the 85 and up division at the world championship in a couple of years, so I am hoping to get my body ready for that especially with the doctors giving me the clear on most things. My hope is also to be inducted into the Upper Peninsula Hall of Fame. I would be the first tennis player they have if they thought I would qualify through all my accomplishments.