Tennis ace joins Pan Am squad

Maccabi Australia is delighted to confirm that David Sofaer will lead our tennis squad to the Pan America Games in Sao Paulo, Brazil, in December.

Sofaer, who featured in Maccabi News last month, will add the Games in South America to his already bulging international Maccabi CV which has already seen him perform at the Maccabiah in Israel and MAIGS in Australia.

Sofaer, who has played junior Wimbledon and is now on a tennis scholarship at Pepperdine University as he makes a tilt on the international circuit, will spearhead Australia’s opens team.

“(I’m excited by the) uniqueness of the games and the tournament,” David said.

“I’m hoping it will attract many great international players from around the world.

“I’m hoping to be a contender for the gold. It won’t be as easy as it is opens (competition) now, not juniors. However, I think I have a chance.

“I’m looking forward to the atmosphere of the Games and the tournament.”

Now, team manager Lauren Ehrlich has declared that the doors are open for other competitive opens tennis players from across the country to join the team.

“We’ve got our number one guy,” a delighted tennis section manager Lauren Ehrlich said.

“We’d love a really strong partner for him, be it mixed or mens doubles.

“But we’re also looking for others to step up into the squad.

Sofaer echoes Lauren’s sentiment, also explaining why he jumped at the challenge to be a part of Australia’s Pan Ams team – and why other keen tennis players should as well.

“People should join the team to experience an atmosphere of playing with great players in a different region, other than Israel, but still being involved in a Maccabi event.”

Ehrlich adds that the tennis facilities will be heaven for tennis fanatics, with over a dozen indoor courts, plus clay and hard courts to practice on as well.

“Although our team will be small, there will be huge numbers in the tennis tournament over there. We’ll be playing competitors from countries like Israel, Mexico, Brazil, Chile, Argentina.”

As always, there’s a masters category too, and that’s where Ehrlich hopes to get strong numbers into the squad.

Age groups will most likely be in five-year increments, meaning you won’t have 35 year-olds playing 50-somethings and matches will be competitive and at a level relative to your age.

“At Masters level, it’s not necessarily that really top line of the line players that play.

“But if you’re of a good standard, come, have a great time in South America.”

“It’d be great if some couples that play tennis come along too.

“It’s a wonderful opportunity to get to South America and enjoy the experience.”

For more information or inquiries, contact Lauren Ehrlich: lauren@bigpond.net.au or 0410550384.