Tennis as a sport and pastime has always been defined by a certain sense of solitude — we are forever alone, entirely on our own, out there on court. There’s no one to save us from the potential abyss of our own thoughts or an off-day backhand, except for ourselves.
But at the same time, we're never truly alone; there’s always someone out there with us, moving about right across the net, going through similar thoughts and emotions of joy, distress, relief, excitement and wonder. And more often than not, that person is someone that we’ve played against many times before, be they friends, family or hitting partner.
As part of our desire to explore this dynamic, we’re excited to introduce the third edition of Hitting With Friends, starring friends Tom Wright of burgeoning juice empire Tom's Juice and Aaron Wiggs, community organizer and fundraiser, founder of the Sidewalk Sale and more, on their local court in Bed-Stuy.
Photography by Matt Genovese.
What initially got you into tennis?
Tom Wright (TW): My Mum and Dad were into it heavily so it kinda came along naturally from there. They played with all my cousins, aunts and uncles at the Nelson Park Tennis Club in Napier, New Zealand. So it just became a thing we did all the time and I fell in love with from there.
Aaron Wiggs (AW): I went to my first US Open back in 2019, knowing nothing about tennis. Watching these professional players in high intense rallys was just super exciting. After that, I would look up tennis on youtube and came across Gael Monfils and was just blown away by his athletic ability and his bravery to make such wild shots. 2020 happened and friends were going to the dome at the McCarren park in Brooklyn to play and they wouldn't stop talking about it. I wanted to participate in a new sport anyway, so I decided to get a racquet and some shoes and from then on it was on. I got super nerdy about it, watching videos, looking at players and their stance and positions on the court and really studying to improve my game.
How did you end up playing tennis with one another?
AW: Tom and I played a bit of soccer together over the summer of 2020, and I knew he played tennis but we never really mentioned about meeting up to play. One day, he and I were hitting at the same court but on different courts and he was right next to me and I was blown away by his game. i'm just watching tom rally and in my head i'm going "Holy shit this guy is like a pro", so i think it was after that time that we decided to hit and he became my main hitting partner alongside my buddy Rich. It's fun to pair those two up and see them go at it.
How often do you play tennis?
TW: Not enough unfortunately. It's so hard to find courts in New York without waiting in lines for hours. I tend to play more in the winter when you are able to book in time.
AW: I think there is a bit of an issue with the sport here in New York. Its grown in popularity at such a fast speed and everyone is playing now. I'm one of those new hitters myself, but everything here is privatized so its really hard getting a court; not only do you have to compete against others to book a court — you also compete with these places that host courts and have lessons there. When Tom and I go to hit, almost every court is dedicated to a lesson. At first I was hitting 2-3 times a week and now it's kinda down to once every other week, unless I go out by myself and hit against a wall.
What do you feel that playing tennis with one another adds to your friendship?
TW: Hang time. It's hard to always be catching up with friends here, so it's even better to be able to help Wiggs with his game and catch up.
AW: It adds just another layer of bonding I would say. You're out there, just breathing and sweating together. It's super fun. However, I would say Tom is more than just a hitting partner. He's really improved my game by giving me pointers, showing me things I should do to improve my forehand and backhand. Its' really funny. I don't even really know how to serve properly because all we do is just get out there and rally together.
What's the best and worst thing about the other's playing style on court?
TW: Best thing: his backhand. Worst thing: his backhand. Haha. He has a very unique backhand that a couch would hate and want to change immediately, but it's so sick and works for him.
AW: I can't really think of something to label it as the worst. The best thing for me is that I'm playing with someone who has incredible skill, so I'm learning a lot faster. Also, as my hitting partner, he is just patient and helped me get to a place to where I can compete at a good pace with him and others. It's all about learning when we play, so its a win win for me.
Why do you like playing tennis together?
TW: I love Wiggs. He's done so much for me, being foreign to New York and if he's down to learn, I am more than happy to pass along my knowledge and he really wants to learn and get better so I'm all for it.
AW: Tom is the master and I am his apprentice. You've changed my game Tom! Thank you bro! Haha.