Playing some of the best tennis of her career, Malibu resident Amy Alcini was recently named the Women’s Open Player of the Year by the United States Professional Tennis Association. The award is the highest honor a player can receive as a member of the USPTA, the world’s oldest and largest association of tennis-teaching professionals.
Born and raised in Michigan, Alcini has been playing since the age of eight. She received a tennis scholarship to play at Indiana University. After two years in Bloomington, she transferred and took her talents to the University of Florida.
At Florida, Alcini earned the opportunity to split time with her collegiate team and play on the Women’s Tennis Association (WTA) professional tour from 1989 to 1991. She participated in the Canadian Open in Toronto, Eastbourne of Great Britain and earned a spot in the doubles-qualifying draw for tennis’ crown jewel, Wimbledon.
For the last 13 years Alcini has been selling real estate in Malibu and is currently the Director of Sales at Westside Estate Agency. After work, Alcini trains two hours a day for 10 months of the year. Alcini competes in approximately 12 tournaments each year and is among the best for her age group in both singles and doubles.
Alcini has twice lifted the trophy for winning USTA/ITF World Championship titles, and is a 14-time winner of the national title for the USTA.
The Malibu Times caught up with Alcini as she prepares to defend her back-to-back USTA World Championship 40s doubles titles (2010, 2011) to be held in San Diego in February.
What did it mean to you to be named the USPTA Women’s Open Player of the Year?
It was definitely an honor to win the award. It was the culmination of the last couple of years of my effort and training. I’ve been refocused on my tennis, and winning that award wasn’t about being the best player in the nation, but rather everything that has led up to that moment. I’m happy about my game and how I’m playing. But to receive that award from my peers made it really special.
What is the significance for you playing at a National final or World Cup final?
Whenever I get an opportunity to play in a national final, I consider it a privilege. I’m so grateful for it. It’s a big deal. There are only four national tournaments a year and then there is the World Cup, which is even on a bigger scale than the nationals. When you get that chance, you do your best. I am looking forward to defending my doubles title at the World Cup in San Diego.
Do you have specific goals to pursue as you keep playing the sport you love?
My goals for 2012 would be to win a third USTA/ITF World Cup championship title in February and to compete for a couple more national titles. I want to continue to find ways to keep fun and enjoyment as big parts of my game. I want to keep playing and do the best that I can.