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Korb's win makes tennis history
First wheelchair player to defeat able-bodied player
By Rich DePreta // Stamford Advocate // July 29, 2005
STAMFORD -- Some people spend hours talking and expounding on their greatness.
Others display their character and conviction by simply showing up.
Karin Korb of Atlanta is a charter member of the second group.
Korb, a member of the 2000 and 2004 U.S. Paralympic tennis team, electrified the 2005 National Public Parks Tennis Championships at Scalzi Park by becoming the first wheelchair player in the tourney's 79-year history to compete against and defeat an able-bodied player.
"To play in this draw (National Tennis Rating Program, NTRP, Women's 3.5 Singles) is challenging. Most people like comfort. But for me, comfort is not stretching yourself in life," Korb said. "And everything I do in my life is about growth."
Korb's 6-4, 6-1 victory over Nancy Christensen of Franklin Park, N.J. means that Korb returns to action today at 1:45 p.m. against Halina Wawrzyniak.
"This was my hardest match of the year," Korb said. "I spent a lot of the first set trying to think about what Nancy (Christensen) was thinking about. Finally I told myself 'Just play tennis. Just hit the ball.' The bottom line was I had to play smarter tennis because my opponent could run down shots. "
In the best two out of three set format, very few concessions were made to Korb's wheelchair status.
Her wheelchair is a special athletic model with oversized and slanted bicycle tires along with a special metal pipe in the middle with small pulley-style wheels on each end to spin and change direction on the court.
The only rule added in Korb's favor is she can allow the ball to bounce twice before she returns it. However, due to the depth and speed of most shots, it's easier for Korb to hit returns after one bounce.
"I think we were both a little nervous at the start," Christensen said. "I knew who Karin was and what her credentials were. I thought I'd be outplayed. She hits her shots with such spin and great touch."
The match and the platform of the National Public Parks Tennis Championships were of such importance that Korb flew into Laguardia Airport yesterday morning after her original Wednesday night flight was cancelled.
While watching Korb play tennis is an eye-opening experience, she serves as an inspiration every day of her life.
The 37-year-old Korb, who is in her 10th season on the International Tennis Federation circuit, runs camps and clinics across America in conjenction with Blaze Sports America and the U.S. Disabled Athletes Fund, Inc.
"We have camps in 43 communities in 23 states including 14 clubs on the Eastern seaboard," said Korb, who currently calls Atlanta home. "My job is about the integration of Public Parks and Recreation. I've had to learn about all wheelchair sports. I'm not just the tennis girl anymore.
"My life is abundant because I spent so much time talking to kids at clinics and at rehab centers," Korb continued. "I meet the most selfless passionate people. My job is about empowering people through sports. For example, tennis and public parks like Scalzi Park are so inclusive."
Ironically, who was injured in a gymnastics accident when she was 17, started playing tennis at age 27. Now, after all her national tournament titles and appearences at the 2000 and 2004 Paralympics, Korb can't imagine her life without tennis.
"If you love what you do, you feel like you never work a day in your life. If you believe it in, whether it's playing tennis or making ceramics, it's not work," Korb said. "I hated tennis before my accident. Tennis was a snotty country club sport. But now I've learned you create your own tennis environment. As long as I have a cute outfit to wear."
But for Karin Korb, it's fashionable for tennis to be a referendum on character.
"Tennis is for everyone. People look for excuses not to exercise," Korb said. "It's easy to talk about a hectic schedule, kids or a husband. But to commit to an active lifestyle, you make time.
"I do get frustrated on the tennis court. But recognizing and forgiving yourself for mistakes is key. Every game is a chance to work on focus," Korb continued. "That's how I teach kids. There is good and bad in life. But it all flows like water. It goes where it wants to go. People have a tendency to get in their own way. Tennis is about being in the moment every point."
NOTES -- Tickets are still available for tonight's National Public Parks Tennis Championship banquet and silent auction at Stamford's Holiday Inn Select Hotel. Advance tickets are $15 at Scalzi Park and $20 at the door. All proceeds benefit the Stamford Junior Tennis Outreach Program run by the Greater Stamford Tennis Association.
Copyright © 2005, Southern Connecticut Newspapers, Inc.
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