By: Megan Wright
 | ||
| Four players set up for a fast-paced rally under the soft glow of the setting sun on Court 12. This Friday evening match has been a weekly tradition for about a year, and it often turns competitive, Ashlyn says. |
 | ||||||||
| Ashlyn sprints to reach a deep shot, racket extended as she chases the ball. She says these matches are a good way to get exercise while engaging in some friendly family competition. |
 |
| The young player unleashes a powerful serve, the ball frozen in midair near the fence. “Trust the toss,” her father says, recalling advice he first gave her at age 10. |
 |
| The younger player cracks a backhand across the net, laughter and focus mixing on her face. She says these rallies help her transform end-of-week stress into friendly competition. |
 |
| Ashlyn finishes a powerful serve, racket high as the ball arcs toward the other court. She says they switch partners sometimes for daughters-versus-fathers matches, and that’s when things get the most competitive—friendly, of course. |
 | ||||||||||
| Ashlyn reaches high to return a deep ball near the back fence. She says her Friday night matches have become a highlight of her week, especially when the volleys get intense. |
 |
Ashlyn prepares to serve with focus in her stance and the ball in hand. She and her dad have been rallying nearly every Friday night for a year—win or lose, it’s their thing. |
 |
| The tennis ball drops gently toward Ashlyn’s racket as she warms up her swing. Ashlyn says that her pre-serve ritual includes 3 bounces of the tennis ball before she swings. |
 |
| Ashlyn walks toward the net to retrieve a ball after a short rally. She says the games get especially fun when they switch sides for daughters vs. fathers: “That’s when things get the most competitive but friendly, of course!” |
 |
| Ashlyn's father steps into a quick forehand with momentum carrying him forward. The rallies are intense, but every shot is matched with laughter on the other side of the net. |
 |
He sprints across the baseline, chasing down a wide shot with sharp focus. The Friday night matchups push everyone to move faster and play smarter. |
 |
| One of the dads waits in a ready position, scanning the court as the game builds. The fathers bring just as much energy as the daughters, and just as much fun. |
 |
| A father launches into a leaping return, keeping his eyes locked on the ball. The family’s match energy builds with every swing across the net. |
 | ||
| He tosses the ball and swings into a strong serve, aiming deep into the opposite court. In a game where family meets friendly fire, every point still counts. |
 |
| In a blur of motion, one of the dads delivers a powerful backhand. The players may joke courtside, but their footwork says they came to win. |
 |
| Ashlyn follows through on a powerful forehand, her front foot landing just inside the baseline. She’s focused on control and momentum, using each stroke to push her team one step closer to a win. |
 |
| A missed ball rolls toward the net as Ashlyn walks forward from the baseline. Not every point ends in a celebration, but each one is part of the rhythm they’ve come to know every Friday. |
 |
| One father pauses at the net while his daughter walks away in the background after the point. Between the rallies and rivalry, there’s a quiet understanding that this game is about more than just the score. |
 | ||
| A father's swing is nearly hidden behind the net as she charges for a return. In doubles play, every angle is fair game! |
 |
| A father leaps into the air for an overhead smash, eyes trained on the ball. It’s never really about who wins—just that they keep showing up, week after week, for the game they share. |
