Local boy takes second place in Del Mar tennis tournament

FALLBROOK – Congratulations are in order for Joe Tygart of Fallbrook. Tygart missed first place by only one point in his second tennis tournament at Del Mar.

At 8 years old, Tygart was the youngest player entered in the Boys 10 and under division. When asked if it mattered playing against older boys, Tygart said, “I’m used to playing with my older sister and all my practice friends are much older. So when it comes to playing 10-year-old boys, it’s not so scary. I just focus on the ball, not their size and age.”

Tennis pro Mike Amador said, “I always pit the boys against the girls and the younger players with the older. So when they play in tournaments, size and age doesn’t matter. It’s just between you and the ball. Don’t personalize the opponent as it will psych you out.”

By the time Tygart is 10, Amador said “he should be ranked Top 10 in So Cal if he continues playing tournaments.”