Top Tennis Players Emilio Sanchez and Arantxa Sánchez Vicario Visit Indian Creek Yacht & Country Club

Indian Creek Yacht and Country Club had two of the top players in the history of Professional Tennis deliver clinics, private lessons, and play in a Pro Am with members and sponsors on June 4th, 5th and 6th . Two former # 1 players: Arantxa Sanchez Vicario (#1 Singles and Doubles, 10 Grand Slam Titles, 4 Olympic medals, 5 Fed Cup Titles) and her brother Emilio Sanchez Vicario (#1 Doubles, #7 in the world Singles, Silver Medal in 1988 Olympics, Hopman Cup winner with Arantxa, Captain of the Davis Cup Championship Team in 2008 Spain) came and shared their skills and gave invaluable tips and tricks to members throughout their visit.

This all started three years ago, when George Christoforatos boarded a connecting flight in Atlanta, Georgia. George was on his way to Jackson, Mississippi to deliver on court and in classroom classes for the USTA and USPTA Southern Section.Emilio Sanchez was doing the same, he was delivering classes and on-court presentations. Emilio boarded the same flight and started a conversation with George, noticing that he played with the same racquet. The two men spoke the whole time and found they both have a great passion for the sport of Tennis. A friendship was started!

George Christoforatos, after accepting the Director of Racquet Sports position at Indian Creek Yacht and Country Club, reached out to Emilio and asked if he would come to the club and deliver a weekend of Drills, Private Lessons, and participate in a Pro-Am. Emilio Sanchez Vicario said “of course” and asked if he could bring his sister Arantxa Sanchez Vicario. George approached the management team and everyone jumped on board.

Sponsors were so important in making this happen and the club thanks: Norma Jean and Bruce Edwards (Lamberth Building Material), Nelson Horsley (Isabell K. Horsley Real Estate), Stewart and Lynn Hargrove (Insurance Advocacy Group), Jeff and Lisa Duffy (EDC), Norm and Michelle Faulkner (NWP Energy), Joe and Jackie Pettinelli (Zagaboo Stories), Pam and Mike Grady, Betsy Maddux, Linda and Mark Fothe, Tom and Betty Schievelbein and Martha Mattheisen.

The weekend kicked-off Friday night with a Pro-Am featuring the Sanchez’s playing with and against members. Great shot making by all parties, including the over-the-shoulder no-look overhead by Emilio that had the crowd of spectators stunned. The interaction with the two Grand Slam winners and former #1 players was very entertaining. Friday night included a member-hosted party by Linda and Mark Fothe at their home and according to Emilio – they can sure throw a party. This started the buzz for the weekend.

Saturday morning the first of four clinics kicked off at 9:00 a.m. Singles Drills included play and a lot of footwork. Emilio and Arantxa moved the players up and back, side-to- side, while teaching the proper technique and shot selection. Indian Creek Yacht and Country Club had four visiting pro’s feeding and teaching on each court, while the former #1’s demonstrated the drills and re-enforced the proper footwork, technique and shot selection. The single’s drills clinic ran for 1.5 hours and everyone had a great time.
The second clinic was the Spanish Methodology. This clinic showed our members why Spanish players are so successful on the pro level -it’s all about the FOOTWORK. Emilio and Arantxa showed many of the Spanish patterns of footwork: the V drill, the X drill, cross-over steps and back-cross oversteps. Using these patterns helps players get in the proper position to hit a clean ball. Members who participated in this one clinic had quite a workout. The clinic lasted 1.5 hours and the members gave their all, and somehow had the energy to come back for more.
The third clinic of the day was the Doubles Clinic. In this clinic our guest pros gave their input on court coverage and moving as a doubles team. Adrian Zagland, Randy Smythe, Brandon Larson and Frederic Cabocei were all guest pros, along with the coordinator and club pro George Christoforatos, who gave input on formations, court coverage and tactics. Emilio and Arantxa both gave important doubles strategy that they used on the tour. That information coming from the former #1 doubles players in the really hit home. Players who participated in the double’s clinic, learned a lot in a short time, but really picked it up quickly.

The last clinic of the day was a live ball doubles clinic. The Sanchez’s and pros walked from court to court giving advice on how to play each point, depending on the score, where the ball is hit and what you should do to counter. The members were out of gas at this point and the Sanchez’s agreed to play some big-time doubles against each other. The level of play was huge - Emilio had a few great trick shots, but Arantxa held steady and won most of the games in a fun exhibition.

Saturday evening featured a sponsor-only dinner with Emilio and Arantxa as an appreciation for making this event possible.
Sunday offered private lessons and the second half of the day was all about the Northern Neck. The Sanchez’s took a boat tour provided by Jeff and Lisa Hunt. The two had a wonderful time and enjoyed just relaxing on the Rivah. Arantxa stated that she loves the Northern Neck hospitality, and could easily move here; look out - we could have a Grand Slam winner living on the Rivah.


Indian Creek Yacht and Country Club offers many programs at whatever level of play you might be interested in. Tennis, Pickleball and Spec Tennis programs along with summer camps for Adults and Children are all available. Having Emilio and Arantxa Sanchez Vicario was a great way to kick off our summer programming, look for more to come.
Questions about programming, please contact George Christoforatos (Tennis@icycc.com or 804-435-2713).