Don't Call It A Comeback...Yet

HIS SCENE

If you are a racquetball enthusiast chances are you know what Sudsy Monchik looks like. Either you've seen his likeness on racquets in your local sporting goods store or you are tied into the sport enough to know he has been again making the rounds at some of the biggest events in the sport of racquetball. When he first turned pro in 1994 after having won every major junior title possible, (he began playing at age 7,) Monchik preceded to become one of the most widely known figures in the history of the sport. The travel, photo shoots and notoriety matched the revolutionary way he played the game that basically defined his life. So, it seems his decision in 2006 to retire to a life outside racquetball, could only be temporary. Just as water seeks it's level, Sudsy's life calling pulled him right back into the sport. He is destined to be involved in racquetball his whole life, in some shape or form.

Sudsy's re-emergence this past year has been driven by his consulting position with Ektelon. It involved marketing and promotional efforts, as well as sharing his insights as a guest commentator on the IRT Network. The prospect of him seriously playing on the International Racquetball Tour had mostly just involved speculation. Until now.

Ektelon has issued a very promising press release, a day before Sudsy steps back on the court for his first competitive singles match since 2007. The NYC Pro Stop is an event that he has always attended. Being an hour away from his home, it was an easy way to see his best friends, watch top tier matches and just stay connected. And as a spectator, you could feel his presence at the event, even though officially he was just a spectator himself.

PLAYER

So now he's back playing. Not to say Sudsy hasn't swung a racquet. He played two big World Outdoor Racquetball events, (where he actually made a CPRT Pro Doubles finals in one of them.) WOR events, are considered by many pro IRT players as add on events, mostly for fun and exposure. It made sense for Sudsy to play. (The IRT last year formed an aggreement with WOR that allows indoor professionals and outdoor players to participate in an official pro outdoor season.) WOR's biggest events, which are very social in nature seemed an obvious and fun thing to do and a great way to further connect with the racquetball community. He also played in last year's US Open, teaming up with Nick Montalbano. (One of the perks for Ektelon is that Sudsy can serve as a mentor to Team Adrenalin...read Shaping Things.)

PERSPECTIVE

Playing the IRT Tour, no doubt, requires a full commitment by the professional player. Commitment of time, resources and body. It would require a tremendous effort for Sudsy to ascend to the top rankings. Understanding this, his approach is more tied into what his redefined space in racquetball will be. He has a unique perspective that he applies to his involvement now. Just as when he commentates on the IRT Network, his take encompasses every conversation and observation. He is a racquetball player. Racquetball players play racquetball, and he will play. And he will make assessments on the court. He will assess the state of players today. He will assess how his body handles the stresses of playing the way he does, against those both attempting to rise through the rankings and at some point, those already in the top rankings. (Note, Sudsy has been on the court with most of today's top players already.) He will apply his insight to his consulting, to his work with Ektelon and how he makes a push towards matches that play a significant role on how the IRT rankings stack up.

Career Recap
-5 Time Professional World Champion - # 1 Ranked Player in the World
-4 Time U.S. Open Champion
-Over 50 Professional Titles
-6 Professional Doubles Titles
-Pan American Games Gold Medalist
-Only player ever to win every age division in singles & doubles in Junior Nationals. (Age 8- 18's)
-10 Junior World Titles
-National High School Champion
-National Doubles Champion
-Olympic Festival Gold Medalist
-Inducted into the Staten Island, NY Sports Hall of Fame
(Now re-read the preceding paragraph. Perspective.)

DEFINING

Monchik is now fully on the scene. Making it an even more unique time for racquetball. Ruben Gonzalez (who coached the 10 year old Sudsy) is in the midst of his attempt to go out with a bang. And Kane. Kane is expanding the limits any professional athlete can reach in dominance, rewriting possibility. It's an opportunity for young players to get a glimpse of what the past and the present of racquetball offers. With that, a chance to see what futures they can create.

What can you expect? Well according to Sudsy, not much. But just maybe everything.

To quote an LL Cool J rap, popular at the time Sudsy first hit the pro scene, "Don't call it a comeback, I've been here for years..."

-----Restrung Magazine