![Mixed Doubles Teams at "The Tennis Club of Georgetown," the George Washington Tennis Center](http://www.thegeorgetowndish.com/sites/default/files/imagecache/featured_article_image/article-images/ten_social_promo.jpg "Mixed Doubles Teams at "The Tennis Club of Georgetown," the George Washington Tennis Center")
Temperatures hovered near the triple digits, but that didn't stop spirited mixed doubles led by neighbors, enthusiasts, and all around brave soldiers Sunday at the George Washington Tennis Center, "The Tennis Club of Georgetown."
Not only were they hitting hard (okay, not every shot), but cracking jokes. Watch out for court jesters of a certain variety in this bunch.
"Could I get a shot of you two toweling off?" Asked an innocent photographer. Maybe yes, maybe no. It depended on whom you asked.
An attempt at a second serve started with a crack and led to a shot so wobbly, it couldn't be returned. "Second serve ace!" Coach Mustafa Ulukan called out. Steven Strasburg, it wasn't. Yet, fun.
Each Sunday, head coach Greg Munoz, who leads the GWU Men's Tennis team, 
draws tennis players of all levels for mixed doubles, and now, refreshments afterward at Georgetown's classic watering hole, Martin's Tavern.
The Sunday-afternoon tennis socials are $5 for members, and only $10 for non-members. For two hours of tennis, free water and all other necessities supplied (including the occasional pointer from professional coaches), it's a hot deal, no matter what the temperature, and a great way to enjoy the Foxhall enclave once known as Mount Vernon College, where Art Buchwald, Alan Greenspan, and other tennis stalwarts vollied and lobbed some years ago.
The courts have since been totally rebuilt under the auscpices of George Washington University, with 11 new courts, lights, and all-new amenities.
"I'm for bikinis and martinis," admitted Martin's Tavern manager and tennis host Ron Newman. That said, he warmly welcomes the white-clad warriors who come at 5:30 each Sunday to celebrate the day and soothe sore muscles with liberal libations. With the heat index over 100, their special spot reserved in "The Dugout" seemed well earned. Mustafa Ulukan and Sumayya Husain pictured at right.
Find out more about the George Washington Tennis Center.
Net player Heather Johnson defends coach Mustafa Ulukan, right.
A new player hits a forehand as coach Mustafa Ulukan guards the net.
Chris Jackson at the net braces for a bullet serve by his partner Betsy Shapiro.
No BlackBerries on the court. They wait nearby.
Betsy Shapiro, Chris Jackson, Beth Solomon and Mustafa Ulukan.
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