One of the Finest Seasons in Tennis History

Dr. Aramais Paronyan, a family medicine doctor based in Southern California, has more than 25 years of experience of providing medical services to clients in and around Los Angeles. Beyond his professional and charitable activities, Dr. Aramais Paronyan enjoys playing tennis.

A number of players past and present, as well as tennis pundits and writers, have cited Steffi Graf’s 1988 season as the finest in tennis history. From the perspective of a year-end winning percentage, Graf’s 73-3 record was impressive, though it represented a step back from her 75-2 record in 1987. Both years would go on to be overshadowed by her 86-2 run in 1989. As far as achievements are concerned, however, Graf’s level of play in 1988 has yet to be matched.

In 1988 Graf secured the calendar grand slam, winning the sport’s four major events at the Australian Open, French Open, Wimbledon, and US Open. Graf set herself apart from the five players who had achieved the calendar slam before her by also taking home a gold medal at the Summer Olympics in Seoul. The accomplishment, known informally as the calendar golden slam, has yet to be repeated. In fact, only Serena Williams, Rafael Nadal, and Andre Agassi have managed the feat over an entire career.

Health Benefits of Playing Tennis

Holding an MD from the Yerevan State Medical Institute, Dr. Aramais Paronyan maintains memberships in the Armenian Medical Society and the World Armenian Congress. Dr. Aramais Paronyan supports the construction of churches in Armenia, his home country, and also enjoys other interests, including fishing and playing tennis.

Requiring endurance, quick reactions, and tactical thinking, the game of tennis offers numerous health benefits. In terms of brain development, a player must remain alert at all times and understand how physics and geometry figure in setting up shot patterns. This stimulates the brain, creating new connections, which, according to a study conducted by the University of Illinois, results in a lifetime of continuing development.

Physical benefits also come from playing tennis, such as improved cardiovascular fitness and muscle strength, which is derived from constant movement of the arms, legs, and upper body in a variety of directions at different speeds. Swinging through shots exercises the core, the back, and the forearms, while sprinting toward a ball from one side of the court to the other and from the baseline to the net and back encourages muscle development in the legs. In addition, this kind of activity creates enhanced bone density.