The Indianapolis Star from Indianapolis, Indiana • Page 193

Tf7 GINNY PURDY: Tennis' Tenacious IMP '1 1 Tee By SUSAN LENNIS ''V Her tennis trophies behind her, Ginny Purdy relaxes with a good book in her bedroom. MOMENTS after she lost to Dianne Evers of Australia in the finals of the Indianapolis Open tennis tournament at North Central High School in July Ginny Purdy was told that a photographer wanted to take a picture of her and her parents. cares," she complained to her mother, who insisted that the youngster comply. It was not a time when Ginny wanted to be gracious or friendly. She had been defeated.

For the 13-year-old, whose devotion to the game of tennis matches that of many seasoned pros, losing is perhaps more devastating, more tragic than it should be. And yet it is what makes Ginny Purdy a winner this desire never to watch her opponent walk off the court a victor. "It's hard for me to lose at anything," she smiles, her teeth flashing white against a sun-bronzed complexion. "But I'm not mad at anybody else, mostly just myself. And it depends on how bad the loss is.

If it's too bad I don't want anyone around me." Perhaps defeat is so bitter for the young tennis star because it comes so infrequently. Last year she lost only three matches and was ranked No. 2 in the nation for her age group, 12 and under. This season she has lost a few more times in tournament play, having graduated to a higher age group with tougher competition. Since rankings won't be released until the end of the season, she doesn't ing that his little sister sometimes gets "snotty" when she defeats him.

Last fall her competitive urge proved disastrous. Ginny, on a bicycle with a head start, was racing Doug on a motorbike down neighborhood streets. "I turned to look over my shoulder and that's the last thing I remember," Ginny says. Doug located her about 10 minutes later, standing dazed by her fallen bicycle. She had broken two lumbar vertebrae in her back and was out of school for a month.

"I had to lie down on the couch most of the time and it really hurt, but it hasn't affected my tennis game any now that the know where she stands now nationally, but she is believed to be in the top 15. She is also co-ranked No. 1 in the national in doubles play for her age group, an honor for which she received the miniature gold tennis ball she wears around her neck. Her victory in national doubles was the first for Central Indiana tennis in more than 50 years. In THE Purdy household, on the north side of Indianapolis, Ginny's trophies and awards decorate one wall of her bedroom.

Down the hall her brother Doug, 15, matches her gold and silver awards with those of his own. He is ranked No. 1 in the state for his age group. "Tennis is more a game of fun for me. I'm not as devoted as Ginny," insists Doug, a personable, stockily-built teen-ager who is less intense in his approach than his sister.

"She is at the top and that makes it different for her. I couldn't turn pro, but there is always the chance that she will." Ginny and Doug, a sophomore at North Central High School, spend almost as much time competing against each other if not at tennis then at backgammon or cards as they do others. "Ginny always wants to beat me real bad and it doesn't really matter to me," laughs Doug, add 20 24.