RD Customer Spotlight: Barky Boodakian

From Manhattan to Palm Desert — 50+ Years of Tennis and Loyalty

Since 1970, Barky Boodakian has been a dedicated customer of Racket Doctor. In fact, his racket was the very first one ever strung in our shop. A lifelong serve-and-volley player and a Rod Laver superfan, Barky’s tennis journey spans decades, cities, and unforgettable memories.

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Quick Facts

• Name: Barky Boodakian

• From: Manhattan → Hollywood → Glendale → now Palm Desert

• Customer Since: 1970 (first racket ever strung at Racket Doctor)

• Favorite Racket: Wilson Hyper Sledge Hammer 2.0 125

• Playing Style: Serve and Volley

• Tennis Hero: Rod Laver

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🎾 RD Customer Spotlight: Barky Boodakian: About His Tennis Journey

How did you first get into tennis?

Started in college after winning national paddleball championships at 19 years old. I joined so I could compete in something.

Who taught you how to play?

I am totally self-taught through books, articles, and watching good players. Although I learned paddleball from my father.

What was your first racket?

Wooden Rod Laver.

What’s your favorite shot to hit?

One-handed backhand and forehand volley.

Singles or doubles — and why?

Tough to call. Singles is the ultimate test, but doubles gives me a lot of time at the net and the satisfaction of a well-executed team strategy. It’s even.

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🧠 Why Tennis Still Matters

What keeps you coming back to the sport?

I never left! The difficulty — tennis cannot be mastered, and every player has one shot that gives them the yips. The mental challenge keeps me going.

Do you have a favorite memory on the court?

Playing with Bobby Riggs every morning for a month at Los Angeles Tennis Club in the ’70s.

Any advice for someone just getting into tennis?

Don’t rush it. Don’t copy style — copy fundamentals.

What’s one life lesson you’ve learned from tennis?

Patience and how to be humbled.

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🔧 Gear & Routine

What racket are you playing with right now and why?

Wilson Hyper Sledge Hammer 2.0 125. Extremely light but powerful. I’ve been using it since it came out and haven’t found anything better.

Do you have any string or tension preferences?

I am still experimenting with new setups. Today I changed from Cyclone 19g at 51 lbs to Tour Bite 18 at 51 lbs for a stiffer, more controlled stringbed.

How often do you restring your racket?

Not often these days — I’m mostly coaching and it takes a long time to wear out strings just feeding.

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🏪 About Racket Doctor

How long have you been coming to Racket Doctor?

My racket was the first one ever strung by the Racket Doctor at this location. I’ve been coming here since 1970. I was friends with Randy from his time stringing at the Riverside courts in Griffith Park.