Marina del Rey Still Home for Tennis Pro Cook

Life as a professional tennis player has taken Lester Cook all over the world, but he is still quick to call Marina del Rey home.

Born and raised in the neighborhood, Cook moved back to Marina del Rey after finishing college and spent several years training in Southern California as he pursued his dreams of stardom on the ATP Tour. Although he moved to Tampa, FL, this past summer to work with world-renowned coach Renee Moller at Saddlebrook Academy, Cook has nothing but fond memories of his time in the area.

 “Marina del Rey has been great for me because it is such a central position on the Westside that I was able to get anywhere I needed to for training,” Cook said. “The USTA national headquarters in Carson was only 30 minutes away and I could also get back to the Valley in the same amount of time if I wanted to train there on a specific day. Plus, I loved running on the beach every day for some good cross training.”

 Although Cook was regarded as one of the best junior players in the country, he opted to not turn pro right away, instead accepting a full scholarship to Texas A&M and playing on the men’s tennis team there for four years.

 “I wasn’t ready for the tour yet at 17 or 18, so college allowed me to grow and mature into the tennis player that I am today,” he said. “It was the best decision I’ve ever made. It’s so rare to see a male player turning heads at 18, so if you don’t succeed on tour, you still have a great education to fall back on.”

Cook turned pro in the summer of 2005 and has primarily competed on the challenger circuit since then, the tennis equivalent of the minor leagues in baseball. After spending his first year out of college in Houston, he decided to move back home for better training options and to be closer to his family.

 Slowly but surely, Cook began to climb the ranks. He enjoyed his best year on tour last year, reaching a career high ranking of No. 191 in the Fall. In addition, he also played in the qualifying rounds last year of all the Grand Slams.

He attributes some of his on-court success to his recent move out of Marina del Rey and into Tampa, FL, where he now trains with Moller.

 “I’ve been enjoying the adjustment process, but do miss home every day,” Cook said.

Cook said he has made it back to Marina del Rey several times since moving to Tampa, and always has a few local spots that are essential to visit.

 “My favorite lunch spot has to be Mendocino Farms and their Study of Heat sandwich,” he said. “I also like going to C&O Trattoria for some good carbs before a match, Siamese Garden for their yellow curry, and Kaya Sushi for some seafood.”

 Cook said that once his tennis career is finished, he plans on moving right back home to Marina del Rey.

 “I’ve always seen myself living in the area once I am done with tennis,” said Cook. “My dream would be to open a restaurant on Abbot Kinney and feed everyone healthy food so they feel great.”

 Cook is currently scheduled to play a challenger tournament in Dallas, TX, before enterting the qualifying of two Masters Series events on the ATP Tour next month in Indian Wells, CA and Miami, FL.