Taking a Bite Out of The Big Apple: Hungarian Peter Gecse Brings His Love of Tennis to NYC
It’s never easy for one to leave their home nation to start over in a completely foreign land. Having to learn and adapt to a new culture, language, lifestyle, etc. can be a daunting task.
So when Peter Gecse came to America from Hungary with his sister Andrea in 1997, he knew it would be tough from the start.
“I had seen and heard so much about New York City in books and movies and things like that,” said Gecse. “But it was all new and seemed to be a great challenge. It’s called ‘The Big Apple’ for a reason, considering it offers equal and great opportunities to take bites from its ever-growing life fruit. The City offers a fast-paced lifestyle that doesn’t exist in any other part of the world.”
Gecse had come to the states from Hungary when he was 19-years-old, nearly 10 years after his father John had. Hungary was under Soviet Union control for most of the 1980s, until its regime began to be picked apart bit by bit, and in 1988, Hungary became its own independent nation. After a divorce, John Gecse moved to America, and a few of his children followed suit nearly a decade later.
Peter brought the love of tennis he developed in Hungary over to America with him.
“I went to hit with an older cousin of mine who, at that time, wanted to have me on the court with him as a sparring partner,” Peter said of how he first got into the sport. “Of course, I said ‘yes’ to him. I was a complete newcomer to the sport, having never played it before. However, the more I played it, more I liked it.”
His love and passion for the game eased his transition to the U.S. as the sport of tennis can open many doors.
Peter would play his collegiate tennis at Kingsborough Community College under Head Coach Barry Goldsmith. He earned a bachelor’s degree in tourism hospitality/restaurant catering, and worked as a dining server at The Lotos Club in New York City before Goldsmith steered him back into the world of tennis.
“Coach Goldsmith recommended me to Roosevelt Island Racquet Club [RIRC] to come work as a tennis pro and continue to pursue my career,” said Peter. “It is really such a special place. The most interesting and unique people and personalities ride the train, and everyone knows everyone, making it a very comfortable place to work.”
Peter still works at The Lotos Club and was offered a larger role there, but tennis was too important to him. He has been a pro at Roosevelt Island Racquet Club since 2004 where he brings his infectious personality to RIRC on a daily basis.
“Peter has been an amazing addition to our staff,” said Jason Speirs, tennis director at RIRC. “Not only is it nice to have a diverse staff, but he also cares about the quality of instruction provided. Whether with young or old clients, if Peter is on the court with them, they’re getting a true professional. He will help you with your technique, keep you calm, and is always available for a chat. We wish we had more Peter Gecses at the club.”
Peter’s sister Andrea now works and lives back home in Hungary, and his father John also lives back in Hungary, and Peter is no doubt proud of his Hungarian heritage. Especially because the sport he loves so much has grown in popularity back home in recent years.
“Tennis, as a sport, has grown over the years in Hungary,” Peter said. “I think it’s due to the revolutionary programs and new organizations that help promote the game. Because of these things, there has been a significant jump in the amount of players. QuickStart and junior tennis are as popular as other sports. This is evidence already in the International Tennis Federation, as the year-end number one-ranked junior girl is Dalma Galfi, and the year-end number three ranked boy is Mate Valkusz, both Hungarians.”
Tennis has held a special place in Gecse’s heart over the course of his life, and there is no doubt that will persist.
“Tennis is a game that is centered on positive people and has a worldwide reputation, giving something in common to fans and athletes,” said Peter. “That is how it has grown on me and will continue to do as my story continues.”
Sebestyen Gecse, son of Peter Gecse, getting an early start in the sport
