Michael Banks has sold and serviced racquets from his Avenue of Fashion storefront since 1987. The shop's specialized nature has worked for the best: Professional Racquet Services draws tennis, racquetball, squash, badminton and platform tennis players from all over Metro Detroit and as far away as Flint, Grand Rapids and Toledo.
When Banks opened up shop, there were seven racket stores around Metro Detroit; now there is just one other, in Royal Oak. He credits his long-term success to his deep ties to the sports he works with. "I've been playing tennis for 44 years," he says. "I know people, I've been highly ranked in tennis — there's a respect there."
Banks also teaches tennis, racquetball and squash. He primarily gives lessons at Palmer Park's outdoor courts and the indoor ones at the YWCA on Grand River. He credits the popularity and advocacy of the Williams sisters with tennis' growth among young people. A junior novice tournament he runs each fall at the YWCA has grown from 25 participants to at least 125.
Although Banks has seen his area of Livernois change from a retail-oriented corridor to one that is more service-oriented, he is staying put. "You can buy a racket on the Internet," says Banks. "But if you need repairs, you have to come here."
Professional Racquet Services is open from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. Monday through Saturday. It is located at 19444 Livernois and can be reached at 313-863-1880.
Source: Michael Banks, Professional Racquet Services
Writer: Kelli B. Kavanaugh
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