‘Heart Is Everything’: Playing Pro Tennis A Dream Come True For Tulsan Zeke Clark

32 individuals and 16 doubles are vying for titles at the Tulsa Pro championship this (weekend) at Philcrest Tennis Club.

For Tulsa native Zeke Clark, he is making his dream of becoming a professional tennis player a reality, one swing of the racket at a time.

They say if you do something you love, you'll never work a day in your life. 

"This is my job now. I've always been very focused on my tennis. A lot of people see it as a grind every week out here battling, but I really enjoy it, I'm excited for the journey," said Clark.

This past spring, Clark helped Illinois clinch the Big Ten Championship and hopes college taught him enough for a long professional career.

"Without my time at Illinois, I feel like there is no way I could have jumped right into it. These guys are way too physical, I wasn't mentally or physically mature enough to take on that challenge, so I'm forever grateful for my time at Illinois," said Clark.

It might be Clark’s second professional tournament as a pro, but he has been ready for this ever since he was a little kid. Add that with the joy of representing Oklahoma and it’s a match made in heaven.

"I'll never forget my roots here regardless where this sport takes me, I'm forever grateful for Tulsa, for the 918, you know without them, without my family behind me, I would be nowhere," said Clark.

Clark understands that he will face bigger and better players on the court but feels his approach to the game gives him the upper hand.

"I've never been physically gifted, I'm playing guys who are a foot taller than me and possess weapons that I'll never have, but I've always lived by the motto that heart is everything. I fight every single point and I feel like if you do that, you are in a good spot," said Clark.

Clark will compete in the quarterfinals Friday at Philcrest Tennis Club.