Less than 10 percent of all tennis shots are hit from a center position on the court. Note that every serve is hit from a slightly off-center start, and each return of serve is hit from even closer to the sideline. Why is it then that more than 90 percent of all tennis balls are…
Tennis, at the most elite level, is incredibly physical. The very best players may be some of the best athletes in the world … in any sport. That’s why when I hear the simplistic statement "at the top level of tennis, everyone has the physical skills to succeed. The difference is mental," I wonder what…
As a preface to this blog, I will state the obvious, which is the opinions expressed here while perhaps shared by many are mine and mine alone. I’m usually not a big fan of tennis politics and those who follow this blog know I’m even less enamored of tennis politicians. David Sickmen, publisher of United…
In the first half of this recent Super Bowl, San Francisco QB Colin Kaepernick was shut down by the Baltimore defense. His "play action" fake handoffs to his running backs were just awful and fooled absolutely no one. As an analogy to tennis, disguise in shot-making can be an effective method to take away time…
I Googled "Tennis" today at 4:00 p.m. and the first news story that came up is about an estate auction of Arthur Ashe’s trophies and wisdom teeth. Besides being bizarre and slightly disturbing, it seems to demonstrate a real lull in tennis news that this is the top story. The number two entry is an…
Sloane Stephens is the real deal and that’s great news for U.S. tennis. She is a star in the making and has the power, speed and temperament to be a truly exceptional player for many years ahead. As of this writing, she is getting ready to face Serena Williams in the quarterfinals of the Australian…
The U.S. Open is increasing its prize money by a "record" $4 million in 2013. The Open will also add an extra day with the Men’s Finals to be played on Monday. According to Jon Vegosen USTA Chairman of the board and president, "The record increase in U.S. Open prize money and the changes in next…
Taylor Townsend, the 16-year-old from Stockbridge Ga., became the first American female in 30 years to be ranked number one for the year by the ITA. USTA.com reports: "The effervescent Townsend trains at the USTA Training Center Headquarters in Boca Raton, Fla. with national coach Kathy Rinaldi and is known for taking the court with…
According to USTA.com, the USTA hosted a "listening session" on Saturday, Nov. 24 at The 14s National Open in Connecticut with regard to the proposed changes in the 2014 junior competition structure. "We are here for one reason," said incoming president Dave Haggerty, "and that is to listen and learn." This same article further states,…
So many of us on Long Island, in New York City and the entire Tri-State area have been deeply impacted by the devastating aftermath of Hurricane Sandy, it’s overwhelming. Things are far from normal for many people and will not be for a long time. I was relatively lucky, a few trees on my home…