For those of you who don’t know, becoming a ballperson for the U.S. Open is a tedious process that takes months. Prior to today, I went to an initial tryout and waited weeks to be invited to a call back. After the callback, there were weeks of waiting again before I was notified that I…
During day two of the qualifying rounds for the 2010 U.S. Open, the weather is still refusing to cooperate. I did, however, manage to be on court for a complete women’s match where young American Madison Brengle put up a good fight before eventually falling to France’s Claire De Gubernatis. Brengle showed a lot of…
Despite two rain delays; my first day as a ballperson at the 2010 U.S. Open was a success. Though the weather did not cooperate, everyone working for the tournament did all they could to ensure that the players remained safe and as many matches as possible were completed. There were plenty of fans on the…
The most important person in local tennis over the last 25 years that you have probably never heard of is Mike Silverman. Mike is director of sports for the City Parks Foundation, but his first love is tennis. He has been the point man for raising an extraordinary amount of money to support free tennis programs…
I find it funny how so many of my tournament players refuse to take time off. I get looks like, "Huh? Are you crazy"? Name me a sport, professional or otherwise where the athletes participate 52 weeks (or however many weeks there are) a year. Pro tennis players are always clamoring for a break from…
With the back to school season fast approaching, Long Islanders should be proud that they have a collective ideal which emphasizes the value of education, and as a result, some of the finest schools in the world. So it’s back to school in September, EXCEPT for a select few of the best young players in…
As my 2nd year coaching the USTA/Eastern Intersectionals Team started, I expected a similar experience as last years. Last year’s team finished 5th out of 17 sections and everybody was into the team-concept. They welcomed a coach who was anal about team meetings and being organized. This year’s group was a different animal. There were…
Over the last year and a half, I’ve been writing a column in this magazine that I’m sure you have all been reading called “My Opinion.” During that time, I’ve given my many strong views on all things involving the sport of tennis. From “crazy tennis parents” to “who is the greatest to ever play…
The steadiest player I know, never misses, never complains, and unless someone else has gotten there first, is always available. Of course I’m talking about a wall. Walls are undervalued practice partners. I think many players don’t consider seeking out practice against the wall for two reasons. First, it is not as valuable or realistic…
Let me start out by saying I am very proud to be an American. However, my trip to the 14’s clays in Fort Lauderdale left a heck of a lot to be desired. Granted, nobody’s perfect and there was one coaching situation I wish I handled differently but between the behavior of the players, officials,…