Battle of the Sexes

By Steven Kaplan
This year's U.S. Open brings into clear focus that this is a golden age for men's tennis. Novak Djokovic is having what John McEnroe calls, "The greatest year in men's professional tennis history." This is strong praise coming from McEnroe since his 1984 season (where he was 82-3) is considered by...Read more

It Could Happen to You

By Steven Kaplan
Five-time U.S. Open champion, Roger Federer was serving, up 5-3, 40-15 in the fifth, and lost to Novak Djokovic, 7-5, in the semifinals of the 2011 U.S. Open. If perhaps the greatest player of all-time could blow a lead, then so could you. Federer is renowned for his supreme confidence as evidenced...Read more

Mid-Open Thoughts

By Ricky Becker
Last blog, I discussed how the 32-seed format robbed everyone of an exciting first week. I don't think this week is any more exciting because there were less upsets last week. I think this week will be exciting because there are a lot of Americans left. From the matches, I have watched, the mens'...Read more

My Early Thoughts on The Open From A Fan Perspective

By Ricky Becker
I yearn for the days of when there were only 16 seeds. Granted there were more upsets the first week and the top players didn't always play each other in the second week, but it was so much more exciting. There would be a night match of 3 vs. 21 or something during the first week and there would be...Read more

Back to the Future

By Steven Kaplan
Serena Williams is back at the U.S. Open, and while two years have passed, some things have remained the same. In 2009, after threatening to shove a ball down a linepersons throat in a profane tirade, Serena was placed on a two-year probation at Grand Slam events. Serena could have said that she...Read more

Looking Forward To The Best Sports Weekend of The Year

By Ricky Becker
By far, my favorite time of year is coming up. August/September brings beautiful temperatures, end of summer barbeques, the opening of football/hockey season and of course the US Open. I love being a couch potato the Sunday after Labor Day when it is the first weekend of the football season and the...Read more

Athletic DNA

By Steven Kaplan
When James D. Watson of the Cold Spring Harbor Lab (who is an avid tennis player) and Francis Crick presented their molecular modeling analysis of DNA, they suggested that its structure was a double-helix. This was a ground-breaking discovery. Slightly less significant to the world, but equally...Read more

How the New USTA Tournament Cut-Off System Has Hurt the Game

By Steven Kaplan
Back in January, I criticized the USTA Tournament system because it was in direct conflict with their stated mission which is "To promote and develop the game of tennis." I believed that national junior tournament participation would be reduced by the new USTA tournament cut off system. Thanks to...Read more

How Has The New USTA Tournament System Affected Tournament Cut-Offs?

By Ricky Becker
Back In January, I defended the new USTA Tournament system for the most part because it prevented point chasing. For my college consulting work, I have followed national tournament cut-offs (shameless plug: the unofficial tournament lists can be purchased at www.juniortennisconsulting.com ). Here...Read more

The Championships

By Steven Kaplan
If you love tennis, I mean really love tennis, then a trip to the All England Lawn and Tennis Center to see The Championships should be at the top of your Bucket List. Wimbledon is the greatest tournament in the world. As you walk the grounds, the traditions of the sport are clearly and gracefully...Read more

Are Tennis Parents Crazy?

By Ricky Becker
OK. I got your attention. The answer to my teaser question, is undoubtedly the player. Top players take responsibility for everything. And they should. If a player feels that results are beyond their control, then usually results don't pan out. This really applies to everything in life. Steven...Read more

College Tennis Rocks

By Ricky Becker
I gotta tell you. As someone who played junior tennis, high school tennis, the Junior US Open a couple of times and a couple of ATP tournaments back in the day, nothing at all compares to playing college tennis!! Firstly, let's face it. When you play anything else, the only people who really want...Read more
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