My Opinion: What’s the Story With Tennis Compared to Other Sports?

By Eric Meditz
Why is it that tennis players seldom get any respect from athletes in other sports? I remember many times growing up being made fun of because I played tennis. For some bizarre reason, being a “tennis player” comes with this stereotype that we are all wimps or weaklings that cannot handle competing...Read more

U.S. Open Soapbox

By Ricky Becker
1. Verdasco's match point against Ferrer was awesome. If you haven't seen it yet, youtube it. Seeing him fall to the ground after curling that passing shot inside the court brings the goose bumps. Man, why couldn't that be me? 2. Since when does hot weather get so windy so fast? The first week was...Read more

Random 2010 U.S Open Thoughts

By Ricky Becker
1. Today, September 7th has been the most exciting day of tennis at the U.S. Open. Up until today, the matches have really been a bore. 2. Andy Murray losing so early in the tournament was given very little publicity. Probably due to the fact that he lost on a summer Saturday late-afternoon over...Read more

Tennisworld

By Steven Kaplan
If you have been to Disneyworld, you know that while the rides are the attraction, they are really the hook to sell merchandise and hospitality. I was at the U. .S Open this year and it is "Tennisworld." Opportunities to spend money abound. I have read that the economic impact of the Open on New...Read more

The Rookie Chronicles: Part V

By Daniel Kresh
Day Two of the main draw of the 2010 U.S. Open was once again full of heat and excitement. On my first shift out on court, I got to watch the 22nd-seeded Maria Jose Martinez Sanchez dispatch American Jamie Hampton. Though Hampton was cramping, she put up a good fight, the sets were competitive with...Read more

The Rookie Chronicles: Part IV

By Daniel Kresh
Day one of the main draw of the 2010 U.S. Open did not disappoint. After working hard through the tryouts and qualifying rounds, I felt fully prepared to participate in the 2010 Open, helping to ensure that the matches went smoothly. I arrived early, giving myself plenty of extra time for the...Read more

The Rookie Chronicles: Part III

By Daniel Kresh
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 was hired...Read more

The Rookie Chronicles: Part II

By Daniel Kresh
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...Read more

The Rookie Chronicles: Part I

By Daniel Kresh
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...Read more

Mike Silverman

By Steven Kaplan
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...Read more

When's Your Break?

By Ricky Becker
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...Read more

USTA Says Skip School, Play Tennis

By Steven Kaplan
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...Read more
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