The 2012 Power 100 ranking of the most powerful professional athletes in the U.S was just released by Bloomberg/Businessweek. Ten tennis players made the cut:
#5 Rafael Nadal, #6 Roger Federer, #9 Novak Djokovic, #25 Serena Williams, #33 Maria Sharapova, #40 Caroline Wozniacki, #80 Andy Murray, #83 Petra Kvitova, #93 Venus Williams, and #96 Victoria Azarenka.
The three in the top ten follow some of the biggest names in sports including Drew Brees (#1), Tom Brady, and LeBron James. Analytics used evaluated more than 3,000 athletes across a variety of sports, with 50 percent based on "off-field" measurements and 50 percent on "on-field" performance.
The hand-shake refusal. In the heat of the moment, whatever the circumstances, is it right not to shake hands if a match was played fairly? Probably hurt like hell getting hit by Almagro's drive but it happens if players are aggressive and the receiver is not quick enough to defend.
Big talented boy lost his cool and still managed to win a really tight one (that's interesting actually). File this one under not appropriate.
Are there circumstances where a hand-shake refusal is appropriate however? Multiple blatantly bad calls, using purposeful distracting behavior?
Ok so it's a croc, not a gator...but Samantha Stosur is no longer wearing Lacoste. The Brisbane International courts were the first to show off Stosur's switch to ASICS tennis.
”I am really excited to join the ASICS team.," said Stosur. "I’ve actually worn their shoes for a couple of years, so now to be fully kitted out is really exciting for me and I am really looking forward to getting the year started.” Clearly the US Open champ found the pay-out was worth overcoming any superstitions. Le croc WAS good to her.
Stosur wears the ASICS Gel Resolution 4 tennis shoe. I haven't seen ASICS dresses in stock anywear yet but they are sure to be hitting retail shortly. I'm looking forward to seeing if they are as comfy as the shoes. Gel inserts maybe for the less endowed? Hah, just kidding ;)
Post after-note: Stosur's dress here is actually a custom colored version of the Court Dress now available in white or lapis (pretty close to Sam's dress here), $60. It's made of a soft moisture managing microfiber Motion+. It is now available online at ASICS.
Sports Illustrated didn't hand the 2011 Sportsman of the Year award to Novak Djokovic, so I will. Tennis magazine has, of course, honored the talent as Player of the Year (Nov/Dec '11 issue) but much of the larger sports world (Serbia aside) seemingly hasn't noticed. Perhaps SI's decision is more marketing oriented.
Despite the fact that tennis has become a sport for the fittest, most intelligent and talented of athletes, much of the sports consuming world doesn't follow our game and SI needs to sell magazines.
I get it but Djokovic truly did generate one phenomenal year in sports. Simply put, he won just about every match he played round the globe. His 2011 is marked with a supremely impressive 10 and 1 record against Roger Federer and Rafael Nadal, and ten tournament titles, three of which were tough Grand Slams (Australian Open, Wimbledon and US Open).
Djokovic ends 2011 at #1. I don't think I'll ever forget his missile cross court on Federer's US Open match point. Gutsy talent at its finest.
A little toast with some of that bubbly is absolutely in order.
Starting to feel like an Andy Murray fan site these days but here goes:
The Road Tennis Association of Barbados recently flew to London, to teach Murray how to play the street game. ‘Road Tennis’ is a cross between table, paddle and tradional tennis, with players chalking out their own courts.
Murray had never played the game before, and was given one hour to to master the ins and outs before facing Barbados' road tennis legend Lama. The result? Check it out. Pretty darn good I'd say.
Along for the fun are retired pro boxer David Haye ("I look good while I'm beatin ya don't I?" Hah! Love it.) and rapper Example.
The Bacardi Limited “Champions Drink Responsibly” campaign is offering up a chance to “Ace Rafa” online and then in-person in Mallorca, Spain.
In “Ace Rafa” Nadal reacts to each serve you direct from the Darth Vader-esq machine dubbed RoboServ 3000. Fans who successfully ace the champion will have a chance to win the in-person hit.
Check out some behind-the-scenes footage from the making of the game below:
Those over 21 years old can enter at www.Facebook.com/ChampionsDrinkResponsibly. US residents will be able to join in the fun come December. Other countries not listed like Canada and Argentina may become wild card entries as the promo rolls out.
October is Breast Cancer Awareness Month and in support are a myriad of pink themed tennis (and other) products, the proceeds from which go to fund breast cancer research. All good of course but think green as well.
"...[A]s a dietitian," says Susan Levin, M.S., R.D. Director of Nutrition Education for the Physicians Committee for Responsible Medicine, "I’m thinking more about green and less about pink. All women should know that increasing the amount of vegetables and other plant foods in their diets can help protect against breast cancer.
Scientific research has linked breast cancer risk to dietary fat—but plant-based diets are naturally low in fat. Plant foods are also packed with antioxidants and high in fiber, which helps move excess hormones and other cancer triggers out of the body. Lifestyle changes like eating a healthy diet, exercising, and limiting alcohol decrease breast cancer risk by about 38 percent, according to a recent report released by the American Institute for Cancer Research.
Vegetarian diets built from a variety of fruits, vegetables, whole grains, and legumes can play an important role in preventing cancer—and they also help fight obesity, heart disease, and type 2 diabetes. This year, let’s look past the pink-washing and focus on greenifying our diets to protect our health.*
IMHO you can do both. Buy pink, eat green; help others, help yourself and by all means keep playing tennis.
Serena Williams joined John McEnroe yesterday to dedicate a refurbished-by-Nike tennis court* at Brooklyn New York's Decatur Playground.
The event images appear a tad surreal given Ms. Williams' unforgettable rage on court at the USO finals. Publicity stunt? Maybe (if not, really really good timing) but I do think Serena's heart is in this cause. Really cute pic below.
Anger management issues aside, for now some deserving kids and adults get a chance to play our game close to home and that's a good thing.
*The new court surface is made out of ground-up Nike shoes.
Junior tennis training choices are expanding in the US and it's good to see. Former world #1, Ivan Lendl, will open a full-time Junior Tennis Academy on Hilton Head Island, South Carolina this fall.
“For juniors who love the game, love working hard and love challenges, we can promise a great experience on and off the court,” said Lendl. “You play the way you train, so if you train at a high level, you will play at a high level.” In addition to strengthening strokes, footwork and essential mechanics, the Academy will subscribe to a hands-on holistic approach instilling dedication, focus, hard work, attitude, motivation and overall preparation.
Students enrolled in the full-time boarding school will be book-schooled at the Heritage Academy on Hilton Head Island.
Learn more at Lendl Tennis. Applications are currently being accepted.
Tis the 30th anniversary of Björn vs. John. Rediscover the era in new books:, tv programming and in this quick little retrospective. Fun. Love the clothes!.
P.S. Another good read on the topic, the just-out: EPIC John McEnroe, Björn Borg and the Greatest Tennis Season Ever by Matthew Cronin.
Chris Gaudreau* (front row, third from left) was an integral part of team Babolat charged with stringing tennis racquets at the 2011 Paris Open at Roland Garros. Over the course of 14 days and 3,000+ racquets, Gaudreau kept a running diary. Here's a sneak peek at just a very few of Gaudreau's many behind-the-stringing-scenes reveals:
"Nadal had a 5 setter today. Babolat and the Spanish stringers were freaking out...I was the only American so I kept my mouth shut. Nadal had 3 rackets run in and the press followed. Xavie strung 2 rackets in 15 minutes...the fastest I have ever seen..."
"3 rackets were given to me for Kirilenko. It was 11:25 and they were due by 12..."
"When a player is on court and needs a racket strung a special phone rings and giant light goes off...kind of like the "bat phone" but brighter. Gasquet ran a racket in during the match but it didn't help..."
*Chris Gaudreau is a Master Racquet Technician (MRT), USRSA certified racquet stringer and USPTA certified teaching pro. He owns and operates Racket Koop in New Haven, CT (close to the Yale Bowl). He has worked with and strung for some of the the world's top-level tennis players at many world class tennis events. Roland Garros was his first Grand Slam event.
The early days of a big tennis tournament like Roland Garros serve up crazy amounts of work for on-site stringers. With pros requiring anywhere between 3-8 racquets custom strung at absolutely perfect tensions before every match and every court full at the start of the tournament, talk about stress. Phenom stringers are doing up to 38 racquets per day!
President Obama took a break from OBL planning and played a little Quickstart tennis on the White House lawn recently. Pictured above he waits for a return from Chris Evert. Also on court are Katrina Adams and a couple of lucky kids at the 2011 White House Easter Egg Roll.
Nice to see our game getting some national exposure within the initiative to get kids out of the house and active.
The Matua Madrid Masters Open kicked-off yesterday with a vertical tennis court complete with two hanging players engaged in a singles battle (ball free).
It's a little early to cover Wimbledon but for those making plans to head that way, here's something you may want to add to your trip.
The Barber Institute of Fine Arts at the University of Birmingham, Edgbaston, England opens a new art exhibit May 27 entitled "Court on Canvas" Tennis in Art that traces the game from the 1870s through the 21st century. Lawn tennis is a special feature.
Artists back in the early days of the game were said to have been particularly enamored with the tennis addicted as they now had an opportunity to depict movement, particularly that of females. Tennis is one of the first sports that women were allowed to participate in.
According to the museum, the first game of tennis was played in 1859 by Major Harry Gem and friend, Jean Batista Augurio Perera, on a court, down the street from the museum at 8 Ampton Road, Edgbaston. And so there you have it. The history of tennis in art where the game began.
Above is "A Rally" by Sir John Lavery from 1885. Below is something more modern, "The Tennis Players" by Christopher Wood, 1921. Other tennis inspired artists exhibited include: Spencer Gore, LS Lowry, Stanley Spencer, Eric Ravilious, Winnie the Pooh illustrator EH Shepard, David Hockney and Tom Phillips. The iconic 1970s Athena Tennis Girl poster, itself photographed on a tennis court at the University of Birmingham, will also be featured.
The museum is about 1 1/2 hours from Wimbledon or 1 hr. 15 min from London and the exhibit runs through September 18, 2011. Visit The Barber Institute of Fine Arts for more info.
The USTA Player development team announced today that they would be moving one of the United States' premiere junior tennis tournaments, the Orange Bowl, from hard courts to clay, taking it from Coral Gables to Plantation, Florida starting December 2011.
The move comes as concern rises over the lack of US players in the world's upper echelons of the game, the elite top 10. The USTA Player Development team (Patrick McEnroe, Jose Higueras, Leo Azevedo and more) believes that the US will have a better chance at developing stronger, more versatile tennis players by having them learn, practice and compete on clay.
"If you play more on clay as a youngster," said Patrick McEnroe, "you will become a more all around player." European players, the likes of Rafael Nadal, Novak Djokovic and Roger Federer grew up on clay. "Clay is a slower surface," continued McEnroe. "In general it helps a player to develop footwork, patience and construct points."
The USTA Training centers in Carson California, Boca Raton Florida, and Flushing New York are equipt with ample clay courts. Many states in the country however are loaded with hard courts which are cheaper to construct and easier to maintain. This is the reason most American players today have a distinct preference for hard courts. They grew up on them. Some avoid clay courts and clay court tournaments altogether.
This big tournament move, along with the development of clay court circuits in the US, will ensure that those juniors who aspire to the game's highest levels will have to put time in on clay to prepare for and win these most elite of tournaments.
He said he'd do it. Now it's done. Novak Djokovic, winner of the 2011 BNP Paribas Open and current number 2 in the world deserves a standing ovation for this stunt orchestrated by Head tennis. Awesome.
The foxy woman close up...not necessary...just sayin. I'm not a guy. Maybe that's important.
So you think you can hang with THE pros? Prove it.
The U.S. Open playoffs are your opportunity to show you've got. Win this one and you get a wild card into the U.S. Open...really.
Registration opens today, March 15. Competition is in men's and women's singles as well as mixed doubles (new this year). You must be over 14 years of age and a registered member of the USTA to participate.* The competition begins regionally so there is bound to be one near you if you live in the US.
What the hey. Seriously, if you are good player (and you know what I mean by "good" here), give it a go. Here's all the info including where you can register and play.
*Memberships start at $19 for a junior and $42 for an adult.
Welcome tennis 2011! The mens world #1 and 2, some might call them the Gods of Tennis, literally played on water to kick off the 2011 ATP World Tour Season in Doha, Qatar over the weekend. With a helicopter swirling overhead, both enjoyed the stunt hit on a tennis court laid in the water of Doha Bay, a magic carpet of sorts in the land of Aladdin.
According to the Tennis Industry Association (TIA), tennis racquet counterfeiting is on the rise, to the tune of $30 million dollars a year. Anyone who has been in NYC has seen the counterfeit Rolex watches, Louis Vuitton bags, even MAC cosmetics being hawked on the sidewalks. Most of us know they're fakes. The problem with tennis racquets is that people do not realize they are being duped.
Counterfeit racquets are constructed and painted to look exactly like the real deal and are sold online or on auction sites at steal-of-a-deal prices often with free shipping tossed in. Don't bite.
Quoting Eric Babolat of Babolat directly from a TIA story, “These knockoff racquets just aren’t going to work the same way as the real frames. The inferior product and construction can cause harm to a player, and can definitely affect his or her enjoyment of the game. Also, the fake racquet won’t have the durability that legitimate manufacturers build into their products.” There is a good reason that cheap racquet doesn't play as well as its twin, the one you purchased originally from your local tennis shop.
What to do? Simply put, purchase only from well-known or authorized dealers. Fakes are very hard to spot and the best way to weed them out is not to take the chance. Price is usually the best indicator. Use the old adage, if it seems too good to be true, it probably is.
Help the tennis industry fight the problem by reporting any suspicious sites to alert@tennisindustry.org.
"Other sports don't make kids play like adults," says the USTA, why should tennis? Picture a little-leaguer in Fenway Park. Just doesn't happen. Why should it for the littlest in tennis?
Junior sized tennis equipment has been around for a while but the USTA and ITF are beginning to incorporate it into official tournaments. Going forward, 10 and under level 7 tournaments will be officially listed as playing on full (78'), 60' or 36' courts. Each size court will have a different ball; none will use the yellow ball adults play with.
If playing on a full 78' court kids in this age group will use special low-bounce (regular size) "green-dot" balls; On a 60' court they will use an "orange" ball; On a 36' court they will use a larger "red" felt ball. The court size used depends on the facility holding the tournament. Some clubs are building in the smaller courts, others will adjust with blended lines.
The new balls are designed to have a different bounce, each is slower and lower than the yellow ball adults and teens use, helping smaller players learn the techniques and movement at their speed. "Instead of simply being a teaching methodology, as it has been, using age appropriate equipment and court size allows children under 10 to compete in an age appropriate setting just like any other sport," says Anne Davis, the USTA's National Manager of Recreational Coaches and Programs .
This official change indicates that junior equipment and low bounce balls are making a difference. Kids are finding success on court faster. Davis says that the USTA is starting to see kids who began tennis on shorter courts with low bounce balls moving up into the 12s with great success.
But what if your kid doesn't play tournaments? Take a page and look for one of these programs at your local club or buy a right-sized racquet and balls and head down to your public park. That hit with your impatient-to-be-good 6 year old will be a whole lot more fun.
A few equipment suggestions for beginners:
Ages 4-6: Start with a 21 inch Wilson Venus and Serena 21" or Wilson Federer 21" junior racquet (both under $20 USD) with Penn Quick Start Tennis 36' Felt Balls, $4.95
Ages 7-8: Try a 23 inch racquet. HEAD makes the Radical Junior 23" Tennis Racquet ($20), same balls as above or below depending on ability and height.
Ages 9-10: Start with a 25 inch racquet. Babolat makes the Pure Drive Junior 25" ($70) and Head makes the Junior speed for under $20 if you want to keep costs down while you check to see if junior's interest kicks in. Penn Quick Start 60' balls, $4.95 are what you want for this age group.
Height can make a difference, so if you have a tall 8 year old you might want to bump them up a length and into the 60' balls. Don't worry about grip size. They are all the same at the starter levels.
If you want to have fun without leaving home this Junior Tennis net is fun especially with Foam Balls. Mom and Dad, you'll think it's a gas.
Find Junior tennis racquets at sports and tennis retailers worldwide and online at Tennis-Warehouse and others.
In addition to winning the ATP World Tour Finals for the 5th year in a row, Roger Federer has achieved one Slam, one Championship, one Masters, one 500 and one 250 tournament in 2010. Post U.S. Open, Federer's record is an impressive 21-2.
Federer grabbed this, his career 66th title with his trusty Wilson Six.One Tour BLX racquet in hand.
His shirt is the Nike Men's Winter Victory Masters Polo in Challenge Red (it also comes in a more subdued purple color called daybreak), $80 USD. You're paying for the mojo that is inherent in the RF on the sleeve.
Not happy you took down my sweet Rafa, Roger but congrats.
One sec; let's not take away from Rafa's year here, a successful and historic sweep of all three clay court ATP World Tour Masters1000 events and three Grand Slam titles; not shabby, not at all.
Find the racquet and apparel at Tennis-Warehouse. Keep in mind Fed wannabes this racquet is best for those NTRP 5.0 and up. Take a look at the other Six.One sticks in the group. Same cosmetic, maybe a better fit for your game?
Lotto sponsored tennis players Rohan Bopanna and Aisam-Ul-Haq Qureshi, Indian and Pakistani respectively, have been working all year to promote peace through tennis. Together with Lotto Sport Italia and the organization "Peace and Sport,"* Bopanna and Qureshi have flagged this initiative using t-shirts and jackets with the slogan “Stop War, Start Tennis.” They have worn the line during training sessions and pre-play since Wimbledon.
Rohan and Aisam have been friends for over ten years and have very successfully teamed up as doubles partners for the last three. Their respective countries have lived in a situation of unease and tension in the region of Kashmir since it won its independence from the British Empire in 1947.
Peace and Sport emphasizes how much sport unites, as highlighted by the two players’ partnership.The two tennis stars took the initiative to promote peace through sport after having noticed that communities from both countries forget hostility when they support them in international competitions. With the message “Stop War! Start Tennis!” Bopanna and Qureshi remind us that sport is a universal language that facilitates dialogue, going beyond political, racial, religious, ethnical and social differences.
Robin Soderling and Francesca Schiavone are wearing the shirt and jacket in this video to support their fellow Lotto colleagues.
Not available to the tennis masses, but I think they should be. Never enough peace in my book.
*“Peace and Sport, L’Organisation pour la Paix par le Sport” is a neutral and apolitical international initiative. It is based in the Principality of Monaco and placed under the High-Patronage of HSH Prince Albert II. Peace and Sport puts sport and its structuring values at the heart of development projects led within communities in crisis around the world. With interventions in areas of post-conflict, extreme poverty or lacking social cohesion, Peace and Sport makes sport a vehicle for tolerance, respect, sharing and citizenship at the service of sustainable peace.
On Monday, October 11, 2010, Caroline Wozniacki will become the 20th player in the Women’s Tennis Association (WTA) history to ascend to the top of the WTA Rankings. Pictured below she holds a number one decorated with flowers in Beijing at the China Open.
Kei Nishikori, Japan's #1 male tennis player has signed a multi year agreement to continue his long-time sponsorship by Wilson Racquet Sports. Nishikori has been playing with the brand since he was 10 years old. He is now 20.
“Kei is a dynamic player with an aggressive style...,” said Massimo Calvelli, Global Tour Director of Wilson Racquet Sports. “This partnership represents a significant piece of our overall marketing strategy. Kei has a strong following in Japan and the local region and his influence on our overall sales is key and integral to the brand.”
Nishikori is currently playing with the Wilson Tour BLX racket*.
Forty years ago today, women’s professional tennis was born when nine players, called the Original 9 and led by Billie Jean King, signed symbolic $1 contracts with the late Gladys Heldman, publisher of World Tennis publications, to compete in the newly-created Virginia Slims Circuit.
The U.S. Olympic Committee recently announced that Oakley will be the first-ever performance-based eyewear supplier to team USA. Any US tennis athletes using eye wear will be supplied at the 2012 Olympic games. There's the catch. None do. Of the 8 ATP or WTA players who wear Oakley on court none are from the US. The Bryans wear Oakley watches.
Sun protective eyewear is not something that touring pros model often although UV protection would benefit the health of their eyes, preventing macular degeneration and other eye problems later in life. Those that do wear them, Samantha Stosur, as example, love them. Perhaps this offer of some of the best athletically inclined eye wear on the market will be an encouragement.
Oakley Team USA eyewear will be available at Oakley “O” Stores, TeamUSAShop.com and Oakley.com, as well as other national retailers and sunglass specialty stores.
A percentage of these sales will support the training of U.S. Olympic and Paralympic athletes and hopefuls.
It's fashion week in New York City and the creative juices are on display from the work of students at Academy of Art University to that of Tory Burch and Vera Wang. It is the week where long hours of planning, cutting and sewing are either rewarded with attention or dismissed as folly. Not one designer has a bigger catwalk, bigger live audience and more attention than EleVen's Venus Williams and she's taking advantage of it.
As styled models sashay down skinny runways under tents and in showrooms around the city, Venus as model runs, jumps, stretches and sweats across a tennis court, all eyes and cameras on her. So far she has played in four different tennis outfits all from her EleVen line being sold at Gilt.com. There are more to come.
"I'm having fun with it," said Williams to ESPN2's Hannah Storm last night. "It's all about celebration." And so the latest dress (like the black and red) is adorned with sequined fireworks. We've seen bold graphics, open backs, sheers, varied necklines, black lace, leather fringe, hot pink and body hugging style.
There have been a few malfunctions such as dresses riding way too high during big points but she's taken care to insure that what's underneath is fashionable too. The shorties are decorated with sequins as well. The wind on court has also been a challenge. "The fabric is light and flies when the wind blows," Williams continued smiling. Nothing has slowed her down.
Williams is living her dream, as fashion designer, model, business woman and star tennis player - she's an author too. "I love what I do," she commented to Storm referring to tennis and fashion design. It's all coming together for Venus and she's literally dancing to the music when hitting end-of-match balls into the crowds.
Yeah her outfits are rocking the tennis world and that's what she likes. As a designer to the tennis masses, she's got a few things to work on to make sure some of these new dresses are more user friendly -- that ride up is not working for me. Looking forward to seeing what she wears to the finals if she earns her place there though. Prospects are good.
After Wednesday night's Lights On. Light's Out event in NYC the Nike tennis powers that be sat down for a few questions. Listen in to an excerpt (6 mins) discussing opins on the upcoming US Open and tennis fashion:
Is Maria Sharapova possibly one of the most media savvy people out there? No wonder she is the number one earning female athlete in the WORLD!
Need to know even more about Agassi?Here's your chance and this one's not on paper.
A Special Evening with Andre Agassi is set for 8 pm, Thursday, September 2 in New York City at The Town Hall. The event which coincides with the US Open and the release of Open: An Autobiography in paperback, will be hosted by sports journalist Rick Reilly and will be a combination interview, real-time talk show, tribute and roast followed by a Q and A. Sounds fun to me but I'm a big fan.
Tickets are $95 and $150 USD. Private-meet-and-greet-over-cocktails-worthy tix are $250. Buy at Ticketmaster.* More info at The Town Hall NYC.
*"Freebie" You'll get a signed paperback copy of Open with any purchase through Ticketmaster.
John Isner took in some R&R this past weekend hitting the Jeremiah Weed Backyard at Daytona's midfield. He relaxed and played ping pong with driver Matt Kenseth before going to work Monday at his John Isner Tennis Camp in Athens Georgia.
Meanwhile Nicholas Mahut checked in at Newport's International Tennis Hall of Fame where he donated his shirt, shorts and one signed sneaker from "The Match" to the museum and began his pursuit of the Van Alen Cup. Back to the grind.
Isner had a little time for questions.
What kept you going physically during your marathon match?
Over the past year I worked really hard off-court on my strength and endurance. I spent a lot of time in the weight room and on field wearing cleats doing sprints, suicides and more to keep my cardiovascular up. I also swam once a week. I don't think I would have performed as well if I hadn't done all that.
Any secrets to what you eat or drink for fuel?
I eat a lot. I'm not stuffing down Big Macs or anything like that; I eat healthy foods - a lot of them. I like pasta but try to keep a good combination of carbs and protein to fuel my big body ( 6' 9", 245 lbs). For hydration I drink coconut water prior to a match and on court. It's loaded with potassium and electrolytes which help keep me from cramping no matter how much I'm sweating.
What's your on court style?
Well I wear Nike and have for eight years. They did our team uniforms at the University of Georgia and so it was a natural transition when I went pro. They have the best stuff out there; the Dri-Fit is great.
Do you choose what you wear in tournaments?
Nike gives me a new batch of clothes about five times a year. I don't have much of a say in it but I like what they give me.
How much do you hang and play with tennis friends who are the competition?
Mardy Fish and James Blake live nearby in Tampa. It's good to have friends who are also players. We motivate each other. No one wants to fall behind.
Did you compete in tennis as a teen?
Yeah, I grew up in North Carolina and did tournaments in the state and the section. Lots of driving.
Are you going to donate anything from the big match to the Hall of Fame yourself?
I'm not sure of my plans yet.
Give him time..he's chillin and still enjoying his win.
ATP players John Isner, of the USA, and Nicolas Mahut of France, achieved twelve new records during their epic, 3 day match that started on Tuesday June 22 and finished on Thursday, June 24.
“...To set a record such as this is a rare thing, but to do so under the pressure of a major tournament and millions of viewers is awe-inspiring” said Craig Glenday, Guinness World Records’ Editor-in-Chief. Here are the officially confirmed records:
1. Longest match in professional tennis. (11 hrs. 5 mins. over three days) 2. Longest match in a Grand Slam competition 3. Longest match at Wimbledon 4. Most games played in a professional tennis match (183) 5. Most games in a Grand Slam match 6. Most games played during a Wimbledon match 7. Most aces served by an individual player in a professional tennis match (112 Isner) 8. Most aces served by an individual player in a Grand Slam match 9. Most aces by an individual player served at a Wimbledon match 10. Most games in a set in professional tennis (138 in 5th set)) 11. Most games in a set in a Grand Slam competition 12. Most games in a set at Wimbledon
That'll make you think differently next time you're in one of those long ones.
Solfire is a two year old lifestyle brand that's making itself known on tennis courts nationwide. Word of mouth and some hard pavement pounding by likable company founder, Brendan Murphy have resulted in key court influencers and teaching pros wearing the brand. It appears the efforts are paying off. That Solfire flame is burning brightly.
World Team Tennis (WTT) and Solfire have just announced a multi-year agreement making Solfire the official apparel provider of WTT, official sponsor of WTT Pro and Rec Leagues and WTT Smash Hits. Watch for Solfire apparel on officials, ball kids, staff and a few players.
Tour players currently wearing the line include Tommy Haas (right in the Big Lights Big City crew, $25), Ashley Fisher and Eric Butorac (pictured above left in the Classic ATP match shirt). The shorts on the site are $25. Nice prices ehh?
"Solfire is a non-traditional tennis brand and the WTT Pro League is a non-traditional tennis league," said Murphy. "We both bring great energy and enthusiasm to the game of tennis and I believe our products will provide an exciting new look and feel to the league."
"We're excited to have them join our growing portfolio of innovative partners," said WTT CEO/Commissioner Ilana Kloss. A special WTT tee is on its way.
Solfire makes cross-functional active wear for men and women some is high performance apparel (100% microdenier poly that's anti microbial, anti static and moisture wicking) and some is unique 100% cotton style for off-court. Go traditional or grab one of their stand-out art-adorned styles. Murphy is the artist as well. It's different. I like it.
High level players are eligible for discounted apparel packages. Solfire Nation, as they call it, it growing. Learn more or buy at Solfire.
How much would you pay for a one-hour private tennis lesson? Rates run $30 to $120 around the country depending on pro ability, rep and region. How about if your pro was John McEnroe?
McEnroe has donated an hour-long private lesson to raise funds for Christie’s Green Auction: A Bid to Save the Earth, an auction for the 40th Anniversary of Earth Day. The highest bidder will have the opportunity to learn straight from the master, in NYC. Cool ehh?! The hour is valued at $20,000! Man that's a pricey private; but it's for the mother, mother earth and it's almost mother's day so do it if you've got the cash.
Bidding is open until May 6th 1:20 PM EDT on charitybuzz.
The auction item is part of "Christie's Green Auction: A Bid to Save the Earth,"a collaboration of leaders from the worlds of art, business, politics, media, fashion and celebrity for the 40th Anniversary of Earth Day. Proceeds benefit 4 NGOs: Central Park Conservancy, Conservation International, NRDC and Oceana.
Jenny Kang, Lucky Magazine's Associate Market Editor, has put together a page of tennis fashions in the May 2010 issue of the magazine -- see right. I tried to contact Ms. Kang to ask her a few questions to no avail. I specifically wanted to ask her how much tennis she plays and why fashion editors consistently go to classics when they talk tennis.
In an industry that often worships back-killing shoes, wild prints, unusual colors and over-the-top adornments, it is strange to me that tennis is never interesting to fashion editors unless it's classically styled, mostly white, maybe with a touch of navy. The Hermes fashion show last year (for this season's "street" looks) was set on a grass court runway complete with audio of a match in session. The models wore lovely tennis inspired attire obviously not meant for the court or heavy sweating.
Tennis, it appears, has two levels of fashion 1. tennis wear for lifestyle, Hamptons-ish prep or 1800's court tennis influenced, and 2. tennis wear for sport.
The comment next to the Fila Heritage dress in the Lucky spread reads "Throw a cardigan over it and you've got an unexpected, cute weekend outfit." There are Tretorns next to the dress. Case in point.
Now Fila and Ralph Lauren do a great job of combining classic and performance for those who love that look -- which is why the Fila dress works in the spread -- and I'm not knocking Kang's personal picks but if you play a lot you want variety. Maybe Lucky readers are more interested in the style and not so much in playing tennis but fashion reporters should also take note of what is actually being worn on court too, lots of jet black, vivid colors, florals, ruffles, asymmetricals and more.
Take a look through the women's tennis fashion link here and you'll see where tennis fashion for female players has been trending. Yes we all love vintage but there is so much more. Come on fashion editors, give it some love or at least a little attention.
Today's Wall Street Journal presents an article entitled "The Superstar Effect." In it Jonah Lehrer details research that serves to prove that "From the playing field to the boardroom, when one competitor is clearly the best, the others don't step up their game - they give up." I don't think this is true in tennis.
Roger Federer, among the best tennis players of all-time, is an example of an "Intimidator." Yes playing him would be intimidating for most but for a top 50 player, with doubt tucked away (the kiss of death) and a lot happening right, a win IS possible. It's happened more than most light followers of tennis know.
Case in point, at the still-in-progress Sony Ericsson Open, Roger Federer, was taken out by Tomas Berdych who will play in the finals against Andy Roddick Sunday. Berdych is ranked #20 on the ATP World Tour.
Another example, the recent BNP Paribas Open,won by Ivan Ljubicic (pictured above left), a 26th ranked player who took out Novak Djokovic, Rafael Nadal (another "Intimidator") and Andy Roddick on his way to the victory.
I personally LOVE the tennis seesaw, the who's up who's down of it all. It's what makes watching matches so exciting.
It does appear that once marquee players hit it big in the marketplace their attentions are often pulled off court. That could be a factor in favor of opponents who are doing nothing but training. Federer and Maria Sharapova, talents with golden touch marketability, have struggled in some recent tournaments. Both have massive endorsement empires. Note that stumbles aside they are still currently #1 ATP and #12 (WTA) in the world respectively. Not shabby of course, but they can and have been beaten recently.
Novak Djokovic, ATP world #2, is earning big off court as well. Endorsement deals have followed his on-court successes but he too has had some recent stumbles. Check out this recent video, which brings me to the physics portion of this post, a charming Novak Djokovic vs. Tennis Machine, a video sponsored by Djokovic's racquet company HEAD:
Djokovic, like Sharapova and Federer, is another "Superstar" in the world of tennis. He like the others at the top need to watch out, because those standing on the lower rungs of the ranking ladder are hungry and while Djokovic, for example, is dabbling in physics, these future opponents are grinding it out, eyes on the prize, that tasty big win against a top ranked player.
So hot shot, you think you're U.S. Open worthy? Here's your chance to show the world what you've got.
The U.S.T.A. has announced the launch of the U.S. Open National Playoffs, providing the opportunity for ALL tennis players 14 and older to attempt to earn a wild card into the U.S. Open Qualifying Tournament August 24-27.
The Playoffs will begin with 16 sectional qualifying tournaments held throughout the country from April-June 2010. The men's and women's champions from each of the sectionals will then advance to the U.S. Open National Playoffs -- Men's and Women's Championships, which will be held in conjunction with the Olympus U.S. Open Series tournaments this summer.
There will be no required tennis qualifications and no seeding or age breakdowns so there are certain to be a few blow outs in the early rounds. The $125 USD entry fee should sort out those without a lot of confidence in their game.
"..We expect the draws to be filled with top junior players, collegians, teaching pros and even recreational players..." said Jim Curley, Chief Professional Tournaments Officer and U.S. Open Tournament Director.
Skier Bode Miller, two-time World Cup Champion, two-time silver medalist and three-time world champion has already thrown his name into the draw. "Tennis has always been a part of my life," said Miller who won the Maine state singles title for Carrabassett Valley Academy in 1996 and whose family owns Tamarack Tennis Camp in Easton, NH. "I look forward to playing..."
Find entry details and a schedule of Regional Tournaments at USOpen.Org DREAM BIG. Registration begins February 1. Go for it!
Nikolay Davydenko defeated Juan Martin del Potro yesterday to win the 2009 ATP World Tour Finals, the first Russian in history to win the event. This tournament, according to his agent, also marks the end of Davydenko's contract with French apparel maker Airness. Many have sought the brand but few can find it (especially tennis) as it is not available in the U.S. or anywhere online as far as this editor can see.
So odd -- to have a guy as good as Davydenko promoting your brand and then not selling it anywhere -- well yeah it is available in shops in France (and possibly China) but that's not exactly marketing large. No word yet on who he's going to next. Stay tuned.
January 2010 note: According to his agent, Davydenko has resigned with Airness for 2010. Still no availability in the US.
Sergio Tacchini International has signed Novak Djokovic as its global brand ambassador. The deal places Djokovic alongside former elite endorsers John McEnroe, Jimmy Connors, Mats Wilander, Pat Cash, Goran Ivanisevic, Pete Sampras, Gabriela Sabatini and Martina Hingis.
But his adidas stuff was so nice...yeah it was but money does talk you know and this change will obviously not be as game challenging as the racquet switch was.
The deal begins January 2010 although the Djokovic family was already sporting the new sponsor in London.
"I am pleased to partner with Sergio Tacchini, a strong brand with a true tennis DNA, and am honored to become part of this legacy," said Djokovic. "As I move into this next phase in my professional career, I would like to thank the team at adidas who have been incredibly supportive of me, and, together, we enjoyed great results." Aww, that was nice of him to say.
Interesting that Djokovic's wins this year in big-market Asia (and popularity there) had a lot to do with the decision to go with him.
Will the falcon reappear on his shoulder? We shall see.
Rumors of Andy Roddick's plans to leave the croc have proven untrue. It was announced today that he has renewed his partnership with LACOSTE until 2013.
"I am proud to represent a brand that has such strong values surrounding family and sports," said Roddick. "After five years I feel a real sense of belonging to the crocodile family. I am happy to continue to be an ambassador of the LACOSTE brand and René Lacoste."
Christophe Chenut, CEO of Lacoste (pictured here with Roddick) said, "We are proud to have a player of this level ...Andy embodies the values of a true champion..."
Looking forward to 2010. Congratulations and good luck Andy.
TENNIS magazine's October 2009 issue offers up a comprehensive article on playing tennis over age 50.
Entitled "The Big 5-Love" the spread includes 11 pages of tips, court strategies and equipment ideas.
Pick up a copy if you don't get it already. Not 50 or even close? You can read about the lovely but currently lost Ana Ivanovic or why Rafa wore "bright rose" at the French Open.
I have that shirt by the way -- not bad on a gal either :)
With the U.S. Open just days away now NYC is buzzing with, well, tennis and the game's biggest names. If you are in the big apple over the next few days check out these opportunities to see the stars and grab a little court time yourself -- FREE. Yes, that is not a word usually associated with tennis in Manhattan but tis true:
Wednesday, August 26th
"DIRECTV ESPN U.S. Open Experience."
Location: Bryant Park at 42nd and 6th Avenue (temporary DIRECTV built courts)
Meet Venus and Serena Williams, James Blake, Bob and Mike Bryan, and John McEnroe. The honored guests will play exhibition tennis beginning at 11:00 AM through 1:00 PM. Afterwards the public can test their on-court skills with the help of on site USTA pros.
"Nike Tennis Pros Provide Tips and Guidance to Local Youth/2009 U.S. Open Styles Unveiled "
Location: 23rd Street and Broadway (temporary Nike built regulation court)
Roger Federer, Rafael Nadal, Serena Williams and John McEnroe will meet and challenge local tennis youths and the general public with the experience of returning a pro serve (machine fed). Appearance schedule: 10:15 am-10:45 Roger Federer, 1:30-2:00 PM Serena Williams and Rafael Nadal. Athlete styles for the U.S. Open will be revealed.
Sunday, August 30th
"Prince Presents the 2009 Central Park Tennis EXO3bition"
Location: Central Park Tennis Courts, 98th Street /Center of the Park
Prince players Gael Monfils, Bob and Mike Bryan, Daniela Hantuchova, Sam Querrey and more will be on hand to meet, greet and even play with fans. Win prizes and test out the new EXO3 racquets. 12 noon to 2 pm. Loads of freebies and good music.
Welcome back Kim! The Western & Southern Financial Group Women's Open kicked off this past weekend with the return of Kim Clijsters who played mini tennis with Elena Dementieva amidst the cooling spray of the fountains of King's Island. Clijsters first faces Marion Bartoli, world number 12.
Clijsters returns to the tour wearing Fila and carrying her trusty Babolat, the Babolat Pure Drive, $185. For string she uses Babolat VS Natural Gut.
For more on her return, check out this link on the Sony Ericsson WTA Tour site.
Maria Sharapova is commonly referred to as "Shriekapova" by bloggers world wide. Grunting, shrieking and even wailing as was the case with Michelle Larcher de Brito is making headlines. Larcher de Brito was warned at the French Open last month about her distracting noise-making bringing the topic to the forefront.
Exhaling while hitting has long been considered a good relaxation technique in tennis but has it gotten out of hand with the added sound? The L.A. Times reports today that Maria has been recorded at 101 decibels. It's not just the women either. Rafa Nadal grunts too although not quite as loudly.
Nick Bollettieri and Martina Navratilova are two prominent industry reps who agree the noise has gotten out of hand, distracting for opponents and unpleasant for fans. Wimbledon representatives have indicated that they will impose a crackdown on grunters and the ITF is considering new rules and penalties concerning noise hinderences. We'll see how it plays out.
Are you a grunter? I hear it on junior tournament courts although never as loud as at the pro level. Would it be tough to take it out of your game?
In honor of National Tennis Month here in the U.S., tennis greats Billie Jean King and John McEnroe played aboard this Hudson River barge set in front on the NYC skyline yesterday. Hey, I want to do that!
Visit USTA to learn more about what's going on to grow our great game. I know you, dear reader already play, but encourage someone you know who doesn't!
Tennis has always been hip within its inner circles but it appears to be catching on again with the masses. Thanks to a tremendous effort by the USTA and TIA to bolster community and team programming and WTA/ATP backed pro talent whose games and personalities have garnered commercial endorsements outside of tennis the game is growing. Today's tennis identities have become household names like Chris Evert and Bjorn Borg were (and still are). According to today's Wall Street Journal, "Fresh data from the Sporting Goods Manufacturers Association suggests that the fastest growing sport in the country is...tennis. After years of stagnation participation has grown 43% since 2000 and jumped 9.6% last year, while baseball, golf, gymnastics and football shed participants over the same period." The days of empty public courts may be over. That's a really good thing for our game.
