Federer Still Aims for Number One

While playing fewer tournaments Federer claims he can still hit the number one spot if he plays exceptionally well.  More importantly, he believes he can win more Grand Slam tournaments.

I think he can win more as well though the number one position will be tough to get as long as Djokovic stays healthy.  

I hope Fed stays in the game for another decade.   We need more records that can't be broken.

Cyber Bullies Move to Tennis - Rebecca Marino To Quit Tennis

This is a sad story about a female tennis player who had enough problems of her own without others adding to them by personally attacking her online.  It also makes you aware the social media is not always a good thing.  It would have been best to limit comments if possible or to just have a fixed page.

Rebecca Marino is going to quit tennis.

I hope she can still find a place on the tennis court either as a teacher or coach since someone so talented would be a great benefit to anyone wanting to learn this game.  You have to think she must have loved this game to become so proficient and hopefully she can find a way to get back to that place.  I always found tennis a great way to escape from those things that can bring you down but the pressure of playing for a living may have been the decisive factor in making it less enjoyable.     I wish her well.

Nadal Back on the Mend

We've been waiting for this.  Nadal is now in the Sao Paulo finals  against Nalbandian.  

Drug Testing in Tennis

It seems that the time has come for more intensive testing in tennis now that the Armstrong saga has unfolded to prove that he did in fact use banned substances to help him win.

Federer has called for increased testing.  I guess he thinks that there are some guys out there that might resort to such an edge, if indeed it does provide an edge.

Were I playing professionally and playing clean I guess I'd prefer to not lose to somebody that is doping, so I can see his point.

Winning in Tennis

Why does one player always beat another?  Good question, and yet we have no answer beyond he won more points or at least more crucial points.

Here is an excellent analysis of how the game might shape up if the top four players right now were removed from the game.  It would put the level of play back to where it was twenty years ago.

Gussie Moran

In memoriam to Gussie Moran who once graced the tennis courts of Forrest Hills and Wimbledon.

Wikipedia on Gussie Moran

UK Papers

Miami Herald

ABC News

News Observer

NY Daily News

LA Times

Washington Post

Play Tennis With a War Club

Lendl used one.  Kneissl White Star Masters 30 is a bludgeon weighing in at 12.1 ounces strung before any extra weight is added.  Though Lendl played with a version with his name on it I suspect it was very similar to this model in weight and design.  Mass is the critical element for generating depth on your shots and limiting shock to your arm.  Where you put the mass on the frame will determine the balance and how much racket head speed you can get so many players add weight in the grip.

It is likely the Lendl kept his frames weighing in around 13 ounces much like the rest of the players on the tour during his time and even those currently playing.  Few play with frames that are like the light weight granny sticks that you find on the shelves of sporting goods stores.

I picked this one up years ago to add to my collection representing Lendl during his prime.  I know he played with many others but this is the one I remember as his before the big Sponsors like Adidas.
White Star Masters 30 - Grip Size 4 5/8,  Weight 12.1 ounces.  

I still miss watching him play.  The last match I saw him in person was at the Washington Star Tournament in D.C.  The good news is that he's back on the court even if just for some fun.