NEWS: In the presence of greatness–Men's tennis redefined at the 2012 AUSTRALIAN OPEN Men's Championship

Novak Djokovic drops to the court upon his victory

I have been in the presence of greatness. I have seen history in the making. I have been awed and made virtually speechless by the accomplishment. To what am I referring? The Australian Open Men's Singles Championships between Raphael Nadal and Novak Djokovic. No, I wasn't actually IN Melbourne, Australia to witness this spectacle. But that did not matter since I was enjoying it from the comfort of my couch, at 3AM EST, and enjoying all of its magic.

    Novak Djokovic and Rafael Nadal put on a show that, to any tennis fan, was breathtaking. And for anyone who thinks tennis is for wimps, (like someone I encountered in December of 2011 on the tennis court attempting to play hockey) I think these two world-class athletes put this notion to rest once and for all. The matchup was a classic–number one in the world Novak Djokovic against number two in the world, Rafael Nadal. Djokovic was the returning champion, and up to this point, had beaten Nadal in every one of their last six meetings. This title is the one that began Novak's meteoric rise to the top of men's tennis by winning the Australian Open, Wimbledon, and US Open in 2011–three of the four coveted Grand Slam tournaments in a tennis season. 

    The stage was set after Novak beat Andy Murray, world number four, in five tough sets. Rafa had beaten his arch rival Roger Federer, world number three, in four stimulating sets. All this took place within just a few days ago, and hours of both physical and mental fortitude sucked the life from all four of these competitors. But two needed to return and do battle in the final–and do battle they did!

    The match was won by Novak Djokovic by a final score of 5-7, 6-4, 6-2, 6-7(5), 7-5. Lasting 5 hours and 53 minutes, it has become the longest men's singles final–in a Grand Slam tournament–since the battle between Mats Wilander and Ivan Lendl for the US Open title in 1988–that match lasted 4 hours and 54 minutes. 

    Groundstrokes were routinely hit at 75-100 miles per hour, and serves continued to be pounded like missiles to each other at speeds in the 120s. Let's not even discuss how many miles they ran, in short but explosive bursts, as they covered the court for 20 to 30 stroke rallies. This was a test of will as much as a test of skill. Neither would back down.

    Let me say it once again: how can one who enjoys athletic competition not be enthralled by this sport? Novak Djokovic may be the 2012 Australian Open Men's champion, but I personally feel like the winner. I have witnessed what I consider to be one of the greatest testaments to the quality, sportsmanship, and courage that tennis provides. 

    Thank you very much gentlemen. Take a well deserved rest. I look forward to more in the upcoming season.

FAVORITE SITES: Timeless Tennis by Gary Bala

Posted: Saturday, January 21, 2012
A few "Don'ts" in Doubles
Playing doubles? Here are a few "Don'ts" in Doubles (what NOT to do when playing).
*Courtesy: Idle Hour Tennis Club (Est. 1911), Drexel Hill, PA USA

Download my interview with Gary Bala of TimelessTennis.net as we discussed some of our favorite 34 Reasons to Play Tennis

EPISODE 84 (Podcast): W.W.L.D. (What Would Lendl Do)

Can an old dog teach new tricks?

Andy Murray hires former Grand Slam champion Ivan Lendl to help in his own pursuits for those titles against the best in the business. How do they compare, and what can Lendl bring to Andy's game that will help him make it over the finish line after losing in three Grand Slam finals?
Subscribe in iTunes:

http://itunes.apple.com/us/podcast/gotta-play-tennis/id310096949

Referenced in the podcast:

REFLECTIONS: Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Day and Arthur Ashe (1943-1993)

"It's a burden all right. But AIDS isn't the heaviest burden I have had to bear. No question about it. Race has always been my biggest burden. Having to live as a minority in America. Even now it continues to feel like an extra weight tied around me." -Arthur Ashe. From his 1993 book, Days of Grace

Each year we enjoy championship tennis–in August–during the US Open at a place named Arthur Ashe stadium in Flushing Meadows, NY. But for an african-american tennis player attempting to be successful in the racially-charged 60s and 70s, Arthur Ashe needed to shine like a beacon of light in sports and beyond. His tennis spoke for itself with his wins in three of the four Grand Slams championships–Wimbledon, US Open, and Australian Open. And his famous and well-crafted win over Jimmy Connors at Wimbledon in 1975 is still discussed, even today, by tennis strategists. 

    Through his success and humble demeanor, he inspired people to look past the concept of skin color as a underlying restriction in their lives. He may be mostly known for his tennis, but his "service" and "love" for others–two notable tennis terms–continues to be felt through his inspiration reflected in the lives of generations to come.

NEWS: A new tennis year begins in a Grand Way

January 16 - 29, Melbourne, Australia

In the world of professional tennis, a season that never really ends, there are actual breaks that delineate one year from the next. One could look at the calendar to see this as a numeric year change to 2012, or one could simply watch the tennis community get excited for the first major tournament of the year that begins this month. The tournament? The Australian Open played at Melbourne Park, Melbourne, Australia. The reigning champions from 2011? Novak Djokovic of Serbia and Kim Clijsters of Belgium.

     First known as the Australasian championships, it was renamed in 1927 to the Australian Championship, and then subsequently in 1969 to the Australian Open. This was originally a grass-court championship from 1905 -1987 much like Wimbledon in the UK. But in 1988, a change was made to a hard-court surface that lasted for 20 years until a cushioned, medium-paced, acrylic surface, similar to that used at the US Open, was chosen as a successor. The Open is played in the middle of the Australian summer, and this new surface has properties of less heat retention. Given the fact that Grand Slam tournaments require best 3 of 5 set matches (instead of the traditional 2 of 3) on the men's side, both Rod Laver and Hisense Arena feature retractable roofs to combat the Australian sun.

     So while we are probably shoveling snow or at the very least buttoning our coats neck-high (remember I live on the east coast of the US), gather warm thoughts from the extreme heat and humidity experienced at the Australian Open which runs January 16 to the 29th. All the big names, Federer, Nadal, Djokovic, Wozniaki, Kvitova, and Sharapova will compete there. And since this is the first of the four Grand Slam tournaments of the year that include Wimbledon, and the French and US Opens, precedents may be set, on both the ATP men's and WTA ladies tours, that may dictate how 2012 will unfold.

NEWS: Ivan Lendl to coach Andy Murray beginning 2012

Shown at the 1992 US Open against Jimmy Connors

It would appear that an old dog can teach new tricks. Ivan Lendl, winner of eight Grand Slam championships in the mid to late 1980s, and forerunner of the modern power game, has been hired by Andy Murray with the ultimate goal being a Murray Grand Slam win (or two). Officially retired as of December 20, 1994, Lendl won the Australian Open twice, the French and US Opens three times, and came in second of two at Wimbledon in 86 and 87. With an 81.8% career winning record, and 144 career title, he knows a little about what it takes to win the big ones. 

"I am really excited to have the opportunity to work with Andy," Lendl said. "He is a unique talent and I look forward to trying to help him reach his goals."

While Murray has been relatively successful, having reached the Australian Open final and the semifinals of the other three Grand Slams last season, he still has a few details to iron out in his game if he intends to take away the winners trophy. Lendl may be just the man to help him. His machine-like style from the baseline, no-nonsense fitness and strength commitments that were legendary, and relentless all-court game may be something the quirky and somewhat unpredictable Scot may find "educational" as it applies to own style. The 2012 season will be the test of this seemingly unlikely pairing. 


But then again, opposites do attract!

REFLECTIONS: The TOWEL says it all

About ten years ago, tennis was thriving in this country. The pro circuit was ripe with new talent and heavily invested in legacy players who could be depended on for greatness. Rackets have changed, and strings have changed too. Balls have undergone their own scrutiny, and we've seen the addition of technology with the advent of the service line beep, the net chord chirp, and the challenge system that creates its own oohs and ahs from the crowd. But one thing has stood the test of time. The tennis towel. 
    Now it may have been relegated to a place of simple utility since it is used to wipe the sweat from the brow, hands, arms and racquet grips of players. But what other item is as important to a player on the court? Why do I know it is important? Just watch a match. After virtually every point, the pros on the ATP tour motion to a ball person to deliver the towel to their hand. And it is for good reason as no player wants to be impeded by a slipping grip or sting of sweat in the eyes while trying to deal with balls moving at 100mph. My only question is this: when did it become the ball person's job to have this towel on immediate standby? 
    I have watched tennis for over three decades, and I know that even as recently as the year 2000 the towel duties were the player's responsibility. Watch a match from a decade ago and see the players dealing with their own sweat rag whenever necessary. I've seen them dripping on the court from one rally to the next and not "going to the towel" for comfort. Has Rafael Nadal EVER had a rally without a towel being handed to him afterwards? I don't mean to pick on him as this seems to have become the norm. My question is WHY? Do these ball persons really want to be handling someone else's sweaty towel? Is it somehow a badge of honor? Do they believe the champion perspiration will seep into their pores? Or have the pros just come to expect this as part of the service?
    When players come onto the court, they are usually burdened with two bags to carry. I've always wondered why a ball person could not help them do the toting. Also, when leaving the court after a match (other than a final), I've seen players scampering to pack-up their goods without any assistance. If they can handle all that after three or four hours of play, I don't see why they cannot pick up and then drop off their own towel like they did even ten short years ago.

Prized possession under my tree

What made me think of towels? Look at the picture of my prized 2011 holiday gift and see why terry cloth and stitching are near and dear to my heart–unless I'm on the court. Then they are close to my brow, hands, arms and racquet grips just like the pros. The only difference is that I need to pick it up and throw it down on my own.

EPISODE 83 (Podcast): Discussion with Gary Bala of TimelessTennis.net

At the end of 2011, blogger Gary Bala (www.timelesstennis.net) and I discuss Tennis for the Health of it authored by Dr. Jack L. Groppel–pioneer in the science of human performance and expert in fitness and nutrition. Groppel provides 34 reasons to play tennis, and we discuss our favorites. We also reflect back on the 2011 season and make our predictions for 2012.

Subscribe in iTunes:

http://itunes.apple.com/us/podcast/gotta-play-tennis/id310096949

Tennis for Advanced Players and Those Who Would Like to be

Happy Holidays from GPT

Let me take this opportunity to wish everyone a happy, healthy, and prosperous holiday season. There is not a year that goes by that I do not feel grateful for all the blessings that have been bestowed upon me. Tennis is obviously very high on my list, but it is certainly not to be overshadowed by the love of my family during this festive time of year. 
Thank you for all of your support in 2011. I hope to reach out to more people all over the world this coming year with new and exciting offerings at Gotta Play Tennis. And in my own little way, I hope that something I have written, recorded or shared has helped you "become a better play, gain more tennis knowledge, or gain pointers on how to have more fun on the court." That has always been my promise to you, and the new year will be no different in that regard.
However, I'm look for bigger and better things in 2012 as I continue to grow as a player, teacher, blogger and podcaster. Your feedback is not only welcome, but it is a necessity that provides an integral component in the transformation of GPT as I move forward.


Happy New Year, and again I thank you for your support.
Ron Miller 

EPISODE 82 (Podcast): Keys to managing the hit zone

On a groundstroke, there is that place where optimal ball striking occurs. It is referred to as the "hit zone", and we can adjust our swing path to better manage the impending emergency of getting the ball back in play.

Subscribe in iTunes:

http://itunes.apple.com/us/podcast/gotta-play-tennis/id310096949

FAVORITE SITES: Timeless Tennis by Gary Bala

Posted: Sunday, December 11, 2011
THE TOP TEN GREATEST MEN'S TENNIS SEASONS
And the candidates are:

Bjorn Borg • Jimmy Connors

Novak Djokovic • Roger Federer

Rod Laver • John McEnroe

Rafael Nadal • Mats Wilander 

Based on win/loss record and number of Grand Slam titles won in a single tennis season (year)
read more...

NEWS: Tennis rules are changing for kids 10 and under

MORE KIDS PLAYING TENNIS: A very good thing

Kids 10 and under will have new rules for playing tennis. This initiative is focused on getting more kids involved in the sport at a younger age and possibly creating a broader base of future champions. 

Follow this link to the USTA website:

http://www.usta.com/Youth-Tennis/10_and_under_tennis_rule_change_takes_effect_january_1_2012/

At Gotta Play Tennis, I have been promoting this initiative all throughout 2011. My local tennis youth programs utilize the QuickStart format of play with the use of lower nets, softer foam balls, and shorter rackets and courts. Kids are having fun and learning to play at a faster rate than ever before. 

Follow this link to more information about 10andUnderTennis:

http://www.gottaplaytennis.net/p/gpt-still-pictures.html

REFLECTIONS: Etiquette still an important part of the sport called tennis

Sign that obviously
needs to be posted at the
tennis courts

Wow! Mid 50's weather at 7PM in the evening on the east coast. Wow! Lighted tennis courts available with no waiting. Wow! Some guy bringing a hockey net, sticks, a ball, and two kids onto the court next to me (and my partner) in order to play under those same lights. I looked at him in disbelief, especially since there is a hockey rink next to the courts. While it is true that the rink is not lighted, and the lights from the court provide poor illumination for the rink, that is where hockey is played! I couldn't help but wonder if this man understood the difference or even cared. 

     After a few unpleasant words, and discussion of all the scuffs on the court from hockey sticks, we tried to ignore their play and focus on ours. Then came the red hockey ball that rolled across our court. One of the youth ran around behind me and then proceeded to slap-shot his ball right across our court. After asking politely for him to NOT hit a ball across where we were playing, hockey-man went ballistic with profanity spewing from his sewer-inspired mouth. F-bomb after F-bomb exploded from this guy. My partner and I were called every name his limited vocabulary could produce, and we were accused of being somehow less-than-men for playing what he called a sissy game. We came very close to fisticuffs after he continually referred to me as a pedophile simply because I am a school teacher, and after he stood at the service line of my court baiting me to hit him with a ball. Oh how I was tempted. But he just wanted an excuse to fight so I held my ground and temper.

     Why do I bring up this incident? Etiquette is the customary code of polite behavior in society or among members of a particular profession or group. This aspect of tennis is interwoven into the very fabric of the sport of tennis. Those who know little to nothing of tennis may not be aware of the standard courtesies we have come to accept. But I don't think this is what we were dealing with. This man associated hockey with machismo and brutality, and he displayed bullying with pride. He was unknowingly teaching this lesson to these impressionable 11 or 12 year old kids on the tennis court–the very same kids teachers then get in school. His lesson plan was one of disrespect, discourtesy, rudeness and uncontrollable rage. Is this the kind of behavior tolerated in sports we thrust our kids into under the guise of learning "teamwork?" How different is this from referring to "killing the other team" or ripping them apart in effigy at a pep rally?

     If you are someone who works with or watches our youth in any sporting event, please be on guard for this kind of display so that it is not what gets associated with your activity or team. There are lots of great youth coaches and parent volunteers out there and I applaud their efforts to teach our kids self-discipline, pride, humility, and honor. The sports skills are almost secondary. I feel sorry that the very positive thing hockey-man was trying to accomplish, that of teaching these kids some basic hockey skills, got blurred by the antics of a small mind and big mouth. 


Etiquette and courtesy is still important regardless of the sport. Let's work diligently to keep it that way. 

REFLECTIONS: Shopping for a tennis player this holiday season

Here are some gift ideas you might consider for the Serious, Casual, or Youth (ages 5-8) tennis player on your shopping list:

Serious Player

Forget racquets or strings. This player needs to choose their own weapons. But here are some other considerations:

• Tennis Towel (from U.S. Open) or from any Grand Slam tournament (French or Australian Opens, Wimbledon)
• U.S. Open towel
• Tennis balls by-the-case (sneak a look at what they normally use)
• Video camera and tripod combo (for filming their strokes)
• http://hdtenniscamera.com/order-affiliates
• Commemorative plaques of tennis greats (Federer, Nadal, Sampras, Agassi, etc.)
• Nadal/Federer Wimbledon 2008
• Energy bars
• Tennis book (biography of famous players)
• OPEN by Andre Agassi
• RAFA by Rafael Nadal
• Lessons with a club pro (gift certificate)

Casual Player

These players use tennis as a stress reliever or way to have fun in the local park. Consider some basics:

• Tennis balls (because you cannot play without them)
• Gift card (for new racquet)
• Athletic towel (branded)
• Tennis gear bag (they probably don't carry one now)
• Head tennis bag
• Wrist bands
• Cap or tennis visor (branded)
• Lessons with a local recreational pro instructor (gift certificate)
• http://www.gottaplaytennis.net/p/holiday-gift-giving.html

Youth Player (ages 5-8 beginner)
Give kids a good start in tennis with the right tools:

• Racquet (sized for youth)
•  http://www.gottaplaytennis.net/p/what-is-10andundertennis.html
• QuickStart format balls (36' foam and/or 36' red felt)
• http://www.gottaplaytennis.net/p/what-is-10andundertennis.html
• Portable QuickStart format net
• http://www.gottaplaytennis.net/p/what-is-10andundertennis.html
• Portable line kit (to create 36' court on driveway or on tennis court)
• Refillable water bottle
• Tennis sneakers (specifically for tennis)
• Cap or tennis visor
• Group tennis lessons in recreational program (gift certificate)
• http://www.gottaplaytennis.net/p/holiday-gift-giving.html

EPISODE 81 (Podcast): Special Holiday Edition 2011

My unique version of another holiday classic that suggests tennis as a mental and physical fitness alternative.
Subscribe in iTunes:
http://itunes.apple.com/us/podcast/gotta-play-tennis/id310096949

LAST CHANCE for Free USTA Junior Membership for kids 10 and under

FREE 1-YEAR USTA 10 AND UNDER 

JUNIOR MEMBERSHIP

Until December 31, 2011, kids 10 and under, new to the USTA, 

can receive a FREE Junior Membership – a $19 value

Here is how you join!

REFLECTIONS: Clash of the Rivals (in 2011-2012)

We've always enjoyed famous rivalries of competitors at the top of their games. In the tennis world, there have been many:

• Rod Laver vs. Ken Rosewall (1963-1976)
• Bjorn Borg vs. John McEnroe (1978-1981)
• Martina Navratilova vs. Chris Evert (1973-1988)
• Steffi Graf vs. Monica Seles (1988-1989)
• Pete Sampras vs. Andre Agassi (1989-2002)
• Roger Federer vs. Rafael Nadal (2005-present)


   But to understand a rivalry, we must first understand it's key component. The dictionary defines a rival as "a person who is competing for the same object or goal as another, or who tries to equal or outdo another." We can certainly look into the tennis archives and agree with this statement when acknowledging the above pairings. But what about in 2012?
   One could argue that the new rival of Rafael Nadal is Novak Djokovic. But rivalries are usually reflected in a see-saw battle where one squeaks out a win over the other on any given day.Djokovic battled Nadal in 2011 a half-dozen times. And when the dust settled, Novak took home the trophy. Repeated and consistent beat-downs, at least in my book, are not rivalries. 
   So what has my mind buzzing with anticipation for 2012? Roger Federer and Jo-Wilfred Tsonga. Just in the past few weeks during round-robin play at the Barclays ATP World Tour Final, Tsonga and Federer met twice with their second meeting in the final itself. In their earlier match in the tournament, their tightly contested slug-fest ended in a 2-6, 6-2, 4-6 win for the fourth seed and defending champion Federer. But it was not to end there. The two made their way through the other best six players in the world and met in the final. Although Federer once again came away with the victory, 6-3, 6-7 (6), 6-3, it was clear that the Frenchman Tsonga is never one to be counted out when playing the Swiss maestro. 
   One tournament does not make a rivalry you say? No it does not. But lets take a look at the highlights of 2011: Tsonga met Federer in the second round of the BNS Internationali d'Italia during the clay court swing and lost 4-6, 2-6. Then came the grass. At the 2011 Wimbledon Championships, Tsonga stunned the centre court crowd by coming from two sets down to defeat Federer 3-6, 6-7, 6-4, 6-4, 6-4. This was Roger's first loss in a Grand Slam event after leading two sets to love.
   The Rogers Cup in Montreal followed, and Tsonga once again overcame the Swiss in the third round by a score of 7–6 (3), 4–6, 6–1. On Tsonga's own turf in Paris, Federer followed up with a win of 6-1, 7-6 leaving one to ponder what would have happened if Tsonga were able to take the second set tiebreaker. 
   Roger is now 30 years young, and we will see how well he can maintain the beautifully-crafted racquet work he displayed in the latter part of 2011 where he won 17 matches consecutively and took the year-ending championship. Tsonga is a younger man, age 26, and has all the reasons on the world to be hungrier than a man who has already won it all. But it seems that these two have developed a chemistry that not only delights the fans, but one that creates the spirit of rivalry as we all have come to love. Even if it's short-lived as Federer moves ever closer to his career end, this match-up may prove to be the one-to-watch in 2012.

FAVORITE SITES: Timeless Tennis by Gary Bala

Posted: Sunday, November 27, 2011

Gods Never Die - Roger Federer Wins Season-Ending Barclays ATP World Tour Finals and Makes History

November 27, 2011: London O2 Arena

Roger Federer (No. 3, Switzerland) defeated Jo-Wilfried Tsonga (No. 6, France) in 3 sets at the season-ending Barclays ATP World Tour Final today in a brilliant display of determined and skillful tennis, 6-3, 6-7 (6), 6-3. Read more...

REFLECTIONS: Eat now, burn calories later?

If you are in the U.S., today, November 24th, we celebrate the holiday called Thanksgiving. It is a time to reflect on all that we have and be thankful for the bounty. Time is spent with loved ones, much food is consumed, and I think there might be some sports on television as well.
     What may not be clear is that watching sports on a backlit screen does not help to burn-off any of the calories you've loaded on from the Thanksgiving-feast- gluttony of turkey, stuffing, mashed potatoes, gravy, and various vegetables and sides. But what does it matter? After all, it is a day of family, and enjoyment, and peaceful bliss. Right? Unfortunately, it is not very peaceful to see the rounded mid-section resulting from this mega-consumption in the bathroom mirror.
     Here is one suggestion: consider how grateful you could be in having the public tennis courts almost to yourselves. That's right! Holidays are a great day to play tennis. No waiting. While others are sitting bloated in front of a tube and feeling the weight gain, you could be running around FREE tennis courts in your local park reducing that Thanksgiving meal calories-fest into the power of a Weight Watchers® microwavable dinner.
     OK. You say that you are fueling up for the big Black Friday sales day that begins the next morning at about 2AM. Well, as they say, it may not be a good reason, but it is a reason.


Happy Thanksgiving from GPT.


Here's a link to an episode of Gotta Play Tennis related to Black Friday shopping. Enjoy.
http://www.gottaplaytennis.net/2009/11/episode-30-black-friday-tennis.html

NEW CONTENT OF NOTE: Just in time for the holidays

Looking for a special gift? 

Need something different and unique?

Want your gift to stand-out from the rest? 

Pre-paid Tennis Lessons for 2012

(THE PERFECT WAY TO LOCK-IN 2011 RATES)

Why not give The Gift of TENNIS to a friend, family member or another loved-one.

Purchase tennis lesson GIFT CERTIFICATES in denominations

 of 1 or more lessons (price discount applies when purchased in 3-lesson bundle).

Here is another idea..

Why not bundle some lesson certificates with a new tennis racket and some tennis balls?

Check out my Amazon.com links for tennis equipment at: www.gottaplaytennis.net

Q & A

Q. How do I purchase them?

A. Send me an email and make your request. Special discounts apply in 3-lesson bundles.

Email: gottaplaytennis.ron@gmail.com

Q. How do I pay for them?

A. Check or money order made out to: Ron Miller, and mailed to address provided in my email reply to you.

Q. Can anyone purchase them? 

A. You must be in the local area of South Jersey since lessons are held at Gloucester Twp. tennis court facilities (unless you are willing to travel).

Q. How are lessons scheduled? 

A. I make use of Google calendar to schedule lessons. A read-only calendar link will be sent to your email showing tentative dates scheduled (all dates are subject to change; weather permitting)

Lessons will be scheduled for evenings and/or weekends

Q. Is there a limit to how many lessons can be purchased? 

A. There is a limit of 6 lessons (or two 3-lesson bundles)

Q. How can I find out more information about you or the lessons?

A. Visit my website at: www.gottaplaytennis.net and/or send me an email and I will be happy to discuss lessons with you.