I was knocking my head against a desk (figuratively) watching so many ESPN shows where they kept stating that tennis players don’t care about the Olympics. They have the Majors, it was often repeated. Ok, players saying that Wimbledon is more important than the Olympics is not the same as saying they don’t care. And … Continue reading
For me, a lifelong tennis fanatic, this is the most wonderful time of the year. Wimbledon? Sure, I’m not unaware or dismissive of the sport’s ultimate prize. But it’s not at the top of my list. Even my LPGA fandom didn’t move me to look too hard at the United States Solheim Cup announcement today. … Continue reading
When the men’s singles draw for Roland Garros 2015 was created, the match that drew the most anticipation was a projected quarterfinal clash between Novak Djokovic and Rafael Nadal. Djokovic is the world #1 playing at the top of his game. If he made it to the quarters he would be on a 26 match … Continue reading
With many of her WTA competitors around her, Li Na was bid a fond farewell at the 2014 China Open in Beijing. The Asian tennis pioneer and 2-time Major winner announced her retirement prior to the Dongfeng Motor Wuhan Open held in her hometown of Wuhan, China. She received a ceremony there, but this one … Continue reading
After releasing an official statement a few days ago, Li Na wanted her retirement press conference to be a lighthearted, jovial affair. But after devoting so much of her life to tennis, growing from a girl with an after school hobby to a woman who reached the heights of her sport, it was impossible to … Continue reading
It’s that time of the tennis year again. Wimbledon. This is maybe one of the hardest years to predict, in terms of singles winners. Normally, Serena Williams would be the overwhelming favorite on the women’s side. She’s still the favorite, but there are questions. On the men’s side, Andy Murray is the defending champion, but … Continue reading
When Li Na jumped out to a 5-2 lead over Serena Williams in the first set of the 2014 Sony Open women’s final, I knew it was over. For Li Na. I’ve seen it happen many times before. Highly ranked players get leads on Serena, looking as if they will break long losing streaks. Then … Continue reading
Much has been made over the years of Tim Henman’s, and now Andy Murray’s, quest to become the first British male to win a Wimbledon singles title since Fred Perry in 1936. At least Andy broke the overall dry spell in Major singles by winning the 2012 US Open. On the ladies side, the drought … Continue reading
Anybody who saw Mary Pierce’s career-ending injury suffered in 2006 in a match against Vera Zvonareva can hardly forget the scream of pain and continued wailing in agony. The 2-time singles Major winner had blown out her ACL, never to return as a tour player. I had a scary flashback when I saw Victoria Azarenka … Continue reading
From the first game of the first set of the 2013 BNP Paribas Open at Indian Wells, Maria Sharapova showed she meant business. She was focused. She was lethal. She was unstoppable. Moving back to world #2, easing past Victoria Azarenka, Masha broke Wozniacki at love to start the match and didn’t look back. Despite … Continue reading
Fairways and Forehands 