Hey Tennis Friends!
It’s quarterfinal day here and since some email boxes have size limits on the attachments, I will send my next reports in separate emails. Here’s a unique find that was not on the in the brochure:
I’ll see you next time, with more tennis, . . . outside the lines!
– Marcus Tennis
Hey Tennis Friends!
Today, I have a few videos to share as well as pictures.
Because of last night’s late rain delay, Carlos Moya (foreground) had to resume his match against Nikolay Davydenko on the Grandstand Stadium this morning. It was another three setter, but Carlos pulled out the win 7-6, 4-6, 6-2.
One of the perks of being a USTA member is the USTA Member Appreciation Day.
Inside this tent, sponsored by USTA Midwest, were plenty of free drinks and snacks. Plus, they also had a giveaway item, and other presentations.
You could even get your picture taken with the Masters Series Trophy, . . . but no touching!
Out on Court 3, Jonas Bjorkman and Kevin Ullyette were taking on Americans Mardy Fish and John Isner. Look at the arch in Jonas’ back as he serves. That’s where the power starts from this veteran Swede, who has over 50 doubles titles.
Here is a close shot of Jonas serving. Look at the wrist action follow through. That is where the rest of the power comes from his serve. That precise spin that he can generate. It was such a pleasure to watch such a seasoned professional in action. Especially from the third row baseline general admission seats!
The towering John Isner (left) and Mardy Fish strategize against their opponents. It’s amazing what communicating with your doubles partner can do! The Americans took two tiebreak sets to pull this one out 7-6, 7-6.
Late in the afternoon, it was Rafael Nadal against Tommy Haas on Center Court. Unfortunately, in this shot, Tommy is behind the umpires chair waiting to return serve. Nadal won 6-4, 7-6.
I’ll see you next time, with more tennis, . . . outside the lines!
– Marcus Tennis
Hey Tennis Friends!
Another great, but less humid, day here at the Western & Southern Financial Group Masters. I have spotty internet access, so we will see how this goes. Here are some photos from this morning:
Here’s James Blake, looking awkward as he just did a little pick-up as the ball got behind him. Who does he think he is not moving his feet, . . . me?
In all fairness to James, here is a shot of him getting a good crack at the ball with his forehand.
He took out Gilles Simon in straight sets 6-4, 6-3.
Here’s the giant draw board. Except for in this wide shot picture, the names are pretty large so that you can see it from a distance. Plus, since it is up high, no one can walk in front of you. Good idea!
Number three in the world, Novak Djokovic, gets quite the arch in his back when he serves. His forehand follow through seems extreme as well. He had a close challenge today as he barely got his straight sets win through two tiebreak sets over Simone Bolleli 7-6, 7-6.
Here’s one of my favorites, again, Arnaud Clement going for a two handed backhand return winner. He played a tough, and long match today. After saving one match point, he lost in a third set tie break to Ernests Gulbis 6-4, 3-6, 7-6.
Just for good measure, here’s the lefty serve of Rafael Nadal, as he cruises into the next round by beating his opponent, Florent Serra 6-0, 6-1.
I’ll see you next time, with more tennis, . . . outside the lines!
– Marcus Tennis
Hey Tennis Friends!
I was able to get a wireless internet connection, and filed this this report:
I’ll see you next time, with more tennis, . . . outside the lines!
– Marcus Tennis
Hey Tennis Friends!
It was a great day of watching pro tennis in Ohio! You’ve really got to get out to these events. There is so much to see and do!
That’s the Lindner Family Tennis Center way in the background. That is where the event is held. The photo is from where I parked. Sure it’s a little bit of a walk, . .. but it’s FREE PARKING!
By the way, my rental car (from Ohio) has a Kentucky license plate. They wouldn’t let me drive it off the lot until I knocked out a few of my teeth, put on some overalls, and married my sister. 🙂
Baseline seats on the outer courts get you so close to the action! And they’re all general admission seating! Even the Grandstand (Stadium 2) has open baseline seating on one end. You don’t have to pay big bucks to see some of your favorite players close-up!
Here’s one of my favorites, Arnaud Clement, on his exciting comeback against Thomas Johansson. As you can see he is serving, down 3-5. He came back to win the set in a tiebreak! The crowd and I could not believe some of Johansson’s apparent winners that Clement ran down and returned for his own winners! It was truly a feat of superb athletic ability!
The second set also went to a tiebreak, which Arnaud lost, but he came back to take the third set 6-3. Final score: 7-6, 6-7, 6-3. Truly inspiring!
Alright, here’s the obligatory photo of Roger Federer (in the foreground). He had a little bit of a scare today against American Robby Ginepri, with split tiebreak sets, but came back to wipe up the court with him in the third set. Final score: 6-7, 7-6, 6-0.
This is Center Court, the main stadium, and look how nice and cozy it is. I have yet to find a bad seat in the house. The outer courts are even better!
Here’s the American doubles team of James Blake and Sam Querrey. What James is actually doing here is . . . actually communicating with his partner! What a perfect illustration of what I am always telling League partners to do. This is one of the few things that the pros do that is easy for you to do, as well.
Word on the grounds is that I might be able to come to you “Almost LIVE” tomorrow, so, watch your email box!
I’ll see you next time, with more tennis, . . . outside the lines!
– Marcus Tennis
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